If you have a pet hamster, you likely want to introduce a variety of tasty foods to their diet that they will surely love. After all, hamsters love to eat and nibble and gnaw on everything that comes in their sight.
Before you choose to feed them anything new, you should always do your research. This is because hamsters are very sensitive and fragile and can quickly get negatively affected if given the wrong foods. Plus, their small bodies indicate they are unable to expel toxic substances quickly.
Generally, hamsters should be given a nutritious diet comprising of whole grains and seeds as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. But does that mean, all fruits and vegetables are safe for them?
And what about garlic, specifically? We all love the rich taste and aroma of garlic. But would hamsters love it? And more importantly, will their bodies accept it? Let’s find out if giving your hamster some garlic is a safe option.
Contents
Garlic Nutritional Information
To answer the question clearly, let’s first take a look at the nutrients present in garlic. Before you feed anything to your hamster, it is recommended that you go through the ingredients or nutritional content of any food.
You should always specifically look for the acidic, sodium (salt), water, sugar, and phosphorus content of anything you feed to your hamster.
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 623 kJ (149 kcal)
Carbohydrates
33.06 g
Sugars 1 g
Dietary fiber 2.1 g
Fat
0.5 g
Protein
6.36 g
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1) (17%) 0.2 mg
Riboflavin (B2) (9%) 0.11 mg
Niacin (B3) (5%) 0.7 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
(12%) 0.596 mg
Vitamin B6 (95%) 1.235 mg
Folate (B9) (1%) 3 μg
Vitamin C (38%) 31.2 mg
Minerals
Calcium (18%) 181 mg
Iron (13%) 1.7 mg
Magnesium (7%) 25 mg
Manganese (80%) 1.672 mg
Phosphorus (22%) 153 mg
Potassium (9%) 401 mg
Sodium (1%) 17 mg
Zinc (12%) 1.16 mg
Other constituents
Selenium 14.2 μg
Should Hamsters eat Garlic?
As seen in the data, garlic contains some salt, fat, and sugar and a large amount of phosphorus, calcium, and acidic content. Plus, garlic has a very strong taste and smell, too.
These ingredients are far too much for a hamsters little stomach to handle. In fact, garlic can make them sick.
So, the answer is, no. Hamsters should not be given garlic at all. In fact, it is considered one of the topmost dangerous foods for a hamster.
What Happens if my Hamster eats a Little Garlic?
It is advised to avoid garlic completely. That means, even garlic bread is a big no-no for your pet hamster.
Since garlic contained elements that are toxic for your hamster. This also goes for onions and tomatoes it can make them sick quickly. Indigestion and stomach related issues can show up immediately.
Furthermore, blood disorders can also show up in a hamster that has been feeding on garlic.
Even a little bit of garlic is unsafe for your hamster and can possibly turn deadly. If your hamster did eat a little garlic, you should immediately consult a vet and get your pet thoroughly checked.
Your hamsters’ health should always be a top priority. We advise you to always stay keen and vigilant when it comes to your furry little pets’ diet.
