We know hamsters as cute, furry pets that eat pellets and chew sticks. But in the wild, they’re naturally omnivores and eat a large variety of foods, from grains to nuts and berries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While watermelon isn\u2019t part of a hamster\u2019s natural diet, every hamster we\u2019ve ever met loves it. It\u2019s a refreshing, sweet and delicious fruit that practically no hammy can resist!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s good news for hamsters everywhere. Watermelon isn\u2019t only delicious, but it\u2019s also a safe and healthy option for them when eaten in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like all fresh foods, it\u2019s important that watermelon and other sweet fruits supplement your pet\u2019s regular diet. Watermelon isn\u2019t a balanced enough food to be a staple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s learn more about the nutrition and health information of watermelons!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contents<\/p>
A half-cup of raw watermelon (about 76 grams) contains the following nutrients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watermelon is a healthy and refreshing fruit that is so juicy, it\u2019s literally 90% water! The remaining 10% is filled with those good vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do these micronutrients actually do for a hamster?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your hamster is suffering from dehydration and has a hard time drinking water<\/a>, watermelon can be a great option to help them get the water they need. Sometimes, a sweet treat can be a very effective way to rehydrate your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember that watermelon still can\u2019t serve as a daily treat, so you\u2019ll have to find a variety of ways to keep your hamster hydrated. If you\u2019re in this situation, you should consult with your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some very good reasons for limiting the amount of watermelon you feed to your hamster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid feeding dried watermelon to your hammy. It\u2019s sticky and difficult to clean. If it gets stuck in your hamster\u2019s teeth, it can lead to rot and decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best to not feed them to your pet. There isn\u2019t a lot of specific information about the effects of watermelon seeds on hamsters, but many other fruit seeds are toxic. Plus, they can be a choking hazard and may scratch your hammy\u2019s cheek pouches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The high levels of water in watermelon can be both a health benefit and a health concern, depending on the situation. If a hamster has too much water, they can suffer from diarrhea or even kidney failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hamsters are prone to both obesity and diabetes. Both conditions can be brought on or aggravated by sugary, high-carb foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes is a disease that leads to very high blood-sugar levels. While a healthy hamster\u2019s body would produce insulin to regulate its blood sugar, a diabetic hamster either can\u2019t create insulin or is allergic to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obesity is common in domesticated hamsters. It\u2019s very easy to overfeed them, and giving them enough exercise can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can avoid these health problems by regulating the amount of sugar your hamster gets and making sure it has a balanced diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster isn\u2019t used to eating fresh foods or sweet fruits like grapes<\/a>, make sure to slowly introduce them into its diet. Start with less-sweet foods like leafy greens and cucumber and work your way up to watermelon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One serving of watermelon is different depending on your hamster\u2019s size.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth Concerns of Watermelon<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dried Watermelon<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Watermelon Seeds<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
High Water Content<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
High Sugar Content<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Feeding Watermelon to Hamsters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n