Hamsters is perhaps comparatively low-maintenance pets, however they have to eat the correct weight-reduction plan to remain wholesome. Should 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 right for them both.
Preserve studying to study why cat meals shouldn’t be a major a part of your hamster’s weight-reduction plan and which meals make higher deal with choices. We’ll additionally cowl the fundamentals of a wholesome hamster weight-reduction plan.
Why Cat Meals Is a Unhealthy Concept for Hamsters
The easy purpose hamsters shouldn’t eat cat meals is that they’ve a lot completely different diet necessities than kitties. Hamsters are omnivores that eat a mixture of crops and bugs within the wild. The perfect business hamster meals ought to include the next:
- 35-40% carbohydrates
- 15-25% protein
- 4-5% fats
In distinction, cats are true carnivores which can be tailored to soak up vitamins primarily from animals. Dietary wants amongst cats fluctuate, however normal tips 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 completely different dietary necessities. In addition they require completely different ranges of nutritional vitamins and minerals. Cat meals formulated to satisfy feline wants shouldn’t be applicable as a major hamster weight-reduction plan.
Can Hamsters Eat Cat Meals as a Deal with?
In concept, hamsters may eat cat meals as a deal with, nevertheless it’s not your best option. As a result of it’s normally increased in fats than most hamster meals, consuming cat meals may result in weight problems over time. Like every pet, you need to guarantee your hamster will get most of their energy from nutritious sources.
Cat meals offers energy with out a lot dietary profit to your hamster. Each calorie wasted on cat meals is much less accessible for meals that your hamster truly wants to remain wholesome.
What Ought to Be My Hamster’s Essential Meals Supply?
Hamsters ought to primarily eat a business pellet weight-reduction plan 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 needs to be consuming frequently. Hamsters have a tendency to pick their favourite bits too, making the weight-reduction plan 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 embody the next objects:
- Leafy greens
- Apples
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Peas
- Bananas
Serve these meals carefully solely, particularly fruit. They often aren’t mandatory in case your hamster eats a balanced pellet weight-reduction plan, 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. Verify 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 fluctuate between species and by age, dimension, and general well being. Ask your vet that will help you calculate how a lot to feed your hamster. Hamsters are nocturnal, so attempt providing them meals at evening. Take away any uneaten recent meals promptly so it doesn’t spoil.
Conclusion
Though it is perhaps 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. Keep on with feeding your hamster a pelleted rodent weight-reduction plan and the occasional wholesome treats. Like people, hamsters can endure from diabetes, weight problems, and different medical issues in the event that they don’t eat the correct weight-reduction plan. Speak to your vet for those who’re involved your pet isn’t getting the diet they want.
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