There are many debates among pet owners about what their pet can or cannot eat. The same goes for hamsters, who are particularly sensitive to what they eat due to their small size and fragile stomachs. So yes or no, can I give bread to my hamster?
Overall, bread is bad for hamsters
If you are used to giving bread to your hamster, you should stop. Why? Because bread is not a nutritious source of food for hamsters on one hand, and on the other hand, it can be harmful to them. Additionally, bread is not a very balanced food source and does not contain the vitamins and minerals your hamster needs to stay healthy.
As you probably know, bread is primarily made from flour, water, and yeast. However, two of these components prove to be harmful:
- Flour is a source of complex carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest for hamsters
- If the formation of yeast in the stomach exceeds a certain threshold, it causes the process of fermentation. This, in turn, results in alcohol poisoning.
With the following possible medium/long-term consequences for your little companion:
- abdominal pain
- digestion problems (bloated stomach, gas)
- soft stools
- nausea / vomiting
- the formation of gas in a thick intestine which could cause respiratory failure
- diarrhea and refusal to eat;
- heart diseases
- obesity
If you thought giving him bread was a good idea for him to gnaw on his teeth: you were wrong! Instead, give him a slice of apple or a slice of cucumber. Fruits and vegetables are a much healthier source of food for them.
Because bread is a powerful source of carbohydrates, even a small piece of bread can cause obesity if given to him repeatedly.
As you will have understood, it is highly recommended not to give bread to your hamster; prefer certain foods specifically designed for hamsters, such as these, for example:
An exception: yeast-free bread
Yeast-free bread can possibly be given to a hamster, but only in small amounts.
In fact, unlike traditional bread or baguette, this type of bread will provide the hamster not only with some pleasure but also with a benefit. Why? Precisely because yeast-free bread… does not contain yeast, which removes a significant problem as mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Another possibility: dry croutons
Dry croutons, unlike bread and provided they have an appropriate composition, can be given to your pet. Hamsters are naturally suited to consuming solid foods (which croutons are, unlike bread), and from this perspective, they are much better for your little rodents’ teeth. It should also be noted that “homemade” will be all the more appreciated by your friend!
There is no need to stress if you have already given bread to your furry ball before reading this article. The danger mainly lies in the frequency and repetition of poor feeding. And remember in the end that the life of hamsters depends on the quality of care you provide them, including their diet!