Can Hamsters Eat Plums? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide
By Adam Mann
Updated on
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The last thing you want to do is feed your hamster something harmfu. It’s your job to keep them healthy and safe, which means checking out any food you’re thinking about giving them.
The good news is that plums are generally a safe and healthy treat for some hamsters, but there are some things you should know before you start chopping them up and offering them. We’ve highlighted everything you need to know here, so just keep reading!
Feeding Your Hamster Plums
Plums are usually a safe and even healthy treat for larger breeds of hamsters. However, keep in mind that you need to remove the pits, and you need to thoroughly wash the plum before giving it to your hamster.
Not only that but because of the high sugar content, you should only give them to your hamster in moderation. A few bites of plum once a week is plenty, and any more than that can turn into digestive problems for them. You should avoid feeding dwarf breeds plums due to the high sugar and acidity that may lead to digestive issues.
Benefits of Plums for Your Hamster
While your hamster certainly doesn’t need plums, they can get a few nutritional benefits if they get some from time to time.
Plums are packed with fiber, vitamins C, A and K, calcium, and potassium. This makes them beneficial for the digestive system, immune function, muscles, vision, and blood clotting. While your hamster should get all the nutrients they need from their regular diet, plums can provide them with a little boost of these nutrients when fed occasionally.
Health Concerns of Plums for Your Hamster
While giving your hamster a few bites of plum from time to time may provide some healthy benefits, there are a few health concerns you should be aware of as well.
Sugar
Plums have a lot of natural sugar, and while a few bites generally won’t cause problems for your larger hamster, too much will. High amounts of sugar can lead to all sorts of digestive problems, so only feed your pet a couple of tiny pieces each week or less often. The excess calories from sugar can, over time, also lead to weight gain.
Pits
Not only are pits hard for your hamster to chew, but they can also be a choking hazard. Plum pits also contain cyanide compounds which can be toxic if the pit is crushed or chewed up, releasing the toxin. Always remove the pit before offering plums to your hamster.
Other Safe Treats for Hamsters
While the majority of a hamster’s diet should consist of commercial hamster pellets and hay, there is often room to provide some human foods as a treat from time to time. Many fresh vegetables can be offered in moderation, as well as other fresh fruits once or twice a week. Always talk to your vet before offering your hamster any human foods to make sure they are safe. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted a few additional human foods you can feed your hamster here:
- Carrots: Carrots are excellent treats for hamsters. Just chop them into small bits so they don’t turn into a choking hazard.
- Apples: Apples are another safe sweet treat for your hamster as long as you only give them in moderation as they do contain sugar. Always remove the seeds and the stem before offering them.
- Bell Peppers: With lots of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, sweet peppers are a great snack option for your hamster. And once you factor in that peppers have less sugar than other fruits, it’s a no-brainer snack choice.
- Cucumber: Cucumbers are full of healthy fiber and water, making them great for digestion and low in calories.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know a little more about plums and your hamster, go ahead and wash them, take out the pit, and let your hamster have a few bites! Don’t go overboard with it, though, and keep in mind that you shouldn’t give them any other fruits for a few days so that you don’t overload their little bodies with too much natural sugar.
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Featured Image Credit: Halil ibrahim mescioglu, Shutterstock.
