Safe Food List for Hamsters

[Millie]

thank you so much for this

[xtinawinnie]

Well it says watermelon has too much water in it and can upset their stomachs. I guess perhaps you could give a tiny bit? I would have thought it would be the same with cucumber but doesn't seem to be the case

[StarlightSerenity]

There arent very many herbs on the list, I cook with a lot of fresh herbs and always wonder if I can give some to Luna - what about rosemary and thyme?

Also, the breeder who I bought Luna from says that parsley is toxic (no idea how true it actually is) -

Parsley is toxic, it is high in oxalic acid. Oxalic acid combines with metals such as calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, and potassium in the body to form oxalate crystals which precipitate and irritate the gut and kidneys.

- http://www.hammysworld.com/index.php

[xtinawinnie]

That's a good question. This is my problem with lists. They never cover everything. If anyone knows the answer I shall add it to the list.

[flix]

Originally Posted by xtinawinnie

Thank Loco but again that list doesn't cover a lot. I have sat and compiled a list now which you may like to use. I have included my sources at the end.

Christina

Wow that is very useful, thank you.

[MzWiz0915]

I have given my Syrian Gloria a small amount of watermelon before, she loved it and she made herself a sticky mess which kept her busy for a good 20 mins cleaning all the juice out of her fur

I have read that hamsters are discouraged from having milk in their diet because, like humans, they have the potential to be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is more common in cultures where milk is not consumed beyond infancy (example- some asian cultures, according to my nursing school text books). I don't know of anyway to predict lactose intolerance in hamsters.

I used to give Gloria 2-3 mL of skim (fat-free) milk with her vitamins mixed into it once every few weeks as a treat. I gave it to her through an eye dropper and she loved it

[xtinawinnie]

Thanks for you help MzWiz0915.

[Stacey]

I tried Millie with a teeny wee bit of Milk a few days ago. It must be the only thing i think she's been unsure about. She tried it, then stuck her nose in it and got herself all wet..silly hamster, and then i think she decided she wasnt going near the stuff again lol Probably just aswell if hamsters can be lactose intolerant!

[Demecat]

Bananas are high in sugar and potassium and shouldn't really be fed to any hamster

Boiled potato should only be given sparingly.

[Spark]

That's a fab document, thank you

Just so you're aware, avocado is listed as both safe and unsafe.