Can Hamsters Eat Green Beans?

Can Hamsters Eat Green Beans?

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Green beans are a favorite with people in many cultures, so it’s no wonder you’re curious about whether this veggie is one that you can share with your pet! Can hamsters have green beans? If so, how many can they eat, and how often can they have them?

In case you’re in a rush, here’s a quick answer. Yes, hamsters can have green beans, but you’ll want to be really careful not to overdo it, since too many beans can make a hamster sick.

Stick around! We’ve put together a complete guide to keeping your hamster safe and healthy while allowing them to enjoy the occasional bean. Keep reading for the full scoop and in moments, you’ll know all there is to know about green beans for hamsters.

Green Beans Nutrition Stats

Green beans are great for you so enjoy – and when you have fresh beans, set one aside for your hammy!

In a one-cup serving of fresh green beans, you’ll get approximately:

• 34 calories
• 8 g carbohydrates
• 7 g fiber
• 2 g protein
• .1 g fat

Green Beans Nutritional Facts

Even though green beans are surprisingly low in calories, they’re a great source of many vitamins and minerals. That same one-cup serving gives you about:

• 759 iu vitamin A
• 230 mg potassium
• 9 mg vitamin C
• .1 mg vitamin B6
• .2 mg manganese
• 5 mg magnesium
• .1 mg thiamine
• .3 mg pantothenic acid
• .1 mg copper
• 8 mg phosphorus
• 8 mcg vitamin K
• 7 mcg folate
• 7 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron

Can Hamsters Have Green Beans?

Yes, but you’ll want to be careful about how much you offer, especially if you have a small hamster. Green beans are fairly acidic and if your hamster eats too much at once, there’s potential for digestive trouble.

Are Green Beans Good For Hamsters?

Green beans are brimming with nutrients that benefit your hamster and they’re very low in sugar, meaning that they’re a safe, healthy treat in moderation.

At the same time, those yummy green beans are high in calcium, which means that eating too many could increase your pet’s risk of developing kidney or bladder stones.

Balance is definitely the key when feeding green beans to your furry little friend!

Do Hamsters Like Green Beans?

Your hamster might or might not like the way green beans taste. Most hamsters appreciate the crunchy texture and the interesting flavor, but the best way to determine whether your hamster likes green beans is to offer a nibble and watch to see what happens next.

How Much Green Beans Can A Hamster Eat?

You can eat all the green beans you want, but there are limits to the amount of green beans your hamster can have! Here’s how much green beans a to feed your hamster:

This doesn’t sound like much but if you imagine yourself eating something similarly proportioned – maybe a burrito – then you’ll quickly realize that a bean is a pretty substantial treat for a hamster.

Hold on, because there’s just one more thing you need to know before you let your hamster try out their very first green bean treat.

Gradual introduction is important when offering any new food. So cut your hamster’s first bean into an even smaller portion – maybe a third or a fourth of the recommended amount. Let them enjoy it and then watch for signs of diarrhea and digestive distress for the next 12 hours or so.

If everything is OK, you can gradually increase the amount of bean your hamster enjoys over the next few times it’s on the menu, until they’re eating the entire amount.

There’s just one more thing you need to know.

If your hamster is new to the family and you’re not sure if they’ve been eating fresh food, start out with something milder, like cucumber or spinach. Give them a tiny piece of this every other day for about a week, and then go ahead and introduce them to a tiny bit of green bean.

How Often Can A Hamster Eat Green Beans?

Even if your hamster really enjoys green beans, you shouldn’t hand them out too often. Once or twice per week is enough.

Also, don’t offer green bean on the same day as other acidic food such as cilantro. And, if you notice that your hamster is having issues such as diarrhea, stop feeding fresh produce, go back to a strict diet of hamster food for a while, and try offering fresh treats again in a couple of weeks, avoiding anything acidic.

Some hamsters just don’t deal well with green beans and other acidic food. A cautious approach is the best way to prevent problems.

The Correct Diet Is Important

People are sometimes shocked to learn that their cute, cuddly little hamsters are omnivores! In the wild, these adorable critters eat all kinds of insects, amphibians, and worms in addition to lots of different plants and seeds. Green beans aren’t really on the menu as they simply aren’t available – but if they were, we’re pretty sure wild hamsters would be all over them.

So, what should you be feeding your hamster each day? Here’s a quick guide:

• A balanced, complete hamster pellet; check the package for the correct serving size, based on your hammy’s size and age.
• Birdseed: This is a nice – but not necessary – snack that your little fluffball will enjoy. There’s healthy fat locked inside the seeds plus, they’re a lot of fun for your pet to hide around their hamster habitat.
• Fresh Timothy hay: Offer your hamster an unlimited amount of hay to nibble on, tunnel in, and play with. Just toss it on top of their bedding and they’ll handle the rest.
• Tiny bits of fruit and vegetables like green beans: Just a little nibble at a time, with plenty of variety all throughout the week. Since hamsters stash any extra food away for later, it’s important to clear away any leftovers. This prevents spoilage that could make your pet sick.
• Clean, fresh water: Hamsters don’t drink all that much, but you should remember to rinse and refill their drinking bottle once a day.

Last But Not Least, Your Hamster Needs To Nibble Constantly.

Fun fact: Hamster teeth never stop growing and all that gnawing actually has a purpose. It prevents painful overgrowth and the infections that can happen if a hamster’s teeth get too long and grow into the pouch area.

We suggest items like hay cubes, coconut shell, unbleached loofah, or untreated softwood. At least one of these hamster toys or another safe alternative should be available at all times.

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

Since your hamster can’t live on green beans alone, it makes sense to plan for other treats. Try some of these hamster-approved options on for size:

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

These items – along with lots of other veggies and fruits – can help round out your hamster’s nutrition. And there’s another benefit: It’s fun to watch your hammy nibbling on green beans and other treats! Just remember to check each new item to make sure it’s safe and find out how much your pet should be eating.

Now, try giving your hamster green beans – just a little! The odds are good that your pet will enjoy this crunchy, tasty treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are green beans safe for hamsters?

Yes but only in small amounts, and only once or twice per week. Even though green beans are good for you and your pet, they’re acidic and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Can green beans make my hamster sick?

Green beans can give your hamster diarrhea, bloating, and an upset tummy, particularly if your pet isn’t already accustomed to fresh foods. When you offer a tiny bit of green bean, keep an eye out for anything unusual and if problems occur, don’t give it to them again. Even though most hamsters like green beans, some have unpleasant reactions.

Can hamsters have steamed green beans?

Yes, lightly steamed or boiled green beans are OK for hamsters but make sure that they’re completely cooled, and ensure that nothing has been added to them.

Can hamsters eat frozen green beans?

No, only give your hamster fresh, steamed, or dehydrated green beans.

Can hamsters eat canned green beans?

No, all the extra salt isn’t good for your pet. Only give your hamster fresh, steamed, or dehydrated green beans.