Can Hamsters Eat Carrots

FurryTips is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
can hamsters eat carrots

It is well-known among hamster lovers that they eat a variety of fruit and vegetables, but can hamsters eat carrots? This is a question that may arise at some point, especially if you are trying to introduce new elements in your pet’s diet. Yes, hamsters can definitely eat carrots! In fact, this is a very good type of food for them, because of their texture, which will allow your hamster to gnaw on them and maintain their teeth short.

Related Read : The Best Hamster Cages

can hamsters eat carrots

Vegetables Are Good For Your Hamster – And Carrots Make No Exception

Generally, hamsters are allowed to eat a wide variety of vegetables, especially the crunchy ones. It’s one of the reasons why hamsters are such popular pets – they’re low maintenance. Because they are rodents, they will greatly enjoy any type of crunchy vegetables. This is why carrots actually make such a good choice.

Of course, there’s always a chance for your own hamster to turn away their nose at carrots, but that is a matter of personal choice or taste and not suitability for hamsters, in general. Therefore, yes, carrots are good for your hamster.

Introducing Carrots Into Your Hamster’s Diet

Like with any other type of new food, carrots need to be introduced gradually into your pet’s diet. Starting out directly with large amounts or big bites can make your pet hamster very ill, so it is always best to take precautions. How can you make sure you’re doing it right and making your hamster comfortable?

You can begin with one small piece, then increase the amount over time. After you have already tested that carrots are suitable for your little one’s diet and digestive system. One piece in the first couple of weeks is enough. Later you can go on to feed it two pieces for a few weeks, etc.

Can Hamsters Eat Carrots? Test It To See If They Like It!

Yes, it’s true that hamsters can eat carrots without a problem, in general. However, it is also true that your hamster may be different. If you are interested in feeding it carrots, first take the time to conduct a taste test. What this means is basically giving your hamster a tiny piece of carrot to see if  it likes it and doesn’t become ill because of it. After some time. you can proceed with more pieces.

How Do I Know If Carrots Are Not Suitable For My Pet Hamster?

Generally, when a type of food is not good for your hamster, you will be able to notice some distinct reactions. A hamster who can’t stomach carrots – or who has received an amount that was too large – will either throw up or have diarrhea. These are generally the signs you will want to monitor when you introduce any new food to your hamster, whether it’s fruit, vegetable or something else. Always take the time to observe any slight changes and take note of what your hamster can and cannot eat.

Hamsters, just like humans, have likes and dislikes and while carrots are perfectly safe for hamster consumption, your pet may simply have an aversion to them. If you try to feed it carrots and it doesn’t want them, don’t insist it. You may try again in a few days or weeks and if it still refuses them, then it’s appearant that your hamster just doesn’t find carrots appealing.

Feeding Carrots To Your Pet Hamster

Feeding carrots to your hamster is easy, but it does require a bit of preparation.  The carrot needs to be washed, peeled, if you prefer, although it is not mandatory, and cut into small pieces. These steps are to be taken so that you make it as easy as possible for your pet to consume its food and not have difficulties or become sick.

If you ever notice that your hamster is having troubles eating the carrots or showing any kind of signs of discomfort, such as refusal to eat, etc., do not try to feed them to it anymore. If the hamster becomes ill, please refer to your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

Is There Such A Thing As Too Many Carrots?

Yes! This is true for any fruit or vegetable, but especially carrots. This is precisely why it is advisable and recommended that you only feed your hamster small bites and few of them, especially in the beginning. Too many carrots, particularly all at once, will cause your pet hamster to have diarrhea. Try to limit its carrot intake to once or twice per week, as to avoid any unpleasant effects for you and your hamster.

Related Articles:

Can Hamsters Eat Grapes

Can Hamsters Eat Lettuce

References:

http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hamster_fruit_vegetables.asp#.Vbh-2_mqqko

http://thehamsterhouse.com/can-hamsters-eat-carrots/

http://animals.mom.me/types-vegetables-hamsters-eat-1538.html

https://www.omlet.us/guide/hamsters/hamster_care/feeding/

http://hamsterific.com/hamsterific-university/acceptable-hamster-food-list/

Leave a Comment

0 Shares
Pin
Share
Tweet