Are Plums safe for hamsters? Can hamsters eat Plums? The short answer is yes, hamsters can eat plums, but plums should be given in moderation as a treat.
Plums contain a lot of sugar and should not be a staple in a hamster’s diet. It’s important to remove the pit and cut the fruit into small pieces to prevent choking. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
What Are Plums?
Plums are a type of fruit that belong to the Prunus genus. They are typically round or oval in shape and come in a variety of colours including red, purple, and yellow. They have a sweet and juicy flesh and a pit in the centre. Plums are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, but also high in natural sugar. They are commonly eaten fresh, but can also be used to make jams, jellies, and preserves. They are a summer fruit, usually ripe between June to August.
Can Hamsters Eat Plums?
Hamsters can eat plums as a treat, but it should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content. Plums are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, however, they should not make up a large portion of a hamster’s diet. A small piece of plum, once or twice a week should be enough. It is important to remove the pit and cut the fruit into small pieces to prevent choking.
It is also important to note that too much fruit can cause diarrhoea and upset stomach, so it’s best to introduce it slowly to your hamster’s diet and observe for any negative reactions. Some hamsters may also be allergic to certain fruits.
In general, a hamster’s diet should consist mostly of a high-quality commercial pellet food, fresh vegetables and small amounts of fresh fruits. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Benefits Of Plums For Hamsters
Plums, as a fruit, can provide some benefits for hamsters when given in moderation. These benefits include:
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Nutritional value: Plums are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A, which can help to boost a hamster’s immune system.
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Fiber: Plums contain a small amount of fiber, which can aid in digestion and prevent constipation.
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Hydration: Plums are mostly made up of water and can help to keep a hamster hydrated.
It’s important to keep in mind that while plums may provide some benefits, they
should not be the main part of a hamster’s diet. A hamster’s diet should primarily consist of a high-quality commercial pellet food and fresh vegetables, with small amounts of fresh fruits as a treat. It’s also important to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Risks Of Plums For Hamsters
While plums can provide some benefits for hamsters when given in moderation, there are also potential risks to consider. Some of these risks include:
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High sugar content: Plums contain a high amount of natural sugar, which can lead to obesity and dental problems if consumed in large quantities.
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Choking hazard: Plums have a pit in the center, which can pose a choking hazard for hamsters. It is important to remove the pit and cut the fruit into small pieces to prevent choking.
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Allergic reactions: Some hamsters may be allergic to certain fruits, and consuming plums could lead to an allergic reaction.
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Diarrhea and upset stomach: Eating too much fruit can cause diarrhea and upset stomach in some hamsters, so it’s best to introduce plums slowly to their diet and observe for any negative reactions.
It’s important to remember that plums should be given in moderation as a treat and should not be a staple in a hamster’s diet. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Hamsters are known for storing their food, and this can cause problems for a couple of reasons.
If any plums are left uneaten in your hamsters cage, they could rot, start to smell and attract insects.
Your hamster may also store uneaten plums in their cheek pouches, and it’s not uncommon for hamsters to develop abscesses, which can be sore for your pet.
That’s why it’s advisable to monitor your hamster when giving them plums and immediately remove and discard any uneaten plum from their cage.
How To Feed Plums To Your Hamster
As with the introduction of any new food to your hamsters diet, if you are going to try feeding your hamster plums, you need to monitor your hamster closely whilst eating them.
Start by removing the pit. Plums have a pit in the center, which can pose a choking hazard for hamsters. It is important to remove the pit before feeding the plum to your hamster.
Then cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
How Much Plum Can A Hamster Eat?
When feeding your hamster new foods, you should always start with a tiny amount to ensure that they like it, and that they don’t encounter an allergic reaction. So if you want to try feeding your hamster plums then we would recommend giving a very small portion size, about the size of a teaspoon.
So introduce plum slowly. Start by offering a small piece of plum, and observe your hamster for any negative reactions. If there are no issues, you can gradually increase the amount over time.
Another good way to work out what is the right amount of plum to feed your hamster is to give them a portion they can comfortably hold within their hands.
It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Other Than Plums What Else Can Your Hamster Eat?
We have looked at if your hamster can eat plums.
Other than good quality hamster food, what else could you be feeding your hamster?
Grains
Grains are a staple food for hamsters. You should give about a tablespoonful each day. Grains can be found in commercially prepared hamster mixes, providing protein and carbohydrates. Avoid overfeeding fatty nuts (peanuts and sunflower seeds), as they can cause obesity.
Vegetables
Fresh, organic vegetables are the best choice for your hamster.
If you’re not using organic produce, be sure to clean it properly to get rid of any pesticides.
Whilst most vegetables are generally safe for hamsters, dark green vegetables are the best choice, so things like;
- Artichokes
- Broccoli spears
- Carrot tops
- Dandelion greens
- Romaine lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid iceberg lettuce and other high-water veggies or fruits (such as watermelon) to avoid stomach problems.
Fruits
Like vegetables, most fruit is OK for hamsters in small portions, as a supplement to the usual diet.
Some good choices are;
- Apples (with pips removed)
- Bananas
- Pears
- Strawberries
Remember always remove any uneaten veggies or fruits from your hamster’s cage within 24 hours to avoid them going off.
Timothy hay
Often overlooked for hamsters, hay is a wonderful gnawing food that can keep your hamster’s teeth clean.
Fresh water
Your hamster should always have access to fresh water, changed daily.
What’s The Best Diet For Hamsters?
If you have a hamster, you need to make sure that you are feeding them the best food possible.
We’ve discussed if hamsters can eat plums, and whilst hamsters can eat a wide variety of things, their primary diet should consist of good quality hamster food.
There are a lot of options available for your hamster, but not all of them are good! If you want to learn more about the best hamster food, you can read our full review of the best hamster foods here.
If you just want to know what we recommend, it’s Kaytee Pro Health Hamster food.
The Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Food was created by animal nutritionists to ensure that your hamster gets the correct nutrition within their diet.
To support digestive health, Forti-Diet Pro Health includes probiotics and prebiotics. This food is high in natural antioxidants for general health and immunity protection, as well as some bigger, crunchier pieces to promote dental health through natural chewing action.
- Larger, crunchy pieces supports dental health through natural chewing activity
- Prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health
- Naturally preserved for ideal freshness
- A nutritionally complete diet for hamsters and gerbils
- All natural
Summary
Now you know if it is safe to feed your hamster plums. Just remember, always start by introducing a very small portion of plums to your hamster, and look out for any signs of discomfort or unusual behaviour.
In conclusion, plums can be safely fed to hamsters in moderation as a treat. However, it’s important to be mindful of the high sugar content and introduce plums slowly to your hamster’s diet. Always remove the pit and cut the fruit into small pieces to prevent choking. Monitor your hamster’s intake and observe for any negative reactions. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. Keep in mind that plums should not be the main part of a hamster’s diet and should be offered as a treat, once or twice a week. A hamster’s diet should primarily consist of a high-quality commercial pellet food and fresh vegetables.
If your hamster has an adverse reaction after eating plums, contact your local veterinarian immediately.
