Can hamsters eat ritz crackers? Ritz crackers are one of the humans’ favorite evening snacks. Having them with tea is just incredible.
The delicious taste of the crackers would want you to share some with your cute little hammy. But the question is, can hamsters eat ritz crackers? Are they safe for them? Let’s find it out!
The main ingredient of the ritz cracker is wheat flour which has a small, round, buttery appearance. Do you know, apart from their taste, what makes them people’s snacks? The topping!
A fantastic thing about these crackers is that you can top them with almost anything, like cheese, a thin slice of ham, turkey, or peanut butter. But what about hammies? Can hamsters eat ritz crackers safely?
Is Ritz Crackers Safe For Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat ritz crackers? Though hamsters are omnivores, they can eat every type of food. But before feeding them anything, a wise option is to do a little research. As far as ritz crackers are concerned, in tiny amounts, they are safe.
They contain nothing poisonous; your little furry friend can enjoy the yummy crackers in small quantities. But remember that they are not nutritious and contain certain ingredients that can make your cutie severely ill in large quantities.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Ritz Crackers To Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat ritz crackers? What makes them risky for hammies? Well! The answer lies in the ingredients. As already mentioned, the chief ingredient of ritz crackers is wheat flour.
They contain salt, sugar, water, baking soda, certain oils, fructose corn syrup, and flavoring agents. The amount of these ingredients is according to humans’ tastes and requirements. Hence, not suitable for hamsters. Here is the answer to how;
The salt content is too high
The amount of salt in ritz crackers is many folds than the hamster’s daily requirement. High sodium intake causes high blood pressure and excessive thirst in rodents leading to dehydration.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Squash?
Sugar is another risk
You may like the sweet taste of ritz crackers, but the level of sugar it has is not safe for hamsters. Consumption of such crackers not only causes diabetes but also leads to obesity and other health issues.
The fat content of ritz crackers is also high
As mentioned in the ingredients, the ritz crackers contain certain oils high in fats. When consumed in large amounts, the fats cause indigestion and stomach upset in the pet. Moreover, a high intake of fats leads to obesity and heart disease.
No significant nutritional value
Ritz crackers are tasty but not much nutritional. So what’s the point of feeding them to hamsters? These tiny creatures already have small stomachs, so it is better to feed them nutrient-rich food that will benefit their health too.
Are All Types Of Ritz Crackers Harmful For Hamsters?
Can hamsters eat ritz crackers, or are all types harmful to them? Well! All types of ritz crackers are high in sugar and salt. They are ideal for humans but not for hamsters. No matter what the type is, keeping hamsters away from the crackers is all that is required.
What To Do If Your Hamster Has Munched All The Crackers You Left Unattended?
Can hamsters eat ritz crackers? Firstly, you should never leave any food unattended if you have a pet, like a cat, dog, or tiny hamster. Now, if the leftover were just a few crumbs, they would not cause any harm to your furry companion.
But if they were more than a few crumbs, wait for the symptoms like stomach upset, abdominal discomfort, high blood pressure, etc.
If any symptoms appear, take your hammy immediately to the vet for proper treatment. Hamsters are tiny and delicate, so they cannot bear the condition for long. That’s why immediate action is required, or the consequences can be severe.
The Bottom Line – Can hamsters eat ritz crackers?
Can hamsters eat ritz crackers? Well! They will not harm your furry companion in tiny amounts, but looking for other healthy options is better.
They are rich in fats and have high levels of sugar and salt; they can cause stomach issues and other health problems in hamsters. That’s why you should not feed them to your delicate hammies.
Eating a small number of ritz crackers won’t harm your pet. However, in the case of overconsumption, call your vet immediately to avoid complications.
