Can Hamsters Eat Parsley? (Benefits and Side Effects)

Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:16 pm

Can hamsters eat parsley? Yes, hamsters can eat parsley, but always in moderation, to make the most of its health benefits.

Hamsters, although their main food is hamster pellets, should still include other foods in their diet, such as fruits and vegetables, including parsley. Vegetables and fruits help hamsters get the vitamins and minerals they can not get from the commercial mix of foods they eat most often.

Parsley in small quantities contains protein, fiber, and carbohydrates which are also great for hamster health. In today’s article, we will get acquainted with parsley, how much hamsters need, what amount is right and what are all the benefits and side effects of consuming it for their body.

What do we need to know about parsley?

Parsley is a plant that is grown all over the world and is often used as a food supplement. When you add parsley to food, it gives it a special taste and the food is even tastier to consume.

This exceptional plant contains many vitamins, which is its best side, and vitamins are a real treasure for your furry pet.

Can hamsters eat parsley?

As mentioned at the beginning, hamsters can eat parsley and enjoy consuming it, with attention because parsley is slightly acidic and has a lot of calcium, which can cause kidney and bladder stones, but only if given too much.

Therefore, when giving parsley, we recommend mixing it with other vegetables that are low in calcium, such as cauliflower or carrots.

Of course, care should be taken in the way it is prepared for your hamster, because only then will it have great benefits for his health.

Be careful where you buy it, it should always be well washed, because of the danger of pesticides and impurities that are very dangerous to your pet’s health.

Parsley should always be given to the hamster as clean as possible and without any additives, dressings, or anything like that, such additives can only do more harm than good to the health of your furry pet.

Do hamsters like to eat parsley?

Hamsters not only like to eat parsley, but they will also enjoy eating this plant.

We must note that not all hamsters will want to eat parsley, although the largest percentage of them will want to eat, there are always exceptions.

Never force your pet to eat something he does not like, if they do not like parsley, then they will eat other vegetables or fruits, be sure of that.

As with any new food, you should first give it a try, and to see its reaction, if it takes and eats it properly, gradually add parsley to its diet.

Be sure to wait 24 hours first to see if there is a negative reaction.

The most important thing is to be close to your pet when you give him parsley for the first time so that he can be more confident and not be afraid of new foods.

What should you look out for when giving parsley to hamsters?

If you notice that your hamster develops diarrhea, lethargy, etc. after eating parsley, immediately stop feeding him such food, and take him to the vet just in case.

After consuming parsley, always check the hamster cage, because they know how to hide some of the food for later.

Whenever you find such a phenomenon, remove the parsley or any other food, as it can spoil and be harmful to them.

How much parsley should hamsters eat?

The amount that hamsters should eat from this great plant is actually the most important thing, in order to have the best possible benefits for their health, it certainly depends on the breed of hamsters.

For example, Syrian hamsters can eat the most, while dwarf hamsters can eat the least parsley.

How much parsley should a Syrian hamster eat?

The Syrian hamster is the largest of all hamsters, so he should eat the most parsley, his digestive system allows him to eat the most.

Syrian hamsters can eat a teaspoon of parsley twice a week, maybe more but still do not overdo it.

However, even for them, a larger amount than the one we recommend can cause problems with their health and cause diseases.

How much parsley can a Robo hamster eat?

Robo hamsters are smaller than Syrian hamsters, so they should eat less parsley.

Because they are smaller, the ideal amount of parsley is one teaspoon once a week, nothing more or less than this to make the most of the benefits.

They will certainly want to eat more but do not let them deceive you, you as the owner should be careful about the quantity.can hamsters eat parsley

How much parsley should dwarf hamsters eat?

Dwarf hamsters as the smallest, along with other small breeds such as Campbells and Chinese hamsters should eat less parsley.

It is best for their size to eat half a Robo hamster, or one or two teaspoons less than a Robo hamster once a week.

Can hamsters eat dried parsley?

Yes, hamsters can eat dried parsley, but a little less than fresh parsley.

If you can not find fresh parsley at the moment then give dried parsley to the hamster, although its taste will not be exactly the same as fresh parsley.

It is best to give dried parsley once a week, which you can put in a little water to activate its taste, and so it will be tastier for your pet.

Can hamsters eat parsley leaves?

Just as they eat parsley they can freely eat the leaves of this plant, it will not harm them and the leaves are healthy and good for their health.

Parsley leaves can be eaten alone, or even better if you mix them with some other vegetables.

Can hamsters eat parsley stems?

Hamsters can eat parsley stems, although some say they are not good for your pet, there is no evidence to support this claim.

Parsley stems have their own health benefits for hamsters, such as a good amount of fiber.

Feel free to give your hamster parsley stems once a week.

read more: Can hamsters eat cheese? (Benefits And Risks)

Can hamsters eat parsley roots?

Of course, hamsters can also eat parsley roots, but just like fresh parsley in moderation.

Parsley roots have a very good amount of antioxidants, as well as dietary fiber, which will improve their health and digestion.

What are the benefits of parsley for hamsters?

Parsley is a great plant with a wealth of vitamins for hamsters, so it should be introduced into their diet. We will repeat everything is up to the quantity, too much of the allowed will have a domino effect, ie negative effects.

  • The antioxidants in parsley will help protect it from disease and prevent cancer.
  • Vitamin C will boost his immunity, and prevent scurvy.
  • Potassium – helps maintain water levels to always be at normal levels in hamsters, as well as preventing the formation of stones in the bladder.
  • Vitamin A is great for eye health and better vision in hamsters, as well as for better kidney, liver, and heart function.
  • Vitamin K is important for the blood, it helps its clotting, which is a prerequisite for better wound healing in hamsters.
  • Vitamin B helps hamsters have more energy so they can run and have better mobility and better coordination.

Nutrition facts about parsley for hamsters

Half a cup of parsley, in addition to the above vitamins, also contains the following values:

  • 3 calories
  • 1 g of fiber
  • 4 g of carbohydrates
  • 4 g protein
  • iron 4 mg
  • potassium 160 mg
  • calcium 4 mg
  • magnesium 15 mg

It also contains traces of zinc, copper, niacin, and vitamin E.can hamsters eat parsley

Side effects of parsley in hamsters?

Parsley is healthy for hamsters, but any food if consumed in excess can lead to side effects, the same goes for hamsters as long as they eat in moderation they will have no problem.

If they eat more than necessary, the following health problems will occur:

dehydration – because there is a lot of water in parsley, if they overeat, hamsters may experience dehydration in their body.

Digestive problems – if eat too much parsley, your hamsters will start to have stomach problems because this plant is sour and can irritate your pet’s stomach and intestines.

impurities and pesticides – parsley must always be well washed and clean, and especially such vegetables due to their shape, must be carefully washed, otherwise, hamsters will have problems with digestion, diarrhea, and the like.

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

Other foods as an alternative to parsley in hamsters?

In addition to parsley, there are other vegetables that are healthy for your hamsters:

  1. carrot
  2. broccoli
  3. sweet potato
  4. spinach
  5. green beans
  6. sweet corn
  7. pumpkin
  8. cucumber
  9. tomatoes
  10. cauliflower
  11. asparagus
  12. cabbage

There is indeed a large selection of vegetables that your pet can eat, of course always in moderation.

Conclusion

Hamsters are free to eat parsley and enjoy it, but in moderation, otherwise, they will have health problems.

Vitamins A, B, C, K, and antioxidants found in parsley will help hamsters have better eyesight, heart, blood vessels, more energy, and protection against cancer.

Side effects are rare and occur only if the amount is excessive, which can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, indigestion, and the like.

It is best for hamsters to consume 1-2 tablespoons a week for maximum health benefits of parsley, this amount is for Syrian hamsters while smaller hamsters need half of this dose.

In addition to fresh parsley, hamsters can eat parsley leaves, stems, and roots, but in moderation.

Lastly, feel free to give your pet parsley, just pay attention to the amount and enjoy watching the hamster happily eat this food.

read more: Can Hamsters Eat Blueberries? Benefits and risks