Can Hamsters Eat Bacon? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts
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A favorite addition to any breakfast, bacon is loved by many. While this has long been a favorite breakfast food, we all know how unhealthy bacon is. It has few, if any health benefits and shouldn’t be eaten too often. Since this is the case for humans, you can only imagine the damage highly processed and fatty foods, like bacon, can cause to our hamsters and other pets.
We recommend not feeding hamsters bacon altogether, and if you want to learn exactly why, read the article below.
Can Hamsters Eat Bacon?
Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they can consume both plants and animals-usually in the form of insects. Even though they can technically eat meat, bacon isn’t a good option because of its high fat and sodium content.
Feeding a hamster bacon can cause several health problems. The excess fat and calories can lead to weight gain which increases the risk for obesity and diabetes. Too much salt increases the risk for salt poisoning and kidney damage.
Bacon also offers very little nutritional value to balance out the fat and sodium, so your hamster has very little to gain and a lot to risk when eating bacon.
Ideal Hamster Diet
When kept as pets, hamsters should get all of their nutrients from pelleted hamster foods paired with hay and fresh greens.
Pellet hamster foods include all of a hamster’s necessary nutrients packed in one form. You may also choose to supplement this with fresh hay and produce. Just remember to only offer small amounts of fresh vegetables and rotate the type so they aren’t receiving the same thing everyday. Good vegetable options include leafy greens, carrots, peas, bell pepper, and cucumbers.
Small amounts of fruit can be given once or twice a week. Good options include apples, melon, raisins, squash, and bananas. Always consult with your vet before you add any fresh produce to your hamster’s diet to make sure it’s safe and given in the proper amount.
Final Thoughts
Finding out that bacon is an unhealthy snack to offer your hamster should not be a surprise considering how unhealthy it is for humans to consume. It is very high in fat and sodium, and is unnecessary to feed hamsters. If you’re looking for a high protein snack, instead of feeding your hamster bacon, you should opt for a healthier option, such as mealworms once a week.
Featured Photo Credit: CarlottaSilvestrini, Pixabay
