I’m always on the lookout for new and delicious treats to give my hamster. After all, they deserve to be spoiled now and then. But can hamsters eat boiled eggs?
Hamsters eat eggs without issue, and they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and protein – all of which are essential parts of a hamster’s diet. [1] Therefore, they make a fantastic treat.
I’d like to take you through everything that makes boiled eggs suitable for hamsters (as well as some of the potential risks).
Check: What is the Best Hamster Food?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Hamsters can eat boiled eggs but with a few precautionary measures.
- Boiled eggs are a good source of protein for hamsters and can help keep your hamster’s coat healthy and shiny.
- Be sure to give your hamster only a small amount of boiled egg at a time, as too much can cause an upset stomach.
Are Boiled Eggs Safe for Hamsters to Eat?
As a hamster owner, you may wonder if giving your furry friend a boiled egg is safe. After all, eggs are a good source of protein and help keep your hamster’s coat healthy and shiny.
The good news is that hamsters CAN eat boiled eggs. However, it’s essential to only give your hamster a small amount at a time, as too much can cause an upset stomach. You should also remove the shell (as it can be sharp without proper preparation).
If you’re looking for a way to add variety to your hamster’s diet, boiled eggs are a good option. Just be sure to give them in MODERATION and as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Now that you know hamsters can eat boiled eggs, you may wonder how much and how often your hamster should have them.
How Much Egg Can My Hamster Eat and How Often?
As a general rule of thumb, hamsters should only have a SMALL AMOUNT of boiled egg (without the shell) once or twice a week. This is usually just one or two slices of the egg.
If you want to know if hamsters eat fried eggs, the answer is no. Similarly, they should not eat egg-fried rice, and you should only feed eggs that have been cooked thoroughly. The oil in fried eggs can introduce unnecessary fats to your hamster’s diet. [2]
Pro Tip: As always, consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your hamster’s diet.
Checkout this cute video of a hamster eating a boiled egg
Can Hamsters Eat Raw Eggs?
No, hamsters should not eat raw eggs. Raw eggs can contain bacteria that can make your hamster SICK. However, there is more to it than this.
Raw egg whites can cause biotin DEFICIENCIES. [3] Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin essential for many bodily functions, including metabolism and the production of fatty acids in hamsters.
Pro Tip: A biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss and skin, eye, and neurological issues. For this reason, it’s best to AVOID giving your hamster raw eggs altogether.
Can Hamsters Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Yes, hamsters can eat scrambled eggs. However, as with boiled eggs, you should only give your hamster a SMALL amount at a time.
It’s also essential to ensure that the scrambled eggs are not too greasy (adding oil or butter). Otherwise, they could give your hamster an upset stomach.
Pro Tip: When preparing scrambled eggs for your hamster, NEVER use oil or butter. Add some vegetables (such as carrots or broccoli) to the mix.
READ MORE: Can Hamsters Eat Potatoes?
Can Hamsters Eat Egg Shells?
Yes, hamsters can eat eggshells. Egg shells are a GOOD SOURCE of calcium, which is essential for hamsters (and other animals).
However, you should only give your hamster a SMALL amount of crushed eggshell at a time. This is because eggshells can be sharp and may cause an injury if your hamster overeats.
You should also ensure that the eggshells are clean and free of bacteria. The best way to do this is to BOIL them before giving them to your hamster.
Pro Tip: You should CRUSH the eggshells before giving them to your hamster. This will help to prevent any injuries.
What are the Benefits of Giving My Hamster Eggs?
There are several benefits to giving your hamster a couple of slices of an egg as a treat, and it can be very GOOD for their health.
1. Protein
As we mentioned before, eggs are a good source of protein. Protein is ESSENTIAL for many bodily functions, including the growth and repair of cells.
2. Amino Acids
Eggs also contain all of the essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are vital for many bodily functions.
3. Vitamin A
Eggs are also a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is IMPORTANT for many bodily functions, including vision, immunity, and reproduction.
4. Vitamin D
Eggs also contain vitamin D. Vitamin D is required for multiple functions, including calcium absorption and bone health.
5. Vitamin B
Eggs are also a GOOD SOURCE of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is needed for various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of fats.
6. Iron
Eggs are also a good source of iron. Iron is essential for many bodily functions, including the transportation of oxygen in the blood and the regulation of cell growth.
With so many great benefits, are there any harmful effects of eggs on your hammy?
What Are the Risks of Giving My Hamster Eggs?
As with any treat, some risks come with giving hamsters eggs. It would help if you considered them first.
1. High in Fat
Eggs are high in fat. While hamsters need some fat in their diet, too much can lead to obesity and other health problems.
For this reason, it’s essential to only give your hamster a SMALL amount of egg at a time. It would help if you also ensured that the eggs were not greasy.
2. Salmonella from Raw Yolk
As we mentioned, raw eggs can contain bacteria that make your hamster SICK.
So, can hamsters eat egg yolk? No, they can’t.
The yolk is the most likely part of the egg to contain bacteria, so it’s best to avoid giving your hamster raw eggs altogether. There is also the risk of salmonella poisoning if your hamster comes into contact with raw eggs. [4]
Pro Tip: To avoid the risk of salmonella poisoning, you should only give your hamster COOKED eggs.
3. Choking Hazard
Eggshells can be a choking hazard for hamsters. This is because they are sharp and can cause INJURIES if your hamster overeats. So be sure to crush it down to a powder before giving it to hamsters.
Also Read: Can Hamsters Eat Chicken?
FAQs
Can Hamsters Eat Egg Yolks?
Hamsters can eat egg yolks as long as they are fully COOKED. This is because raw eggs and yolk can pose a health risk to your hamster.
Can Hamsters Eat Duck Eggs?
Yes, hamsters can eat duck eggs. Duck eggs are similar to chicken eggs and have many nutrients.
Conclusion
So can hamsters eat boiled eggs? YES! Boiled eggs are a good protein source and can help keep your hamster’s coat healthy and shiny.
However, you should only give your hamster a small amount of boiled egg at a time, as too much can cause an upset stomach.
Raw eggs can contain bacteria that make hamsters sick, so avoiding giving them raw eggs altogether is best.
There is also the risk of salmonella poisoning if hamsters come into contact with raw eggs.
If you give your hamster eggs, ensure they are fully cooked and only give them a small amount at once.
So, did you ever feed eggs to your hamster? Let us know in the comment section
Sources:
- 1. Ward NE. Chapter 20 – Vitamins in Eggs. ScienceDirect. Published January 1, 2017. Accessed October 13, 2022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128008799000202
- 2. Cooperman JM, Waisman HA, Elvehjem CA. Nutrition of the Golden Hamster. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 1943;52(3):250-254. doi:10.3181/00379727-52-14107
- 3. Biotin Deficiency – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/biotin-deficiency
- 4. Whiley H, Ross K. Salmonella and Eggs: From Production to Plate. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015;12(3):2543-2556. doi:10.3390/ijerph120302543
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