Radishes can make a good topping for your salad, and even a satisfying snack on their own. And if you’ve got a taste for radishes, you may feel compelled to share with those around you, including your pet hamster.
But can your hamster eat radishes? The answer is yes, but in moderation, and in accordance with recommendations for your particular breed of hamster.
Read on to get the health information about radishes and to find out whether or not they are a good fit for your hamster.
Contents
Radish Nutrition Information
One cup of sliced radishes gives you roughly the following amounts vitamins, minerals, and other compounds:
- .8 grams protein
- .1 gram lipid fat
- 4 grams carbohydrates
- 2.94 grams sugar
- 9 grams dietary fiber
- 1.12 milligrams calcium
- .4 milligrams iron
- 6 milligrams magnesium
- 3 milligrams phosphorus
- 270 milligrams potassium
- 2 milligrams vitamin c
- 5 micrograms vitamin k
- 29 micrograms folate
How Much Radish Can You Give a Hamster?
The amount of radish you can safely give your hamster depends on the age of the hamster. Baby hamsters should not be given radishes at all. Adults can be given up to one thin radish slice under supervision. And while radishes contain many health benefits, it’s important to give your hamster pieces of radish alongside a balanced diet of regular hamster food. Always make sure the radishes are washed well prior to giving them to your hamster.
If your hamster is a dwarf hamster, it would stand to reason that they would get a smaller piece of radish to snack on than a larger breed of hamster would.
How Often Should You Feed a Hamster Radish?
Radishes 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 one thin slice every week to two weeks, depending on the size and breed of your hamster, alongside their normal food, as mentioned.
Just like any vegetable, in order to get the hamster used to the taste of radish – or to even gauge their preference – you should give them about ¼ the recommended serving suggestion and work up to the full suggested one full slice.
What Risks Are Associated With Feeding Hamsters Radishes?
As with any treat that is not explicitly designated as being for hamsters, there are some risks involved with giving them to your furry friend. Certain elements of radishes can potentially trigger conditions such indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea, so watch your hamster for about 12 hours after eating radishes to ensure that no tummy troubles occur.
Before introducing any treat into your hamster’s diet, it may be beneficial to consult your veterinarian, especially if you are unsure about how eating radishes may affect your hamster.
A Final Word On Radishes
Radishes can be either a hit or miss food with hamsters. If your hamster seems to like them, there is very little stopping you from introducing radishes into your Hammy’s treat rotation. If you take the right precautions, you’ll be providing your hamster with a healthy, tasty snack.
