Is Almond Milk ok for hamsters

LunaKitty · 09-07-2014, 04:11 PM

I have been trying to make healthy treats for my dwarf hamsters, syrians, and mice. My aunt drinks almond milk so its always in the fridge and I've been thinking of using it instead of water or 2% milk. So, is it ok to use?

Esmy · 09-07-2014, 05:39 PM

I'd be wary if it has added calcium like my soy milk does, for kidney purposes. Not sure if yours does or if that's an issue or not, just a thought I'd have if I considered it myself. Personally, I would stick to solids for treats.

**DrKMcK** · 09-07-2014, 11:10 PM

I wouldn't use anything more than water with healthy hams. Even when I make oatmeal for my fuzzy crew, I don't put milk in it. I don't know for sure if it would hurt a ham, but it might be too rich for their digestive system.

LunaKitty · 09-08-2014, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esmy

I'd be wary if it has added calcium like my soy milk does, for kidney purposes. Not sure if yours does or if that's an issue or not, just a thought I'd have if I considered it myself. Personally, I would stick to solids for treats.

I bake treats for my mice and now my hamsters, but I'll stay away from the almond milk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

I wouldn't use anything more than water with healthy hams. Even when I make oatmeal for my fuzzy crew, I don't put milk in it. I don't know for sure if it would hurt a ham, but it might be too rich for their digestive system.

Really!?! My poor babies... I'll use water in my recipes from now on... If I bake with fruit can I use the juice? Thank you

NiceCrocs · 09-08-2014, 12:21 AM

Fruit juices are okay, but stay away from citrus fruits and other very acidic ones, like kiwi. Things like berries work great in hamster treats though

**ianpallen** · 09-08-2014, 12:28 AM

No. It is not safe. Almond milk is made from crushed almonds and the almonds contain Cyanic Acid. This is harmfull to hamsters.

NiceCrocs · 09-08-2014, 12:49 AM

I don't think that's why it wouldn't be safe - whole almonds are safe treats, as long as they don't have the shells. Crushing them wouldn't make a difference.

**ianpallen** · 09-08-2014, 12:53 AM

Almonds is in the foods to avoid list here Food for your hamster

I have just googled it and here is what I have found.
http://www.answers.com/Q/Can_hamsters_eat_almonds

NiceCrocs · 09-08-2014, 01:02 AM

It's on the safe list here though: Safe and Unsafe Food and Plants - Hamster Central WIKI

I had forgotten that there's bitter and sweet ones though, thats a good point. Not knowing which type is used in almond milk, better to err on the safe side.

**ianpallen** · 09-08-2014, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiceCrocs

It's on the safe list here though: Safe and Unsafe Food and Plants - Hamster Central WIKI

I had forgotten that there's bitter and sweet ones though, thats a good point. Not knowing which type is used in almond milk, better to err on the safe side.

Good list, I like that one.
I too also found that 'sweet' almonds can be given as a treat (but noyt in the shell) and the cooking ones are bad for them.
We learn almost every day. lol

I see bananas are safe, are dried one safe too. My wife bought a bag full for our rabbit. i will 'borrow' some if they are. lol