Hamsters may be comparatively low-maintenance pets, however they need to eat the right weight loss program to remain wholesome. In case you even have a cat at house, you would possibly marvel if it’s okay on your hamster to eat cat meals. Whereas cat meals is probably not poisonous to hamsters, it’s not wholesome or nutritionally right for them both.
Hold studying to study why cat meals shouldn’t be a major a part of your hamster’s weight loss program and which meals make higher deal with choices. We’ll additionally cowl the fundamentals of a wholesome hamster weight loss program.
Why Cat Meals Is a Dangerous Thought for Hamsters
The straightforward cause hamsters shouldn’t eat cat meals is that they’ve a lot completely different vitamin necessities than kitties. Hamsters are omnivores that eat a mixture of vegetation and bugs within the wild. The best industrial hamster meals ought to include the next:
- 35-40% carbohydrates
- 15-25% protein
- 4-5% fats
In distinction, cats are true carnivores which are tailored to soak up vitamins primarily from animals. Dietary wants amongst cats differ, however common tips are as follows:
- No less than 26% protein
- No 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 fulfill feline wants will not be acceptable as a main hamster weight loss program.
Can Hamsters Eat Cat Meals as a Deal with?
In concept, hamsters may eat cat meals as a deal with, however it’s not the only option. As a result of it’s often larger 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 supplies 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 Major Meals Supply?
Hamsters ought to primarily eat a industrial pellet weight loss program formulated for hamsters. Search for a meals that comprises the minimal nutrient ranges we mentioned earlier within the article. It’s finest to keep away from meals mixes made primarily of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.
Even once 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 loss program much more unbalanced.
What Treats Can I Give My Hamster?
As an alternative of cat meals, provide your hamster small quantities of fruits, greens, grains, and animal protein, like boiled eggs, as treats.
Some protected choices embrace the next objects:
- Leafy greens
- Apples
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Peas
- Bananas
Serve these meals moderately solely, particularly fruit. They often aren’t obligatory in case your hamster eats a balanced pellet weight loss program, however they supply selection and enrichment on 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 protected.
How A lot Ought to My Hamster Eat?
Most hamsters ought to eat about 1/8–1/3 cup of pellets every day. Nonetheless, dietary wants differ between species and by age, dimension, and total 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 recent 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 acceptable for them and will trigger well being points if fed long-term. Persist with feeding your hamster a pelleted rodent weight loss program 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 right weight loss program. Discuss to your vet if you happen to’re involved your pet isn’t getting the vitamin they want.
Featured Picture Credit score: Ultraskrip, Shutterstock
