Hamsters are one of the best pets one can have. They are friendly, harmless, easy to take care of, and do not have any special requirements. This furry little animal is also super adorable. Simply watching it play and nibble can be a heart-warming experience because of how cute it is.
But wait, keeping a pet hamster is not all fun and games. There are some areas of its’ caretaking that require attention and much-needed precaution. The most important factor is diet. Hamsters are quite fragile creatures with very small bodies. This means that whatever goes into their stomach can affect them quickly. Plus, they have a tendency to devour food and over-eat. Thus, their dietary intake must be controlled with a strict watch on it.
Generally, you should feed hamsters a good portion of seeds, grains, and clean water. They can also eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. But sometimes, you might want to add variety to their food. In this case, you should always research the food and whether it is safe for your particular hamster. Remember, many foods that we humans can safely eat may actually be toxic or even fatal for hamsters.
Today, we will talk about bread. As a loving hamster-owner, you may want to feed your pet hammy some soft, fluffy bread. But, is it safe for the animal? Let’s answer the question and all related queries below.
Contents
What is Bread?
Well, we all know what bread is. But at its’ essence, what are the ingredients it contains? Before feeding your hamster, you should take a few moments to look at what the food actually contains.
Simply put, bread is a dough that is mixed with flour and water. Now, water is definitely safe for hamsters. But the flour used can vary, and ultimately, we have to find out if the flour is safe for hamsters.
Furthermore, bread also contains grains. Whole grains are generally safe and recommended, but they should not be seasoned when it’s’ for hamsters.
In terms of nutritional elements, bread is filled with carbohydrates. It is not packed with nutrients or benefits but is simply a carb-source.
So while the bread is a very simple and basic food which seems harmless, is it actually good for your hamster?
Can Hamsters eat Bread?
In the simplest words, yes, hamsters can eat bread and it is generally safe for them. But should they eat bread? If so, how regularly?
Well, we must keep in mind that bread is not a nutrient-dense food. Considering it is just empty calories, your hamster won’t have much to gain from eating huge amounts of bread or even having it regularly.
Your hamster will likely show a preference for it due to its’ flavor and texture that is perfect to gnaw and nibble. But, you must feed bread to it only in moderation.
However, it should never be a staple part of your pet hamsters’ diet.
How Much Bread Should you Feed Your Hamster?
Your hamster will be ready to eat lots and lots of bread. But you have to give it in very small amounts.
Generally, hamsters love the crusty sides and you can just let them enjoy the crispy edges. However, make sure to cut them into soft shards or pieces so that the edges don’t hurt the hamster’s cheek pouches.
When it comes to the amount, a half-inch piece once a few weeks should be fine. With no nutritional benefits to offer, this small amount is enough to satisfy your hamsters’ cravings as an occasional treat.
Plus, these animals are so small that even this tiny amount can seem a lot to them.
What Type of Bread Should Hamsters eat?
Whole grain bread is the most ideal bread for your hamster because, in comparison to other bread, it still offers some nutritional value.
White bread is a type of bread we all commonly eat. But it is also very processed and has high gluten and carb content. Gluten is one ingredient that your pet may be allergic to. While it is not unsafe for hamsters, you should still choose whole-grain bread or brown bread over white bread for your pet hammy.
You must completely avoid any type of sweetened bread completely when it comes to your pet. This includes any cake bread or bread with lots of flavors especially salts.
Risks of Bread
While bread itself is safe for hamsters, the problem arises when there is over-eating. And we already know that hamsters tend to over-eat a lot.
Obesity is a common condition in hamsters. And it may result in them very quickly if they are given an unbalanced diet or the wrong foods. Bread is full of carbs, which is why we keep stressing moderation. In fact, bread is 70% carbs, meaning it can lead to rapid weight gain in hamsters.
Another common health issue in hamsters is diabetes. In fact, they are genetically dispositioned to the condition. In diabetic hamsters, any diet that is too heavy in carbs will result in higher sugar levels and can pose a number of health issues.
Plus, hamsters also love to store surplus foods in their cheek pouches for extended periods of time. Anything high in sugar or carbs can also result in tooth decay if the hamster starts storing a lot of it.
The bottom line is that intentionally feeding bread to your hamster is not harmful but also not good for it, in any way.
If you must, just let it nibble on a tiny sized crust or bite once in several weeks and that is the safest bet for your hamster. Don’t turn into a weekly snack or a regular treat, though. There are many other foods, fruits, and vegetables that your furry friend can enjoy and also benefit from. While we won’t ask you to completely avoid bread, we encourage you to focus on feeding a nutrient-rich diet to your hamster for positive long-term health and well-being.
