Kiwi is a delicious citrus fruit that has high nutritional value. While eating this amazing fruit, you might have wondered, can hamsters eat kiwi?
The simple answer is yes; hamsters can eat kiwi in moderate amounts. Unfortunately, kiwis are loaded with sugar, so you shouldn’t overfeed your pet. Although kiwi is safe for hamsters to eat, there are some things to consider.
If you are interested to know, can hamsters eat kiwi? How is kiwi beneficial for your furry friend? This article is perfect for you. So, let’s start.
Can Hamsters Have Kiwi?
Can hamsters eat kiwi? Let us answer this question for you.
Being a pet owner, you must be extra careful whether your pet is consuming safe food. Kiwi is one of the safe foods when it comes to feeding fruits to hamsters. So, yes, hamsters can eat kiwi.
The fact is that hamsters like this moisture-rich, soft fruit. However, be cautious regarding how many kiwis you are serving to your hammy.
Is Kiwi Good for Hamsters?
Have you ever thought, can hamsters eat kiwi? If so, how are kiwis beneficial for hamsters?
Kiwi is a nutritious fruit that offers plenty of benefits to hamsters. These include:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C in kiwi improves your hamster’s immune system and helps to keep your hammy happy and healthy.
Dietary Fibers
Dietary fibers are essential for your hammy’s digestion. They are great in case your pet is suffering from problems like constipation.
Magnesium
Magnesium is beneficial for muscle protection and lowers your hamster’s blood pressure.
Calcium
Calcium, as you might know, is crucial for your hamster’s bones and teeth.
Is Kiwi Bad For Hamsters?
Although kiwi is safe for hamsters, are there any risks related to feeding kiwi to hamsters?
Yes, the following risks are associated with kiwi consumption in hamsters:
Obesity– Kiwi is high in sugar which can make your hammy obese and is unhealthy for your pet.
Acidity– Being a citrus fruit, kiwi is rich in citric acid, which can hurt your pet’s digestive system.
Diarrhea– Further, lots of water in kiwi can result in diarrhea and dehydration in hamsters.
Diabetes– A high sugar content in kiwi results in diabetes which can affect hamsters badly and shorten their life.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Oatmeal?
How Much Kiwi Can Hamsters Eat?
Many pet owners frequently ask, how much should I feed kiwi to my hammy?
Hamsters vary in size; therefore, serve them kiwi depending upon their size. Syrians can eat more kiwis than Robos and other Dwarf hamsters.
That’s because Syrian hamsters have a strong digestive system and can deal with many kiwis compared to other species.
Remember not to give this fruit to Chinese hamsters, Campbell Dwarf hamsters, and Winter White hamsters, as they can’t deal with fruits containing sugar and acid.
Be careful, as your pet shouldn’t over-consume kiwi, and make sure to give full ripened kiwi to your hammy. Unripened kiwi is challenging to chew and can result in stomach upset and choking.
Giving your pet a small piece of paw-sized kiwi twice a week is better. Kiwi can become your hammy’s favorite in no time, so give them this delicious fruit on occasion.
How to Give Your Hamster Kiwi?
First, make sure to wash the kiwi properly before serving. Removing any chemical or pesticide present on the fruit’s surface that can hurt your hammy’s health is essential.
The best way is to make slices of kiwi and give one to two pieces to your pet weekly. Consider serving kiwi to your hammy as an occasional treat and not regularly.
Can Hamsters Eat Kiwi Seeds?
No, hamsters cannot eat kiwi seeds. Kiwi seeds can cause congestion in the animal’s throat and can result in other complications. Therefore, it’s better to remove all the kiwi seeds before feeding kiwi to your pet.
Can Hamsters Eat Kiwi Skin?
Removing the whole kiwi skin is best before giving it to your furry friend. That’s because kiwi skin is dry and tasteless, and it is also unpleasant for your pet.
Moreover, the kiwi skin’s sweet and sticky texture can cause choking and dental problems like teeth rotting.
Things to Consider
You should not give your hamster kiwi if it is present in these forms:
- Artificially-flavored kiwi
- Kiwi in fruit salads
- Pies
- Candies
Those foods rich in sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives are a big no-no for hamsters. The reason is that hamsters’ bodies are not made to deal with processed foods.
Final Thoughts – Can hamsters eat kiwi?
Can hamsters eat kiwi? Yes, hamsters can eat kiwi in moderation. Kiwis are beneficial for hamsters but can cause diabetes, obesity, and acidity.
Wash kiwis properly and give your pet a small piece twice a week. Avoid feeding kiwi skin and seeds to hamsters, as they can cause complications.