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There are so many ways for us to get nutrients, proteins, and vitamins into our diets, and that has led so very many of us to try and get ever more fruit and nuts into our diets.
And of course, our hamsters are so beloved a part of our family lives that we want them to be happy and healthy with us too.
But hamsters often have very different dietary needs than us.
So before you start giving almonds to your hamster as a treat you may want to read this first.
So Can Hamsters Eat Almonds?
Yes, hamsters can eat almonds. It’s safe for them. But they need to be unsalted almonds.
As long as there are no seasonings or extra oils on the almond, it’s okay.
Almonds do have high-fat content though, so be aware that too many almonds will make your hamster overweight.
That can lead to severe health issues and is best avoided.
But, an almond every now and then, like a couple of times a week is alright. Not more often though.
Are Almonds Healthy For Hamsters?
Almonds are often described as a superfood, at least for humans.
Which begs the question; are almonds good for hamsters? Let’s take a look at the benefits of feeding your hamsters almonds.
- Helps In Digestion
Dietary fiber is among the many nutrients that Almonds contain.
Almonds have a total of 12.5g of dietary fiber, which is a very important element when it comes to hamster’s digestion.
This is because dietary fiber is known to keep the hamster’s digestive tract healthy and clean.
Once that is done, the hamster will maintain optimum food digestion and absorption without any problems.
You will also notice that your hamsters will not experience any constipation while on a high fiber diet.
- Helps In Controlling Blood Sugar
Almonds also contain 26.2mg of vitamin E. This is one of the main nutrients that is known to help in the control of blood sugar.
What vitamin E does is that it triggers insulin sensitivity in hamsters, and this helps in the control of blood sugar, thus keeping your hamsters from the danger of developing diabetes.
Vitamin E also provides protection to hamsters cells by shielding them from oxidative damage, which can end up being a huge health risk if left unattended to
- Lower Cholesterol Levels
Feeding your hamsters almonds once in a while is very beneficial.
This is because almonds are known to prevent the spike in cholesterol levels in hamsters.
The nut reduces the amount of cholesterol significantly, thus preventing hamsters from developing cholesterol-related diseases.
- Helps In Weight Loss
hamsters that have weight gain problems will see benefits from a few almonds.
Almonds tend to provide a feeling of satisfaction, also known as satiety.
This is where hamsters feel like they are full from time to time, thus reducing the amount of food they consume on a daily basis.
Almond diet is known to be one of the most effective ways to ensure weight loss in hamsters.
This is due to the 21.22g of proteins found in almonds.
Risks to Consider When Feeding Almonds to Hamsters
Without denying, almonds have a fair share of risks to hamsters.
That is why you will need to regulate how much almonds you feed to your hamster.
Your hammy can fundamentally be affected by the following factors:
- Almonds are rich in excess fat. Too much fat is harmful to your little pet and can change its health if eaten over regular periods.
- Potential choking hazards. Just from their size, even human beings can choke on them. The fact that they are seeds makes it even worse for hamsters as they can easily choke while eating the treats. Always keep an eye on the pets at all times to be aware of any cause for alarm.
The above are some of the potential risks that are associated with the consumption of almonds.
Of course, they are manageable, and you don’t have to get so worried about the effects if you take notice.
Can Hamsters Eat Salted Almonds
If you’re snacking on salted almonds, you might be tempted to share them with your hamster.
But not all almonds are safe. Only feed your hamster fresh almonds that are unsalted.
Almonds should not contain any type of spice, added flavoring, artificial preservatives or additives.
Those spices and flavors you love may cause stomach upset for your hamster.
Other Nuts Hamsters Can Eat
If you’re looking for alternative nuts to almonds treats for your hamster, there are plenty of options.
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
Conclusion
Yes, hamsters can safely eat very small amounts of almonds.
However, they contain a lot of calories and much fat, meaning the amount should be kept tiny.
They might be healthy in many regards, but the high density of nutrition is too much for hamsters.
Meaning that it’s a rare snack if you want some of the benefits from almonds without the negatives.
One or two almonds a few times monthly won’t cause your hamster any harm.
