Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:12 pm
Can hamsters eat cheese? The answer is yes, hamsters enjoy eating cheese, after all, all rodents like to eat cheese. Although the primary food for hamsters is seeds, grains, grasses, and pellets hamsters, cheese is still a great dessert for them that they will not resist.
Feel free to give them cheese, as it is safe for their health, but first, you need to know some things when it comes to feeding your pet cheese.
Is cheese safe to eat for hamsters?
Cheese is safe for hamsters as long as it is given properly and in a certain amount. Because cheese is high in calories and fat, great care must be taken because hamsters can easily become obese or develop diabetes, so a little cheese is ideal for hamsters.
Hamsters should not be given rotten, old, or moldy cheese, just like us humans. Also, when choosing a cheese, avoid cheese that is too salty, such as parmesan or cheddar.
Stilton and blue cheese should never be given to hamsters, which are toxic to them. Large amounts of salt are harmful to your sweet pet.
What kind of cheese is best for hamsters?
Of all the types of cheese, it is definitely best to eat cottage cheese, because it has a special variety with low fat. In addition to being low in fat and calories, cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium, which are extremely important for hamster health.
Another good option is mozzarella, because it is also low in fat, and is very healthy for hamsters. Mild cheese is another good option for hamsters, and that cheese is not too salty and is not as harmful to your pet.
Although hamsters can eat cheese, it does not necessarily mean that they have to eat, it is up to you as the owner to decide for yourself what your pet’s diet will consist of.
What if your hamster accidentally ate too much cheese?
Sometimes by mistake, it can happen that hamsters eat more cheese than necessary, what to do then? Once or twice may not cause hamster health problems, but if it happens more often then:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
In such a situation there is nothing to wait for, you should immediately go to the vet to help the hamster by prescribing appropriate therapy.
Check the cage for hamsters to hide food or cheese and then overeat and end up at the vet.
How to feed hamsters with cheese?
The most important thing is moderation for this type of food, and that is once a week a small piece of cheese for hamsters to eat.
The size of a piece of cheese should be the size of a hamster bite, and be careful that the hamster does not hide a piece in cheeks, as it can cause tooth decay.
Do not allow any piece of cheese to remain in the cage as it will cause bacteria and a bad odor. There is no guarantee that all hamsters want to eat cheese, it is individual, you give him a piece and you will see if he will eat it or not.
If he does not want to, do not force it, there are many other types of food that hamsters can eat.
Can Syrian and dwarf hamsters eat cheese?
Of course, they can, but in different quantities, the Syrian hamster because it is the largest he can eat one piece a week.
While small dwarf hamsters eat twice small a piece and it is best to give him cheese once in two weeks.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries? And How Much Is Safe
Is cheese good for hamsters?
Initially, hamsters eat plants, fruits, seeds, etc., but cheese is also an important part of hamster health.
Because they are high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, zinc, and other minerals, cheese is a good source of all these nutrients. Zinc will help the hamster have a much better metabolism and easier digestion of the food it eats.
Vitamins A, D, K, and B12 help for better eyesight, healthy bones, better blood clotting, and other values that will help your pet stay healthy and strong.
Most and most important is the presence of proteins in the composition of cheese, which are very important especially for pregnant hamsters to whom it is of great importance at that time.
About 15% of protein is needed in a hamster’s diet to maintain good health.
Can hamsters eat cheese puffs?
Hamsters should not eat cheese puffs because they are not healthy enough for them.
After all, cheese puffs have only traces of cheese, and on the other hand have a lot of salt in their composition, which is harmful to the health of hamsters.
Too much salt can only raise blood pressure in hamsters and even cause heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease.
Can hamsters eat cheese-flavored snacks?
No matter how tasty they are, hamsters should not eat cheese snacks, you should not let them try such products at all.
These snacks are dangerous because they can lead to suffocation of your hamster, due to the ingredients they contain.
Can hamsters eat canned cheese?
Hamsters should never eat canned cheese or anything like that, it is harmful to their health.
Lactose intolerance in hamsters?
Because cheese is still an artificial product, hamsters may have trouble eating it. They may be lactose intolerant to the milk from which the cheese is made.
Some animals are unable to break down lactose and may have problems with digestion or lactose intolerance.
If hamsters vomit or have diarrhea after consuming cheese, you should avoid eating these foods in the future, as they may be lactose intolerant.
read more: Do hamsters eat cucumbers? Are They Healthy!
Side effects of eating cheese for hamsters?
Excessive giving of cheese to hamsters can lead to problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach problems. Ultimately, hamsters can become dehydrated and lose electrolyte balance in their body, and you will probably need to see a veterinarian help your cute pet.
When some cheese has spices or a lot of salt it can lead to fatal consequences and even end in the death of the hamster.
Diabetes and obesity are also possible when your hamster eats too much cheese, but we must note that it depends on how much cheese you give him, if you pay attention to the amount there will be no serious consequences.
Conclusion
Hamsters can eat cheese, it is safe for them as long as it is in moderation. It is best to eat cottage cheese or mild cheese or mozzarella, while other types of cheese such as hard cheddar or parmesan are harmful to their health.
Cheese is good for hamsters because by consuming it hamsters get protein, minerals, vitamins, and other important ingredients.
Once a week is a maximum amount and only small pieces of cheese are safe and healthy for your pet.
Excessive giving of cheese will cause diabetes, weight gain, as well as side effects such as diarrhea, suffocation, and even fatal consequences with death (if you give him blue cheese).
That is why you, as owners, should take care of the quantity and type of cheese so that the hamster can be satisfied and not harm his health.
