Can Hamsters Eat Pickles? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ
By Misty Layne
Updated on
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This article has been reviewed for factual accuracy by a qualified veterinarian, using information available at the time of publishing. Hamster owners are urged to consult with their veterinarian when making dietary decisions for their pet. This article is designed to provide general information but it does not take into account your pet’s health status or circumstances.
Being a responsible pet owner means feeding your pet a diet that offers them all they need to stay healthy (even if they’d rather eat something off your plate!). Hamsters are omnivores and when under human care their diet mainly consists of hamster pellets, which give your tiny friend all their required nutrition. But even though your hamster should eat pellets most of the time, it doesn’t mean they can’t have the occasional treat in the form of fruits or vegetables! You just need to be careful with which veggies and fruits you’re feeding your pet, as not all are safe for them to eat.
One vegetable you should never, ever give to your hamster is pickles. This may seem like a safe bet since pickles are, after all, just cucumbers, and hamsters can have those. But the answer to “Can hamsters eat pickles?” is a definite no. Here’s why.
Why Pickles Are Bad for Hamsters
Pickles are bad for hamsters to eat primarily due to two things: salt and vinegar.
The amount of salt in pickles is a lot: 283 mg for one small pickle spear. An overabundance of salt in your pet’s diet can lead to dehydration. If your hamster is dehydrated, you’ll see signs like darker, smellier urine, dull eyes, and lethargic movements. If you see any of these signs, take your hamster to the vet so they can help your pet get rehydrated.
Now, what’s so bad about vinegar? Vinegar is highly acidic, and foods that are high in acid can cause stomach issues in your hamster, mainly in the form of diarrhea. Diarrhea can dehydrate your hamster, which means your pet would be getting dehydrated from both the salt and vinegar here. And as we’ve already mentioned, dehydration is something you definitely want to avoid in your hamster.
Finally, there’s one more reason that pickles can be bad for hamsters: seasonings. When cucumbers are pickled, there may be seasonings other than salt added for flavoring, like chili and garlic. Depending on what those seasonings are, they, too, could be dangerous for your hamster.
What About Cucumbers? Are They Safe?
If you’re concerned that you may not be able to feed plain, unpickled cucumbers to your hamster, don’t worry! Regular cucumbers are fine for your pet, so long as you don’t give them too much at once.
Remember, your hamster’s diet should be made up mostly of pellets. But cucumber can make a nice occasional treat for them. If your hamster is exceptionally small, give them only about ½ teaspoon of cucumber as a snack. If they’re on the larger side, a single teaspoon should be fine. Don’t give them cucumber more than once a week, though!
Don’t forget to remove any uneaten cucumber from their cage. Leaving bits of cucumber is not a great idea as it can get moldy, risking your hamster’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have more questions about your hamster’s diet? We’ve got answers! Here are a few of the questions people frequently ask about what a hamster should eat.
How do I prepare cucumber for my hamster?
Wash the cucumber well to eliminate any lingering chemicals from pesticides, then cut it into thin slices or tiny chunks. Your pet can eat the skin and seeds of the cucumber, but if your tiny friend is picky, you might consider peeling and de-seeding it.
Should all pickled foods be avoided?
Yes! Anything that’s been pickled will contain too much salt and vinegar for your hamster, so avoid these foods.
What are some vegetables my hamster might enjoy?
There are plenty of yummy veggies besides cucumber that your pet might like, including zucchini, broccoli, spinach, carrot, and cauliflower.
Conclusion
Pickles and hamsters aren’t a good mix. While plain cucumber is absolutely fine for your tiny friend to have (in moderation!), pickled cucumber (or pickled anything really) is not. Pickles have too much salt, which can lead to dehydration. And vinegar is a highly acidic food that can cause your tiny pet to suffer from diarrhea (which is also dehydrating).
So, stick with plain cucumber or another tasty vegetable your pet might like!
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
