Yogurt is a very versatile food. It can be eaten plain, with fruit mixed in, put inside smoothies, or even frozen. And those of us who love yogurt may find the impulse to share with our loved ones a strong one, even with our pets.
But can hamsters eat yogurt? The answer is technically yes, in small amounts and under supervision, but that feeding yogurt to your hamster is not recommended.
Read on to get the health information about yogurt and find out whether or not it’s a good fit for your hamster.
Yogurt Nutrition Information
One cup of yogurt will give you roughly the following amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds:
- 3.5 grams fat
- 14 milligrams cholesterol
- 159 grams sodium
- 531 milligrams potassium
- 16 grams carbohydrates
- 16 grams sugar
- 12 grams protein
- 2.3 percent daily recommended value vitamin a
- 3 percent daily recommended value vitamin c
- 32 percent daily recommended value calcium
- 1 percent daily recommended value iron
With the amount of vitamins and minerals that are present in yogurt, it may seem strange that hamsters can only have so much of it. But their yogurt consumption should certainly be limited.
Contents
How Much Yogurt Can You Give a Hamster?
The amount of yogurt you can safely give a hamster depends on its age. Baby hamsters should not eat any yogurt at all. Adult hamsters can have less than a teaspoon of yogurt at any given time. If you do give your hamster yogurt to eat, ensure that it’s plain yogurt. Flavored yogurt contains far too much sugar and other additives.
How Often Should You Give Your Hamster Yogurt?
The recommended serving suggestion for yogurt and hamsters is once a month. Only give your hamster some yogurt to eat under your supervision and alongside their regular diet of hamster food and plenty of fresh water. Making sure Fluffy has plenty of fresh water to drink is also important when including foods that aren’t part of a hamster’s regular diet.
What Risks Are Associated with Feeding Hamsters?
In the case of hamsters and yogurt, the risk may well outweigh the reward. The amount of fat, sodium, and sugar contained inside yogurt poses the risk for obesity, diabetes, and indigestion. Certain breeds are predisposed to conditions like these, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian prior to attempting to feed your hamster yogurt. If you do give your hamster yogurt, be sure to monitor them for about twelve hours afterward for any signs of gastric distress, such as diarrhea.
Final Thoughts On Can Hamsters Eat Yogurt
Yogurt can be a tasty snack for both people and hamsters…sometimes. You may want to think twice before you give some yogurt to your hamster. Like many good things, hamsters and yogurt fall under the category of just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. If you want to give your hamster a nice and healthy snack, consider giving them something that is better suited to their diet instead, like lettuce, kale, or celery.
