Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:23 pm
Our hamsters deserve good and healthy food, the better we feed them they will be healthier and have a longer lifespan.
Maybe sometimes when you eat cantaloupe you wonder if you can give a little cantaloupe to hamsters?
Is cantaloupe safe and healthy for hamsters? The answer is that hamsters can eat cantaloupe, but not all breeds of hamsters.
For example, Syrian and Robo hamsters can eat cantaloupe, while dwarfs should not eat this fruit.
Therefore, in today’s article, we will find out how much, how, and what are the benefits of eating cantaloupe for hamsters.
What is a cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is a sweet fruit grown in North America and Europe.
Cantaloupe is usually eaten fresh, it is especially recommended for refreshment on hot summer days, and it is also used as a salad.
Make sure the cantaloupe will be a huge sweet treat for your furry friends.
Can hamsters eat cantaloupe?
Yes, hamsters can eat cantaloupe just need to be careful about the amount they are given. Syrian and Robo hamsters can enjoy this sweet treat.
But you just have to be more careful because cantaloupe has very high levels of sugar.
Sugar can be a reason for obesity and diabetes, they are major causes of reduced life expectancy.
Will hamsters want to eat cantaloupe?
Yes, hamsters will enjoy eating cantaloupe because of its sweet taste and great aroma.
Although most hamsters will want to eat cantaloupe, there is a possibility that your hamster will refuse to eat cantaloupe.
But this should not disappoint you, because there is a huge selection of other fruits that your hamster will surely want to eat.
How to give cantaloupe to hamsters?
Whenever you start a new food you have to be very careful with your pet, because hamsters are by nature very scary pets.
That is why our recommendation is always you personally as the owner to give him new food in this case it is the cantaloupe.
Giving a cantaloupe personally from your hand will increase the trust between you and your pet, which will help in the future when you need to try something new to give them to eat again.
Give him a very small amount and see his reaction, whether he wants to continue or refuses to eat. If he wants to eat then that is a good sign, and you should gradually increase the dose of cantaloupe.
In case he refuses to eat then do not force him, because there is no need to eat something he does not like.
How to properly give cantaloupe to a hamster?
The first and most important thing is to always wash the cantaloupe well when your hamster needs to eat it.
This reduces the impurities and possible chemicals used for its cultivation.
The cantaloupe should then be cut into small pieces so that the hamster can eat it much more easily, and to protect itself from possible suffocation by the cantaloupe.
In the beginning when he starts eating cantaloupe, wait 24 hours to see if he will show any reaction like allergy, diarrhea, or something like that.
If all goes well continue to give him this sweet pleasure, otherwise if there are negative reactions, then consult a veterinarian for further steps.
How much cantaloupe should hamsters eat?
Hamsters when it comes to how much to eat cantaloupe, we should note that it depends on the breed and size of your furry pet.
For example, the Syrian hamsters as the largest should eat the most cantaloupe, while the Robo hamsters should eat the smallest amount.
So let’s see which breed and how many cantaloupes can eat to have health benefits without harmful consequences.
How much cantaloupe should Syrian hamsters eat?
Syrian hamsters always have the honor of eating the most cantaloupe because they are the largest breed.
The ideal amount of cantaloupe for Syrian hamsters is one teaspoon of cantaloupe only once a week.
Although it may seem a bit believable that because of the sugar in this tropical fruit this amount is best for their health and maximum benefits.
How much cantaloupe should Robo hamsters eat?
Robo hamsters are slightly smaller than Syrian hamsters but larger than dwarf hamsters.
For Robo hamsters, it is best for their health to eat half a tablespoon of cantaloupe once a week.
By eating cantaloupe Robo hamsters will absorb the nutrients contained in this fruit and will improve their health. Larger amounts than recommended can only lead to obesity and the risk of developing diabetes.
How much cantaloupe should dwarf hamsters eat?
Dwarf hamsters along with other small breeds such as Campbells and Chinese hamsters should avoid eating cantaloupe.
The problem is in their digestive system which will not be able to process the cantaloupe pieces properly.
Cantaloupe because contain sugar is also a problem for their health and therefore you should not give them this sweet fruit.
What to do if a hamster eats too much cantaloupe?
If hamsters eat too much cantaloupe by mistake, carelessness, or something similar, nothing terrible will probably happen to them.
If this happens only once it is not dangerous, while if it happens regularly, then it can be dangerous for their health.
In a situation where hamsters will eat too much cantaloupe, you should immediately give them more water to drink, so that the effect of sugar can be reduced and the excess cantaloupe in their stomach can be digested easier and faster.
If then everything is fine with the hamster there is no room for panic, while if there is stomach pain, diarrhea, and the like, then take him to the vet.
What are the benefits of cantaloupe for hamsters?
Because cantaloupe has good amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this will bring benefits to hamsters, here are some of them:
- Vitamin C – is the most important vitamin for the health of hamsters that they will get by eating cantaloupe because they can not produce it themselves, and it protects them from scurvy.
- Vitamin A – is a great vitamin for hamsters, because it improves the vision that is innately very weak.
- Fiber – always welcome for your pet’s health and improving digestion and overall digestive system.
- Magnesium – is a great mineral that will improve the bone health of your hamster.
What are the side effects of eating cantaloupe for hamsters?
Every food has its pros and cons, and especially when it comes to food like cantaloupe you have to be very careful about the amount that will be given to the hamsters.
If they overdo it by eating cantaloupe then the following health problems can happen to them:
- diarrhea – occurs if hamsters eat too much cantaloupe which has a lot of water in its composition and can cause difficulty in their stomach.
- choking – there is a danger if hamsters eat larger pieces of cantaloupe, so always chop them into smaller pieces.
- sugar – due to a large amount of sugar too much cantaloupe can cause diabetes and obesity.
- cantaloupe seeds – must be removed from the cantaloupe to avoid suffocation of your sweet pet.
- impurities and chemicals – can be found on cantaloupe and cause disease, so fruit should be washed well before giving to hamsters.
Can hamsters eat cantaloupe skin?
Yes, hamsters can eat cantaloupe skin, it is completely safe for them.
Of course, again, before you give them cantaloupe skin, you should wash it well so that there are no pesticides on its surface that will harm your pets.
Cantaloupe skin contains nutrients and should therefore be given to your furry pets to eat.
Can hamsters eat cantaloupe seeds?
Hamsters should not eat cantaloupe seeds, although if they eat cantaloupe seeds the danger is still too big for the health of your hamster.
Because there is a danger of suffocation, if you decide to give them, it is best to cut the seeds in half before giving them to the hamsters to eat.
When the seeds are cut in half you will significantly reduce the risk of suffocation of your pet. Studies show that cantaloupe seeds contain traces of cyanide, which is toxic to hamsters.
However, our recommendation is not to give cantaloupe seeds to hamsters, because the danger of eating them is very high for your pets.
Can hamsters drink cantaloupe juice?
No, hamsters should not drink cantaloupe juice.
Cantaloupe juice can contain very large amounts of sugar, and on the other hand, may not contain the same nutrients as fruit.
So avoid giving them cantaloupe juice, stick to the fruit, it is the best option for hamsters and their health.
read more: Can Hamsters eat Raisins? Benefits and Risks
Can hamsters eat frozen cantaloupe?
No, hamsters should not eat frozen cantaloupe or any other frozen food.
If hamsters eat frozen cantaloupe it can only hurt them like diarrhea or stomach aches.
In any case, if you want to give them a cantaloupe that was previously frozen, it should be left to get to room temperature before they start eating it.
Fresh food is always the best option for your hamster.
read more: Can Hamsters eat Chicken? (Serving, Benefits, Risks)
Can hamsters eat winter cantaloupe?
Yes, hamsters can easily eat winter cantaloupe.
Winter cantaloupe is good because it will offer a lot of nutrients and vitamin C to your pets.
Winter cantaloupe also contains very small amounts of sugar which is another good side for your pets to eat.
Conclusion
Hamsters can eat cantaloupe, only in moderation due to a large amount of sugar.
Cantaloupe, if eaten in moderation, will provide the excellent nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pets need to improve their health.
If your hamster overdoes it by eating cantaloupe, hamsters can gain weight, get diabetes, diarrhea, and other health problems.
Lastly, give small amounts of cantaloupe to your hamsters, and they will enjoy this sweet dessert and be overjoyed.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Fish? Benefits and Risks
