Can Hamsters Eat Eggs? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts and FAQ
Updated on
Hamsters are popular pets. They are fun to observe and are generally easy to care for. To stay healthy, these small rodents need to eat a nutritious diet and safe foods. While hamsters can eat eggs, they should only be offered as a treat instead of a primary food source.
Keep reading to learn the facts about feeding eggs to your hamster, including how to prepare them properly. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions about the basics of a healthy hamster diet and which foods to avoid.
Eggs: A Healthy Food for Hamsters
Unlike some other rodents, wild hamsters are omnivores that eat plant and animal foods. Pet hamsters should eat a diet that mimics their natural one as much as possible. That means including animal protein.
Eggs are an excellent source of animal protein for hamsters. One boiled egg contains 6 grams of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When properly prepared, eggs make a tasty, nutritious snack for a hamster.
How to Prepare Eggs for Your Hamster
The best ways to prepare eggs for your hamster are scrambled or hard-boiled. If you scramble the eggs, don’t add salt, butter, or other seasonings as you would if making yourself breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions: Eggs and the Hamster Diet
How Often Can a Hamster Eat Eggs?
A hamster’s primary food source should be a commercial pellet diet formulated for small rodents. Look for a diet that provides around 15-25% protein, along with a blend of carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. Eggs and any other human foods should only be offered in small amounts as a supplement to this pelleted diet.
Your hamster might find eggs tastier than their more nutritious pellet food, so you don’t want to feed them too often. Offer eggs and other foods in moderation. In general, no more than a teaspoonful of egg should be offered at a time. Variety is vital, so alternate which treats you offer your pet each day.
What Other Human Foods Can Hamsters Eat?
Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains are all acceptable human foods for hamsters. Limit fruits more than vegetables because they’re higher in sugar and less nutritious overall. Wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding them in small amounts to your hamster.
- Romaine lettuce
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Pears
- Bananas
- Berries
Final Thoughts
Hamsters can eat small amounts of plain boiled or scrambled eggs as a treat or supplement to their regular pellet diet. Ask your vet to help you determine how much food your hamster should eat each day. Like humans, hamsters can become overweight if they eat too much or unhealthy foods. Keep your hamster healthy by watching what they eat and always providing plenty of fresh water.
Featured Image Credit: Olexandr Panchenko, Shutterstock
