Foods You Should Never Feed Your Pet Hamster

Hamsters are fun little pocket pets that are as inquisitive as they are cute. While you may be tempted to feed them every food in which they seem interested, there are some foods you should never feed to hamsters. Many of these foods are ones that can causes health issues, including obesity, diabetes, or choking, while others are very toxic to hamsters.

The most harmful foods for hamsters include chocolate, fruit and seed pits, onions, dry kidney beans, and caffeine. Chocolate naturally has a chemical called theobromine in it that's hard for hamsters to break down. Meanwhile, fruit pits and seeds, like apple seeds, contain cyanide. While the seeds aren't a problem for humans, the hamster's small size means it takes a much smaller amount to be toxic. Dry kidney beans can cause bloating and contain phytohaemagglutinin, a poisonous compound found in uncooked beans that can dangerously clump red blood cells. (There's a reason it almost looks like the word "hemoglobin"!) Lastly, caffeine can increase hamsters' heart rates to dangerous levels if enough is ingested. 

Signs of toxicity in hamsters can include washed-out eyes, matted fur, shaking, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may also notice agitated squeaks, called hamster chirping, signaling distress. If you catch your hamster eating something harmful, it's best to remove the item to keep it from eating more. You can also contact professionals if you're unsure if what your hamster ate is harmful. If it's showing active signs of illness, seek veterinary care immediately.

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance and you can't reach your veterinarian or an emergency clinic, please contact the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Even if the food you're giving your hamster isn't toxic, letting it too much people food can still cause obesity and other issues for your furry friend. Be sure to avoid junk foods such as potatoes, light-colored leafy greens, and dairy. These foods can all cause obesity if eaten too often, and the leafy greens can contribute to digestive problems. Too many junk foods can also be hard to digest, which may result in you having to treat your hamster's constipation. Other foods, such as dried fruit, are very high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and even diabetes.

Additional foods to avoid include celery and peanut butter. Celery can become a choking hazard due to the strings that peel off it when it's chewed. Peanut butter is also a potential choking hazard due to its stickiness. It can easily get stuck in your hamster's cheek pouches. Instead, it's best to feed your hamster a healthy and balanced diet, including formulated pellets, treats, hay, and people food in moderation. If you're looking for some safe foods to give your fur baby, check out our list of foods hamsters can eat.