Can Hamsters Eat Edamame?

Edamame is a nutrient dense soybean that is normally harvested while they are still green and immature. They are very much edible and quite popular in the United states. They are packed with proteins, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It is a safe and decent food for humans to consume but will it be the same for your hamster friend? Let's find out, shall we?

Can Your Hamster Eat Edamame?

Can Hamsters Eat Uncooked Edamame?

It is not exactly safe for hamsters. Feeding your pet raw or undercooked edamame can expose them to high concentrations of toxins like glycoprotein lectin. This toxin can make them nauseated and can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Edamame Beans?

Yes, it is recommended that hamsters eat this version of edamame. Since it is already high in sodium, seasoning with salt may do more harm than good. Cook them  in clean water without including any additives and serve it plain to your pet.

Can Hamsters Eat Frozen Edamame?

No, they can't have frozen edamame. It is not recommended because there may be added sodium or other preservatives present. However, if nothing was added prior to freezing then wait for it to thaw first before your hamster can have some. 

How Much Edamame Can Your Hamster Eat?

The good news is that hamsters can have a bean or two not weekly, but daily. It is very safe and this amount will provide your hamster the nourishment they require. However, overfeeding your pet would do the opposite and expose them to certain kidney diseases.

What Health Benefits Are Linked to Eating Edamame?

First of all, edamame is not acidic but is very delicious and loaded with various helpful nutrients. Such nutrients include:

1. Carbohydrates

2. Sugars 

3. Dietary fiber 

4. Fat

5. Protein

6. B Vitamins 

7. Vitamin C

8. Vitamin E 

9. Vitamin K 

10. Calcium 

11. Iron

12. Magnesium

13. Manganese 

14. Phosphorus 

15. Potassium 

Not only are they rich in vitamins, dietary fiber and minerals but are packed with antioxidants as well. These nutrients function to help boost your hamster's overall health by:

1. Supplying protein to help in tissue repair, enzyme production, hormone regulation and production of red blood cells.
2. Proteins also help with muscle growth and development. It also acts as an energy supply.
3. They may help to lower bad cholesterol and promote good cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of certain heart diseases.
4. They can help with blood sugar regulation.
5. Antioxidants help in purging free radicals from your hamster's body. Thus, lowering the risk of cancer, ageing and other related diseases.
6. Fiber helps to promote digestive health by easing bowel movement and aiding digestion.
7. Since fiber also adds bulk to diet, it quickly satiates hunger and helps with weight loss.
8. It also prevents constipation.
9. Edamame contains vitamin C which is needed to promote oral health by preventing and treating scurvy.
10. It also helps to keep your hamster healthy and free from diseases by boosting their immune system.
11. Vitamin C and calcium present in edamame aids bone growth and maintenance.

How To Cook Fresh Edamame For Your Hamster

Edamame is best served cooked because  the toxin concentration is reduced if not eliminated completely. You can start by washing the beans thoroughly and, if you prefer, chop them into small pieces. 

Pour the beans into a pot of boiling water and allow to cook for 5-7 minutes. Do not add salt, pepper or any other seasonings to it. Once it turns bright green, it has properly cooked through and can now be set down. 

Allow it to cool before serving them to your hamster with clean water to keep them from getting dehydrated. You could also choose to mix them with other low calorie veggies to complement their meal.

What Side Effects Are Linked to Eating Edamame?

Edamame is notably rich in proteins, fiber and other nutrients that can offer a lot of health benefits to your hamster. However, going overboard with how much you feed them can make them sick. It could give them an upset stomach or cause bloating. Let's look at some notable side effects linked to edamame are as follows:

• Diarrhea: 

Edamame contains fiber which promotes bowel movement but when your hamster consumes too much, it could lead to diarrhea. Loose stools could also be triggered if your hamster has low tolerance for these beans.

• Dehydration: 

Not only does salt trigger an increased blood pressure but it can also cause dehydration in hamsters if too much is ingested. You should ensure to give them water while they munch on edamame. 

• Constipation:

Fiber present in edamame is important for promoting gut health because it prevents constipation but when it is consumed in large proportions, it might end up doing the opposite.

• Gas:

Excessive consumption of this green bean can lead to your pet being gassy. This is because hamsters cannot properly absorb or digest a group of sugars present in edamame. 

Edamame is one of the many foods that are high in oxalates. This acid is known to cause kidney stones and bladder stones when consumed in high amounts so it's important not to go overboard when feeding soy foods to your hamster. 

Conclusion

Edamame is a wonderful treat your hamster friend should have occasionally. It is a rich source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and proteins. This green soybean is delicious, flavorful and, since it can provide a lot of health benefits to your pet hamster, should be added to their diet.  

It is very important that it is cooked first because raw edamame contains the glycoprotein lectin which is harmful to hamsters. Also, make sure to only serve your pet small quantities of this bean because too much could expose them to diarrhea, bloating and other digestive issues.