Last updated on September 22nd, 2023 at 08:01 am
In addition to pellets and hay, hamsters in their diet can also consume fruits and vegetables for about 10% of the total diet.
But you might be wondering, what about spices like cinnamon? Should you give your hamsters some?
Can hamsters eat cinnamon?
Hamsters cannot eat cinnamon, because this spice contains the toxic ingredient coumarin, which causes kidney and liver problems in hamsters. Cinnamon also causes digestion problems and stomach aches.
Hamsters do not like cinnamon due to the taste and scent which is too hot for them to handle.
In today’s article, you will learn why cinnamon should be avoided in your pet’s diet.
Can hamsters eat cinnamon?
No, hamsters cannot eat cinnamon; this spice is too harmful to them, so they should avoid it.
This spice is too hot for your hamster and they cannot handle it, even humans eat just small amounts.
If hamsters eat cinnamon it can only create problems with their digestive system, but there is no reason why you should give it to them in their diet.
Because cinnamon contains coumarin which is a toxic chemical, the danger of kidney and liver problems can occur.
Spices are not a good choice for hamsters to eat, give them fresh vegetables and fruits in addition to their regular diet of pellets and timothy hay.
Will hamsters like to eat cinnamon?
If given the opportunity, Hamsters will still eat cinnamon, although most will refuse to consume this spice because of the taste.
But even better if your hamster refuses to eat cinnamon because it will protect its health, and is gonna save them from disease and problems with the stomach.
What are the side effects of cinnamon for hamsters?
As we said, cinnamon is not a good option for hamsters, so at any cost, you should not let them get into a situation to consume this spice.
Cinnamon is not good for hamsters, and for us humans too, if we eat too much of this spice, we can create health problems.
Here are some side effects for hamsters’ health if they consume cinnamon.
Heart problems
Cinnamon and its ingredients are also very harmful to the cardiovascular system of hamsters.
If hamsters eat cinnamon they may have irregular heartbeats and other related heart problems.
That’s why it’s important to be careful that your furry pet doesn’t get into the situation of eating cinnamon.
Digestion and digestion problems
Spicy food is not good for hamsters, because their digestive system cannot process it properly.
They have a very delicate digestive system that can only have stomach problems if they eat cinnamon.
Apart from stomach pains, cinnamon also causes diarrhea, flatulence, and gas in your pets.
You will need to take your pet to the vet in such a situation.
Cinnamon is harmful to the lungs of hamsters
Cinnamon can cause real problems with hamsters’ respiratory organs.
This spice can cause unwanted symptoms such as shortness of breath and choking in your furry friends.
Therefore, if you notice these symptoms after your hamster has eaten cinnamon, you should immediately take your pet to a veterinarian to examine him and give him appropriate therapy.
Eye and nose problems
If hamsters eat cinnamon and then touch their noses or eyes, they will get pains and problems.
In humans, if they touch their eyes and nose with cinnamon, they will have problems, and in hamsters, these problems will be several times more pronounced.
It’s more dangerous to get a small amount of cinnamon on your nose and eyes than to eat it, so stay away from cinnamon for your furry friends.
The danger of poisoning with coumarin
Hamsters are at risk of coumarin poisoning when eating cinnamon.
By ingesting this substance, hamsters can only get liver and kidney damage, and even failure.
Studies show that a tolerable intake of coumarin to be safe is only 0.1 mg for 1 kg body weight, which shows how this toxic substance is dangerous for health.
Cinnamon sticks, as well as cinnamon powder, again contain coumarin; therefore, they should also be avoided in the diet of hamsters.
What to do if hamsters eat too much cinnamon?
Inadvertently or by some chance, hamsters still eat too much cinnamon, too much cinnamon will not harm them, but that does not mean that it should be repeated in the future.
In such a situation, you should not panic; give them a large amount of water so the food or cinnamon can be processed more easily.
Diarrhea and stomach pains may occur, but within 24 hours, the condition should be better.
If the condition does not normalize, take your pet to a veterinarian to examine him and determine appropriate therapy.
Can baby hamsters eat cinnamon?
No, baby hamsters should not eat cinnamon under any circumstances; it is too dangerous for them.
Their digestive system will not be able to process a spice like cinnamon.
The best food for baby hamsters is breast milk, water, and special food designed for their age, and this is especially important in the first few weeks of their life.
Can hamsters eat oatmeal with cinnamon?
No, hamsters cannot and should not eat oatmeal with cinnamon, because it contains sugar, salt, cinnamon, and milk.
All these ingredients are harmful to hamsters; although oatmeal also contains protein, iron, and other nutrients, it is harmful to your pets when taken as a whole.
Sugar causes diabetes and weight gain in hamsters, salt causes kidney problems, milk causes stomach problems, and we have already talked about cinnamon and the consequences it can cause to your furry friends.
Hamsters should avoid cinnamon oatmeal, and they need to eat healthy food like vegetables and fruit.
Can hamsters eat cinnamon applesauce?
Yes, hamsters can eat applesauce with cinnamon, but in moderate amounts, or rather only occasionally, never regular doses.
The applesauce should be without added sugars because cinnamon contains a lot of sugar.
Too much sugar can only cause diabetes and make your furry friends fat.
Can Hamsters Eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
No, hamsters cannot eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch because of the presence of cinnamon, sodium, and sugar.
These three ingredients alone can cause diabetes, weight gain, kidney problems, and other side effects for your furry pets.
Also, there is coumarin which can cause even more problems for hamsters, so this toast crunch is very bad for our pets.
Can hamsters eat cinnamon buns?
No, hamsters cannot eat cinnamon buns, they are harmful to them.
Cinnamon buns are delicious, but they contain dough, sugar, and cinnamon.
These ingredients are not a good food option for hamsters, so avoid feeding them.
If they eat cinnamon buns, the hamsters will get painful cramps and diarrhea, so there is no reason why you should give them this kind of food.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Rose Petals?
Can Hamsters Eat Cinnamon Cheerios?
No, hamsters should not eat Cinnamon Cheerios; they are too harmful to them.
Cinnamon Cheerios contain:
- cinnamon
- sugar
- corn syrup
- corn starch
- brown sugar syrup
These ingredients are reason enough not to give Cinnamon Cheerios to your furry friends.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Chestnuts?
Alternatives to cinnamon for hamsters
Instead of giving cinnamon to your hamsters, you can use other spices that are good for them and can help with the intake of healthy nutrients.
Therefore, here is a table of spices that are useful for hamsters and what are the benefits for your little friend:
| Spice | Benefits |
|---|---|
| ginger | better digestion |
| oregano | protection against bacteria |
| turmeric | protection against cancer and increases immunity |
| parsley | improvement of blood and bones |
| rosemary | destroys free radicals |
| basil | protection with antioxidants |
As you can see from the chart, you don’t need to risk giving cinnamon to your hamster, there are many other spices that are great for them.
FAQs
What is poisonous to hamsters?
There are several types of food that are poisonous to hamsters, for example dark chocolate contains theobromine and is toxic to hamsters. Garlic and uncooked beans are also very dangerous for their health and life.
Why can’t hamsters have sugar?
Sugar causes obesity, diabetes and tooth decay in hamsters, so avoid foods rich in sugar, only small amounts of sugar are allowed, nothing more.
Can hamsters eat grapes?
Hamsters can only eat a small piece of grapes once a week, because this fruit contains a lot of sugar, and sugar is very harmful for hamsters. Grapes should only be an occasional treat for your little friends.
Conclusion
Hamsters cannot eat cinnamon, it is harmful to their health. Cinnamon contains coumarin, which causes liver and kidney problems in hamsters.
Cinnamon in other products such as Cinnamon Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch is also not a good food choice for hamsters, so avoid giving them.
We recommend giving them vegetables and fruits as an addition to their diet; it is a much healthier option, which is overall better for their health and longer life.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Mushrooms?
