Hamsters are cute and adorable pets. Taking care of them is relatively easy and feeding them is even easier. What should you feed them? Can hamsters eat tomatoes?
What other vegetables can they eat? Here is a comprehensive look at everything you need to know on this topic.
Behavior and Feeding Habits of Hamsters
Taking good care of hamsters will require some knowledge about hamsters. These are relatively small pets, with males weighing about 140 grams and females weighing 120 grams. They have an average lifespan of 2 years.
Hamsters need 10 to 15 grams of food per day. They also need water, although they may not take it often. They are used to surviving without much water in the wild.
The best diet for hamsters at home mimics what they eat in the wild. This is a mixture of fruits, vegetables, worms, and insects. Are tomatoes among the fruits that hamsters should eat?
Are Tomatoes Safe for Hamsters?
Tomatoes are fruits that provide many nutritional benefits to the human body. These benefits may also be conferred to your hamster. Tomatoes are:
- Low in fat.
- High in fiber.
- 95% water hence good for hydration.
- Rich in potassium.
- Sources of Vitamins B6, C and A.
Tomatoes can benefit a hamster by preventing cell damage, preventing hypokalemia, and keeping them hydrated.
Can hamsters eat tomatoes?
Yes, they can, and they do eat them. They may benefit from having a small serving, but tomatoes should not be the main food fed to your hamster. Tomato stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes contain a substance called tomatine. This can cause issues with the digestive system. It is actually considered toxic.
Are Tomatoes Safe for Baby Hamsters?
An adult hamster can eat tomatoes, but they should be given in the right amounts. A quarter spoonful per week is enough.
Tomatoes must be washed well before giving them to hamsters. Also, remove any stems and leaves to avoid ingestion that may do more harm than good.
What about baby hamsters? These have sensitive digestive systems and should not be fed any fruits. Please wait until your hamster is 12 weeks old before introducing fruits and vegetables to their diet.
Other Foods For Hamster
Hamsters have a big variety of food options, or rather, you have for them. Check out what we wrote here: Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
How to Feed Tomatoes to Hamsters Safely
Other than giving the right amounts and avoiding other parts of the tomato plant, other precautions must be taken.
A tomato must be washed thoroughly before giving it to your hamster. This will remove any pesticides that may harm the pet.
Look out for parasites that may be stuck in the tomato. These may cause issues when ingested by the hamster. Avoid giving such tomatoes to your furry friend.
Tomatoes that are overly ripe or rotten should not be given to hamsters. These may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Canned tomatoes are not suitable for hamsters. They contain too much sugar. Cooked tomatoes should also not be given because they are more acidic.
Tomato juice, sauce, and paste should not be fed to hamsters. These contain excess sugar and preservatives that can harm the animal.
Can Hamsters Eat Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes, hamsters can eat cherry, yellow and other kinds of tomatoes. The same rules of serving apply regardless of the type of tomato fed to the hamster.
All types of tomatoes should only be served to hamsters on special treat occasions. The maximum should be only twice a week, with each serving being about the size of one cherry tomato.
The Right Food for Hamsters
An occasional treat is welcome, but most of the food hamsters eat should be commercial hamster pellet food and timothy hay available commercially. Fruits and vegetables should be given occasionally.
What human food can hamsters eat? Please find out about the safety of everything before giving it to your beloved pet. Call the vet immediately if you notice any issues after feeding human food to your hamster.
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