Can Hamsters Eat Apples?

Hamsters are such lovable animals that anyone would fall in love with them. They are cute, small, and easy to take care of as well. So when it comes to feeding, you may come across many commercial foods that are available for hamsters. Having said that, they would also love having fresh fruits and veggies too. So, how about feeding some apples to hamsters? So, in this article, we have addressed all the details you need to be aware of when feeding apples to the hamsters.

In this article, we have described the health benefits as well as the health-related risks your hamsters may have from consuming apples. In addition to that, we have further explained the best way to serve them and the right quantities, so you should serve the hamsters as well. These are some brief details, and let’s continue to read this article to learn about them in detail.

The nutrient value of apple

If we look at 100 grams of apple, it would usually come up with 52 calories and 0.3 grams of protein. Furthermore, it would be composed of 86 percent water. Furthermore, 100g of apple contains 10.4g of sugar and 2.4g of fiber. 13.8 g of carbs and 0.2 g of fat. Apart from that, it would further consist of 4 mg of magnesium and 18 g of lutein and zeaxanthin. Furthermore, 100 g of apples will have 2 µg of vitamin A. 0.019 mg of thiamin, 5 mg of calcium, and 0.037 mg of vitamin B-6 as well.

You may also find 0.091 mg of Niacin, 90 mg of potassium, 11 mg of phosphorus, 0.028 mg of riboflavin, 17 g of carotene, and beta. Moreover, it will further consist of 0.07 mg of iron, 4 mg of vitamin C, 12.8 g of carbs, and 0.05 mg of vitamin E. 0.6 µg of vitamin K as well. More importantly, it will further comprise 0.27 g of protein too.

What health benefits of nutrients are found in an apple?

As stated above, apples are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Besides, it does not contain any cholesterol either. Further, their low-calorie content makes them an even better snack for the hamsters to have. To further elaborate, apples’ vitamin C contents would be quite useful for the hamster’s immune system.

They would help the hamsters combat the diseases quite well. Besides, it will help the hamsters have healthy skin too. If there are any on the hamsters, vitamin C contents would fasten the wound healing. Furthermore, it would also help the hamsters to stay protected from cancers too.

In addition to that, the antioxidants of apples would ensure that there are fewer effects of free radicals in the hamster’s body. Radicals are more like damaging particles in the body. These antioxidants would further reduce the risk of hamsters having cancers, cardiac issues, and diabetes too.

The dietary fiber in apples is another highlight of apples. Those fiber contents would aid the hamsters in having an effective digestive system. These are the health benefits the hamsters may have from consuming apples.

Health risks (disadvantages) of apple

If we look at the possible health risks the hamsters may have from eating too many apples, chances are that it would make the hamsters lose water stool. Further, hamsters are renowned for keeping leftover food in their cage. If they did this with apples, mold would grow and make the hamsters sick. Further, the high sugar content of apples would make hamsters susceptible to diseases such as diabetes.

In addition to that, apple seeds usually contain a toxic compound called amygdalin. It would release a toxin called cyanide, which would have a negative impact on the digestive enzymes of the hamsters.

Can hamsters eat the green apple?

Hamsters can eat green apples. Green apples are high in fiber and vitamin C. On the other hand, it is noteworthy that green apples contain fewer sugar levels when compared with red apples. They will also have an acidic taste. So, it is okay to feed green apples to hamsters, but at moderate levels. If you end up providing too many apples, it will result in upset stomachs. It may also pave the way for gas problems in them.

Can hamsters eat a red apple?

It is okay to provide red apples for hamsters. Red apples are sweet in taste and juicy in texture. So, if you wish to provide some sort of nourishment for hamsters, it would be a fine idea to feed them red apples. However, red apples are more sugary than green apples. Hence, you must feed red apples in the right quantities.

Moreover, red apples have so many beneficial elements. For example, red apples have antioxidants, which would be quite useful for the overall well-being of the hamsters. However, the key factor is to provide red apples only as a special treat and not as a daily meal.

Can hamsters eat apple cores?

It is fine to feed apple core to the hamsters. However, instead of the apple core, always try to give the main flesh of the apple. The apple flesh’s taste is yummier than the apple core’s taste. Further, it is easier to offer apple flesh than to offer apple cores. However, if you still want to try offering apple cores to hamsters, ensure that you remove the seeds from them.

Can hamsters eat apple sticks?

Yes, hamsters can eat apple sticks as a treat. However, it’s important to only give them in moderation and to ensure that the apple sticks are pesticide-free and unseasoned. Additionally, the apple sticks should not make up a significant portion of their diet and should be given in moderation alongside a balanced diet of pellets and fresh vegetables.

Can hamsters eat apple skin?

Hamsters can eat apple skin. Apple skin is a highly nutritious part of the apple. However, keep in mind to wash the apple skins before you offer them to the hamsters. If you don’t wash the apple skin, the pesticides that are washed away will end up in the hamsters. As a result, organic apple skin is preferable because it does not contain pesticides. That being said, I recommend washing the organic apple skin as well, as there may also be some dirt and insects that would cause trouble for the hamsters. If you offered unwashed apple skin, it would result in upset stomachs.

Read also : Can Hamsters Eat Bananas?

Can hamsters eat apple tree branches?

Yes, it is okay to let hamsters eat apple tree branches. It would be a fine idea to offer apple tree branches to hamsters; it would help them to grow their teeth well.

Can hamsters eat apple leaves?

Hamsters love eating apple leaves. Hamsters find apple leaves to taste very attractive to them. Above all, apple leaves contain so many nutrients that would aid them in having proper health as well. Apple leaves have low sugar levels. Furthermore, apple leaves would be beneficial to the hamsters’ digestive systems.

A special mention of the antioxidant content of apple leaves should be highlighted because it is critical for the hamsters’ survival. Apple leaves are rich in calcium, which means you need to control the quantity of apple leaves you serve the hamsters.

Can hamsters eat apple seeds?

It’s a definite no for this question. Apple seeds have cyanide, which would be toxic for the hamsters. If we look at humans, they will have to eat plenty of apple seeds to have this toxic reaction. On the other hand, the hamster will start to suffer from apple seed toxicity even with the slightest bite of them, as they are too small. Further, if they happen to eat apple seeds, chances are that they may even end up dying as well. So, don’t forget to remove the seeds of the fruit before you offer it to the hamsters.

Can hamsters drink apple juice?

My recommendation is to offer only home-made apple juice for the hamsters. Refrain from offering the store-purchased apple juice, as it may turn out to be toxic for the hamsters. Homemade apple juice should be consumed in moderation as well. However, even when you offer homemade apple juice, ensure that it is unpasteurized and doesn’t contain any sugar or any other additives. Further, it should be ideally diluted with water as well. Apples are rich in sugar, as stated above. So, make sure that you don’t add any extra sugar since it would cause much more adverse effects on the hamster’s health.

Can hamsters Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

The short answer is no, hamsters cannot consume apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is high in acidity, which would not suit the hamsters. If they accidentally end up ingesting apple cider vinegar, it could pave the way for issues in the hamsters’ gastrointestinal systems.

Having said that, there are reports that claim that adding one or two drops of apple cider vinegar to drinking water would help treat the urinary ailments of the hamsters. However, I suggest you consult a veterinarian before you practice this step. On another note, some people opt to add a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to clean the cage.

Can hamsters eat dried apples?

Avoid supplying dried apples to hamsters, as it is not a good idea to do so. Dried apples contain sweeteners that would turn out to be harmful to the hamsters. Furthermore, dried apples are sticky and may lack the nutrients found in fresh fruit. As such, you should never think of feeding a dried apple to hamsters.

Can hamsters Eat Cooked Apples?

I don’t recommend giving cooked apples to hamsters. If you do so, it would cause issues in the digestive system. Furthermore, the chances are that they will be far more detrimental. To further elaborate, hamsters won’t be able to digest the cooked apples.

Can hamsters Eat Crab Apples?

It is okay to serve crab apples to hamsters, as they don’t contain any toxic compounds for the hamsters. However, you must ensure that the crab apple center and seeds are not consumed by the hamsters. The reason for that is that they may probably contain some toxins that would create trouble for the hamsters.

So, don’t forget to remove the crab apple seeds and the core before you serve them to the hamsters. On another note, make sure that you serve crab apples at moderate levels as well, as the feeding of crab apples would result in nausea and vomiting as well.

Can hamsters Eat Apple Chips?

Apple chips are not for the hamster’s consumption. Apple chips are a processed food type that would not suit the hamsters. Instead, consider providing them with fresh apples. Hamsters don’t have an effective digestive system, and due to that, they won’t be able to handle cooked food such as apple chips. So, keep apple chips away from the hamsters.

Can hamsters eat apple sauce?

Yes, hamsters can eat applesauce in moderation as a treat. However, it’s important to note that fruits, including applesauce, should only be a small part of their diet and should not replace their staple diet of pellets and fresh vegetables. Additionally, unsweetened applesauce is the best option for hamsters.

Few things to consider when you feed apples.

The first thing you need to keep in mind is to avoid feeding apple seeds to the hamsters, as they would end up choking on them. If there are apple peels to feed hamsters, ensure that you chop them into small pieces, as hamsters would struggle to chew the large pieces of apple peels. Ultimately, they would end up choking. Moreover, always make sure that you wash the apple well and then serve it to the hamsters for the reasons mentioned above.

How should you serve apples to your Hamster?

As aforesaid, you can cut them into small pieces and then serve them. Besides, you can also make shakes, and truffles and offer them to the hamsters. Lastly, you may also shred them and allow the hamsters to eat those too.

How many apples to serve at a time?

In terms of the right quantity of apples, I suggest you feed small portions of apples to the hamsters. Further, you could consider offering them once or twice a week. Don’t supply apples, as if you do so, it could be troublesome for the hamsters.

Is apple toxic to hamsters?

Apple is not toxic for the hamsters. However, the key factor is to serve apples in the right quantity while adhering to the aforesaid precautionary steps.

Bottom line 

The key takeaway is that feeding apples is beneficial for the hamster’s overall health. However, if you end up oversupplying apples, it would pose a threat to the hamster’s health. Consider apples as an occasional treat for the hamsters. So, I hope these facts have made you excited to try out feeding apples to your precious hamsters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can dwarf hamsters eat apples?

Dwarf hamsters can eat apples without a doubt. However, my recommendation is to offer them a very minimal component of apples, as they are very tiny and prone to diabetes.

Can Syrian hamsters eat apples?

Yes, Syrian hamsters can eat apples, but ensure that you serve them at moderate levels only.

Can hamsters eat apple pie?

No, hamsters should not eat apple pie, as it contains sugar, spices, and other ingredients that can be harmful to their health. Additionally, the crust of the pie can also be difficult for hamsters to digest. It’s best to stick to offering fresh fruits, such as apples, in moderation as treats for hamsters.