Can Hamsters Eat Avocado?

Can Hamsters Eat Avocado?

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Avocado is an awesome addition to your diet thanks to all the healthy fat it contains. If you’re anything like us, you shop for your pets at the same time as you choose your own food – and this might have you wondering if you can share that ripe, yummy avocado with your hamster.

There are a few questions we hear all the time. Is it OK to give a hamster avocado? And, if hamsters can eat avocado, how much should they have?

Here’s the thing.

Avocados aren’t toxic to hamsters, but your hammy really shouldn’t eat these fruits. We’ll tell you why in our complete guide to avocados for hamsters.

Avocado Nutrition Stats

Avocado isn’t the best for your hammy, but it’s great for you – so you’re in luck if you like avocado! A medium-sized ripe avocado contains approximately:

• 322 calories
• 17 g carbohydrates
• 5 g fiber
• 4 g protein
• 5 g fat

Avocado Nutritional Facts

Even though it’s high in fat, those lipids in avocados are the kind your body really needs. They’re great for your brain and they support smooth, supple skin. That same medium avocado gives you about:

• 2 mcg vitamin K
• 975 mg potassium
• 1 mg vitamin C
• .5 mg vitamin B6
• .3 mg manganese
• 3 mg magnesium
• 8 mg pantothenic acid
• 2 mg vitamin E

Can Hamsters Have Avocado?

Not really.

Even though some sources say that hamsters can have “a little” avocado we disagree.

It’s just not worth the risk.

Are Avocados Good For Hamsters?

Not even close. While hamsters might benefit from the vitamins and minerals in avocado, these fruits are far too high in fat for your hamster’s little digestive system to handle.

Adding insult to injury, there’s a risk that the sticky avocado flesh could get stuck in your hamster’s pouch, become impacted, and cause a painful abscess.

In case you’re curious, a pouch abscess is a serious health condition for a hamster. If you ever notice drooling or swelling around the face or head, there’s a chance that your hamster could have an impacted cheek pouch.

Experienced hamster parents can provide first aid but we recommend getting your hamster to the vet if this happens. Not only could your little friend need help clearing out the rotting food in their pouch, they might also need some antibiotics, pittsburgheyeassociates.com/amoxil-treat-infections/.

Do Hamsters Like Avocado?

We think they might but since avocado is dangerous for hamsters we haven’t offered them any. We really like our little hammy friends and we don’t want to put their health at risk.

How Much Avocado Can A Hamster Eat?

Just in case you’ve been skimming and haven’t seen our previous advice, here’s how much avocado a to feed your hamster:

Don’t worry – a hamster’s diet can contain lots of wonderful things that are fun (and safe!) for them to eat. We simply don’t recommend giving hamsters avocado.

How Often Can A Hamster Eat Avocado?

Never. It’s not a lot of fun to say no but sometimes we’ve got to do it. Your hamster shouldn’t even try a lick of avocado.

How about a piece of cucumber or some spinach instead? Both are favorite hamster snacks and in case you don’t have those on hand, we’ve put together a complete list of vegetables that are safe for hamsters below.

The Correct Diet Is Important

Wild hamsters have a fairly wild diet! Believe it or not, these cute, cuddly little creatures aren’t herbivores. Instead, their fierce omnivores with the ability to catch and eat other little creatures such as crickets and beetles.

Your hamster will get all the nutrition needed from they hay and hamster food you provide but if you’d like to give them something extra yummy (since avocado is off the menu!) you might consider offering a cricket or some dried mealworms now and then.

Here’s what to feed your hamster every day.

• Unlimited amount of fresh hay. Your hamster will use it in tunneling and nesting projects, and they’ll nibble on it, too.
• About one teaspoon of bird seed per week, unless there are already seeds in your hamster’s food
• A serving of balanced hamster food. Check the label to find out how much your hamster should eat based on their size and life stage.
• Very small amounts of fresh veggies and fruit – just enough for your hamster to eat quickly
• Unlimited amount of clean, fresh water; be sure to rinse and refill your hamster’s drinking bottle every day.

This last item isn’t food but it is very important. Make sure that your hamster has ‘round the clock access to chewable items.

Hamster toys, hay cubes, and pieces of coconut shell help keep your hamster’s teeth at the right length. Since those little teeth never stop growing, gnawing tough items prevents them from becoming overgrown and painful.

What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Avocado In A Hamster’s Diet?

Even though avocadoes aren’t good for hamsters, there are lots of other yummy treats to try.

Next time you’re looking for a tasty hamster treat, consider:

• baby corn
• sweet corn
• artichoke
• beets
• beet tops
• green beans
• summer squash
• winter squash
• cucumber
• celery
• pumpkin
• bell pepper
• zucchini
• tomato
• cabbage
• basil
• mint
• parsley
• carrot
• carrot tops
• sweet potato
• cilantro
• romaine
• potato (cooked only)
• sprouts
• arugula
• swiss chard
• spinach
• endive
• escarole
• butter lettuce
• bibb lettuce
• rocket
• buttercrunch lettuce
• parsnip
• broccoli
• broccolini
• cauliflower
• okra
• bok choy
• yu choy
• watercress

This list is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, many foods that are great for you are just as good for your hamster.

Just be sure to research each new addition to your hammy’s diet to make sure it’s safe and to learn how much you should offer. Your hamster will thank you for keeping them healthy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is avocado safe for hamsters?

No. Avocado isn’t safe as it can cause an impacted pouch. It’s not OK to give avocado to a hamster.

Can avocado make my hamster sick?

Yes, avocado can make your hamster very sick – they might even need to see the vet if there are complications. It’s best to play it safe and avoid giving avocado to your hamster.