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Can Hamsters Eat Bacon? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Jana Blagojevic

By Jana Blagojevic

Hepper_Can Hamster Eat_Bacon

Vet approved

Dr. Chyrle Bonk Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Chyrle Bonk

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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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.

Hepper_divider_hamster

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 of 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.

bacon
Image by: StockSnap, Pixabay

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 every day. Good vegetable options include leafy greens, carrots, peas, bell peppers, and cucumbers.

Small amounts of fruit can be given once or twice a week. Good options include apples, melons, 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.

Hepper_divider_hamsterFinal 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 Image Credit: CarlottaSilvestrini, Pixabay

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Jana Blagojevic

Authored by

I am a freelance writer with a restless and adventurous spirit. After graduating from the College of Fine Arts, I began searching for a medium to express my imagination. Content writing is a passion that took me by storm. When I am away from my peaceful writing nook, I work as a sculptor, painter, and woodworke in my workshop. I plan to continue nurturing my passion for writing and use it as a vessel for my neverending creativity....Read more

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