Can Hamsters Eat Meat? [Truth Uncovered]

As pet lovers, we want to always give the best to our pets. This includes food.

You might wonder if meat is good for your pet. If it is, then how much and how often should you feed them? We shall answer all those questions thru this blog post.

Hamsters can eat meats. Cooked chicken and beef both are healthy options for your furry friend as well as great sources of protein. However, make sure to cook the meats without spices and never feed raw meat since it has been associated with salmonella poisoning among other diseases that may be harmful to hamsters.

What Kinds of Meat Can Hamster Eat?

Hamsters can only eat light meat. Since their body systems are not designed to digest heavy meats, it may affect the digestive system of a hamster. Any of the forms of meat products listed below can be eaten by your pets.

Chicken

Chicken meat is the most commonly recommended form of light meat that can be safely eaten by hamsters. A chicken drumstick with a few bones may make for a good treat.

Fish

Fish is another type of meat that can be given to your hamster. Fish fillet without bone and skin, preferably from trout or salmon may also make a good treat for your pet.

Mealworms and Insects

Mealworms are also good treats for your hamster, but only a few of them. In fact, these worm-shaped insects are rich in proteins that make them a healthy treat for your hamster.

Insects are also good for your pet if given in very small portions. Crickets and grasshoppers are some examples of insects that you can feed to your pet.

Note: Hammies can’t have beef, pork, turkey, goose, deer, or duck meat. The digestive system of our pet friends can not handle these kinds of food.

How Should Meat be Served to Hamsters?

As mentioned, the digestive tract of hamsters works differently. As hamster owners, we must give special concern on how to serve them with meat products. Listed below are things we must keep in mind.

• Never serve your pets salted or spiced meat.
• The safest option is to either boil the meat before serving it or bake it instead.
• For health reasons, do not let your hamster eat the same kind of meat over and over again. Rotating different kinds of meats is an ideal way to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
• If you are giving your pets home-cooked meals that contain meat, make sure that any bones or fat are completely removed before serving them to hamsters.

How Does Meat Benefit Hamsters

Protein

Protein is the most important nutrient that comes from meat. Protein is essential in building muscle mass and helps the body repair tissues.

Calcium

Calcium is another important nutrient that can also be found in meats. This mineral is essential in keeping the bones and teeth of your pets strong.

Vitamin B

Superior sources of vitamin B are also contained in meat. This nutrient helps with metabolizing food for energy production within our body’s cells.

Taurine

Meat is also rich in taurine, which is an amino acid essential for the overall health of your hamster. This nutrient contributes to the smooth functioning of the heart, eyes, and brain.

Dietary Fat

The dietary fat found in meat products is another good source of nutrients that are essential for your hamster’s health. Moreover, this nutrient also ensures a healthier coat and skin.

Choline

Another nutrient that comes from meat is choline. This nutrient helps to build healthy cells in the body, as well as produce an important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Choline is also good for your hamster’s liver and brain.

What are the Health Risks of Eating Meat Among Hamsters?

Meat is a very good source of nutrients that are essential for your hamster’s health, especially protein, but it can also be dangerous if given in the wrong amounts and forms.

Indigestion

One of the most common risks of giving your pets a diet that contains meat is indigestion. Since hamsters have digestive tracts that work differently, they are not able to properly digest too much protein in their meal.

Diabetes

Inability to digest meat products could result in diabetes. This kind of health condition is common among old hamsters.

Obesity

Overfeeding hammies with meat causes unnecessary weight gain. More so, prolonged dietary fat intake can also lead to obesity. This is because hamsters do not move around a lot and they would not be able to burn what they eat.

Cancer

Overfeeding our pets may lead to cancer in hamsters. In fact, feeding your pet too much meat could result in health complications such as an increased risk for developing tumors.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, your pets can eat meat products given the proper serving amounts and as part of their diet plan. However, hamsters can only process small portions of meat at once because of their digestive tract’s inability to digest powerful proteins in high amounts.

In a nutshell, feeding a meat-based diet to your pet hamster can be beneficial as long you do not overdo it. Providing variety in their diets will ensure that they live happy and healthy lives.