Can Hamsters Eat Almonds?

Your hamster likes seeds and nuts, and humans are aware that almonds are a wholesome and nourishing food. But can hamsters eat almonds without any harm?

Can hamsters have almonds? Yes, in a nutshell, but with some very important cautions. Almonds that are sweet and have not been salted or bitterened should be avoided by your hamster. Almonds may be just as scrumptious and healthy a food for hamsters as they are for us. We’ll go through what to watch out for and how much is acceptable.

Nutrient value of almonds

It is a calorie-dense food that is also nutrient-dense. In one ounce, there are around 165 calories, 6 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber.

It is also a good source of

• Monounsaturated fats
• Vitamin E
• Fiber
• Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium
• Biotin
• Phytonutrients, specifically flavonoids, plant sterols, phenolic acids
• Trace minerals: Copper

Health benefits of nutrients which are found in almonds

They contain nutrients that will give hamsters a lot of nutrition, including antioxidants, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium.

Your hamster will be healthier as a result of the antioxidants’ ability to remove free radicals from their body. Additionally, they support the battle against a variety of diseases. The benefits of vitamin E for your hamsters are several. Similar to how it supports healthy skin, fur, and eyes, it also supports a strong immune system, the prevention of heart disease, as well as several malignancies. On the other side, magnesium aids in healthy bone production and preserves the health of your hamster’s bones, while manganese aids in keeping the bone health of hamsters.

Health risks (disadvantages) of almonds

Despite the fact that almonds are packed with nutrients, experts advise against feeding them to hamsters on a daily basis due of their high fat content.

Hamsters should not be given bitter almonds, as has already been said, but you should exercise caution while giving them sweet almonds. Regularly sized sweet almonds without salt or other additives should be used. Additionally, avoid giving your small hamster almond skin because it contains potentially harmful ingredients.

How you should serve almonds to your hamster?

Buy nut-free organic almonds. Some non-organic types may have trace quantities of pesticide-related substances in them. Even minute quantities of these toxins can cause injury or even death to your hamster.

Give the almonds a close inspection. Any that don’t have the ideal almond shape should be removed. A bitter almond could have an unusual form or be shorter and wider than the average almond. Only give your hamster the largest, most attractive almonds.

To soften the almonds’ skins, soak them in hot water for 15 minutes. When the almonds have cooled, pinch the large end to help the skin peel off. The skin should be removed because it could irritate your hamster’s stomach.

How often can a hamster eat almonds ?

If your hamster is a little variety, give her no more than half an almond per day; if she is a medium or large type, give her no more than a whole almond each day. Given in significant amounts, the high fat content of almonds and other nuts can cause harmful weight gain. Almonds should not be a regular part of your diet, but rather a special treat.

How many almonds at a time?

Twice a week, give your Syrian hamsters one entire nut.

Half an almond should be given to your Robo hamster twice a week. Due to the high fat level, any more could be harmful to them.

Dwarf hamsters require less. Each day, give them a half-almond once a week.

Since almonds can cause choking, keep an eye on them.

Why are almonds bad for hamsters?

Almonds do, regrettably, have a drawback for hamsters. We’ll examine the kind of almonds you should avoid and why.

While some salted or flavor- and additive-enhanced almonds are fine for humans to eat (in moderation), they are unquestionably bad for your hamster. Your hammy may become dehydrated and experience upset stomach, diarrhea, and diarrhea. Give your hamster just natural, unflavored almonds.

Avoid! A natural poison found in bitter almonds is converted by the body into cyanide when consumed. Since the hamster is so small, it wouldn’t take much for him to become extremely unwell or pass away from cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal if consumed in high doses (50 bitter almonds can kill the average person).

Nuts have a lot of beneficial fat, but if you offer your hammy almonds frequently, this fat may still be too much for him. Obviously, obesity could result from this, which would be bad for the health of your hammy as a whole.

The likelihood that the almond may present a choking hazard increases with the size of your hamster. especially if you are feeding your hamster almonds that are still in their shell. If it’s a treat you haven’t given your hamster before, think about trimming the nuts down in size before feeding them to him. Also, keep a watch on him as he eats.

What happens if a hamster eat almonds?

Your hammy will benefit from a reasonable serving of delicious almonds as a safe and nutritious snack. Simply follow the instructions above and make sure the almonds you offer your hamster are not salty, flavored, or bitter. The greatest almonds are plain, organic ones, and removing the skin makes them the safest treat.

Contact your veterinarian right away if you are concerned that your hamster may not be feeling well after consuming an almond.

Can hamsters have whole almonds?

Only Syrian hamsters can be fed with whole almonds. But only in moderation, since Syrian hamsters can only digest sugar at low concentrations. As a result, give them just one almond every two weeks.

Can hamsters have raw almonds?

They can indeed consume raw almonds. Simply give them an unsalted one. Give your dwarf hamsters a piece of the dry almond and your Syrian and roboswki one almond at a time.

Read also : Can Hamsters Eat Cashews?

Can hamsters have roasted almonds?

Yes, since hamsters adore roasted almonds, they can occasionally be fed. However, occasionally they also include additives that should be avoided generally, such as cinnamon or olive oil. Therefore, never give kids roasted almonds that contain these ingredients.

Can hamsters have almond flour?

Little bit of almond flour is not bad for hamsters. But check the production details before giving your hamster this product. If you see something suspicious in there do not try to give it to the hamster.

Can hamsters have almond butter?

They can absolutely occasionally eat almond butter.They can consume almond butter on occasion. Regular feeding could also result in choking, which is harmful to the hamsters. Ensure that it does not include any additional preservatives.

Can hamsters have almond milk?

Giving your hamster almond milk is not something I advise. The effect that this might have on your hamster is not well understood. We definitely don’t advise giving your hamster any milk, but better safe than sorry. Almond milk should be kept for your cereal!

Can hamsters have unsalted almonds?

This is the typical way to eat almonds! Despite their high caloric content, they are extremely healthy and have a delicious texture and flavor. It’s really simple to give your hamster a food they’ll love: a raw nut. Just be careful not to salt them excessively.

Few things to consider when you feed almonds

Almonds come in two varieties: bitter almonds and sweet almonds. Bitter almonds should not be fed to your hamsters because they can be poisonous. It includes a cyanide molecule that can be deadly to hamsters and even cause them to die. One nut may be all that is necessary to kill your hamster.

As a result, it would be best for you to only give your hamster sweet almonds on occasion as they make a tasty treat for hamsters.

You must be aware of all the nutrients that almonds possess in order for people to benefit from eating them.

Are almonds toxic to hamsters?

Cyanide is present in raw, bitter almonds, which are also somewhat heavy in fat. So you should avoid bitter almonds at all costs. As a treat, a single nut of sweet almond is good once in a while, but never more than one each week. Also a hamster can suffocate from the stringy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can dwarf hamsters eat almonds?

They can consume almonds, but you must keep in mind that they are smaller than Syrian hamsters and cannot digest foods with a high sugar content. As a result, you should only give them half an almond twice a week.

Can syrian hamsters have almonds?

They can eat almonds, but only in moderation since they contain a lot of sugar, and Syrian hamsters can only digest a small amount of sugar.

Bottom line

Finally, I can report that although hamsters can eat almonds, they don’t do it frequently. Additionally, bitter almonds should not be fed because they are harmful. Sweet almonds, on the other hand, can be fed on occasion.

Just be careful to feed them the appropriate kind of almonds for their classification.