Eggs are delightful super foods that come from certain animals like poultry. Not only are eggs popularly eaten by humans all over the world but they are also regarded as one of the top foods that can work wonders in health. They are packed with beneficial nutrients like protein which helps in tissue repair and muscle development.
Humans have received a lot of health boosts from this animal by-product but can hamsters also eat eggs? Can they too enjoy its benefits like humans do? Scroll down to find out!
Can Hamsters Eat Eggs?
Can Hamsters Safely Eat Raw Eggs?
Raw eggs can some times be contaminated with harmful bacterium like Salmonella. Your pet can get infected if they consume egg raw and the side effects are known to be dire. Raw eggs can also cause biotin deficiency in hamsters so it is best to avoid them totally and opt for the cooked ones.
Can Hamsters Safely Eat Cooked Eggs?
Most certainly. Hamsters can eat cooked eggs but in moderation. It is better than serving your hamster raw eggs but because of its high fat content you should be watchful of the amount you give them as treats. By cooking the egg you have reduced the risk of infection and saved your pet from the trouble of infection.
Can Hamsters Safely Eat Boiled Eggs?
This should be, by all means, fed to your hamster. Boiled eggs are safe for them to consume and should be served moderately as treats. Be careful not to over boil the eggs since heat would not only kill off bacteria but could also destroy some essential nutrients present in eggs.
Can Hamsters Safely Eat Fried Eggs?
It is a definite no! It is not recommended because fried eggs are cooked in oil or butter which are both not healthy for hamsters to consume. It is linked to a lot of health problems including choking to death and cardiovascular diseases.
Can Hamsters Safely Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Yes, hamsters can eat scrambled eggs as treats on an occasional basis. They should be cooked plain without adding salt, pepper, milk, oil, butter or any other form of additives. You can choose to add fresh and healthy vegetables to give it a nutrient boost.
Can Hamsters Safely Eat Poached Eggs?
Poached eggs are fine for your hamster to eat as long as it is cooked plain and served moderately. Also, make sure to use only clean water that is free from dirt and germ before poaching eggs for your hamster.
Benefits of Serving Eggs To Hamsters?
There are so many health benefits associated with eggs because they are packed with a lot of nutrients. Your hamster can only enjoy these benefits if they are fed the right amounts and not more than advised. Some of them include:
- They contain protein which assists tissue repair, enzyme production, muscle development and energy provision.
- They contain vitamin A which helps to enhance your hamster's vision.
- Eggs contain antioxidants. These compounds are responsible for destroying free radicals that cause damage to your pet's cells. They boost the immune system to fight against certain diseases like cancer.
- There is also vitamin B to keep your hamster's fur or coat glossy and soft.
- Egg also contains iron and this mineral is necessary for oxygen circulation through out the body and in the prevention of anemia in hamsters.
- Calcium present in eggs promotes a healthier teeth and bone in hamsters. It keeps them strong and in good condition.
How Much Egg Can You Give Your Hamster To Eat?
It totally depends on how strong their stomach is. The larger breeds are more robust and can accommodate more foods than the weaker breeds.
The Syrians, which are the most robust breed of hamsters, can have a teaspoon of cooked egg once or twice a week. The roborovski breed can also have a teaspoon of cooked egg but only once a week.
Finally, the Chinese, winter whites and Campbell dwarf hamsters can only be given a teaspoon of cooked egg once a month. You can choose to feed them with a quarter teaspoon of egg once a week and not more.
How Do You Serve Eggs To Hamsters?
The best way to serve eggs to hamsters is by having them cooked first either by boiling, poaching or scrambling. You should never give your pet hamster raw ones because they may carry infectious parasites like E.coli. These parasites are capable of making them sick so what better way to prevent that than by having their eggs cooked. However,
- Wash the egg shells thoroughly to remove dirt and grime
- Do not use oil, butter, salt or any other seasoning to prepare it.
- Should you prefer you can mix in some healthy vegetables like when making scrambled eggs.
- Do not serve them eggs while they are hot. Wait till they have cooled down before you do.
- Only give them the proper amount based on their breed, size and even per vet doctor's prescription.
- Keep an eye for any sign of distress after they have consumed a portion of egg.
- If your hamster shows no reaction whatsoever then there's nothing to fear. If it reacts negatively, then you should stop feeding them immediately and call your veterinary doctor.
Side Effects of Serving Eggs To Hamsters?
Yes, hamsters can eat different kinds of eggs such as quail and duck eggs. They can even eat egg shells and obtain nutrients like calcium necessary for bone development. However, there are possible risks to eating these eggs. Example, if you give your pet eats too much egg they could suffer from:
- Obesity because eggs contain a high amount of fat.
- Choking when offered big pieces of cooked eggs that could lodge in their throat.
- Cardiovascular diseases also due to the high fat content of egg
- Urinary problems like bladder stones could occur when hamsters consume eggs because they too like the shells contain calcium.
- Diarrhea and stomach discomfort
Other side effects include:
- Biotin deficiency if they consume raw egg whites. This will negatively affect their skin and coats.
- Eating raw eggs can also expose them to the risk of salmonella poisoning.
Conclusion
Eggs are excellent super foods that have so many benefits to offer. Your hamster can obtain nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for their growth and health. They can have them cooked but never raw. This is because they could be subjected to biotin deficiency and salmonella poisoning if they eat them raw or undercooked.
