Can Hamsters Eat Garlic?

Can Hamsters Eat Garlic?

What is garlic, anyway? It is simply a plant that's in the onion and leek family and is used in cooking to add flavor to food. 

It is scientifically classified under the Allium family and contains the compounds, organosulfides, which when converted to thiosulfate gives the plant its characteristic odour. 

It's also known for its medicinal properties, which is why some people use it as a natural remedy for things like colds and respiratory problems. But can hamsters really eat garlic?

If You're wondering if garlic is a safe food for your hamster, then keep scrolling down to find out.

Can Hamsters Safely Eat Garlic?

No, they cannot have garlic. Hamsters are omnivorous creatures and can eat a variety of foods, but that doesn't include garlic. It is a good source of antioxidants but it also contains sodium, sugar and some acidic content. Too much can cause your hamster to develop an upset stomach that can be quite uncomfortable or painful.

Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Garlic?

The answer is no, they cannot. It is not recommended to let your hamster have a few bites of garlic because it is high in salt and sugar which are both harmful to hamsters if they consume too much. 

Garlic can also make your hamster's fur really greasy, so if you're not too keen on having a slobbery little friend, you might want to steer clear of the garlic.

Can Roborovski Hamsters Eat Garlic?

No, it is not safe for roborovski hamsters to eat garlic either. Garlic carries harmful substances that are toxic to them. These substances can make your hammy sick with indigestion or even suffer from blood related disorders, so it’s best not to give them any.

Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Garlic?

Well no, the dwarf hamsters cannot have them. It is not safe for them to eat garlic even in very small amounts as it can bring damage to both their liver and kidneys. This clove is harmful to all members of this breed including the Russian, Winter whites, Campbell and Chinese dwarf hamsters so be careful and avoid feeding them some.

What Makes Garlic Bad for Hamsters?

It is known that garlic could be bad for hamsters to eat because they contain certain components like sodium, sugar and some acidic content.

Hamsters are small creatures with weak digestive systems. Although some breeds have stomachs that are a lot stronger than others, they all cannot properly digest the chemical compounds contained in garlic. This exposes them to accumulation of toxicants like thiosulfate in the body which can cause a number of health problems. 

Why is Thiosulfate in Garlic Harmful to Hamsters?

Garlic in its raw form contains thiosulfate. This chemical is released through crushing when hamsters bite into a garlic clove. It can cause your pet to have bad breath and even mouth and stomach irritation. If they consume unhealthy amounts of garlic, they can end up suffering from health issues like anemia, weak immunity, and possibly death.

There are safer foods like hay, vegetables, fruits, and seeds that you can give your hamster instead of garlic to keep them happy and healthy.

Signs That Your Hamster Has Eaten Garlic

The best food to give your hamster that can meet their dietary needs is one that is healthy, nutritious and balanced. Garlic may be nutritious but it is not healthy for them to consume. Yes, some people give a little amount to their hamster for medicinal purposes but it is not safe.

If you think they have eaten garlic, here are some signs you can look out for. It can cause;

• Breathing problems
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion

Let your veterinarian know if you notice any of these signs in your hamster. 

How To Prevent Your Hamster from Eating Garlic

Garlic can be very bad for your hamster. It can make them sick and to prevent that, you have to keep your hamster from eating garlic. You can start by placing it where your hamster can't reach or getting rid of it entirely.

What To Do If Your Hamster Has Eaten Garlic

If your hamster has eaten garlic no matter how small, the best thing to do is to monitor them closely. If you notice any signs of distress like difficulty in breathing or vomiting, call your veterinarian quickly or carry them to the clinic for proper treatment.

What Other Treats are Safer and Healthier than Garlic for a Hamster?

Garlic may be unsafe for hamsters to consume because of some toxic compounds they contain but that doesn’t mean you cannot let them have other delicious and healthier treats. Such safe treats include:

• Carrots
• Apricots
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Spinach
• Green beans
• Squash
• Broccoli
• Cucumber

You can also give them a small amount of cooked meat or fish, but make sure it's boneless and skinless. And finally, don't forget to give them plenty of fresh water to drink.

Are There any other Foods That Hamsters Should Avoid?

You might be wondering if there are any other foods that hamsters should avoid. The answer is: yes, there are.

Hamsters should avoid citrus fruit, as well as onions and garlic. They can't eat certain types of seafood and meat. They also can't have fried, seasoned, sugary or spicy foods either. 

These foods can cause digestive problems and are generally not very good for them. So if you're giving your hamster a snack, make sure it's something that's not on this list!

Conclusion

Can hamsters eat Garlic? No, it is safer that they don’t have even a small quantity of it. It contains harmful compounds like thiosulfate which can make your hammy sick. They can cause digestive problems or even damage your pet's kidney and liver.

It is safer to look for other healthier food choices like fruits and vegetables that can help to boost your hamster's immunity and general health. If you accidentally feed them garlic, watch out for distress signs and quickly take them to the vet to receive treatment if they exhibit any.