Is it Safe for Dwarf Hamsters to Have Grapes?
Not all pets eat grapes because it is not safe for all of them. Some pets take it without any effect on their digestive system, while some just can’t. However, many people do not know if it is safe to feed their hamster with a grape.
You can feed a hamster a grape, but there are some guidelines you need to follow before you can give your hamster the grape treat. This guide will show the dos and don’ts that you have to observe. Read on!
The Nutritional Composition of Grape
Grapes are naturally sweet because they have higher sugar content than most fruits; nonetheless, they are beneficial for your health. At every serving of grapes, a cup nourishes you with;
- 5 grams of carbohydrate,
- 1 gram of protein,
- 0.2 grams of fat,
- 5 grams of fiber, and
- 104 calories.
Grapes also serve as a good source of antioxidants and other minerals. Bear in mind that antioxidants protect the body from cell damage. You also nourish your body with the following;
- 288mg of potassium,
- 3mg of vitamin C,
- 22mcg of vitamin K,
- 0.1mg of vitamin B6,
- 0.1mg of riboflavin,
- 0.1mg of thiamine
- 0.1mg of manganese, and
- 0.2mg of copper.
How Safe Is Grape for Hamsters?
Hamsters love sweet foods, and grape isn’t an exception. A large percentage of hamsters cherish grapes; they will always jump at it if offered. If you want a perfect and natural treat without additives and preservatives for your pet, then grape can be the most suitable option for you.
Grapes are perfect for consumption by the hamsters as long as you don’t give too much of it to them. Too much of everything is terrible, so also is grape consumption by your pet. It would be best if you don’t make it a regular diet for them.
Grape and other fruits are only meant to be a treat you offer to your furry friend once in a while. So, please give them a little quantity, and your pets will be in good shape.
How Much Quantity Should Be Fed To Hamsters?
It can’t be overemphasized that grapes should be fed to hamsters in little quantities because of their high sugar content. Too much sugar can cause stomach disorder for your pet, leading to diarrhea, especially if it’s their first time taking such. Hamsters shouldn’t take in too many grapes to avoid such an incident.
A baby hamster should not be fed the grape at all as it is too young to take sugary foods, while an adult hamster can take just one grape if it’s sizable. But, if it is a big one, then half of it is enough for an adult hamster. If it is the first time you will be introducing grape to your pet, you have to monitor it for the following 12 to 24 hours to see if there will be a reaction.
If there are no reactions, you can then add grape to her feeding schedule. If your hamster is initially used to fruits, you can offer them the required quantity for an adult. But if otherwise, then you can offer them half of the amount recommended.
Also, note that rapid diet changes can cause stomach disorders for your pet. So if your pets are new to grape, introduce it to them gradually and watch them over the following few hours.
How Often Should You Offer Hamsters Grapes?
It is advised that you don’t give your furry friends grapes too often because of its high sugar content. It is recommended that you offer them grapes for a maximum of two times a week. You also have to note that you should avoid giving the grape when you offer other sweet fruits to your pets.
If you plan to mix sweet fruits, you should reduce each portion of the fruit and offer nothing more than a teaspoon to the hamster.
The Hamster’s Regular Diet
A hamster has wide varieties of food, unlike some other pets that have a particular food. Hamsters are omnivores as they get protein nutrients from animals as well as plants. Their regular animal diets are majorly insects.
This includes crickets, dried mealworms, and they also eat cooked food like the boiled egg. However, if you’re not interested in feeding your hamster with insects, then a readymade known as the hamster pellets is available for your pets. It contains all the nutrients you’ll get from a hamster’s regular food.
Just ensure to read its label to know the right quantity to give to them every day. It is also important always to feed the hamster these diets and not fruits alone. Feeding them with fruits alone will cause them more harm than good because of their sugar content.
Alongside their regular meal, you also need to feed your hamsters with the following to complement their diet;
- Few fresh vegetables and fruits – a little portion for each day
- Fresh timothy hay – always make the fresh timothy hay available for our pets, so they can always have something to chew. Constant chewing is just a natural characteristic of hamsters as it prevents toothache and lessens stress. Not only that, but they can also use the hay as beddings to build a nest for themselves.
- Birdseed – a few bird seeds are also required. This should be about a teaspoon for each week.
- Fresh and Clean water – always remember that an unlimited water supply is essential for hydration in pets. Always make sure their drinking trough is clean and make water available to your hamsters always.
- Treats and Toys – another thing you should note is to make toys and treats available to your hamsters. Your hamsters are continually growing teeth, so you need to put some things they can snack on in their idle time. Untreated coconut shells, untreated softwood branches, hay cubes, and lots more are suitable for your pets.
Moreover, there are numerous toys to get for your hamsters. Variation is key! Learn to rotate between the hamsters’ regular diets and treats.
It would be best to keep these treats fresh as stale and spoilt foods aren’t healthy for your pet. One more thing, give your pets the treat at once and take any remnant away from them. Hamsters tend to eat at a time; they lose interest after then, so you must remove any leftover foods from them.
If you don’t take remnants away, it accumulates and become unhealthy for the pets.
What Other Healthy Treats Can Be Used In Place Of Grapes in a Hamster’s Diet.
For your hamsters to stay happy for as long as possible, you have to give them seldom treats. Hamsters love a variety of fruits and veggies. They include;
- Sweet corn,
- Cabbage
- Basil
- Sprouts and carrots
- Romaine
- Beets
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Endive
- Escarole
- Celery
- Broccolini
- Okra
- Green beans
- Tomatoes
- Yo Choy
- Watercress
- Bell pepper
- Cauliflower and lots more.
Final Words
You will discover many treats that will make your pets happy in the world we live in. This includes the fruits and vegetables, most of which are not listed in this guide. There are many more alternatives to grapes that are not listed above.
So, we advise observing your hamster and researching the new food you plan to give to your hamster. After giving it to your hamster, watch it for about 12 to 24 hours. If your hamster feels perfect with the new food, then you have just found a new treat to make your pet enjoy life.
