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In the wild, hamsters are omnivores, so it makes sense that their diet doesn’t differ when they’re domesticated pets. These rodents can eat a mix of plant parts and insects like mealworms. If you have a hamster and another pet, such as a cat, can they share food? Can hamsters eat cat food? In brief, while hamsters can eat cat food safely in moderation, it’s not recommended.
Can You Feed Hamsters Cat Food?
Comparing the differences between a cat’s diet and a hamster’s should give you a good idea about the answer to this question. Cat food is not ideal for feeding to your hamster, though a small amount infrequently shouldn’t harm them.
Cats are obligate carnivores. They get all their nutrition from animal products, so cat food is ideally made entirely from animals. Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they are capable of digesting animal products. However, they also have much lower dietary requirements for animal fats and proteins. Overloading their system with more than they need will only cause digestive issues.
Additionally, cat food contains 8–10% moisture, which generally comes from a process of extrusion done using heat and pressure. This moisture in the food is entirely unnecessary for your hamster. Also, most cat food production involves the manufacturers spraying a fat layer over the kibble. It makes the food more palatable for cats but can lead to diabetes or obesity for your hamster because they are incredibly susceptible to fat-induced diseases.
While your hamster can eat cat food without ingesting anything toxic, it may end up causing them illness or digestive pain. It is safe for your rodent to receive one or two pieces of cat kibble each week. But there are better snacks that you can give your pet if you want to supplement their diet or simply treat them.
- Related Read: Why Is My Hamster Shaking?
Beneficial Snacks for Hamsters
As an omnivore, your hamster can safely eat a wide variety of foods. That said, it is best to give any and all of these in moderation and to remember how small they are. While a chunk of apple each week might seem miniscule to you, it is a large and sugary treat for their tiny body.
Hamsters can happily snack on fresh fruits and vegetables if you want to give them something tastier than their grain mixture. A few fruits they can eat include:
- Apples without seeds or skin
- Pears
- Bananas
- Strawberries
Think about what a hamster might snack on in the wild if they ran across it. Most of the time, they will be on the lookout for leafy, dark green vegetables. These might include:
- Carrot greens
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Spinach
- Lettuce
If you want to supplement your hamster’s protein intake, there are quite a few foods that are better for them than cat food. Try to give your hamster tiny slices of these instead:
- Plain hard-boiled or scrambled egg
- Plain cottage cheese
- Plain cooked chicken
- Related Read: Can Hamsters Eat Cheerios?
Always ensure that these are still fresh and/or cooked thoroughly to protect your hamster from harmful bacteria. You only need to give them a small slice or sliver twice a week as a treat to ensure that they are getting plenty of protein.
Conclusion
Hamsters can eat cat food infrequently without suffering any significant consequences. But there are far healthier snacks, like hay or boiled eggs, that you can give them instead.
Related reads:
- What Human Foods Can Hamsters Eat?
- Can Hamsters Eat Bird Food?
- Can Hamsters Eat Crackers?
- Can Hamsters Eat Rabbit Food?
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
