Hamsters eat both plant and animal food, which is very good for their health. I did a little research to find out if hamsters would like to eat turkey.
Can hamsters eat turkey?
Hamsters can only eat turkey if it is pre-cooked, and only eat small amounts. Hamsters can eat turkey meat and skin, but bones must not be eaten to prevent choking.
In today’s article, you will find out how much turkey hamsters can eat, whether it is good for their health, whether it has bad effects and other similar questions related to the topic.
Can hamsters eat turkey?
Hamsters can only eat turkey if it has been well cooked beforehand, and only eat small amounts for health benefits.
Turkey’s meat is rich in protein, and on the other hand, it is low in fat, which is important for hamsters to eat turkey and have health benefits.
Hamsters can eat turkey, but make sure it is:
- unsalted – because salt is harmful to their health.
- cooked – because raw turkey is not at all good for hamsters and can cause health problems.
- without additives – because all additives used in cooking turkey are harmful to hamsters.
How much turkey can hamsters eat?
Hamsters can eat a teaspoon of turkey meat each, which is quite enough for animals of their size. While baby hamsters should not consume turkey meat until they grow up.
Hamsters can safely eat turkey only if it is cooked and unsalted, and without any additives during preparation. If hamsters eat turkey that contains additives and supplements it can cause problems with their health.
Hamsters can eat turkey meat, but they can also eat the skin from a cooked turkey, but they should not eat the bones.
Should hamsters eat turkey often?
The amount of turkey that hamsters should eat should still be moderate and should not be excessive.
It is best to give them different amounts according to their breed and size as per the following chart:
- Syrian hamsters – one teaspoon per week
- robo hamsters – one teaspoon every two weeks
- dwarf hamsters – one teaspoon per month
Benefits of turkey for hamsters
Turkey meat is an excellent source of protein that helps hamsters have strong muscles and proper body growth and development.
In addition to proteins, turkey meat is also rich in selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and other vitamins and minerals that make the skin and fur healthy.
Eating turkey meat is also good for maintaining the body weight of hamsters, it helps them not to gain weight because it does not contain a lot of fat.
Here are some benefits of the ingredients in turkey:
- Antioxidants – help hamsters age more slowly and protect their bodies from cancer-causing free radicals.
- Niacin – Allows hamsters to have healthier hair and skin.
- Tryptophan – which helps to improve the mood of hamsters and make them feel relaxed and happy.
- Iron – a very important mineral that is especially important for female hamsters who can become anemic if they don’t get enough iron.
- Vitamin B – increases the energy of hamsters and allows them to be active and playful all day.
- Zinc – strengthens the immune system of hamsters and prevents the occurrence of diseases.
- Proteins – one of the most important ingredients in turkey allows hamsters to have more energy and body development.
Adverse effects of eating turkey in Hamsters
As long as you stick to giving turkey in moderation, hamsters should not have any health hazards or problems.
However, if they eat too much or more than allowed, the following problems may occur:
- stomach problems – especially in the first 12 hours after eating turkey you should watch your hamsters.
- danger of abscesses – if hamsters store turkey in their cheek pouches.
- The danger of bacteria and disease – since an uneaten turkey in a hamster cage attracts insects.
- increase in blood pressure – because the salt in the turkey can increase the blood pressure of hamsters, but this only happens if they eat large amounts.
How do you get your hamster to eat turkey?
Whenever you give turkey meat to your hamster, you should first cook it well. Give him a small piece of turkey and see if he likes it, if he doesn’t like it then don’t give him more.
Be careful not to feed turkey bones with the meat as this can cause the hamster to choke.
If the hamster does not eat the entire piece of turkey meat, immediately remove it from the cage as it will begin to spoil.
Can hamsters eat turkey skin?
Hamsters can eat turkey skin as long as you are careful with the amount you give them.
Turkey skin has nutrients for hamsters and can therefore be part of their eating menu.
You only have to pay attention to the amount, and not give them too much, that is the only danger for the hamsters and their health.
Can hamsters eat turkey bones?
Hamsters should not eat turkey bones under any circumstances as they can choke.
Turkey bones can get stuck in their throats and the hamsters can choke and die.
So practice giving them only the turkey meat, it is safe for your little friends to eat.
Read more: Can Hamsters eat Chicken? (Serving, Benefits, Risks)
Can pregnant hamsters eat turkey meat?
Pregnant hamsters can eat turkey meat, in fact, this type of food is recommended.
Since turkey contains a lot of protein, it is excellent for fetal development in pregnant hamsters.
Of course, you just have to pay attention to the amount and not give them too much, one spoonful of turkey meat once a week is enough.
Read more: Can Hamsters Eat Salami? Let’s Find Out
Can baby hamsters eat turkey?
Baby hamsters cannot and should not eat turkey until they are older.
Their digestive system is still a bit more complex than that of adult hamsters and therefore if they eat turkey it can be difficult for their stomach to digest.
Wait for the baby hamsters to grow up, and only then you can freely give them turkey meat.
Read more: What Proteins Can My Hamster Eat? Let’s Find Out
Conclusion
Hamsters can eat turkey meat, you just have to be careful about the amount. Once a week is enough for hamsters to eat turkey meat to make the most of the nutritional benefits.
Turkey’s meat is rich in protein, as well as other nutrients that are excellent for the health of hamsters.
Just make sure to always cook the turkey meat thoroughly before feeding it to the hamsters.
Read more: Can Hamsters Eat Beef Jerky? Let’s Find Out