The enrichment and interest that hamsters have in different treats is what makes them so happy. It can also be a great experience for their owners to see their furry companions enjoy the variety of treats. While you might already have some regular treats for your hamster like carrots and broccoli, you are likely on the lookout to find new treats.
Some foods that look safe to us may not be good for your hamster. The good news is that hamsters can eat pistachios!
Pistachios can be eaten by hamsters as long as they aren’t salted or deshelled.
Pistachios have many good things
Pistachios contain high levels of potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. They also have vitamin B6.
Potassium can be used to build strong bones and muscles. Potassium can be used to lower blood pressure, prevent fatigue, and help with constipation.
Antioxidants protect your hamster from free radicals, which can cause damage to healthy cells.
Vitamin B6 is a good supplement to maintain red blood cell levels in your hamster’s body. It also helps keep their nervous system working properly. Vitamin B6 may also be beneficial for the skin health of your hamster.
There are bad things about pistachios
Although pistachios are rich in many good ingredients, they also have high levels of cholesterol and fats. Due to their small size, excessive intake of pistachios could lead to hamsters gaining unhealthy weight.
Obesity can cause a host of health problems for hamsters including arthritis and diabetes.
Although your hamster might love the texture and taste of pistachios, it may have difficulty digesting them. This could lead to gastrointestinal upsets such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
Hamsters love to hoard food and can be quite happy with dried or pelleted food. However, fresh food can spoil in their cages.
Salt and other seasonings are often added to store-bought Pistachios. Even if the shell is removed, it’s possible that there is still seasoning. Even a tiny creature, like a hamster’s digestive system, can be upset by even a small amount of salt or seasoning.
Safely feeding your hamster pistachios
Your vet will need to be consulted before you give your hamster pistachios. Your vet may ask you to verify which breed of hamster your pet is. This will help determine the number of pistachios that your pet should eat.
For any variety of hamsters, we recommend that you start with 1/4 of a pistachio. You should monitor your hamster’s behavior for the next 48 hours after they have eaten it. This will ensure that there are no allergies or digestive problems.
Keep an eye out for:
- Pica is the scientific name for hamsters who eat non-food items like bedding or poop. Pica is a sign your hamster may be having difficulty digesting the food you have given them. We recommend that you check that your hamster is not eating anything in their cage. If they are, then we suggest that you remove all of them. Before giving this nut to your pet, make sure you speak to your vet.
- The reason hamsters aren’t as energetic after eating new foods is that they may have difficulty digesting them.
- Appetite loss. Your hamster may be irritable after trying something new. They might not want to eat their regular food until they feel better.
- If your hamster has loose stools, it is an indication that they are having difficulty digesting new foods. If diarrhea is not treated, it can quickly cause dehydration in hamsters. We recommend that you call your veterinarian if your hammy has diarrhea for longer than 24 hours.
Your hamster should be fed only natural pistachios.
Your hamster should be fed their pelleted food first. Then, give them a treat like pistachios after they have finished their food. You can ensure that they get all the nutrition from their food and not just a treat.
What number of pistachios are different hamster types allowed to eat?
Hamsters should eat their regular food and not their treats for the majority of their nutrition. How many pistachios your hamster can eat will depend on their size and type. Before you give them new food, make sure you ask your vet.
Syrian and Rowbowski Hamsters
These hamsters can consume a greater variety of food than other types. As part of their supplementary food, Syrian hamsters can eat between 1-2 pistachios per week.
Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters
Smaller hamsters are more sensitive to digestive issues than their larger counterparts. Therefore, it is best to gradually introduce new foods into their diet. Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters may have one pistachio nut per week.
Chinese Dwarf Hamsters and Winter White’s Dwarf Hamsters
These tiny hamsters can be sensitive to new foods so make sure to consult your vet before you give them any new food. Your vet may agree that you can give your Chinese Dwarf Hamster one piece of pistachio every 10 days.
Can hamsters eat pistachio shells?
Before giving your hamster any peanuts, always remove the shell. Although they may enjoy chewing on the shell, it could cause a serious blockage in their digestive tract.
Wrap it up
Many hamsters enjoy the textures and tastes of different foods. Pistachios, which are healthy nuts, can be enjoyed by all types of hamsters. One to two nuts per 7-10 days is sufficient, depending on which type of hamster you own. Although pistachios can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, they should not be used as a substitute for well-balanced food for your hamster.
Before you give your hamster any new food, it’s a good idea that you speak to the vet. To ensure that your hamster is eating the new food properly, keep an eye on them. Unshelled pistachios should not be fed to your hamster as they can cause choking.
Pistachios are a great way for your hamster to have some variety in their diet. However, make sure they aren’t salted and only give them very small amounts of the occasional treat.
What nuts are forbidden to hamsters?
Almonds: Cyanide is found in unroasted, bitter almonds, and all almonds are moderately high in fat. Whole stalks of celery: The stringy texture can choke a hamster.
What do hamsters enjoy?
Carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, romaine lettuce, spinach, and other greens are examples of fresh (rinsed) vegetables. Fresh fruits (rinsed in water) are also beneficial, including apples, pears, bananas, grapes, and most berries.
What are some signs that hamsters are content?
Keep a close eye on your hamster and pay attention to its body language. A yawning hamster is pleasantly sleepy and at ease. Grooming that is relaxed, stretching, burrowing in the bedding, collecting food, and lively acrobatics in the cage are all signs that your hamster pal is happy.
Where do hamsters prefer to sleep?
Place your hamster’s cage in a dark, quiet area where she can sleep comfortably during the day and where her digging, scratching, and wheel-running will not wake you up at night. 4. Provide a cozy enclosed space for your hamster to sleep, such as a small box or a clay pot turned on its side.
Do hamsters have emotions?
Hamsters, like all animals, can communicate with one another and with their owners. They use body language similarly to humans and can express a wide range of emotions such as happiness, fear, threat, curiosity, startle, anger, and many others.
What should never be done with a hamster?
When you have a hamster, do not put the cage in the kitchen or near an open window. Adopt two of them. Feed them only sunflower seeds. Wash your hamster. Suddenly awaken them.
How frequently should I keep my hamster?
Interact with your hamster(s) every day and handle them as much as possible, but keep in mind their sleeping schedule. Handling hamsters while they are resting or sleeping should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as this can be stressful for them.
How long should I refrain from touching my hamster?
Between 12 and 24 hours It will take discipline, but the first thing you should do is resist the urge to handle your new hamster for the first 12 to 24 hours. Larger Syrian hamsters are more comfortable to hold than dwarf hamsters, but all will live longer, happier lives if you provide a nurturing environment for them.
How long should a hamster be allowed to be free of its cage?
Limit your free roaming time. For the first few times, allow approximately 15-30 minutes. In a larger environment, your hamster may become disoriented, and prolonged free-roaming may stress it out.
What kinds of nuts can hamsters consume?
Hamsters also enjoy walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts, which are high in omega 3, antioxidants, and antitumor compounds. However, nuts should only be given on rare occasions! Maybe as a reward.