Oranges are well known to be among the healthiest foods for people to eat, especially since they are so packed with vitamins. And if you’re a big fan of oranges, you may find yourself wanting to share a slice or two with your pet hamster.
But can your hamster eat oranges? The answer is an emphatic no. You read that correctly – your hamster should not, under any circumstances, eat oranges.
Read on to get the health information about oranges and find out exactly why it’s not a good fit for your hamster.
Contents
Oranges Nutrition Information
One cup of oranges will give you roughly the following amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds:
- 85 calories
- 21 g carbohydrates
- 3 g fiber
- 7 g protein
- 2 g fat
- 8 mg vitamin C
- 405 iu vitamin A
- 326 mg potassium
- 72 mg calcium
- 18 mg magnesium
- .2 mg iron
- 3 mg vitamin E
- 54 mc folate
- 2 mg phosphorus
Given the number of vitamins present in oranges, it may seem strange that hamsters wouldn’t be allowed to have oranges, but this is true. Hamsters can’t have oranges.
How Much Oranges Can You Give a Hamster?
The amount of oranges you can safely give a hamster is the same no matter if it is a baby or an adult. The amount of oranges you can safely give your hamster is zero. Do not give your hamster oranges. Instead, give your hamster a balanced diet of regular hamster food, other, more acceptable treats, and plenty of fresh water. Just leave the oranges out of it.
How Often Should You Give Your Hamster Oranges?
The recommended serving suggestion for oranges and hamsters is never because hamsters can’t have oranges. Instead of giving your hamster oranges to eat, perhaps give another piece of fruit in moderation, instead, such as strawberries or raspberries. But whatever else you give your hamster to eat should also be given in small portions, and under supervision.
What Risks Are Associated With Feeding Hamsters?
This is the most important point – the reason why you can’t give your hamster oranges. The acidity present in oranges is simply too much for little hamster tummies. When the acid content in food is too high, hamsters can develop a case of diarrhea. Diarrhea, in turn, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration, of course, can severely damage a hamster’s digestive system.
So, as you can see, the risks associated with giving oranges to your hamster is too great, and not even worth trying. If your hamster does end up eating oranges, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
A Final Word on Hamsters and Oranges
Oranges are a very tasty snack – but only for people; never for hamsters. It’s true that oranges are full of vitamins, but they are also full of acid, which is a bad idea for furry little digestive systems. We’ll say it one more time, just to be safe – don’t ever give your hamster oranges. Give your hammy some nice veggies, instead – or maybe some berries. But don’t let your hamster eat oranges.
