Here we can see, “Can Hamster Eats Watermelon”
Yes, it certainly is! Watermelon is safe to eat in moderation by all types of hamsters, including Dwarf, Robo, and Syrian hamsters.
Continue reading to learn more about the health advantages of watermelon for your hamster and how much you should feed him, and which portions of a watermelon he can eat safely.
Nutritional Values of Watermelon
The nutrients in a half-cup of raw watermelon (about 76 grams) are as follows:
- Calories: 22.8
- Protein: 0.46 grams
- Fat: 0.11 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5.75 grams
- Fiber: 0.30 grams
- Sugar: 4.71 grams
- Calcium: 5.3 milligrams
- Iron: 0.18 milligrams
- Magnesium: 7.6 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 8.35 milligrams
- Potassium: 85 milligrams
- Sodium: 0.76 milligrams
- Zinc: 0.08 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 6.15 milligrams
Watermelon is a nutritious and delicious fruit that is so juicy that it contains 90% water! The remaining 10% is made up of those beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Watermelon’s Health Benefits
What exactly do these micronutrients do for a hamster?
- Vitamin C helps heal wounds, protects against scurvy, improves the immune system, and strengthens cells and blood vessels.
- Fiber can help your hamster’s digestive system stay healthy.
- Potassium helps prevent cancer, heart disease, and bone disease by lowering blood pressure.
- Iron aids in the formation of red blood cells and their maintenance.
- Calcium is beneficial to bone and dental health.
Rehydrating a Sick or Injured Hamster
If your hamster is dehydrated and has trouble drinking water, watermelon can be an excellent way to help them receive the water they require. A tasty treat can sometimes be a highly effective approach to rehydrating your pet.
Keep in mind that watermelon isn’t an everyday treat, so you’ll need to develop other ways to keep your hamster hydrated. If you find yourself in this circumstance, you should seek advice from your veterinarian.
Watermelon Health Concerns
There are several compelling reasons to keep the amount of watermelon you feed your hamster to a minimum.
Dried Watermelon
Avoid giving your hammy dry watermelon. It’s a sticky mess that’s difficult to get rid of. It can cause rot and decay if lodged in your hamster’s teeth.
Watermelon Seeds
It is recommended that you do not feed them to your pet. Although there isn’t much information on the effects of watermelon seeds on hamsters, many other fruit seeds are poisonous. They can also cause choking and scratch your hammy’s cheek pouches.
High Water Content
Depending on the situation, the high quantities of water in watermelon can be both a health benefit and a health concern. A hamster might get diarrhea or even kidney failure if they drink too much water.
High Sugar Content
Obesity and diabetes are common in hamsters. Sugary, high-carb foods can cause or exacerbate both diseases.
Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high. A diabetic hamster’s body cannot generate insulin or is allergic to it, whereas a healthy hamster’s body produces insulin to manage blood sugar.
Domesticated hamsters are prone to obesity. It’s easy to overfeed them, and getting adequate exercise might be difficult.
You can keep your hamster healthy by limiting the quantity of sugar and ensuring that it eats a well-balanced diet.
Feeding Watermelon to Hamsters
If your hamster isn’t used to eating fresh foods or sweet fruits like grapes, start with tiny amounts at first. Work your way up to watermelon by starting with less sweet items like leafy greens and cucumber.
Depending on the size of your hamster, one serving of watermelon varies.
- Only one teaspoon of sugar should be given to dwarf hamsters every two weeks.
- One teaspoon per week is allowed for Syrians and Roborowskis.
Make sure you don’t mix watermelon with other sweet fruits in your servings.
The rind of a watermelon is safe for hamsters to eat, but they may enjoy the taste. It has a harsh flavor due to the amino acid it contains.
If you wish to give your hamster a piece of rind, carefully wash it to remove any chemicals or pesticides that may be on it. Then, to feed your hamster, cut a small half-inch square.
User Questions
Are our watermelon seeds suitable for hamsters?
Your hamster should not be fed watermelon seeds. A watermelon’s seeds are slick, complex, and sticky. They’re also the right size to become stuck in a hamster’s neck and choke them. Remove any seeds from the watermelon before feeding it to your hamster.
Can hamsters have watermelon rinds?
Yes, as long as you wash it thoroughly before giving it to them and only give them a ½ inch piece. Watermelon rind has a bitter flavor, so don’t be shocked if your hamster isn’t interested in it.
What is poisonous to hamsters?
Although fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential element of a hamster’s diet, some items are poisonous to them. Tomato leaves, almonds, avocado, potatoes, onion, garlic, chocolate, and apple seeds are just a few examples.
Do hamsters love you?
You might be shocked to learn that hamsters enjoy human interaction and thrive on it. There are many methods to show hamster attention, but it is essential to do it regularly once you’ve acquired their trust.
What can hamsters drink?
Hamsters should consume only water. There is no substitute for water in providing them with what they require to survive and keep hydrated. The tap water quality in your area will determine whether you offer your hamster tap water or filtered bottled water.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.