Can Hamsters Eat Edamame?
As a caring pet parent, I’ve asked myself too! I want to give my hamster the best hamster food possible.
Yes, hamsters can eat edamame. It’s nutritious and healthy for them to eat as an occasional treat, as these green soybeans contain vitamins K and A and are an excellent protein source.
So what makes them so special? Read on!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Yes, hamsters can eat edamame.
- Edamame is a good source of protein for humans and hamsters alike.
- Be careful to feed your hamster boiled or steamed edamame, and avoid packaged edamame snacks.
- Giant hamsters can eat a quarter of a cup of edamame beans a day, but decrease this amount for smaller hamsters.
Is It Safe For Hamsters To Eat Edamame?
Yes, it is safe for hamsters to eat edamame.
Pronounced “eh-dah-MAH-may,” this green soybean makes a delicious snack for people, but can it be safe for hamsters? The answer depends on how the edamame you’re feeding your hamster has been prepared.
Plain-boiled or steamed edamame beans are safe for hamsters to eat. Edamame beans are a great source of protein and fiber, so it’s good for your hamster to eat them as part of their regular diet.
Do not give packaged edamame snacks to your pet, as these are made with corn syrup and other ingredients that aren’t safe for hamsters.
Most people don’t know what type of edamame they buy when shopping at the grocery store or farmers market. Stick to plain boiled or steamed edamame as a treat for your hamster.
What Makes Edamame Good For Hamsters?
Also known as soybeans, edamame is green beans harvested before they mature. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, these beans are high in protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients.
Here are some of the benefits of feeding edamame to your hamsters:
1- Protein Source
Edamame is a good source of protein for your furry friend. One cup of cooked edamame contains around 22 grams of protein. (1) As you do, hamsters need protein to maintain muscle mass and produce red blood cells and body heat.
Sadly, most commercially-made hamster food mixes on the market don’t contain enough protein, so it’s essential to provide additional protein sources and other fresh food in your pet’s diet.
2- High In Fiber And Antioxidants
Edamame is high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help reduce cholesterol levels in humans and hamsters alike! These green soybeans also contain vitamin K, which helps build strong bones by helping calcium to be absorbed into the bloodstream from foods such as milk or cheese.
Vitamin K also promotes healthy blood clotting by reducing the stickiness of platelets in the bloodstream.
Edamame is also rich in calcium and vitamins A and B6.
Also Read: Cabbage For Hamster: Do They Like It?
Can Baby Hamsters Eat Edamame?
Yes, just like adult hamsters, babies can eat edamame. You will need to take some precautions, however, while feeding them edamame:
1) As baby hamsters can choke on whole edamame pods, only offer them shelled edamame as they will find it easier to chew on the single beans;
2) Too much protein may cause indigestion, so don’t overfeed your baby hamster with edamame;
3) Do not give your baby hamster raw edamame, as these can cause diarrhea because of their high fiber content. Instead, steam or boil the beans first.
How Do I Serve Edamame To My Hamster?
Here are some guidelines to follow about preparing these beans for your hamster.
Please note that your hamster should never have a lot of soybeans in their diet, as soybeans contain phytoestrogens which can cause hormonal imbalances in animals. (2)
Instead of boiling or steaming, you can feed your hamster raw or thawed edamame, as it’s easy for them to digest. You can keep the beans in the fridge until you need them or store frozen beans in the freezer.
When feeding edamame to your pet hamster, ensure that you always wash off any dirt or pesticides on the beans before giving them to your pet so that they don’t get sick from eating contaminated food.
Can Different Hamster Species Eat Different Amounts?
Hamsters come in more than one species, and each can eat different amounts of edamame.
1. Syrian Hamsters
Syrian hamsters can eat one ounce of edamame each day or slightly less a one-quarter of a cup. If you have more than one Syrian hamster, divide this amount between them. This type of hamster is a social animal that enjoys sharing its food.
2. Chinese Hamsters
Chinese hamsters need less than Syrian hamsters because they are not as active as their larger Syrian cousins. Chinese hamsters can eat fed half an ounce (one-eighth of a cup) of edamame each day. Chinese hamsters only weigh around 60 grams (2 ounces), so this amount is plenty.
3. Dwarf Hamsters
The Roborovski, or “Robo,” the dwarf hamster, is even smaller, weighing around 20 to 25 grams, so it’s best to feed them only a couple of edamame beans daily.
READ MORE: Do Hamsters Like Cucumber?
FAQ
What Foods Are Poisonous to Hamsters?
Almonds, avocados, lima beans, navy beans, chocolate, garlic, oranges, coffee, and alcohol are poisonous to hamsters. (3)
Is Soy Safe For Hamsters To Eat?
Soy products such as tofu are made from soybeans. So yes, hamsters can eat plain tofu in moderation.
Conclusion
Yes, hamsters can eat edamame. Remember to wash the salt and other additives before giving your hamsters edamame. These additives are bad for your hamster’s health.
So, did you ever feed edamame to your hamsters? Let us know in the comments section!
References
- 1. Wsu.edu. 2022 [cited 2022 Oct 26]. Available from: https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/report/Edamame/99900501638401842?institution=01ALLIANCE_WSU
- 2. Murphy PA, Hendrich S. Phytoestrogens in foods [Internet]. ScienceDirect. Academic Press; 2002 [cited 2022 Oct 26]. p. 195-IN4. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043452602440053
- 3. Guidry VP. Complete Care Made Easy, Hamsters: The Ultimate Pocket Pet [Internet]. Google Books. Fox Chapel Publishing; 2011 [cited 2022 Oct 26]. Available from: https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=0vMKBgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA5&dq=what+foods+are+poisonous+for+hamsters&ots=UIdTqTA6En&sig=Ew4zHHoJfM0Dg36R-aC5u9GegVc&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=what%20foods%20are%20poisonous%20for%20hamsters&f=false
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