By nature, these cute hamsters can eat both meat and plants, making them omnivorous mammals. They can eat vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, bell peppers and meat from frogs, lizards and even insects. Their diet requires foods rich in protein and those low in calories. Yes, there are so many animal-based proteins you can feed your pet hamster but should chicken be included too?
Can Hamsters be fed Chicken?
Yes, hamsters can definitely be fed chicken. It has sufficient amounts of protein and isn't packed with fat since it is a lean meat. The amount given should be kept moderate and carefully planned based on the breed of hamster. It is safer to feed them to your pet plain and cooked. Raw or undercooked chicken is bad for them and exposes them to germs and diseases.
Can Hamsters be Fed Breaded Chicken?
No, they cannot. Breaded chicken contains certain additives that may bring your hamster harm, so it is not recommended that you feed it to them.
Can Hamsters be Fed Chicken Nuggets?
Never. Chicken nuggets are deep fried which is an automatic red flag for your pet's health. Instead, let them have small pieces of boiled chicken.
Nutritional Value of Chicken to Hamsters
Aside from it being easily obtainable, filling and inexpensive, chicken is one of the best lean meats with a high protein content. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, E and K and minerals such as potassium and iron. They contain low or no sugar and carbs which makes them a healthy treat for hamsters.
Health Benefits Associated with Feeding Chicken to your Hamster
Chicken is a very delicious and nutritious snack for both humans and hamsters.
The nutrients it offers are associated with a lot of health benefits which includes:
- The proteins help in muscle development. It also helps in tissue repair and maintenance.
- Phosphorus, a mineral found in chicken, also helps to boost cell and tissue repair and maintenance.
- Vitamin B helps to improve your hamster's immunity and helps keep their coats healthy and shiny.
- Vitamin A, as an antioxidant, helps to lower the effect of free radicals. Thus, fighting off certain cardiovascular diseases and aging.
- Vitamin A also helps to improve your hamster's vision.
- Vitamin K helps with wound healing by speeding up blood clotting.
How Much Chicken Can Your Hamster Eat?
It mostly depends on the size or breed of the hamster. The Syrian hamster is larger than the other breeds and so, can have more portions than they. They can consume small pieces of chicken weekly. The Dwarfs such as the winter whites, Chinese and Russian can only eat a tiny amount of chicken and not on a weekly basis. This is due to their weaker digestive system.
How Much Chicken Can Your Syrian Hamster Eat?
Syrian hamsters can have a teaspoon of finely chopped chicken 3 times a week and not more. Too much can harm them health-wise. Offer them only well cooked and unseasoned chicken.
How Much Chicken Can Your Roborovski Hamster Eat?
Since the Roborovski hamsters are smaller than the Syrians, they are given a lesser amount of chicken. They can have a teaspoon of plain chicken once a week. More than this can cause a string of health problems.
How Much Chicken Can Your Dwarf Hamster Eat?
The Dwarf hamsters are very tiny and do not possess a strong digestive system. So the Winter White, Chinese, Russian and Campbell Dwarf hamsters can only be fed a teaspoon of chicken once in a month and not weekly.
How to Prepare and Serve Chicken to Hamsters?
Hamsters require proteins in their diet and thankfully, chicken makes a delicious healthy treat for them. It could offer a lot of nutritional benefits if they are prepared properly and served in just the right amount.
During preparation, you must make sure that the chicken is:
- Washed and chopped into tiny pieces.
- Deboned and the skin peeled off. If bones are left, they could end up lodging in your hamster's throat and choking them. Chicken skin contains fat and calories so it's best to have them removed.
- Cooked or boiled properly. They can also be plainly roasted or baked but do not serve raw or undercooked chicken because they can expose your hamster to food-borne diseases.
- Plain, not seasoned or marinated.
When you are feeding your hamster chicken, start with a small amount first to see if they actually like chicken. If they do, then feed them the right amount based on their size. If they don't, stop immediately and try other foods that are safe and healthy for them.
You could try feeding them other treats like cabbage, pumpkin seeds and carrots. Besides, fruit and vegetables contain beneficial nutrients that would be great for your pet's health.
Finally, stick to only plain chicken. It is very sufficient for your hamster. They do not need to be placed at risk from eating fried chicken, chicken nuggets, or chicken soup.
Risks Associated With Feeding Hamsters Chicken?
Unfortunately, while there are benefits to feeding chicken to hamsters, there are also risks attached to it. Some risks are associated with overfeeding chicken to your pet while some are due to negligence during preparation. These risks include:
- Digestive issues like diarrhea and an upset stomach
- Obesity can result from overfeeding chicken to your hamster.
- Choking can occur if the bones are not properly removed
- High blood pressure in hamsters is also a risk if the chicken is served salted and they are overfed with it.
Chicken should only be given to hamsters in moderation, as treats and not as a staple food. Check with your veterinarian first if you are unsure whether feeding your hamster chicken is a good idea. Try following their instructions meticulously.
Conclusion
Chicken is a very healthy and nutritious treat for your furry hamster. It contains low calories, fat and carbohydrates but is packed with the B vitamins and protein. Only give them small amounts of it and avoid breaded, fried and canned chicken.
Also, remember not to give them salted or seasoned chicken but plainly roasted, boiled or baked ones It should also be unseasoned.
