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What meat can hamsters eat? As many of you know, hamsters are omnivores. With that being said, they can consume both plants and meat.
However, hamsters shouldn’t consume a high amount of animal protein. So, you might be thinking, can hamsters eat meat? What meat can hamsters eat?
Yes, hamsters can eat meat; turkey and plain-cooked chicken are the healthiest options. Lamb and lean beef are rich in sodium and fat.
Therefore, consuming only a small amount of them is okay for hamsters. A hamster eating red meat might suffer from health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Are you curious about “what meat can hamsters eat?” This article will be quite helpful for you in this regard. So, let’s start.
Can Hamsters Eat Meat?
What meat can hamsters eat? Let’s explore more about it.
A hamster’s diet consists of seeds, nuts, insects, fruits, and vegetables. That’s why they need only a small amount of protein to obtain amino acids not present in plant-based foods.
But the fact is that not every meat is okay for hamsters to eat, as the high amount of protein in meat results in liver damage and even liver failure.
As hamsters require 16% of the protein in their diet, feed your hamsters meat as an occasional treat.
Can Baby Hamsters Eat Meat?
Baby hamsters need small amounts of protein for their growth. On the other hand, providing some extra protein to mother hamsters will benefit them while pregnant or nursing their young.
So, in this case, a small amount of plainly cooked meat is beneficial to keep them healthy and strong.
What Meat Can Hamsters Eat?
It’s a common question from many pet owners, what meat can hamsters eat?
There are some kinds of meat that are beneficial for hamsters. However, they shouldn’t contain preservatives or added ingredients such as salt and flavorings.
Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Meat?
Compared to raw meat, cooked meat is preferable for hamsters as it is free from germs. On the other hand, it contains oils and is rich in fat, which is unhealthy for pets. Keep the meat in your hammy’s cage for a certain time and remove it before getting spoils.
Can Hamsters Eat Chicken?
Hamsters can eat cooked chicken, a rich source of potassium, iron, and B vitamins. Besides, chicken’s low sugar and carbohydrates make it a suitable option for hamsters.
However, don’t feed your hamster chicken tenders or chicken nuggets because of harmful ingredients and oil. Also, keep chicken bones out of your pet’s reach, as the bone fragments can obstruct a hamster’s mouth.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, and we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Tomatoes?
Can Hamsters Eat Turkey?
Turkey is just like chicken meat and is safe for hamsters if fed without added ingredients. Cooked turkey skin is also safe for hamsters but should be plain and additives-free. However, never give your hammy turkey bones because they are quite dangerous.
Can Hamsters Eat Lunch Meat?
Lunch meat like ham is rich in salts and preservatives to prolong its shelf life. It is highly processed and contains a high amount of water to make it heavier.
That’s why lunch meat is not a healthy option for hamsters, and you shouldn’t feed it to hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Fish?
Fish is a rich source of animal protein and has essential nutrients like vitamin D, iodine, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish benefits a hamster’s immune system, brain function, and bones and boosts your hammy’s energy if given correctly. Unfortunately, it is also rich in sodium, mercury, and pollutants, making it an unhealthy choice for hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Pork?
Although pork is a good source of animal protein, it belongs to red meat, which is unhealthy for hamsters. Red meat can cause diabetes, cancer, and heart disease in hamsters.
Not only this but fat in pork sausages cause liver failure, kidney problems, and obesity in hamsters. Also, pork rind is typically fried and is unsuitable for hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Beef?
Beef is a good meat option for hamsters but make sure to serve only cooked beef. Besides, it should be free and doesn’t contain any salt. The oil used for cooking makes minced beef or steaks unhealthy for hamsters.
Also, beef is red meat; therefore, give only a small portion to your hammy as an occasional treat. Corned beef, beef sticks, and beef jerky are unsafe for hamsters, so keep them out of your hammy’s reach.
Final Thoughts – What meat can hamsters eat?
To sum up, what meat can hamsters eat? Meat is a safe choice for hamsters and is a good protein source.
But make sure to feed only a small amount of meat to hamsters occasionally. Red meat is a big no for hamsters and causes numerous health issues.
