My hamster is everything to me, and I want them to be happy and healthy. This also means ensuring I find suitable treats – so can hamsters eat applesauce?
Hamsters cannot eat applesauce, and it can be perilous for them. The sugar content is too high, so sticky that it risks getting stuck in their cheek pouches, and has no nutritional value.
I was shocked to learn this, and I’d like to take you through everything I learned about the dangers of applesauce for your hammy.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Applesauce is too sweet for hamsters and can cause stomach upset.
- Applesauce can get stuck in their cheek pouches which can become very serious.
- Stick to feeding your fresh hamster apples instead.
- If your hamster overeats applesauce, take them to the vet immediately.
Is Applesauce Safe for Hamsters?
Because hamsters are tiny, they have very sensitive stomachs. Applesauce is TOO SWEET for them and can cause a stomach upset. Stick to feeding your fresh hamster apples instead.
Fresh apples are a much better option for hamsters. They are packed with nutrients and fiber, which is suitable for hamsters.
While some feel homemade applesauce is a better alternative, it should still NOT be fed as a treat. Not only is it too sweet, but sticky foods can be a risk for hamsters (as I will explain in the next section).
Pro Tip: Fresh apples are a low-sugar fruit, which is vital for hamsters. If hamsters eat apples, this is fine because it is much healthier.
If the significant issue is the sugar content, you must be wondering if hamsters can eat unsweetened applesauce.
Can Hamsters Eat Unsweetened Applesauce?
No, even if it is unsweetened and natural applesauce, it is still not suitable for hamsters because it’s too sticky and is not the same as eating solid food in terms of digestion.
If you feed applesauce to your hamster, you’re running a significant risk – primarily if they eat commercially produced applesauce.
So what are the exact reasons why applesauce is harmful to hamsters?
Why is Applesauce Bad for Hamsters? 4 Reasons
There are several reasons you should AVOID applesauce for your hamsters, and the potential risks to their health are pretty severe, so make sure you keep these in mind.
1. Sticky Foods are Bad for Hamsters
Hamsters have susceptible teeth. Applesauce is too sticky for their delicate teeth and can cause dental problems.
Applesauce is also very sticky, and hamsters can easily CHOKE on it. It can also get stuck in their pouch, causing them to be unable to get it out and decay inside them. [1] This can lead to a vet visit and become very severe.
2. It Contains too Much Sugar
Applesauce is very high in sugar, and hamsters should not have too much sugar in their diet. It can cause them to GAIN WEIGHT and can even lead to diabetes. It is vital to keep their sugar intake low to avoid these problems.
3. It is Nutritionally Poor
While applesauce does contain some nutrients, it is not a nutritionally dense food. This means it does NOT have the vitamins and minerals hamsters need to stay healthy.
Hamsters need a diet high in fiber, and applesauce does not contain enough fiber. This can lead to problems with their digestive system and even obesity.
4. Hamsters Should Eat Solid Foods
Applesauce is a liquid, and hamsters cannot digest it as well as solid food. This can lead to PROBLEMS with their digestive system and even make them sick. Only elderly hamsters can benefit from foods that have a more liquid consistency.
What are Some Good Alternatives to Applesauce?
If you are looking for the best food for hamsters, there are plenty of other options.
Some good alternatives to applesauce include:
- Fresh apples
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
All of these options are much better for hamsters than applesauce. They are packed with nutrients and fiber and won’t cause dental or digestive problems.
Wondering what treats your hamster will love? Check out our article on what treats do hamsters like for some delicious and popular options.
What to Do if Your Hamster Eats Applesauce?
If your hamster has eaten applesauce, the best thing to do is to give them plenty of water and watch for any signs of distress.
As with anything, a minimal amount is unlikely to do any harm, and you shouldn’t see any adverse symptoms. It’s only really a problem if your hamster has had quite a lot of it.
You should take them to the vet immediately if they start having digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
The key symptoms to look out for are:
- Lethargy
- Breathing issues
- Diarrhea
These are all very serious, and if you notice any of them, getting them treatment immediately is essential, as it could prove fatal if you leave them.
Pro Tip: Applesauce is not a good treat for hamsters, and it can cause them to become very sick. It is best to avoid it altogether and give them healthy alternatives instead.
FAQs
Can Hamsters Eat Red Apples?
Yes, hamsters can eat red apples. All types of apples are safe for hamsters to eat if they are fresh and have not been treated with chemicals.
Can Hamsters Eat Apple Seeds?
Hamsters can eat apple seeds, but they should not have too many as they contain a small amount of cyanide. [2] This is only a problem if your hamster eats a lot of them, so as long as they only have a few, it should not be an issue.
Conclusion
So can hamsters eat applesauce? Definitely NO! Applesauce presents a host of dangers and potential health issues for your hamster, so it’s a good idea to stay away from it and give them healthier alternatives as a nice little treat.
There are loads of delicious leafy greens and fruits that they are sure to enjoy, and you can make the most of spending time experimenting with your furry friend and new snacks that are good for them.
So, if you’re wondering if hamsters can eat applesauce, the answer is no. Stick to feeding them fresh apples instead. Check out my other guides on what you can and cannot give your hamster.
So, did you ever tried feeding applesauce to your hamster? Let us know in the comments section!
Sources:
1. Jackson WF, Duling BR. The oxygen sensitivity of hamster cheek pouch arterioles. In vitro and in situ studies. Circulation Research. 1983;53(4):515-525. doi:10.1161/01.res.53.4.515
2. Apple seeds: What happens if you eat them? www.medicalnewstoday.com. Published May 15, 2020. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318706
Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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