Hamsters are popular pets, with the popularity that’s fast spreading in nearly all parts of the world. They´re small and cute rodents that will keep you company and make your day less dull. And as expected, they also need some care. Proper dieting is one of the effective ways of ensuring your hamster stays healthy and active.
Some people may choose to feed all kinds of fruits to their hamsters, especially grapes. On the contrary, others would prefer to avoid this type of fruit altogether. Are grapes healthy for your hamsters or should you avoid it like the plague? Can hamsters eat grapes? In this post, we will uncover some of the benefits that grapes could have to your hamster.
Table of Contents
What Does A Hamster’s Diet Comprise Of?
Hamsters are small rodents which, in the wild, typically feed on small seeds found in the soil. Unlike other rodents such as squirrels, hamsters cannot climb trees or large structures. For this reason, these little animals must collect their food from the ground or dig it up.
In pet stores, you will find many types of foods for these small rodents. Their food is made up of proteins, vitamins and all the nutrients the animal needs to survive.
In some cases, hamsters eat some varieties of fruits, from which they benefit from the liquid. For example, sunflower seeds are one of the best sources of nutrition for them. As a matter of fact, there are varieties of hamsters that can eat some vegetables. However, this is unusual, especially for those hamsters that are not domesticated.
Why Is It Right To Give A Variety Of Foods To Your Furball?
If your pet only eats small seeds, it will benefit from the carbohydrate source they represent. But this is not the only thing that hamsters need to stay healthy; they also need other sorts of vitamins and minerals. For instance, fruits provide them with sugar and keep them hydrated, which is why it is considered a healthy choice for them.
Another reason why it is good to vary the foods you feed to your pet is so they can try different types of flavors. Animals also have taste buds, and often reject food for its repetitive taste.
By ensuring your hamster eats different kinds of food, you will be sure that he is always trying new things. Besides, you will provide him with all the nutrients he needs to be healthy. A well-fed rodent has a high probability of living longer than one that is malnourished.
Benefits Of Eating Grapes
Grapes are a delicious fruit for humans, and so are they for hamsters. This small fruit can help them to have enough liquid that they need during the day. It can also be an excellent way to provide sugar and other nutrients that your little pet needs.
Grapes are low-fat foods, so your rodent will not gain weight quickly, but will instead stay healthier. Another benefit is that they help the functioning of the kidneys and the liver, as they are low in sodium. This type of fruit contains high amounts of iron and potassium, essential elements for any living being.
Finally, grapes are good for keeping bones healthy, as they contain calcium. They may seem small, but these fruits can present immense health benefits for those who eat them.
How Should Your Hamster Eat Grapes?
Before you feed grapes to your hamster, there are some things you should consider. The first is size. As we are talking about a small rodent, any carelessly cut size will be just huge enough to choke him.
This does not mean that he cannot eat the grapes. However, you will be better off helping him with it to avoid choking accidents. Also, it´s best to remove the skin of the grape so that the hamster can only eat the pulp, which is the most nutritious.
The small animal cannot remove the skin so effectively so your help here will be necessary. And as already been mentioned, you can also cut the grapes into small pieces so your little pet can swallow them without any difficulty. Evidently, the key here is to offer the fruit in small, bite-size pieces. Also, be sure only to offer small portions occasionally, considering the hamster does not exclusively feed on this fruit.
Possible Side Effects
While most hamsters will not have a problem eating grapes, some may get sick. You must remember that all animals are different, and although they may be of the same species, they could have some variations.
There are some hamsters whose stomach is much more sensitive, and they can get sick from eating grapes. These grapes can cause a reaction in their body and damage their stomach, causing diarrhea and even vomiting.
Although the damage caused by eating this type of fruit is not very serious, it is advisable to stop giving it if the pet experiences discomfort. There are many other varieties of fruit that your hamster can eat, in case he is intolerant to grapes. Remember that being a rodent, a hamster is not exclusively a herbivorous animal. This means his diet is very varied and balanced.
How To Know If My Hamster Feels Terrible
If you give some kind of grape to your hamster, and suddenly you notice it is lacking in energy or lethargic, it could be he is sick. Each time you give something new to your pet, make sure you monitor him to identify any changes in his mood. Any type of alteration in its daily behavior can be an indicator of some kind of discomfort.
The sounds hamsters make are practically inaudible so they will not make a lot of noise if they feel sick. This is a disadvantage, but you may notice that his stomach is too swollen or he lacks energy.
These small animals require great care, and therefore, if you notice any sign of illness, you should take it to the veterinarian. The time you spend between realizing his discomfort and having the vet check it up can be crucial in its complete recovery.
Healthy Food Will Lengthen The Life Of Your Hamster
As we have mentioned, your hamster can consume many types of food; from fruits and vegetables to seeds. But, what you should not do is feed food from your regular diet to your hairy friend, grapes or otherwise. This because such can cause a lot of damage and make him sick.
Remember that animals have different needs from humans, and should not be fed in the same way we feed. You should never give meat to your hamster, as they are not animals used to eating this type of protein.
Conclusion
Your hamster can eat grapes and various types of fruit, but the most important thing is that you serve grapes to him in moderate amounts.
Avoid serving him only-fruit or only-seeds diets, but a balanced diet that guarantees him all the necessary nutrients.
You May Also Interested In:
- 5 Best Hamster Foods and Treats (Reviews and Ultimate Guide)
- Can Hamsters Eat Cheese?
- Can Hamsters Eat Lettuce?
- 5 Signs Your Hamster Is Dying
- Are Guinea Pigs Herbivores?
- Do Hamsters Eat Meat?
- Where to Buy Hamsters?
- How Long Do Hamsters Live?
- 5 Reasons: When Hamsters Attack?
Photo by Dan Derrett, https://www.flickr.com/photos/captainmcdan/4182287774