Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon? (Is it Safe for All Breeds?)

Sharing is caring!

Can hamsters eat watermelon?

I’m always searching for a new and delicious treat for my hamsters to enjoy. They deserve a snack just as much as we do, and it’s adorable watching them eat. But is watermelon safe?

Hamsters can eat watermelon, a great source of hydration in the summer, and contains excellent vitamins and minerals. You just have to watch out for the high sugar content and ensure they only get a little bit weekly. They’re safe for all hamsters too.

Join me as I help you discover if hamsters can eat watermelon and the potential risks that come with it.

Check: The High Protein Hamster Food List

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamsters can eat watermelon, but only in moderation because of the high sugar content
  • Watermelon is a good source of hydration and vitamins A and C for hamsters
  • When feeding watermelon to hamsters, only give them a small piece at a time

Is Watermelon Safe for Hamsters?

The water content in watermelon can help hamsters stay HYDRATED, while the vitamins A and C benefit their overall health.

However, hamsters should only eat a small piece of watermelon at a time, as watermelon has a high sugar content which can prove to be very harmful in the long run.

When feeding watermelon to hamsters, it is important to:

  • only give them a small piece at a time
  • remove the seeds before feeding
  • cut the watermelon into small pieces

Pro Tip: Watermelon is actually safe for all breeds of hamsters to eat, which makes it an incredibly good snack for your furry friends.

Eating watermelon is likely an exciting and fun experience for your hamster and a little messy. Watching your furry friend dig in can be really fun, so I recommend taking a video.

Can Hamsters Drink Watermelon Juice?

No, hamsters should not have any watermelon juice. This is because it is exceptionally high in sugar and can be dangerous – even to the larger Syrian hamster.

Eating watermelon is fine, but fruit juice concentrates everything down to what is essentially syrup. Fresh watermelon is always the better choice to feed your hamster.

For even more snack ideas, don’t miss our article on hamster snacks to keep your furry friend happy and satisfied.

How Much Watermelon Can Hamsters Eat and How Often?

Hamsters can eat watermelon weekly, but only in SMALL quantities. A good rule of thumb is to give them no more than 1 teaspoon of watermelon per week.

watermelon on a table, can hamsters eat watermelon

If your Dwarf hamsters eat watermelon, you should half the amount, but you can still give it to them on a weekly basis. Syrian hamsters and Robo hamsters are able to handle more.

Pro Tip: Hamsters’ eyesight is not the best, so it is important to cut the watermelon into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.

Remember, hamster pellets are what their diet should primarily consist of, so you should always ensure that snacks (even healthy fruit) make up no more than 10% of their diet.

What are the Benefits of Watermelon for Hamsters?

There are a few health benefits to watermelon, and your hamster is sure to LOVE it. Here’s a quick look at some of the advantages of this watery fruit.

[1]

1. Low in Fat

Watermelon is a very lean fruit and contains little to no fat, which is excellent for your hamster’s diet. However, this part is only true if fed in SMALL amounts because of the sugar content.

2. Good Source of Hydration

As watermelon is made up of 92% water, it is a great way to keep your hamster hydrated, especially during summer.

3. Vitamin C

Watermelon is a good source of Vitamin C, which helps to keep hamsters’ immune systems functioning properly.

4. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for hamsters as it helps to maintain their vision, skin, and fur health.

5. Carotenoids

Carotenoids are antioxidants that can help hamsters prevent cancer and boost collagen production.

Are There any Risks to Feeding Watermelon to Hamsters?

As with anything, there are some RISKS that can come with giving your hamster watermelon as a little snack.

1. Obesity

The high sugar content in watermelon means that hamsters can easily become OBESE if they eat too much of it. [2]

Pro Tip: Hamsters are prone to obesity, so it’s important to be aware of their sugar consumption.

2. Diabetes

Another health concern that can come from feeding hamsters watermelon is diabetes. The HIGH sugar content in watermelon raises their blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes over time.

3. Choking Hazard

Watermelon seeds can pose a choking hazard to hamsters, so removing them is important before giving your hamster a piece of watermelon.

4. Dehydration

While watermelon is a good source of hydration, too much of it can lead to dehydration. This is because watermelon contains a lot of WATER AND SUGAR, and hamsters can urinate more frequently, which can lead to dehydration.

Also Read:

FAQs

Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon Rind?

watermelon rind, can hamsters eat watermelon rind

The short answer is no; hamsters cannot eat watermelon rind. The water content in watermelon rind can cause diarrhea in hamsters, so it’s best to avoid giving it to them altogether.

Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Can a hamster eat watermelon seeds? Yes, but it can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller breeds. In addition, the hard outer shell of the seed can damage their teeth.
Therefore, removing the seeds before giving your hamster watermelon is best.

Conclusion

Watermelon is an excellent snack for hamsters, but it’s important to give it to them in MODERATION. Be sure to REMOVE the seeds and rind before feeding them to your hamster, and cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.

If you have any concerns about feeding your hamster watermelon, consult with a veterinarian.

For more snacks that you can feed your hammy (as well as the ones to stay away from), check out the rest of my guides to see how they can help.

hamster waving at watermelon, can hamsters eat watermelon

Did you ever feed watermelon to your hamster? Let us know in the comments section!

Sources:

  • 1. Jennings K-A. Top 9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon [Internet]. Healthline. 2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits
  • 2. Dalbøge LS, Pedersen PJ, Hansen G, Fabricius K, Hansen HB, Jelsing J, et al. A Hamster Model of Diet-Induced Obesity for Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-Obesity, Anti-Diabetic and Lipid Modulating Agents. Andrews Z, editor. PLOS ONE. 2015;10:e0135634.
Ben Roberts
Ben Roberts

My name is Ben Roberts, and I absolutely love animals. So, naturally, I love writing about them too! As far as my animals, I have a Pit-bull, a Beagle-lab mix, a Chihuahua, and one old cat. Each one of them provides me with a new adventure every day. And the best part is they’re all best friends. Well, except the cat when he gets a little annoyed.
FIND HIM ON: FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Read his latest ARTICLES
Learn more about Benhere

Leave a Comment

SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER

NEVER MISS A NEWS OR DISCOUNT