Can Hamsters Eat Apples

Can hamsters eat apples? Yes, they can but in moderation. Apple is a tasty nutritious fruit and animals like hamsters do show considerable enthusiasm for consuming this lovely fruit. As you know, a home grown hamster requires to be fed on healthy foods, apple constitutes for one of the key ingredients. In this article, you would surely get more insight on the healthy foods that need to be provided for the proper nourishment of your pet hamsters.

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Can Hamsters Eat Apples

Hamsters mainly display natural fondness for fruit items like bananas, pears, mangoes and apples. It usually never dislikes all of these fruits but when it comes to an apple, it eats it voraciously. Only if the pet feels still hungry then it settles for other fruits. However, pet owners need to provide apples and other fruits only in small pieces for easy digestion and in moderation. Feeding excessive fruits to your hamsters can make it suffer diseases like diarrhea, diabetes and other conditions. Also, ensure that your hamsters drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Dwarf hamsters must not be provided carrots, apples, corn and bananas. These may cause diabetes in such species.

Some Facts About Apples

Apples are favorite fruits for fitness and health conscious people. They are mainly preferred for the following advantages:

Apples contain anti-oxidants and phtyto-nutrients. As per the latest study, these ingredients are vital for overall wellness, development and optimal growth.
Apples consist of low levels of calories. Their dietary fiber prevents the absorption of toxic substances in the body.
They contain sufficient quantities of beta-carotene and Vitamin C to develop resistance against diseases and screen out harmful substances from the body.
Apples contain sources of B complex vitamins. These vitamins help with metabolic activities as well as performing other synthesis activities in the body.
Apples comprised of limited amount of components like calcium, phosphorous and potassium. These components help to regulate blood pressure and heart rate .

How To Store Apples

When you want to store apples, make sure to store them in humid condition with temperature ranging in between 30 to 35 degree Fahrenheit. While storing inside the refrigerator, you must ensure that they are placed in the crisper drawer with slightly wet paper towel covering their top. Always go for special types like Granny Smith, Fuji and Melrose. These apples can last for longer periods if stored and maintained properly. Feeding rotten apples not only make them sick but can also lead to food poisoning which may lead to pre-mature demise of your beloved hamsters. Better consult an animal dietitian before feeding any new foods to your beloved pets.

Other Food Options For Hamsters

If your beloved hamsters show unusual dislikes to apples then immediately replace it because the apple may be infected with bacteria or is rotten. Instead, you can try other fruits or vegetables. They will also have no problems of consuming boiled fish or chicken in limited quantities. But never serve them meals with rich spice contents.

Foods That Must Be Avoided

Not all the food items are safe and hygienic for your cute little hamsters. You must be always careful about the foods that you are serving to them. Vegetables and fruits which are over ripe or have higher water content can result in diarrhea. Always ensure that fruit is not too ripe or raw because hamsters also show slight dislike towards raw fruits. Raw fruits contain rich tartaric and citric acids. Similarly, fatty and sugary foods are rich in calories and may cause obesity in them. The same rule applies to serving sticky foods to your pets. These foods with sharpened edges can result injuries or obstructions in the pouch of your pets. Try to avoid these foods. Also, certain foods do have the capability of causing instant death and illnesses due to their toxic nature. So avoid serving following items to the hamsters: