Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:30 pm
Hamsters are cute and very interesting to keep, it is a real pleasure to have hamsters as pets.
We have to pay attention to their diet so that they are healthy, they get enough nutrients so that they will have a longer life span.
You must be wondering when it comes to food, whether you should give them sesame seeds.
Can hamsters eat sesame seeds? The answer is yes, hamsters can eat sesame seeds, it is completely safe for them, and provides them with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Of course we should not forget that we should give them a moderate amount of sesame seeds to get the best possible benefits, because if they eat more than necessary they will get side effects.
Therefore, in today’s article, we will find out how many sesame seeds hamsters can eat, as well as the benefits and risks of this delicious food.
What should you know about sesame seeds?
Sesame seeds are used in many dishes, they taste great and are quite popular all over the world. Sesame seeds are round in shape and brown in color.
It is mostly used in Asian cuisine, but of course also in many other countries around the world.
Sesame seeds give a special taste to the dishes we prepare, and that is why they are in great demand in every household.
The cultivation of sesame seeds dates back to 3000 years ago, and it is mostly produced in India. Sesame seeds are very easy to find for purchase in almost any store.
Can hamsters eat sesame seeds?
Yes, hamsters can eat sesame seeds, it is completely safe for them as long as it is eaten in moderation.
After all, any food that is given to hamsters must always be moderate, any excess is not good for their health.
Hamsters can eat sesame seeds and use the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to improve their own health.
Will hamsters like to eat sesame seeds?
Yes, hamsters will love to eat sesame seeds, because they will like the taste of these seeds, and they will eat as much as you give them.
But an exception can always happen, that is when some one of the hamsters doesn’t want to eat sesame seeds, but that’s completely normal, just like we humans like to eat some food, and some we don’t like.
If your pet does not like to eat sesame seeds, you should not be disappointed, because there is a large selection of other types of food and seeds that hamsters can eat, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
How many sesame seeds can hamsters eat?
When it comes to the amount that hamsters are allowed of sesame seeds, it depends on the breed of hamster.
For example, Syrian hamsters, as the largest, can always eat the most sesame seeds, while dwarf hamsters eat the least.
So let’s see which breed can eat how many sesame seeds to get the best possible health benefits.
How many sesame seeds can Syrian hamsters eat?
Syrian hamsters are the largest breed of hamsters and therefore they can eat most of any food, including sesame seeds.
The ideal amount of sesame seeds for Syrian hamsters is 3-4 seeds per day.
It may seem that it is not a large amount, but it must be taken into account that sesame seeds have a lot of fat in their composition.
How many sesame seeds can Robo-hamsters eat?
Robo hamsters are smaller than Syrian hamsters, but that’s why they are bigger than dwarf hamsters.
This breed of hamsters can eat 2 sesame seeds per day, which is quite enough for them.
With this amount, the Robo hamsters will get the necessary nutrients, and at the same time, they will not have side effects on their health.
How many sesame seeds can dwarf hamsters eat?
Dwarf hamsters including Campbell’s, Russian and Chinese hamsters should always eat very small amounts.
It is ideal for them to eat one sesame seed per day, which is a perfectly acceptable amount for their size.
A really small amount, but dwarf hamsters have a very fragile and weak digestive system that cannot process larger amounts.
However, this amount of sesame seeds is quite enough to have benefits for improving their health.
How to initially give sesame seeds to hamsters?
Whenever hamsters need to get acquainted with some new food, you should offer it very carefully, and it is the same with sesame seeds.
It is desirable that you, as the owner, give them sesame seeds for the first time, because hamsters are timid by nature, and they hardly dare to try something they see for the first time.
At the same time, you will strengthen the trust between you and your pet, so that he will trust you more in the future when he needs to try some other food.
Give him a sesame seed to see if he wants to eat or refuses. If he wants, fine, and if he refuses to eat, don’t give him more, because he doesn’t need to eat something he doesn’t like.
How to prepare sesame seeds for hamsters?
Preparing food for hamsters is one of the most important things so that they do not have any problems or side effects on their health.
Whenever you feed sesame seeds to your hamster, make sure to wash the seeds thoroughly to remove any dirt and chemicals that may be on their surface.
Chemicals and dirt can only cause problems and diseases for your pet.
After they have eaten the sesame seeds, if there are any uneaten seeds in their cage, they should be removed immediately because they will start to smell and attract insects.
What to do if hamsters eat too many sesame seeds?
If by some chance the hamsters eat more than the recommended amount of sesame seeds, don’t worry, nothing terrible will happen to them, which of course does not mean that it should be repeated in the future.
In such a situation, you should give them a larger amount of water, so that a large number of sesame seeds in their stomach can be processed more easily and faster.
Diarrhea may also occur, but the condition should normalize within the next 24 hours, otherwise you should take your pet to the vet.
Are hamsters allergic to sesame seeds?
Yes, hamsters can develop an allergy when they eat sesame seeds, as well as other nuts.
If your hamster has symptoms of a sesame seed allergy it will show the following symptoms:
- swelling
- itching
- redness
- breathing problems
If you notice any of these symptoms then you should take your hamster to the vet to give him appropriate therapy.
Can baby hamsters eat sesame seeds?
No, baby hamsters should not eat sesame seeds in the first few weeks of their lives, because their digestive system will still be fragile to process this kind of food.
In the first few weeks of their life, they should consume only breast milk, water, and food specially intended for them.
Only after those few weeks, after prior consultation with a veterinarian, you should start gradually giving them sesame seeds.
What are the benefits of sesame seeds for hamsters?
The benefits of sesame seeds for hamsters are really great because the ingredients it contains make it possible.
As long as hamsters eat moderate amounts of sesame seeds, they will have excellent benefits, and if they overeat then they will have negative effects.
Here are some of the benefits for hamsters:
- calcium – is a very important mineral that makes it possible to strengthen the bones of hamsters, as well as to maintain healthy teeth in your pets.
- proteins – are very important for the health of hamsters, because they allow them to have more energy and strength, so they can withstand playing and running throughout the day.
- fibers – enable improved digestion and overall better functioning of the entire digestive system in your furry friends.
- iron – is a mineral that helps hamsters’ blood to be healthy and prevents anemia.
- pinoresinol – this compound helps to better regulate blood sugar in hamsters.
- zinc – improves the immune system in hamsters.
- sesamin – is a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that improve joint function in your furry friends.
- magnesium and phosphorus – are excellent minerals that improve bone health.
- antioxidants – which are important in the fight against free radicals, thus reducing the chances of cancer in hamsters, while at the same time slowing down aging and extending the life span of your furry friends.
- lowering cholesterol – because sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols, these are compounds that help reduce cholesterol in hamsters.
- tryptophan – a very important amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin and melatonin, these are two hormones that improve mood, strengthen immunity and reduce stress in hamsters.
- vitamin B – improves your hamster’s metabolism.
What are the side effects of sesame seeds for hamsters?
In addition to benefits, sesame seeds can also cause side effects in hamsters.
After all, any food, if eaten too much, can have bad risks for the health of hamsters, and the same is true for us humans.
Here are some of the possible side effects:
- obesity – since sesame seeds contain a lot of fat, if hamsters eat too much, weight may increase, which on the other hand will cause problems with the coordination of their movements.
- diabetes – again eating too much sesame seeds will not bring benefits, but can cause diabetes due to the fat it contains.
- stomach problems – causing bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in your pet.
- reluctance to eat other food – because if they eat too many sesame seeds, the hamsters will be too full for a long time, refusing to eat other food. It is not good for hamsters, because other types of food contain nutrients that are not present in sesame seeds.
Can hamsters eat sesame snaps?
No, hamsters should not eat sesame snaps, they are harmful to their health, and therefore should not be part of their diet.
Mostly because they contain large amounts of sugar in their composition, which causes diabetes and obesity in your furry friends.
Our recommendation is to avoid giving sesame snaps to hamsters, in fact any food that contains a lot of sugar should be avoided in your pet’s diet.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Chestnuts?
Can hamsters eat sesame sticks?
The answer is negative, hamsters must not eat sesame sticks, although they look delicious, they are still harmful to your furry friends.
In their composition, they also contain certain chemicals that can only harm the health of hamsters.
Sesame seeds are the right choice, there is no doubt about that, they are healthy and improve the health of your pet.
read more: Can Hamsters Eat Rose Petals?
Conclusion
Hamsters can eat sesame seeds, but always in moderation to get the best possible health benefits.
If they eat moderate amounts, hamsters will have a healthier digestive system, more energy, and healthier and stronger bones.
If hamsters eat too many sesame seeds, they can get side effects like diabetes and obesity.
Give moderate amounts of sesame seeds to your furry friends and watch them enjoy eating this healthy food that will improve their health and increase their lifespan.
