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Hamsters are fun pets that people of all ages tend to adore. Not only are they cute, but they are also small and generally easy to take care of, especially compared to dogs and cats. Luckily, there are a variety of nutritionally balanced commercial foods on the market that are made just for critters like hamsters. But hamsters are not limited to foods that come out of a package.
They can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables like we humans can, just in much smaller quantities. Apples are a great snack choice for hamsters, but a few caveats are involved. Here is everything there is to know about feeding your hamster apples. We talk about the health benefits of apples, concerns to keep in mind, and more.
The Health Benefits of Apples for Hamsters
Apples contain small amounts of vitamin C (not essential for hamsters), vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins, which contribute to your hamster’s overall cellular health and energy metabolism. Like most fruits and vegetables, apples are an excellent source of antioxidants that will help your hamster better fight off disease and illness.
Fiber is another thing that apples have and is essential for a hamster’s digestive system. Apples contain natural sugars that offer a quick energy boost, as well as being a source of natural hydration, which can be beneficial for hamsters living in dry environments. A plus is that hamsters seem to love the texture and flavor of apples, both green and red.
Concerns to Keep in Mind
While apples are a great snack option for hamsters, there are a few concerns that hamster owners should be aware of. First and foremost, hamsters can easily choke on apple seeds, so they should never be fed a piece that still has a seed intact. Seeds should always be carefully checked for and removed before any part of an apple is fed to a hamster.
If you do decide to feed your hamster an apple with the peel intact, it is important to scrub the apple under clean water to remove as many pesticides and chemicals as possible. These toxins can quickly build up in a small hamster’s body and lead to serious health issues. The best option is to choose organic apples for your hamster and yourself.
Lastly, remember that apples contain natural sugars and therefore should be offered only in moderation, as too much can lead to obesity or diabetes, particularly in dwarf hamsters, who are more prone to metabolic disorders.
Serving Suggestions
Apples can be fed to hamsters if they are cut into manageable chunks. Remember that these are sugary treats, so one tiny, seedless piece once or twice a week is usually enough.
However, this is not the only serving option available. To make snack time fun for you and your hamster, consider the following serving options.
Make a Shake
Create a tasty shake for your hamster by blending a banana, an apple, oats, and Greek yogurt, and then serving it in a small bowl or cup. This is an easily customizable recipe that can be stored in a resealable jar in the fridge for a couple of days between servings. Humans are also likely to enjoy this shake, making breakfast fun for those who love to wake up with their hamsters. A few drops of this yummy shake make a hamster-sized portion, so do not overdo it.
Create Truffles
Just as humans like chocolate truffles, hamsters love them when they are made from fruit, nuts, and grains. All that’s necessary to create hamster truffles is to put half a seeded apple, a date, and a tablespoon of nuts, seeds, or oats in a food processor. Blend the mixture until it is coarsely ground, then scoop small amounts of the mixture out of the processor with your hands and roll the mixture into small truffle balls. Freeze leftovers until they are ready for use. Just remember to allow them to thaw before offering them to your hamster!
Shred It
An easy but interesting way to serve an apple to your hamster is to shred it when you are ready to feed it. Grate a small portion of apple, then feed it to your hamster as-is or mix it in with their commercial food at mealtime. Again, remember to be mindful about offering only hamster-appropriate portions.
Conclusion
Feeding hamsters apples can be beneficial to their health, but they can also pose a danger if too much of a hamster’s diet is made up of them. Apples should be fed as a treat, occasionally in conjunction with other fruits and vegetables throughout the week. Are you interested in feeding apples to your hamster? Why or why not? Let us know what your thoughts are in our comments section.
- Related Read: Can Hamsters Eat Guinea Pig Food?
