Summer is the main time for fruits, berries and vegetables. Every owner wants to please their pet, but before that it is important to find out whether hamsters can have watermelon and what the reaction will be to the berries. Find out which vegetables to include in the menu and find out which fruits will not harm your pet.
Is it possible to give banana to Djungarian hamsters?
This breed often suffers from high blood sugar. Bananas are sweet and high in calories; they can be given to dzhungarikas once a week. And it doesn’t matter in what form you serve it: in small quantities you can feed it with both banana chips and fresh fruit.
In winter, zoologists advise completely avoiding eating sweet fruits. Digestion slows down in hamsters; the pulp of the fruit can harm your pet.
For older hamsters, the portion can be increased. As you age, your teeth weaken and it becomes difficult to chew. It would be a good idea to dilute their food with pumpkin or cucumber.
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What is the danger of bananas for hamsters?
Djungarians can get diabetes if they overeat fruit. But this is not all the possible consequences.
Bananas are a treat for these rodents, so they can overeat on them. This can lead to obesity, fatigue, and lethargy of the animal. In addition to general discomfort, in such a situation the heart suffers from heavy loads.
In addition, it is dangerous because it sticks to cavities in the hamsters’ bodies from the pharynx to the digestive system, and this can cause suffocation and death.
The first times you eat a new food you need to monitor it. If, when introduced to bananas, your pet eats reluctantly, begins to choke, or completely refuses the product, it should be removed from the diet.
The fruit can cause allergic reactions. This is another reason why it is necessary to monitor the animal when introducing new food.
Is it possible to give your hamster watermelon rind?
No, your hamster can't eat watermelon rinds either. If only because it is in the crust that all the chemical elements contained in fertilizers accumulate. It is unlikely that you will find a watermelon grown in ideal greenhouse conditions, without chemicals and nitrates, at the market or in a store.
No no and one more time no. Don't put your pet's health at risk.
These nitrates are not useful even for humans. How much does a hamster need, whose weight is at most 30 grams?
Banana in the diet of cubs and pregnant females
Fruit should not be given to baby hamsters. Their body is still very small; banana fruits can easily clog the airways. In this case, the rodent risks suffocation. But if you really want to pamper your pet, then there is a solution - banana chips. They are hard, so they will not be able to stick to the cavities of the body.
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Banana chips are dried (baked) pieces of the fruit. The sugar concentration in this dish increases. You should also be wary of store-bought chips, as they may contain various additives that are harmful to rodents. It will be safer to cook them yourself in the oven.
Bananas are prohibited for pregnant hamsters. The fruit should not be given to females expecting offspring; it can cause bloating. If this happens, the offspring will be lost.
The benefits of fruit for rodents
The composition contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements.
Magnesium and potassium have a positive effect on the animal’s musculoskeletal system, its cardiovascular, nervous and urinary systems.
Iron increases hemoglobin content, helps relieve fatigue, hunger and restore strength.
Phosphorus is necessary to strengthen the animal’s bones and teeth.
The main thing is to use the product in moderation. Digestion is normalized, the blood vessels in the rodent’s body will become flexible and elastic.
Morning time is most favorable for eating fruits. When choosing a banana for your pet, pay attention to the peel. It should be yellow and strong. Rotten, blackened fruits should not be given.
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You can start feeding your pet these fruits in the second month of life.
Choosing a variety
Which variety to choose for dzungaria and do you need to process the fruits? There is no need to choose varieties that are too sweet; your pet will like them, but they can be harmful to health. Too sour fruits are also not suitable; ripe, moderate-tasting fruits are best. If you choose a fruit that is not ripe enough, the animal may have digestive problems.
Regarding processing, the rules are:
- Store-bought apples must be peeled; the fruits may be treated with chemicals. This condition especially applies to fruits purchased in winter. In cold weather, it is better not to buy them for your pet.
- Homemade fruits must be washed.
- Dried apples are better for winter. Soak them in water before giving them to your hamster.
- Fruits must be washed thoroughly under running water.
Watermelon is bad for hamsters
A hamster may accept a treat, but this does not mean that it will benefit its health and development. Experts urge not to include watermelon in your hamster’s diet for a number of reasons:
- The presence of toxins and chemicals can cause poisoning. These substances do not cause much harm to humans, since their concentration in the pulp is low. But in the case of a tiny hamster, it is better not to experiment and offer him something safer.
- A huge amount of water in the composition leads to disruption of the functioning of the genitourinary system.
- Eating watermelon causes clogging of the cheek sacs and damage to the teeth, which is almost impossible to treat.
- A high proportion of sugar contributes to diabetes.
- The components included in the pulp cause digestive system upset.
However, if certain recommendations are followed, a small amount is not contraindicated for a hamster:
- The owners live in an area where watermelons grow and/or grow their own. Store-bought products that have been sitting in the store for weeks, and have previously undergone long-term transportation, should not be given to hamsters. They have too much chemistry.
- Watermelon is offered to your pet no more than twice a month. In small doses it is even useful, because it is a source of vitamin B5.
Bones - in a separate line
Whether watermelon seeds can be given to hamsters depends on their quantity and proper preparation. The grains must be clean, without nitrates. It is better to offer rodents watermelon seeds grown in your own garden. Before feeding, you need to rinse them well, then dry them in the oven.
Beneficial properties for the hamster body
Watermelon seeds, like sunflower seeds, have a rich biological composition.
They contain:
- B vitamins, which help strengthen the hamster’s immunity and maintain the normal functioning of the digestive system;
- micro- and macroelements take an active part in metabolic processes;
- vitamin D is necessary for maintaining the bone skeleton;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids are responsible for the animal’s healthy coat, its normal coordination of movements and the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
For large pets, watermelon seeds serve as a good entertainment that helps to further grind down the teeth.
Harm and restrictions on use
Watermelon seeds are a source of a large amount of useful substances, but if consumed incorrectly, they can cause harm to the hamster. The reason is as follows:
- Watermelon seeds are considered a high-calorie product and if a large amount is consumed, the weight of a rodent can greatly increase. This causes the development of various diseases and shortens the life of the animal.
- The seeds contain fat, and consuming foods high in fat has a negative effect on liver function. Hamsters are allowed to give only a few watermelon seeds and in no case should they be fried.
In addition, watermelon seeds are quite large and, if the animal wants to push them into the bags behind the cheeks, they can get stuck. It is recommended to give seeds to pets in purified form and only individually. It is strictly forbidden to offer a rodent a whole handful of seeds, as it will try to sell the reserves for future use and may die.
What can replace watermelon?
In summer, it’s easy to find a worthy alternative to watermelon. These could be cucumbers, which are so loved by hamsters and grow in any area. Your pet will also be happy with a piece of strawberry from the garden. Offer him a handful of seeds or nuts. At the pet store you can find a wide selection of ready-made mixtures consisting of dried fruits, berries and various grains, designed to serve as treats for pets. The main thing is to monitor their composition and not purchase products that contain salt, sugar, components with a high fat content and various chemical additives.
You should not neglect the rules of feeding hamsters, because they are very fragile creatures that require delicate care and special care. Before giving your rodent a treat, study the necessary recommendations and consider how the product may affect its digestive system and overall health.
Siriki
The Syrian hamster is a rodent of the hamster family, which stands out for its reddish-sandy color. It is considered the longest-living species and can live for about 4 years with proper care. Unlike dzhungariks, they are less picky about the conditions of their detention, they are distinguished by their endurance and cleanliness.
Many owners of such animals are concerned about whether it is possible to feed Syrian hamsters watermelon. In fact, this is not recommended. This berry can cause bowel problems in your pet, since it is often grown using chemical additives. Only occasionally is it allowed to treat a rodent with watermelon seeds, but in small quantities.
Can hamsters have watermelon?
In order for a hamster to be vigorous and healthy, it must have a healthy diet. The diet needs to be balanced; it should include vegetables, fruits, herbs and seeds. Don’t get hung up on store-bought food; be sure to feed it fresh food. Summer is the time for sweet fruits. Rodent owners try to feed their pets this sweet delicacy. As for watermelons, there is no need to rush into the treats.
Features of the pet's body
For these rodents, the homeland is arid steppes and semi-deserts. Therefore, their gastrointestinal tract is unable to digest high-calorie, fatty and sweet foods. The correct food for them is the usual food that they eat in the steppe. These are mainly grain crops and seeds.
In the fall, rodents close the entrance to the burrow, so in winter they feed on dry food from pre-prepared supplies. With the arrival of spring, greens appear in the diet; in the summer they can eat berries and insects.
Watermelon is bad for hamsters
Watermelon is a juicy and sweet berry that may contain nitrates accumulated during ripening. Even small amounts of chemicals can kill a hamster. If you are sure of the purity of this product, you can give it to the animal, but extremely rarely. Excessive consumption of such a sweet product can lead to diabetes. The composition of the pulp can disrupt digestion and lead to diarrhea or constipation. A lot of liquid present in watermelon has a detrimental effect on the genitourinary system and kidneys of the hamster. There is a high possibility of the cheek pouches getting clogged, which can lead to broken teeth. You can sometimes treat him to a fresh watermelon seed.
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Dzungariki
The Djungarik is a small rodent from the hamster family, which is considered a fairly popular pet. This is due to the fact that it is clean, easy to maintain, and also has no smell. The animals are too mobile, so they need a spacious cage. The Djungarian hamster needs a chalk stone to grind down its teeth.
Such animals are prone to developing diabetes mellitus, which must be taken into account when organizing their nutrition. In their menu it is better to limit foods with a high content of monosaccharides. When asked whether Djungarian hamsters can eat watermelon, the answer is most often negative. This is due to the fact that such a product can provoke diabetes mellitus in the animal and disrupt digestion.
What can replace watermelon?
If you are thinking about melon, then giving it to hamsters is strictly prohibited. Melon seeds are another matter if you wash and dry them. Pets will enjoy pumpkin, radishes, red peppers, carrots and tomatoes. If you want to please your pet with something sweet, treat him to a strawberry. This healthy berry will help the hamster strengthen its immunity, and the animal will not suffer from viral infections.
These little furry animals have very delicate digestive tracts. However, they can eat whatever you offer them. You shouldn’t give them everything, thereby conducting experiments on their health. Take their diet seriously, because proper nutrition for rodents is their health and a full, happy life.
Sources:
https://animallittle.ru/banan-homyak.html https://homkam.ru/pitanie/mozhno-li-homyakam-arbuz https://homjakam.ru/pitanie/mozhno-li-homyakam-arbuz
