As the popular saying goes 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', as a hamster pet owner you maybe wondering how true is this in regards to your pet. This article is going to shed light and answer the can hamsters eat apples?
Can Hamsters Eat Apples?
Yes hamsters can eat apples. Hamsters enjoy the apple fruit just like you are me. Apples are safe for them to eat, as they are healthy nutritious fruits. You should however note that the apple seed contains cyanide which is poisonous to your hamster. So you to make sure you get rid of all apple seeds before giving your hamster some apple slices.
Apples and Hamsters
- Apples are packed with a lot of nutritional vitamins and nutrients:
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Vitamin C: Apples are rich in vitamin c which is needed for adequate healing in case your hamster suffers any injury. It also prevents scurvy, aids immunity and ensures the proper functioning of the body systems of your hamster.
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Antioxidants: You get a lot of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables and apples are no exception. These antioxidants helps your hamster fight off free radicals that cause various illness.
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Fiber: Fiber is great for digestion has it allows the movement of waste matter in your hamster's digestive system. Apples are packed full of fiber which is a good thing for your hamster friend.
- Taste and Texture: Hamsters in general enjoy the taste and texture of apples, which can serve as a treat for them. Apples are healthy fruits and when given in moderation will not lead to obesity or diabetes in your pet.
Note of Caution
Apples make for great snacks and treats. This we agree on however there are dangers to giving apples to your pet hamster, which you should be aware about.
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Choking Hazards: Your pet hamster can choke on the little apple seeds. You want to ensure that apple seeds are thoroughly removed from the pieces of apple you want to give your hamster. It should be noted that apple seeds are also poisonous and should not be given to your hamster.
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Difficulty in eating: The apple flesh itself is easy to chew and be swallowed by your hamster. It is however a different case when it comes to the apple peels. Large apple peels may be difficult to be cut in pieces and eaten by your hamster. You want to help them out by cutting the apples with peel intact into little pieces or by removing the apple back/peel altogether.
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Toxicity: When giving your hamster apples, you want to ensure you thoroughly wash the apple skin to remove the preservative chemicals and pesticides. This is because they are toxic to your hamster and this toxins can build up in their system causing future health challenges. Better still, organic apples may be the way to go.
- Serving up apples: You may find out your hamster prefers its apples in alter forms. So don't just serve it apple chunks only. You can try serving it apples as shakes, truffles or other creative forms.
