If you ever had this pet or you currently own it, then you know that he enjoys nibbling on all sorts of vegetables. It’s just adorable. But, to know exactly is it ok for him to eat certain foods, it is best to ask your veterinarian or do some research yourself.
Since he can eat a lot of different sorts of vegetables, the question is, are cucumbers in that category or not?
The answer is yes
Hamsters are perfectly ok with eating cucumbers. They pretty much enjoy this vegetable, and it is not only their preferred vegetable but it is also very healthy for them. For fruits, blackberries are great for hamsters.
Cucumbers contain a lot of nutrients and therefore, are very important in hamster diet. They can be used as a treat or perhaps as a meal for these little furry guys. When giving him cucumbers, make sure to not go overboard and give him too much of it. They will probably eat whatever they can put their little claws on, so measure his portions correctly.
Their digestive systems are very sensitive, so too much of everything can make him sick, or cause diarrhea and digestive problems. Cucumbers contain a lot of water, so keep that in mind as well. They can even replace water, and give him all the beneficial nutrients at the same time. As far as the peel of the cucumber, it is probably best to remove it, because not all vegetables are organic and pesticide free.
Give him a slice or two, which is enough for this little mammal to nibble on for some time, until you see how he reacts to his portion sizes. If you’re looking to diversify, stay away from tomatoes though as they can be toxic.
Nutritional value of cucumber
They are a treat that is offered during summer, and it is best used fresh. Since we only have this fruit (if organic) during these few months, we should pack on all the nutrients it has.
They are rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, C and D. It is a rich source of magnesium, potassium and calcium which all have numerus health benefits for our bones, skin, cardiovasculary system, immune system and digestive system.
Silica as their main ingredient, helps in promoting stronger body joints because it strengthens connective tissues. Potassium, on the other hand, is very good for our heart and kills different bacteria in pet’s mouth. Cucumbers help in regulating levels of blood pressure and keep your little furry friend’s heart healthy.
Cucumbers also prevent from heart strokes, especially small mammals like hamsters. It will give him enough liquid and keep him hydrated for a longer time, while protecting his heart. Before feeding your hamster anything, make sure to wash it properly, so all the outside bacteria is removed or just peel of the outside and give him a fresh vegetable slice.
Cucumbers can only be a bad idea if you give your pet too much. Always measure his portions, and don’t give him big chunks so he can’t eat easily.
Cases where hamsters don’t accept cucumber are very rare, so there shouldn’t be any problem feeding him this vegetable. Reason for his bad reaction might be caused by something outside, on the peel and not in the food itself. Since they are prone to infections, always check in with your vet if you notice anything strange going on.
If your hamster doesn’t accpet cucumber that well, there are plenty of other options to consider.
So, giving this healthy vegetable is definitely good for your small friend. It will not only give him enough nutrients but it will keep him hydrated and protected from infections and heart strokes. Make sure to give it to him in small amounts , so he doesn’t consume too much and hurt his stomach. Use a slice or two just to see how he reacts to this food, and then increase the amount to a daily allowed portion limit.
It is important to wash your vegetables before using them, so this goes out to feeding your pets. Just because they are animals, it doesn’t mean that they can process things like pesticides or any other hurtful components found on the vegetable peel. Even remove the seeds so he can enjoy his meal safely, and treat him every once in a while with this healthy snack.
