Can Hamsters Eat Oranges?
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Oranges are delicious and great for you, but is it OK to share this fruit with your pet?
Can hamsters have oranges? If so, how much can you give them at once?
The short answer to this question – and your hamster probably won’t like this – is no.
Hamsters shouldn’t eat oranges. To learn more and find some better alternatives to oranges for hamsters, keep reading! You (and your hammy) will be happy that you did.
Orange Nutrition Stats
Your hamster shouldn’t eat them, but that doesn’t mean they’re off your menu: In fact, oranges are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fiber.
A one-cup serving of orange sections offers approximately:
- 85 calories
- 21 g carbohydrates
- 3 g fiber
- 7 g protein
- 2 g fat
Orange Nutritional Facts
Our bodies use vitamins and minerals to repair old cells and make new ones, as well as for other important things! Oranges give you quite a bit of nutrition.
That same one-cup serving provides about:
- 8 mg vitamin C
- 405 iu vitamin A
- 326 mg potassium
- 72 mg calcium
- 18 mg magnesium
- .2 mg iron
- 3 mg vitamin E
- 54 mc folate
- 2 mg phosphorus
Can Hamsters Have Oranges?
No. Oranges are very acidic. The same acids that give oranges their tart, fresh flavor can give your hamster a seriously upset tummy.
Are Oranges Good For Hamsters?
No, not even a little bit. Oranges are great for you but the acid they contain makes them a bad choice for hamsters. In fact, all citrus fruits are bad for hamsters.
Don’t give them lemons, limes, tangerines, clementines, grapefruits, tangelos, or any other fruits from the citrus family.
Do Hamsters Like Oranges?
We’ve never tried to give a hamster orange as we know that it’s a terrible choice. Considering the upset tummy that a hamster would get if orange were to be consumed, we’re pretty sure that your pet does not like oranges.
How Much Orange Can A Hamster Eat?
Can you tell we’re serious about the importance of not feeding oranges to a hamster?
| Age | Amount |
| Baby hamster | None |
| Adult hamster | None |
That’s right. You can’t see us but we are wearing our serious faces right now. Zilch, nada, none. Your hamster cannot have any amount of oranges.
How Often Can A Hamster Eat Oranges?
Never. Your hamster should not eat oranges, period. End of story. Don’t even try it once! Giving oranges to a hamster could lead to a bad case of diarrhea, dehydration, and one very sick little hammy with a very sore tummy.
The good news is that hamsters can eat quite a few other fruits. You might want to consider:
- grapes
- pineapple
- apple
- blueberry
- strawberry
- watermelon
These are some fruits that hamsters really like – and that can be pretty good for them, too! Be sure to read up on each fruit since your hamster can have different amounts at varying intervals.
The Correct Diet Is Important
Even though your hamster can’t eat oranges, there are tons of things they can eat – and lots of great foods that are really good for them. With your pet’s health and longevity in mind, here’s what to feed your hamster each day:
- Fresh, clean water: Water is essential for all life on earth and that includes your hamster! Treat their drinking bottle to a daily rinse and refill it so your hammy always has access to a refreshing drink.
- Complete hamster pellets: Be sure to choose hamster food for your pet and not pellets designed for another species of animal, i.e. rabbit. Hamsters have special nutritional needs and these pellets provide them with the nutrients their bodies require.
- Fresh Timothy hay: Even though hay isn’t needed for nutrition, it plays a couple of important roles in your hamster’s life. First, the hay helps keep your hamster’s teeth from becoming overgrown. Second, it gives them something to do, benefiting their mental health. Your hamster will enjoy using hay to build nests and create tunnels.
- Birdseed: This is a good source of healthy fat that can help keep your hamster in tip-top shape. Offer them a teaspoon of birdseed every week.
- Tiny amounts of hamster-safe fruit and vegetables: Just give as much as your hamster can eat in one nibbling session and remove any leftovers. Since hamsters hoard extra food in their bedding, clearing up any excess can help prevent spoilage and mold that could harm your pet.
Remember to give your hamster unlimited access to safe chewable items. Things like hamster toys, hay cubes, untreated softwood, unbleached loofah, and coconut shells are ideal as they’ll help your hamster’s teeth stay healthy while fulfilling their natural need to nibble and chew.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Oranges In A Hamster’s Diet?
Since hamsters shouldn’t eat oranges, we thought we’d provide you with a list of safe natural treats hamsters tend to like.
Next time you’re looking for a snack for your hammy, consider giving them:
- asparagus
- baby corn
- artichoke
- sweet corn
- cabbage
- basil
- cilantro
- avocado
- 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
As you can see, many foods that are great for you are also good for your hamster – or are at least safe for them to eat!
This list is just a sampling of all the wonderful things you can give your hamster. When offering these and other new treats, check serving size and look to see how much you can offer.
As you found when you looked for answers about oranges for hamsters, there’s a lot to consider – and a few minutes of research can help keep your pet safe and healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oranges safe for hamsters?
No! Oranges are too acidic for hamsters. They can cause serious diarrhea and digestive distress. You should never give orange to a hamster.
Can oranges make my hamster sick?
Yes – oranges will make your hamster very sick. Do not feed oranges to a hamster, not even in small amounts.
