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Can hamsters eat fish? Being omnivores, hamsters can get benefit from eating meat and plants. Hamsters can eat a variety of foods that are safe for them. But is fish a safe option for your hammies? Can hamsters eat fish?
Yes, hamsters can eat fish. The fact is that fish can be an excellent treat for your hammy. But make sure to feed them in the right amounts.
Always serve your pet plain, cooked, and boneless fish to remain on the safe side. Some healthy fish for your hamster are cod, salmon, and sardines.
Do you still need clarification about whether fish is safe for your furry friend? Can hamsters eat fish? This article will be helpful for you if you want all these answers. So, let’s begin.
Can Hamsters Eat Fish?
Yes, hamsters can have fish, and here’s why.
Fish is a good source of animal protein and contains nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are not present in other foods.
To remain healthy, the protein requirement of hamsters is 16%, and fat is 4-5%. That’s why different types of fish are safe for hamsters to consume, including cod, mackerel, tuna, and salmon.
Remember to give this delicious treat to your pet occasionally and in moderate amounts. If your hammy excessively consumes fish, he might develop nutritional deficiencies.
Do Hamsters Like Fish?
Can hamsters eat fish? Do they love eating fish?
Most hamsters like the taste of fish and enjoy trying new flavors. Also, fish meat is tasty, lean, and easily chewable. But some of them don’t like eating fish. Therefore, if your pet shows no interest in eating fish, remove it from his cage before it gets rots.
For hamsters who don’t like fish, you can coat its pellets with a teaspoon of cod liver oil to provide additional benefits.
Is Fish Good for Hamsters?
In moderate amounts, fish provide numerous benefits to hamsters. Let’s have a look.
Protein
The amino acids in fish are essential for your hammy’s muscles and tissues. Protein also boosts your pet’s energy.
However, you need to provide other proteins to your hammy as fish isn’t a natural protein source for hamsters in the wild.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D in fish prevents rickets and helps absorb dietary calcium and phosphorus. Fish also maintains the level of vitamin D in a hamster’s body.
Too much vitamin D results in weight loss and diarrhea; therefore, feeding the correct fish is essential.
Iodine
Iodine in fish produces thyroid hormones in your pet’s body. In addition, it prevents cancers in your furry friends.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can hamsters eat Collard Greens?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that prevent skeletal muscle legions. Omega-3 fatty acids also prevent inflammation and autoimmune disease.
Minerals
In addition, fish is also rich in nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Deficiencies of these nutrients make your pet lethargic and susceptible to diseases.
Antioxidants
Fish also contain antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress levels. Selenium, an essential mineral in fish, reduces the risk of heart and neurological disease.
Is Fish Bad for Hamsters?
Although fish benefits your hamsters, some risks are associated with feeding your pet fish. These risks include:
Obesity
Overconsumption of fish can make your hammy obese and result in serious problems. That’s because fish is high in fats which is unhealthy for hamsters.
Nutritional Issues
When a hamster excessively consumes fish, he might suffer from nutritional deficiencies. That’s because fish doesn’t contain all the nutrients and fill-ups your hamster’s tummy leaving no space for the hamster’s food.
Acidity
The omega-3 fatty acids in excessive amounts can cause digestive issues. Therefore, it’s necessary to stick to recommended dose to avoid problems.
Choking
Fish bones can cause the death of a hamster by choking. So, removing all the bones is better before feeding your hammy fish.
How Much Fish Can Hamsters Eat?
Generally, one teaspoon of fish every week is enough for your Syrian hamsters. On the other, give your Robo hamsters a teaspoon of fish every other week, as they are smaller than Syrians.
However, dwarf hamsters like Winter white, Chinese, and Campbell hamsters, give only a teaspoon of fish in a month. That’s because they are pretty small and can’t handle a lot of fish.
Can Hamsters Eat Raw Fish?
No, it’s recommended to feed only cooked fish to your hamster. Raw fish has harmful bacteria and parasites that can make your pet sick. To prevent your pet from illness, cooked fish is a safe option.
Final Thoughts – Can hamsters eat fish?
Can hamsters eat fish? Yes, fish provides numerous benefits to hamsters and is a healthy treat. Unfortunately, obesity, acidity, and choking can occur if fish is consumed excessively. Avoid giving your hammy raw fish, which can make him sick, and serve only cooked one.
