Can Hamsters Eat Marshmallows?

Marshmallows are the favourite of all, whether adults or kids. But are they safe for your furry friend? Can hamsters eat marshmallows?

No, marshmallows are not made for hamsters. These candies contain too much sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin, making them unacceptable for your pet.

Too much sugar for a long time leads to obesity, diabetes, and stomach problems in hamsters. Although it’s a yummy treat for your little pet, it can do more damage than good.

This article gives complete guidance regarding “can hamsters eat marshmallows?”. What makes these marshmallows unhealthy for your hammy? So, let’s start.

How Are Marshmallows Formed?

Can hamsters eat marshmallows? How are these marshmallows made?

Marshmallows are a kind of confectionery formed from water, corn syrup, sugar, vanilla, and gelatin. The boiling of these materials results in a thick mixture, which is beaten to form a foam.

Thus foam is then added into small molds and allowed to set. After, these marshmallows are removed from the molds and kept for air drying.

Let’s find out more about marshmallows and hamsters.

Do Hamsters Like Marshmallows?

Can hamsters eat marshmallows? Do your hammies like them?

Yes, hamsters find these marshmallows attractive due to their sweet taste. So, they enjoy eating them as much as they can get.

But these candies are not a healthy treat for hammies and make them susceptible to various health issues. So, if your hammy likes them, it doesn’t mean that you should give them marshmallows.

Are Marshmallows Safe for Hamsters?

As mentioned above, marshmallows are not safe for your little furry friend. Their ingredients make them unacceptable for hamsters.

If your hammy eats these marshmallows, he can suffer from obesity and other health issues. Instead of marshmallows, you can give other healthy alternatives to hamsters that won’t harm them.

Risks of Feeding Marshmallows to Hamsters

Marshmallows are a big no-no for your little hammies because of the following risks. These include:

Obesity

Overconsumption of marshmallows for a long time results in weight gain in hamsters. As a result, they find difficulty in running and even moving.

Diabetes

Too much sugar in marshmallows makes these hamsters prone to diabetes and other health problems.

Dental Problems

Marshmallows are rich in sugar; therefore, their high consumption causes tooth decay which is quite problematic. Teeth are essential for proper chewing and biting of food. That’s why dental problems give rise to digestive issues in hamsters.

Digestive Issues

A high amount of sugar, gelatin, and other additives can upset your hammy’s stomach resulting in diarrhea. Diarrhea makes your pet lethargic resulting in the loss of water from a hamster’s body.

Hyperactivity

Consuming marshmallows for a long time results in aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, and nervousness in your hammies.

Things to Do If My Hamster Has Eaten Marshmallows

If your pet has managed to steal some marshmallows from the cabinet, check his mouth for marshmallow residue. Also, observe your pet’s poop; if he shows any symptoms, take him to the vet immediately.

Marshmallows are harmful to hammies and can cause serious health problems and even death. So, if your hammy show any adverse reaction, call your vet immediately without wasting any time. Inform your vet about your pet’s symptoms to get the best possible treatment.

Alternatives of Marshmallows

Although marshmallows aren’t safe for hamsters, so you can try some other alternatives like:

• Cooked grains such as rice, oatmeal, quinoa
• Fruits and vegetables (watermelon, carrots, apples, broccoli, peas, sweet potatoes)
• Nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
• Commercial hamster foods (made explicitly for hamsters)

Can Hamsters Eat Marshmallow Roots?

Unlike marshmallows, marshmallow roots are safe for hamsters, and they can eat them. You can safely give all the parts of this plant to hamsters.

Marshmallow roots benefit your hammy in various ways:

• Best for the respiratory system
• Have anti-inflammatory properties
• Protect against ulcers
• Better for the digestive system
• Improve kidney functions

Marshmallow root is suitable and healthy for hamsters; therefore, you can give a piece of marshmallow root twice a week.

Can Hamsters Die from Eating Marshmallows?

No, marshmallows can’t kill hamsters directly. However, their consequences can adversely affect hamsters and cause numerous diseases, pushing them toward death.

Final Words – Can hamsters eat marshmallows?

To sum up, can hamsters eat marshmallows? Marshmallows are not a safe option for hamsters and can cause numerous diseases. They do more harm than benefit, so keep them out of your pet’s reach.

If your hammy has mistakenly consumed marshmallows, consult your vet immediately. To keep your hamster safe, you can try alternatives other than marshmallows.