Can hamsters eat dog food? Do you have a cute little hamster and a canine companion living under the same roof? Has the thought of testing the dog’s food on your hamster ever popped into your mind?
What do you think? Can hamsters eat dog food? Well! After doing a lot of research, we found that hamsters can eat dog food but with some caveats. What are they? Let’s figure it out!
Does Hamster Eating Dog Food Make Any Sense?
Both hamsters and dogs are omnivores. It means that they can eat both meat-based and plant-based meals. The difference is that a large percentage of dog food consists of meat, whereas hamsters can happily spend their whole life on timothy hay and grass. So, Can hamsters eat dog food?”
Can hamsters eat dog food? Well! Dog food is not an ideal diet for hamsters. It cannot replace the hamster-specific diet as it contains high protein and fats. Excessive amounts of both are bad for your hammy’s health.
But yes, in tiny amounts, you can feed it to your pet as a rare treat. If your hamster’s food is about to finish, don’t give him your pup’s diet.
Don’t act like a couch potato. Go to the pet shop and buy fresh hay and commercially available hamster food.
Can Hamsters Eat Wet Dog Food?
Can hamsters eat dog food? Which is better, the dry or the wet one? Dog food comes in both dry and wet forms. You can either serve them in a mixture of 50:50 ratio or offer a few pellets of dry food as a treat.
Well! Regarding feeding wet dog food to hamsters, we have a green signal for you with some warnings. Since it is loaded with protein and fats, you should give only a tiny amount to your hamsters.
Moreover, you also have to avoid giving wet food daily to your pet. Also, if you have a dwarf hamster, keep your hammy far away from your dog’s food.
As dwarf hammies are more prone to obesity and diabetes, they cannot tolerate high amounts of protein and fats. In short, you can feed your little gnawer wet dog food but in minute amounts.
Is Dry Dog Food Safe for Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat dog food? Just like wet dog food, dry pellets also are high in protein and fats. Additionally, they have less fiber as compared to hamster food. Feeding such food on occasion will not cause any harm to your delicate pet but avoid feeding it daily.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Cereal?
Daily intake can make your pet obese, diabetic, and inactive. Moreover, excess dry dog food can also cause constipation and other digestive issues. So, the wiser option is to look for healthy alternatives.
Can Dog Food Cause Any Harm to Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat dog food? How is it bad for your little gnawer’s health? Here are a few reasons.
- A high intake of protein has a bad impact on your hamster’s kidneys.
- As dog food contains a lot of fats, it causes obesity and heart problems.
- Wet dog food causes fatty liver and also damages your delicate hammy’s joints.
- It also causes diarrhea which leads to dehydration. In short, it disturbs your hamster’s gastrointestinal balance.
- The dog kibble can even wear your hamster’s teeth.
- The dry dog treats can become a choking hazard for your little gnawer.
Due to these reasons, it is better to avoid feeding dog food to hamsters.
Some Healthy Alternatives to Dog Food
Can hamsters eat dog food? Now that you already know dog food is not a good choice for hamsters, you might want to know about some healthy alternatives. We have gathered some for you.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in antioxidants that keep your hamster protected from oxidative damage. It also contains fibers, several crucial vitamins, and minerals like vitamins C and B, magnesium, iron, manganese, and much more.
Carrots
Carrots are your hammy’s favorite snack. They are enriched with vitamin A, which boosts their vision.
Squash
Like all veggies, squash is also loaded with vitamins C, B, and A. Moreover, it also contains iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and a small amount of calcium.
Spinach
The leafy green spinach is enriched with iron. It also contains many vital vitamins and minerals for your rodent friend.
Fruits
Hamsters can also eat fruits. You have to make sure that they are fresh and properly washed. Feed only a small amount, as the sugar can be harmful.
Some fruits good for your hamster in moderate amounts are apples, pears, bananas, strawberries, etc.
The Final Verdict – Can hamsters eat dog food?
Can hamsters eat dog food? Well, the answer is yes, with a lot of caveats. Dog food is high in proteins and fats that can cause diabetes, obesity, kidney problems, and stomach issues in hamsters. However, in minute amounts and if fed occasionally, it is safe for your pet but usually not recommended by the experts.
