There are many debates among pet owners about what their pets can and cannot eat. The same is true for hamsters, who are particularly sensitive to what they eat because of their small size and weak stomach. So yes or no, can I give my hamster bread?
Overall, bread is bad for hamsters
If you're in the habit of giving your hamster bread, you'd better stop. Why should you stop? Because on the one hand, bread is not a nutritious food source for hamsters, and on the other, it can be harmful to them. What's more, bread isn't a very balanced food source, and doesn't contain the vitamins and minerals your hamster needs to stay healthy.
As you probably know, bread is mainly made from flour, water and yeast. But two of these constituents are harmful:
- The flour is a complex carbohydrate source that can be difficult to digest for hamsters
- If the formation of yeast in the stomach exceeds a certain amount, it causes the process of fermentation. This, in turn, results from alcohol intoxication.
With the following consequences for your little friend in the medium/long term:
- abdominal pain
- digestive problems (bloated stomach, bloating)
- loose stools
- nausea/vomiting
- the formation of gas from a thick gut that can cause respiratory failure
- diarrhoea and renunciation of food;
- heart disease
- l'obesity
If you thought giving him bread was a good idea so he could gnaw on his teeth, you were wrong! Instead, give him a apple slice or a cucumber slice. Fruits and vegetables are a much healthier food source for them.
Because bread is a powerful source of carbohydrates, even a small piece of bread can cause obesity if you give it to him on a recurring basis.
As you will have understood, it is strongly recommended that you do not give your hamster bread, preferring certain foods specifically designed for hamsters, such as these for example:
An exception: bread without yeast
Bread without yeast can possibly be given to a hamster, in small quantities only.
Indeed, unlike traditional bread or baguette, this kind of bread will bring the hamster not only a certain pleasure, but also a benefit. Why? Precisely because the bread without yeast... has no yeast, which removes one hell of a problem as mentioned in the beginning of this article.
Another possibility: dry croutons
Dry croutons, unlike bread, can be given to your pet if they are properly composed. Hamsters are naturally adapted to eating solid food (which is what croutons are, unlike bread) and from this point of view, they are much better for the teeth of your little rodents. Also note that "homemade" food will be much appreciated by your friend!
There's no need to stress if you've already given your hairball some bread before reading this article. The danger lies mainly in the frequency and repetition of a bad feeding. power supply. And remember, in the end, that the life of hamsters depends on the quality of the care you give them, including food!