Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon? Vet Approved Facts & Advice
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Watermelon is one of the most refreshing fruits you can eat. It also has many health benefits, including antioxidants and numerous vitamins. Since watermelon is so tasty and healthy for humans, you may wonder if you can let your hamster eat watermelon with you? The answer is yes! Hamsters of all breeds can eat watermelon, including Dwarf, Syrian, and Robo hamsters. However, only give watermelon in moderation.Â
Keep reading to learn how much to give your hamster, what health benefits it provides, and what part of the watermelon is safe for your hamster to consume.
Health Benefits of Watermelon for Hamsters
Watermelon is a healthy fruit that provides many nutrients, and since it contains over 90% water, is excellent for hydration. Watermelon contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals aiding in a healthy immune system, growth, metabolism, digestion, and vision. It’s also low in calories, with only 46 calories per cup.
How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Hamster?
In order for your hamster to enjoy watermelon safely, only provide one teaspoon per week. For dwarf or smaller hamsters, give ½ teaspoon of watermelon once a week. Because of the high sugar and water content, giving too much watermelon too often can cause diarrhea. The high sugar levels can also contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and dental disease, so it’s best to limit the amounts you feed accordingly.
Aim for organic watermelon if you can, and it’s also best to cut the watermelon into smaller pieces for easier consumption.
Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon Rind and Seeds?
Watermelon seeds can be a choking hazard and the hard shell may cause dental issues as well. Avoid giving Robo and Dwarf hamsters watermelon seeds since these hamsters’ small size increases the risk of the seeds posing a choking hazard. However, Syrian hamsters should be able to consume seeds safely, but it’s best to avoid the seeds altogether.
It’s best to avoid the rind as well. The rind contains citrulline, an amino acid with a sharp and bitter taste. The rind won’t hurt your hamster, and you can offer a tiny bite, but odds are your hamster will not want this part of the watermelon anyway.
Can I Give My Hamster Watermelon Juice?
Unfortunately, hamsters cannot drink commercial watermelon juice of any kind. Store-bought watermelon juice is highly processed and loaded with sugar and other added harmful ingredients; only give your hamster actual watermelon pieces.
What Is the Ideal Diet for a Hamster?
Hamsters are omnivores and require a balanced diet of high-quality hamster pellets consisting of 15%–25% protein, 35%–40% carbohydrates, 4%–5% fat, and 5% crude fiber. Timothy hay is also a vital component in your hamster’s diet and is an excellent source of fiber. Hamsters can also enjoy fresh veggies in their daily diet (roughly 10%), like peas, bell pepper, greens, carrots, broccoli, squash, sweet potato, cucumbers, and cauliflower.
In addition to watermelon, your hamster can enjoy the occasional fruit, such as bananas, apples, raisins, pears, and berries. It’s important to provide fruit occasionally and in moderation due to its sugar content, and always provide fresh water 24/7.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon is nutritious for both humans and hamsters. Ensure you only give one teaspoon a week, and for Dwarf hamsters, ½ teaspoon weekly. Offering too much watermelon too often can cause ill effects like diarrhea, obesity, and diabetes.
Ensure you provide your hamster with high-quality hamster pellets and Timothy hay, and don’t forget to allow your hamster fresh water access all of the time.
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Featured Image Credit: Any Lane, Pexels
