Will inorganic produce hurt my hammy?

[Crystalroborovski]

So yesterday I put a tiny bit of fresh veggies in a ceramic bowl for my two robo boys. I put a couple of thin slices of baby carrots and two pieces of pinkie-nail sized cucumber slices with the peel on. Yesterday my mom mentioned that I shouldn't feed the hamsters produce that wasn't organic because their little bodies probably couldn't handle the chemicals. I asked her if the cucumber was organic as it wasn't labeled or anything. She said she didn't think it was. Tangerine ate all of the veggies and now I'm concerned that the cucumber could hurt him. I have no idea if the cucumber is organic or not and if it isn't I don't know what it would be treated with. I know there was only a tiny bit of peel but I'm worried. Will Tangerine be ok?
I've only seen key Lime out today but it was only for a couple of minutes, so I haven't been able to monitor tangerine. I came upstairs just now and it seems like the boys have made a new burrow and eaten some of their scatter-fed food so they have been active. I know I'm probably worrying too much but ive only had hamsters for a few days and I would hate for one of them to become ill.

[AmityvilleHams]

Organic produce can be just as bad as normal produce,if it is grown with pesticides(even natural ones can be dangerous)or in some cases the food may not be non-GMO.If you can find non-GMO naturally grown local produce that would be just fine,for example from a local farmer's market rather than supermarket produce.

It certainly doesn't hurt to feed foods that are free of harmful chemicals,but there are worse things than produce not being organic for example food and treats containing artificial dyes and flavors or using preservatives known to cause cancer(BHA/BHT/ethoxyquin)as well as unspecified ingredients(including but not limited to biproducts,fat,and liver seen as "animal digest","animal liver","liver"(at least one cat food brand uses this term but it is the true exception,although I don't think it's a hamster-safe food,still don't use products with unspecified liver though),"meat and meat derivatives","meat and bone meal","meat",etc).

[Drago]

I really wouldn't worry over it in all honesty. In today's day and age, finding produce that's truly free of pesticides and chemicals is nearly impossible lest you grow your own food (which just isn't really always an option). Though going for organic/locally grown is best, you can use just general produce granted you rinse it very well first and use good judgement. I've always fed my hamsters general produce, the same stuff I've always eaten! Don't worry too much about him getting ill, the chances really are so slim. Like amity said, there is much worse out there than non-organic vegetables and fruits. Best wishes

[Crystalroborovski]

Ok thanks amity and drago! I felt like I was excessively worrying about it but again I'm a first time hamster-mom and I don't want my boys to get sick by me feeding them something harmful. Fortunately I do have a vegetable garden, I was going to plant some things in it sometime this month and we never use pesticides or any bug repellents in it.

[Drago]

Originally Posted by Crystalroborovski

Ok thanks amity and drago! I felt like I was excessively worrying about it but again I'm a first time hamster-mom and I don't want my boys to get sick by me feeding them something harmful. Fortunately I do have a vegetable garden, I was going to plant some things in it sometime this month and we never use pesticides or any bug repellents in it.

No need to feel bad for worrying! That's all part of being a good owner (or slave lol) Home grown veggies are such fun, and obviously the best option too. Enjoy growing and sharing them with your little guys

[AmityvilleHams]

You really can't be too careful with things like this!Home grown is definitely a good choice,for your pets and for the environment

[InkyPen]

I'm sure she'll be fine I'm yet to hear of anyone actually having problems with their hamster eating non-organic food.

Inky has eaten a few things she probably shouldn't have (like the time she sat underneath the fridge, refused to come out, and sat there munching crumbs of god-knows-what that were undoubtedly older than she is...). I've never seen any ill effects! There's probably a good reason why one of her many nicknames is Ratty I think they're often more resilient than we give them credit for.

FWIW, if you are concerned, then (a) washing fruit and veg is always a good idea, including for humans, and (b) peeling fruit and veg will remove the vast majority of any remaining residue, as these things are sprayed on.

[Crystalroborovski]

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone