1.5% of households in the UK have a pet hamster, which means that hundreds of thousands of people have also asked the following question at some point: Can hamsters eat cheese?
Cheese is nutritious and delicious for humans, but can hamsters eat it too? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no, but the good news is that your furry pal can enjoy several types of cheese. Read on to learn which cheeses are safe to give your hamster and how much they should partake in.
Tips for Feeding a Hamster
Proper pet care involves knowing what you can feed your hamster just as much as knowing what not to feed it. So, what should you keep in mind when feeding a pet hamster?
Hamsters require commercial pellets for a balanced diet and some veggies, fruit, and herbs. Green vegetables are typically best for hamsters, including broccoli, spinach, and kale.
Treats like Timothy hay, nuts, eggs, and mealworms are also great options for feeding your pet. Be sure not to overfeed with treats; these snacks should only be offered on special occasions.
Remember, hamsters have small stomachs, so even the slightest amount of treats can lead to health issues.
When in doubt, stick to the 50/50 rule. Healthy hamsters can eat about 50% hamster food and 50% raw vegetables.
Can Hamsters Eat Cheese?
It’s important to note that we didn’t mention dairy above. That’s because most hamsters don’t require dairy for a well-balanced diet. However, humans don’t require sweet treats for a well-balanced diet, and we still enjoy them from time to time. That’s the case when it comes to feeding your hamster cheese.
Wait, can hamsters eat cheese? Technically, yes! However, they should do so in moderation. In general, a pea-sized bite or even less is enough for them, as too much cheese contains unhealthy amounts of fat and sodium.
As such, you’ll want to choose varieties that are low in both, such as mozzarella or low-fat cottage cheese. Make sure to avoid aged cheddar, parmesan, processed cheeses and all the mouldy cheeses like Stilton and blue cheese. The mould in the cheese can be harmful to small hamsters.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Cheese?
While dwarf species can certainly eat cheese, caution should be taken due to their predisposition to diabetes. To avoid health complications, fatty or salty varieties of cheese are best avoided, and you should opt for low-fat types such as cottage cheese. If you have a dwarf hamster, it’s okay to consider giving them some cheese occasionally; just be mindful of the portion sizes!
Can Syrian Hamsters Each Cheese?
Syrian hamsters aren’t as prone to diabetes as dwarf hamsters. However, that doesn’t mean you should feed them more cheese than a dwarf hamster. As mentioned above, Syrian hamsters can eat cheese only in moderation.
Consequences of Feeding a Hamster Too Much Cheese
Adding too much cheese to a pet hamster’s diet can harm its health. Cheese is high in fat, salt, and sugar, none of which are good for an animal that usually consumes low-fat foods like nuts or vegetables.
Eating too much cheese can cause your pet to gain excessive weight, leading to various associated health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, too much cheese can upset the delicate balance of a hamster’s digestive system and bring on digestive issues.
The bottom line? For proper hamster care, it’s best to stick with their regular food and specially formulated treats.
More About Hamster Care
So, can hamsters eat cheese? Yes, however, only in small amounts on special occasions. After all, everybody deserves a treat now and then. Be mindful of how much you’re feeding them and whether or not they seem to have any adverse reactions to the cheese.
Aside from learning how to feed a hamster properly, feel free to check out our other helpful pet resources. We’ve got you covered, from hamsters, dogs, and cats to more exotic pets.
