Can Hamsters Eat Cornflakes?

Cornflakes are a breakfast cereal staple, also useful in baking. Cornflakes make for a handy snack for people, and they boast a certain amount of health benefits to those who consume them. So, if you enjoy tossing back handfuls of cornflakes, you may wonder if it’s acceptable to share some with your pet – especially with your hamster.

Can your hamster eat cornflakes? The answer is yes, but in moderation, and in accordance with recommendations for your particular breed of hamster.

Can Hamsters Eat Cornflakes

Read on to get the health information about corn flakes and to find out whether or not they are a good fit for your hamster.

Corn Flake Nutrition Information

One cup of plain corn flakes gives you roughly the following amounts vitamins, minerals, and other compounds:

  • 1.85g protein
  • .17g lipid fat
  • 24.39g carbohydrates
  • 101.08kcal energy
  • 2.94g sugar
  • .7g dietary fiber
  • 1.12mg calcium
  • 8.12mg iron
  • 2.52mg magnesium
  • 10.36mg phosphorus
  • 22.12mg potassium
  • 202.44mg sodium
  • .05mg zinc
  • .03mg copper
  • .05mg manganese
  • 2.32mcg selenium
  • 501.48iu vitamin a
  • 45.36mcg beta carotene
  • .04mg vitamin e
  • 42.56iu vitamin d
  • .96mg vitamin b

With the amount of vitamins present in a singular cup of corn flakes, it’s no wonder you’d want to share with your furry friend!

How Much Corn Flakes Can You Give a Hamster?

The amount of corn flakes you can safely give your hamster depends on the age of the hamster. Baby hamsters should not be given corn flakes at all. Adults can be given up to a tablespoon of corn flakes under supervision. And while corn flakes contain many health benefits, it’s important to give your hamster pieces of cornflakes alongside a balanced diet of regular hamster food.

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How Often Should You Feed a Hamster Corn Flakes?

Corn flakes should only be given to hamsters once in a while, even if Fluffy seems to have developed a taste for it. The recommended serving frequency is a week to two weeks, depending on the size and breed of your hamster.

What Risks Are Associated With Feeding Hamsters Corn Flakes?

Hamsters ought to only eat cornflakes that are plain. Frosted corn flakes contain a large amount of sugar, which can pose a health risk to certain breeds of hamsters. Certain breeds of hamsters are predisposed to conditions like diabetes, and the amount of sugar contained in cornflakes has the potential to trigger or worsen the condition. Only give your hamster cornflakes under the direction of your veterinarian.

Even if your vet clears your hamster to eat cornflakes, proceed with caution. The fat content present in cornflakes can cause obesity in hamsters and has the potential to cause stomach upset in hamsters, including vomiting and diarrhea, so your hamster should be monitored for a few hours after munching on some cornflakes.  

A Final Word on cornflakes and Hamsters

Corn flakes can be a good source of vitamins and minerals for both people and animals, but when it comes to hamsters, it’s good to use a cautious approach when offering some to Hammy, only using small portions in accordance with the needs of your hamster breed or the recommendations of your vet.