Can Hamsters Eat Crackers?

Crackers are a dry baked food made from flour, and are often an afternoon snack for adults, either on their own or with a topping. While they don’t necessarily appear to be the healthiest of snacks, with a topping of low-fat cheese can make them a nutritious alternative. However, with how plain crackers may appear, you may wonder if they are a suitable food for your hamster.

The answer to this important question is, in short – yes, hamsters can eat crackers. However, like most snacks, you should make sure any crackers you feed your furry friend are plain, rather than salty and seasoned.

Can Hamsters Eat Crackers

Read on to get the health information about crackers and find out whether or not it’s a good fit for your hamster.

Cracker Nutrition Information

A portion of five regular sized crackers will give you roughly the following amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds:

  • 4.1 grams total fat
  • 119.7 milligrams sodium
  • 17.8 milligrams potassium
  • 10 grams carbohydrate
  • 0.3 grams dietary fibre
  • 1.2 grams sugar
  • 1.1 grams protein
  • 1 percent calcium
  • 3 percent iron

Crackers are low in fibre and high in salt, meaning that they make a nice accompaniment for an afternoon snack. However, should you really be giving your hamster an afternoon snack?

How Many Crackers Can You Give a Hamster?

If your hamster has never eaten a plain cracker before, you should offer a very small amount first, and monitor them for the next 24 hours. You should make sure that they are still eating their regular food, as well as going to the toilet. If your hamster acts unusually at all, consult your vet as soon as you notice anything. However, if everything is well, you can then offer your hamster a slightly bigger piece, which should only be given once or twice a week.

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How Often Should You Give Your Hamster Crackers

Crackers offer no nutritional value to hamsters, so they should be provided in small amounts, preferably big enough for the hamster to hold themselves. While crackers are not a part of your hamster’s natural diet, you should only allow your hamster to eat plain crackers a couple of times a week. You should also make sure your hamster gets the correct nutrients from their own food, as well as having plenty of water available.

What Risks Are Associated with Giving Your Hamster Crackers

While hamsters can tolerate plain crackers, you should not be giving them anything that is salty or seasoned. Most human foods contain a lot of salt and sugar, which are too much for your small hamster companion to tolerate.

Can Hamsters Eat Crackers – A Final Word

While hamsters may be a small member of your family, you must make sure that they are properly fed and cared for. If you are ever in doubt about whether you can feed your hamster a certain food, it is always best to speak to your vet beforehand. We recommend sticking to foods like lettuce and celery for hamsters and only offering plain crackers as more of a treat.