A hamster’s diet should be based on commercially produced hamster mix that is made up of pellets, seeds, oats, wheat and other things. But, you can also feed your hamster certain human foods. You should know that not all human foods are good for hamsters.
Before feeding your hamster any new food, you should check if this food is safe for hamsters and which amount of that food is recommended. There are many human foods that are not good for hamsters and that can cause many side effects.
Because of that, you should be careful and find out which foods are good for your hamster and which may be poisonous. Although most vegetables are safe for hamsters, there are exceptions, so you should be careful. In this article we will deal with spinach that is consumed as a healthy vegetable all around the world.
Hamster owners know that hamsters enjoy eating spinach, but is this vegetable safe for hamsters or it can be harmful? Read along and you will find out in this article, but first we will tell you something more about spinach.
More about Spinach
Spinach is an edible flowering plant that is used as a vegetable. It is native to western and central Asia, but today it is grown worldwide. Spinach is an annual plant which can grow up to 30 cm tall and it is grown primarily for its edible leaves.
Spinach has a lot of health benefits for people. It is rich in iron, but also in calcium, manganese, magnesium and other minerals. Spinach is a great source of vitamins, too. It is low in fat and low in calories, so it is a great food option for those who want to lose weight. There’s no doubt that spinach is very healthy vegetable, but can we give it to our hamsters or it may be harmful to them? Just continue reading and you will find out.
Is Spinach Safe for Hamsters?
If your hamster loves spinach, you don’t have to worry. Nothing bad will happen if you feed your hamster a small amount of spinach. Small amounts of this vegetable are safe for hamsters, so you should use spinach only as an occasional treat for your hamster. Hamsters can also eat popcorn as treats.
But, if you feed your hamster large amounts of spinach, it may have adverse effects. Spinach is not poisonous for hamsters but it can cause gas and other gastrointestinal problems if eaten too much, such as diarrhea or vomiting. In some serious cases, it can also lead to death.
How Much Spinach Should You Give to Your Hamster?
As we have already said, you should feed your hamster spinach occasionaly and in small amounts. It means that once or twice a week are more than enough for your little pet.
A small amount of spinach can be a great treat to your hamster and he will certainly enjoy it. Remember that moderation is the key of a good health. Most things, even pumpkin seeds, can cause obesity when consumption is not watched.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, spinach is safe for hamsters as long as it is eaten in small amounts and occasionaly. Spinach should be used as an occasional treat for your hamster, it should not be a regular part of his diet. If you feed your hamster large amounts of spinach, it will cause many gastrointestinal and other health problems.
To avoid any health risks, it is best to use spinach only once in a while. It will be a great snack for your hamster. Remember that you are responsible for your hamster’s health. Because of that you should take care of his diet.
