Can Hamsters Eat Basil?

There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when taking care of your pet hamster. One of the most important factors is diet. When it comes to dietary intake, you must be extra careful especially with hamsters. What you feed to your pet hammy will have a long-term impact on their health and well-being. Some foods are simply toxic for them and will immediately make your hamster sick.

One of the foods many hamster-owners ask about is herbs. There are a variety of herbs that you may be interested in feeding your pet. Basil is one such delicious herb with a  rich aroma. Your hamster will surely love gnawing on some scentful basil. But is basil actually safe for your pet hamster? If so, how often should you feed it? Let’s find out.

Can Hamsters Eat Basil

Basil Nutritional Facts

A 1/4 cup serving of basil contains:

  • 317 IU vitamin A
  • 9 mcg vitamin K
  • 1 mg vitamin C
  • 1 mcg folate
  • 8 mg magnesium
  • 6 mg calcium
  • 7 mg potassium

Can Hamsters Eat Basil?

In short and simple words, yes, your hamster can safely consume basil. In fact, basil is actually considered good food for hamsters.

Basically, herbs and spices add a much-needed great taste to your pet hamsters diet, without getting salty, or dangerous. You must know that high amounts of sodium are extremely unsafe for hamsters.

Basil is among the list of safe herbs for your hamster. And it has many benefits too.

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Benefits of Basil for Hamsters

Basil is packed with vitamin K, which has a hugely positive role in improving reproductive health. It also helps in the blood clotting process which is very important for your pet hamsters’ healing. In the case of injury and bleeding, vitamin K will help it recover quickly. It also helps prevent the risk of hemorrhage. 

Additionally, basil is an antioxidant, which makes it very beneficial for hamsters. Anti-oxidants play a crucial role in protecting your pet against many life-threatening or chronic diseases, and even cancer. 

Plus, basil is low in sugar and salt, making it ideal for your furry friend.

How Much Basil Should Hamsters eat?

Like any other food, basil should also be given in controlled amounts to your hamster. Even though it is safe for them, it should not be an alternative to your pets’ main diet consisting of grains and seeds.

Moderation is very important. You should only give it in small amounts. When you first give your pet hammy some basil, notice its health and look out for signs of diarrhea in the next 12 hours. If it does not show any adverse reactions, this means basil is suitable for your pet.

Generally, only a pinch of basil should be given to your pet. To be more specific, 3 or 4 average-sized leaves in one week are safe for adult hamsters. It is better not to give any basil to a baby hamster. 

Dwarf hamster breeds such as Chinese, Russian, and Campbell, are smaller in size. They should not be given the same amounts. Ideally, 3 teaspoons can be given in one month, with gaps.

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Robo hamsters should also be given just 3 teaspoons of basil, spaced out in one fortnight.

Risks of Basil

Basil can have a harmful impact if you feed too much to your pet hamster. Giving them too much basil will fill their stomach and leave little room for other important dietary components. This can lead to malnutrition in your pet.

Excessive basil can also result in digestive issues in hamsters.

We still don’t know how basil seeds may impact hamsters, so only give them basil without the seeds, to be on the safe side. There you go. You now know how to feed basil to your hamster without any worries. So, let your beloved pet enjoy the fresh flavor and aroma of this flavorful herb!