Hamsters are curious little creatures that would love eating yummy treats. However, not all the food we humans consume is safe for the hamsters to consume. Humans can enjoy seasonal fruits such as cherries, but how about providing those to your beloved hamsters? To answer that briefly, yes, you can provide cherries to hamsters, and it is completely safe for them to consume those.
Hamsters are small, cute-looking animals that have fragile digestive systems. So, this means we need to ensure that what we are feeding them suits them well. So, even though you can feed cherries to hamsters, the key factor you need to keep in mind is serving them in the right amounts. In this article, we have explained the right way to feed cherries and the right quantity you should feed. Furthermore, we have expanded on the recommended cherry products for hamsters, among other things.
Table of Contents
What are cherries?
Cherries are a deliciously sweet fruit. They will usually grow in Europe as well as in Asia. Usually, they will form on cherry trees, and you may come across so many different varieties of cherries as well. However, the main two varieties of cherries are sweet and sour. Most of the production of cherries comes from the USA, Iran, and Turkey. Cherries are used in so many food recipes as well as in beverages. For example, you can make cherry pie, cherry juice, alcohol ice cream, and salads as well.
The nutrient value of cherries
In terms of the nutrient value of cherries, one whole cup serving of cherries would usually contain 87 calories. In addition to that, one whole cup of cherries will also have 1 g of carbohydrates, 9 g of fiber, 5 g of protein, and 0.3 g of fat. There are also 3 IU of vitamin A and 306 mg of potassium.
Further, one whole cup of cherries would contain 7 mg of vitamin C, 0.1 mg of vitamin B6, and 0.1 mg of manganese too. Not only that, you may find 2 mg of magnesium, 0.3 mg of pantothenic acid, 0.1 mg of copper, and 4 mg of choline too. Lastly, one whole cup serving of cherries would further have 9 mcg of vitamin K, 9 mg of calcium, and 29 mg of phosphorus as well.
Health benefits of nutrients that are found in cherries.
Cherries are undoubtedly one of the most delicious treats, which would go well with the hamsters. Not only would eating those be beneficial to hamsters’ health. Cherries would be fantastic for the hamsters. To elaborate further on those, cherries’ antioxidants would ensure that your hamsters are protected from conditions such as cancer. Secondly, the vitamin C contents of cherries would be beneficial for the overall health of the hamsters too.
Thirdly, the potassium contents of cherries would ensure that your hamsters have proper regulation of their blood pressure too. Needless to say, the dietary fibers in the cherries would play a major role in creating an effective digestive system for the hamsters. Lastly, the vitamin K contents would be crucial for the hamster’s blood too.
Health risks (disadvantages) of cherries.
Suppose that hamsters end up eating too many cherries; then chances are that they may suffer from many health hazards. They would suffer from health-related risks irrespective of the fact that cherries are a healthy and beneficial food for hamsters. For example, an oversupply of cherries would pave the way for diabetes in the hamsters.
Further, the sugar content of cherries would make hamsters gain excess weight. Obesity is something that you need to avoid, especially with hamsters, as if the hamsters become obese, it will shorten their lifespan. In addition to that, if you let hamsters eat only cherries, they would start to suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
Aside from that, an abundance of cherries would cause digestive problems in the hamsters. Lastly, chances are that the cherries’ pits would result in the choking of the hamsters too. However, it is noteworthy that your hamsters will go through these conditions only if they are given too many cherries.
Can Hamsters Eat Fresh Cherries?
My recommendation is to avoid offering fresh cherries to hamsters, as they would be toxic for them. Fresh cherries usually come with high levels of cyanide, which would create poisonous reactions in them.
Can Hamsters Eat Cherry Tree Branches?
Hamsters cannot eat cherry tree branches. You should never consider providing cherry tree branches for the hamsters, as they contain harmful chemicals for the hamsters. Those cherry tree branches would be extremely dangerous for the hamsters. So, don’t offer cherry tree branches for hamsters at all.
Can Hamsters Eat Leaves from The Cherry Tree?
You should not allow hamsters to eat cherry tree leaves. Those leaves may usually have a small toothed edge, which would create trouble for hamsters’ throats and their bodies as well. In addition to that, cherry leaves contain some traces of hydrogen cyanide, which would be toxic for the hamsters. So, it is best to avoid offering cherry leaves to your beloved hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Cherry Pits?
Don’t ever offer cherry pits to the hamsters, as they contain traces of cyanide, which would be poisonous to them.
Can hamsters eat cherry seeds?
I don’t recommend feeding cherry seeds to hamsters, as they would be hazardous if they ingested them. To elaborate further on this, it can cause issues in the stomach. So, always make sure that you remove the cherry seeds and then allow the hamsters to eat them.
Read also : Can Hamsters Eat Raspberry?
Can hamsters eat dried cherries?
Dried cherries are not for the hamster’s consumption. Dried cherries have sugar in abundance, which means they would not suit the hamsters well.
Can Hamsters Eat Frozen Cherries?
Yes, they can certainly eat frozen cherries. However, you need to bring them to room temperature and then serve them. Keep in mind that frozen food would not do any good for the hamster’s health. It will only cause complications for the hamster’s health and well-being.
Can hamsters eat sweet cherries?
It is absolutely fine to allow the hamsters to eat sweet cherries. This is the most prominent cherry type that your hamsters can eat.
Can hamsters eat red cherries?
Red Cherries are safe for the hamsters to eat; however, only a small amount should be given to them.
Can Hamsters Eat Black Cherries?
Black cherries would also go well with the hamsters. That being said, the key factor is to serve cherries in moderation and not in excess.
Can Hamsters Eat Ground Cherries?
Hamsters can certainly eat ground cherries without any issue. However, you need to avoid overfeeding ground cherries, as it would be unhealthy for them.
Can Hamsters Eat Sour Cherries?
It’s a no for this question, as sour cherries would not be healthy for the hamsters. If you accidentally feed sour cherries, chances are that it will cause digestive-related issues in the hamsters. Hamsters are not capable of handling sour food just like we are.
Can Hamsters Eat Canned Cherries?
Canned cherries are not suitable for hamsters’ consumption. None of the canned food items would suit the hamsters. Canned food may contain so many artificial colors, preservatives, and other chemicals that they would be harmful to the hamsters. So, keep these away from the hamsters.
Can Hamsters Drink Cherry Juice?
Cherry juice is not for hamsters’ consumption. Cherry juice doesn’t contain as many nutrients as fresh fruit does. further, it would cause dehydration too. So, avoid serving cherry juice to the hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Bing Cherries?
Bing cherries can be fed to hamsters, but only in very small amounts. Bing cherries have so much sugar content that you need to control their quantities due to that reason.
Few things to consider when you feed cherries.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to remove the pit from the cherries when offering them to the hamsters. If the hamster ingests them, the cherry pits will most likely suffocate them. Besides, cherry pits are toxic too. Further, if your hamsters are already sick, I suggest you refrain from offering them cherries.
How should you serve cherries to your hamster?
First, you need to wash them well. When you wash them, it will remove all the germs and pesticides they may carry. Further, my recommendation is to serve the cherries as they are. Don’t make any cherry pie or cherry juice. Avoid adding any salt or sugar as well. The best is to use sweet cherries, as they would suit the hamsters the best. Further, consider serving cherries along with snacks such as pumpkin seeds, cabbage, and carrots.
Once you finish feeding cherries, you need to ideally keep them under your supervision for about 12 hours and see whether they develop any allergic reactions. Further, always ensure that there is plenty of clean water for the hamsters to drink once they finish eating cherries.
How often can a hamster eat cherries?
You should consider giving the hamsters cherries every now and then. Having said that, if the hamsters tend to like eating more cherries, you can increase the feeding to once or twice a week. Remember not to serve cherries on the same day that you serve other sugary foods.
How many cherries at a time?
You can give them about one or two cherries in one day.
Are cherries toxic to hamsters?
Cherries are not toxic to hamsters, and they are completely safe for the hamsters to consume. However, the key factor is to remove the cherry pits before offering them to the hamsters. Cherries have a low sugar content when compared to other fruits such as peaches and mangoes, and they are rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This means cherries are a great snack for the hamsters.
Bottom line
To conclude, cherries would be an excellent treat for the hamsters, which they will love. Above all, cherries would be a very beneficial fruit for hamsters. It would be a smart move to choose cherries over hamsters, as they are low in calories and high in nutrients. So, I hope you are now very excited to try feeding cherries to the hamsters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Syrian hamsters eat cherries?
Syrian hamsters can eat cherries without any issues. They can handle the most cherries because they are large.
How many Cherries should a Syrian Hamster eat?
In terms of the right quantities, the best is to provide them with about one teaspoon of cherries every week.
Can dwarf hamsters have cherries?
Yes, dwarf hamsters can have cherries, but they should only be offered them as an occasional treat and in moderation. The pit of the cherry should be removed, as it can be a choking hazard for hamsters. It’s also important to make sure that the cherries do not contain any pesticides or other harmful substances.
How many Cherries should a Dwarf hamster eat?
Dwarf hamsters can eat about one slice of cherry pie once a week. It would act as a great energy booster.
How many Cherries should a Roborovski hamster eat?
One teaspoon of cherries would go well with the Roborovski hamsters. You can eat them once every two weeks. If you want, you can also feed them about half a teaspoon of cherries every week. Make certain that you do not exceed these levels, as this will result in them experiencing unnecessary health problems.
Can hamsters eat Cherry Pie?
Hamsters cannot consume cherry pie at all. Cherry pie usually has excess sugar, which would not be good for the hamsters. So, keep the hamsters away from cherry pie for their own good.
Hello, my name is James and I’ve been caring for tiny pets for over 14 years with a passion. I enjoy passing on my expertise to other individuals in order for them to have the same amount of enjoyment as I do.
