Your little companions have very fragile stomachs; they are sensitive to certain foods that can be toxic to them. Here is a list of what they should absolutely not consume.
Dangerous Foods for Hamsters
The toxic foods for hamsters are numerous and varied. Some will simply be uncomfortable, while others can be dangerous or even fatal, even in small quantities.
The list below is not exhaustive, although it is relatively complete:
Forbidden Fruits
- citrus fruits: lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, clementine
- almonds
- chestnuts
- macadamia nuts
Forbidden Vegetables
Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, the vegetables listed below should not be consumed by a hamster:
- potatoes
- cabbage
- avocado (too fatty)
- onions
- garlic
- beans
- leeks
- eggplant
- radishes
- lettuce and frisée salad (other salads are fine)
Other Foods Forbidden for Hamsters
- meat or cured meats (raw or cooked)
- milk and its derivatives
- frozen vegetables (no matter which ones: never frozen!)
- canned vegetables (again, never feed your hamster canned food)
- chocolate
- herbs like basil, parsley, oregano
- eggs
- cakes
- candies
- spices
- processed foods
More generally, if a food is not on the list above, and if you have any doubts about what can be fed to a hamster, here’s what to keep in mind. You should not feed:
- Foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate
- Foods high in citric acid, such as citrus fruits
- Foods high in oxalic acid, such as spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, or celery
- Foods high in calcium, such as milk or yogurt
- Foods high in fat, such as chips, cookies, cakes, or candies
- Foods high in salt, such as bread, crackers, or salty biscuits
- Foods high in sugars, such as candies, cakes, or cookies
- Foods that contain nicotine, that goes without saying!
Giving Water to a Hamster? Just water, nothing but water!
I never thought I would have to write such a paragraph one day, but since I’ve had the question several times, here we go!
As much as the list of foods not to give cannot be exhaustive, the list of drinks is: a hamster can drink nothing but plain water!
Symptoms of Poisoning in Hamsters
You will have understood that hamsters are very sensitive to food poisoning. Many foods that we consider harmless to us, human beings, can be dangerous for hamsters.
The symptoms of poisoning in hamsters can manifest as diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, trembling, convulsions, and even death. If you suspect your hamster has been poisoned, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.