Can Hamsters Eat Bean Sprouts? All You Need to Know

Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:26 pm

Hamsters are small animals that require attention and care, especially attention that should be paid to their diet.

We all take care of their diet and always give them safe and healthy food that is important for their health. In addition to pellets and Timothy hay, they should include fruits and vegetables in their diet.

Have you ever wondered if you can give them bean sprouts?

Can hamsters eat bean sprouts? The answer is yes, hamsters can eat bean sprouts; they need to be given in moderation to have the best benefits for their health without harmful consequences.

The vitamins and minerals contained in bean sprouts are welcome for your pet.

In today’s article, we will find out how much and the benefits and risks that this vegetable brings to your hamster.

What are bean sprouts?

Bean sprouts are sprouts from the beans themselves.

They are popular worldwide, especially in Asia, and are often used in Chinese cuisine.

Bean sprouts have a large number of nutrients, and therefore we recommend that they be included in the diet of hamsters. In addition, bean sprouts are fresh and a healthy meal for our pets.

Bean sprouts are added when preparing fried rice, rolls, and soups.

Bean sprouts are low in calories, have minerals and vitamins in their composition, and have little sugar; therefore are good for hamsters.

Can hamsters eat bean sprouts?

Yes, hamsters can eat bean sprouts, they are completely safe for them, as long as they eat them in small and permissible quantities for their size.

By eating bean sprouts, hamsters will get the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to stay healthy and live longer.

Bean sprouts are also good for your pet’s teeth. Moderation is paramount so that hamsters can safely eat other foods.

Will hamsters want to eat bean sprouts?

Yes, hamsters will love to eat bean sprouts, they will like their taste and enjoy consuming them.

Most hamsters will want to eat bean sprouts, although a conclusion can always be reached that some hamsters can refuse to eat this vegetable.

But this should not discourage you because there is a large selection of other vegetables, fruits, and other foods your hamster will want to eat.

How many bean sprouts can hamsters eat?

Regarding the amount you should give to your pets, we must emphasize that it depends primarily on the breed and the size of the hamsters.

For example, Syrian hamsters as the largest can eat the most and dwarfs the least can eat bean sprouts.

So let’s see which breed of hamster should eat how much of this vegetable.can hamsters eat bean sprouts

How many bean sprouts should Syrian hamsters eat?

Syrian hamsters are the largest breed of hamsters, and they always have the privilege of eating most of any food.

Syrian hamsters should eat one teaspoon of bean sprouts a week.

That is a sufficient amount for the intake of nutrients from this vegetable without having side effects on their health.

How Many Bean Sprouts Should Robo Hamsters Eat?

Robo hamsters are smaller than Syrian hamsters and should eat smaller amounts of bean sprouts.

To get the most out of bean sprouts, they should eat one teaspoon every two weeks.

Although it looks small, it is still a sufficient amount for your furry pet. By eating this amount, Robo hamsters will get their nutrients in the best way.

How many bean sprouts can dwarf hamsters eat?

Dwarf hamsters and other small breeds like Campbells and Chinese hamsters always eat the smallest amounts of any food.

Dwarf hamsters should eat one teaspoon of bean sprouts once a month.

It may seem too little, but believe me, their digestive system can not handle more food. And this amount is quite enough for the best benefits for their health.

Can baby hamsters eat bean sprouts?

No, hamster babies should not eat bean sprouts.

They should only use breast milk, water, and food specifically for their age until they are a few weeks old. Only then should they start trying new foods such as bean sprouts.

We recommend that before you start giving them bean sprouts, you should first go to the vet to check how your pet is developing and whether he is ready for new nutritional challenges.

How to initially give bean sprouts to hamsters?

Hamsters are very timid by nature, and that is why you should approach them very carefully when they are introduced to a new food.

It is best for you as an owner to give these vegetables directly from your hand, so they will have more courage and will strengthen the relationship with your pet in the future.

Once you give them a small amount to try, watch their behavior, whether they like it or not.

If they like it, keep giving them bean sprouts, and if they do not want to, stop because it makes no sense to eat something if they do not like it.

How to prepare bean sprouts for hamsters?

When preparing bean sprouts for your hamsters, the basic rule is always to wash them well and thoroughly. Washing will remove dirt and any chemicals present on the bean sprouts.

Then never add any additives like salt, sugar, or anything else; just give them bean sprouts without additives.

Once your pet starts eating this vegetable, watch for the first 12 hours to see if there are any side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or something similar.

If something like this happens, stop giving them bean sprouts and consult a veterinarian for further steps.

What to do with uneaten bean sprouts for hamsters?

Removing the bean sprouts from their cage is very important because hamsters will eventually eat them.

If you do not remove them, they will spoil and can only cause problems for your hamster.

If a hamster eats rotten bean sprouts, it can get diarrhea, stomach aches, and other unwanted problems.

read more: Can Hamsters Drink Milk? Benefits and Risks

What happens if hamsters eat too many bean sprouts?

If hamsters eat too many bean sprouts, nothing terrible will likely happen.

However, our recommendation to facilitate their digestion is to give them a larger amount of water. As a result, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur, but they will pass.can hamsters eat bean sprouts

After a few hours, the hamsters should be better; if their condition does not improve, the next thing is to take them to the vet.

read more: Can Hamsters Eat Thyme? All You Need To Know

Nutritional values ​​of bean sprouts

To know better what exactly hamsters will get by eating bean sprouts, here is what their composition looks like in 90 grams of this vegetable according to USDA:

  • calories 30
  • protein 3 g
  • fat 0.18 g
  • carbohydrates 6 g
  • fiber 1.8 g
  • sugar 4 g
  • calcium 13 mg
  • iron 0.9 mg
  • Vitamin C 13 mg
  • phosphorus 54 mg
  • potassium 149 mg
  • magnesium 21 mg

What are the benefits of bean sprouts for hamsters?

If hamsters eat moderate amounts of bean sprouts, they will get the following benefits:

  • fiber – will help hamsters have better digestion. Generally have a better digestive system.
  • Antioxidants – help fight free radicals that carry a risk of cancer. Antioxidants are also important in preventing hamsters from aging and prolonging their lifespan.
  • Calcium – is an important mineral in the composition of bean sprouts, which helps to have stronger and healthier bones.
  • Iron – is another important mineral that will help hamsters have better and healthier blood.
  • Bioflavonoids – which help reduce stress in your hamsters.
  • Magnesium – found in bean sprouts helps hamsters have a better mood and sleep.
  • Vitamin C – is always an important vitamin for hamsters because they can not produce it themselves, and it will protect them from scurvy.
  • top shape – Because bean sprouts are low in calories, your hamster will always be in top shape.
  • Manganese and zinc – are great minerals that will strengthen your pet’s bones.
  • Less cholesterol – because bean sprouts do not contain cholesterol and help maintain low levels in hamsters.
  • Vitamin K – helps hamsters have healthier blood and cleaner blood vessels.
  • B vitamins – will help the hamster have a much better metabolism.

What are the side effects of bean sprouts for hamsters?

If hamsters eat moderate amounts of bean sprouts will be fine, but if they eat too much, then the following side effects will occur:

  • Diarrhea – occurs if hamsters eat too many bean sprouts, so watch your pet’s diet.
  • Abdominal pain – occurs because their digestive system can not easily handle larger amounts of food such as vegetables and fruits.
  • Refuse other foods – because if your pet eats too many bean sprouts, your hamsters will be full and will not want to eat anything else. That is wrong because other foods also have enough nutrients, which bean sprouts don’t have, and are also important to your furry friends.
  • Dehydration – can occur because bean sprouts have a lot of water, which in large quantities will cause dehydration of your pet.

An alternative to bean sprouts for hamsters

If your pets do not want to eat bean sprouts, it is not scary; there are many other vegetables that can consume them and get the nutrients they need.

Here are some of them:

  • spinach
  • broccoli
  • artichoke
  • carrot
  • cucumber
  • cauliflower
  • squash

Conclusion

Bean sprouts are a safe food for hamsters as long as they are eaten in moderation, offering essential nutrients for their health.

By eating a teaspoon of bean sprouts, they will have stronger and healthier bones, be in top shape, and have healthier blood and protection from scurvy.

If your hamster overeats, they will get diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other side effects.

Finally, give your pet moderate doses of bean sprouts and let them be happy.

read more: Can Hamsters Eat Cranberries? Benefits and Risks