Hamsters may be comparatively low-maintenance pets, however they have to eat the correct food regimen to remain wholesome. When you even have a cat at dwelling, you would possibly surprise if it’s okay in your hamster to eat cat meals. Whereas cat meals might not be poisonous to hamsters, it’s not wholesome or nutritionally appropriate for them both.
Hold studying to study why cat meals shouldn’t be a major a part of your hamster’s food regimen and which meals make higher deal with choices. We’ll additionally cowl the fundamentals of a wholesome hamster food regimen.
Why Cat Meals Is a Unhealthy Thought for Hamsters
The easy cause hamsters shouldn’t eat cat meals is that they’ve a lot totally different vitamin necessities than kitties. Hamsters are omnivores that eat a mixture of crops and bugs within the wild. The best business hamster meals ought to include the next:
- 35-40% carbohydrates
- 15-25% protein
- 4-5% fats
In distinction, cats are true carnivores which might be tailored to soak up vitamins primarily from animals. Dietary wants amongst cats range, however normal pointers are as follows:
- Not less than 26% protein
- Not less than 9% fats
- Lower than 10% of energy from carbohydrates
As you may see, cats and hamsters have very totally different dietary necessities. In addition they require totally different ranges of nutritional vitamins and minerals. Cat meals formulated to fulfill feline wants isn’t applicable as a main hamster food regimen.
Can Hamsters Eat Cat Meals as a Deal with?
In principle, hamsters may eat cat meals as a deal with, but it surely’s not the only option. As a result of it’s normally greater in fats than most hamster meals, consuming cat meals may result in weight problems over time. Like every pet, you wish to guarantee your hamster will get most of their energy from nutritious sources.
Cat meals supplies energy with out a lot dietary profit to your hamster. Each calorie wasted on cat meals is much less out there for meals that your hamster truly wants to remain wholesome.
What Ought to Be My Hamster’s Most important Meals Supply?
Hamsters ought to primarily eat a business pellet food regimen formulated for hamsters. Search for a meals that incorporates the minimal nutrient ranges we mentioned earlier within the article. It’s greatest to keep away from meals mixes made primarily of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.
Even after they’re made for hamsters, these seed diets lack important vitamins and include extra fats and sugar than your pet ought to be consuming recurrently. Hamsters have a tendency to pick their favourite bits too, making the food regimen much more unbalanced.
What Treats Can I Give My Hamster?
As a substitute of cat meals, provide your hamster small quantities of fruits, greens, grains, and animal protein, like boiled eggs, as treats.
Some secure choices embrace the next gadgets:
- Leafy greens
- Apples
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Peas
- Bananas
Serve these meals moderately solely, particularly fruit. They often aren’t vital in case your hamster eats a balanced pellet food regimen, however they supply selection and enrichment in your pet.
Are There Any Meals Hamsters Shouldn’t Eat?
Hamsters shouldn’t eat citrus fruits, chocolate, or any meals excessive in sugar and fats. Test together with your vet earlier than providing your hamster any unfamiliar meals to ensure it’s secure.
How A lot Ought to My Hamster Eat?
Most hamsters ought to eat about 1/8–1/3 cup of pellets every day. Nevertheless, dietary wants range between species and by age, measurement, and general well being. Ask your vet that can assist you calculate how a lot to feed your hamster. Hamsters are nocturnal, so attempt providing them meals at night time. Take away any uneaten contemporary meals promptly so it doesn’t spoil.
Conclusion
Though it may be handy for you, hamsters shouldn’t eat cat meals as a result of it isn’t nutritionally applicable for them and will trigger well being points if fed long-term. Stick to feeding your hamster a pelleted rodent food regimen and the occasional healthy treats. Like people, hamsters can undergo from diabetes, weight problems, and different medical issues in the event that they don’t eat the correct food regimen. Discuss to your vet in case you’re involved your pet isn’t getting the vitamin they want.
Featured Picture Credit score: Ultraskrip, Shutterstock
