Are spring onions safe for hamsters to eat? No, like other types of onion, spring onions are not safe for hamsters to eat. Find out more about why you should not feed your hamster spring onions in the article below.
What Are Spring Onions?
Spring onions are a type of vegetable that is also known as green onion, salad onion or scallion. They belong to the genus Allium and they are closely related to garlic.
They contain many of the same substances including thiosulfinates which give them their potent flavor. Spring onions can be eaten raw, but they are more often cooked in stir-frys or other dishes, either alone or in conjunction with other vegetables.
Spring onions are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin A. They also contain smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including folate, magnesium and zinc.
Can Hamsters Eat Spring Onions?
So can hamsters eat spring onions? The answer is no, they should not eat spring onions as they contain thiosulphate which is toxic for them in large quantities.
Small amounts are unlikely to cause any harm, however with so many better options, why risk feeding them spring onions.
In general, it’s a good idea to avoid feeding your hamster raw onions of any kind as they can be potentially harmful.
Benefits Of Spring Onions For Hamsters
So are there any benefits to feeding spring onions?
There are no known health benefits of spring onions for hamsters, and due to the associated risks we see no reason for you to feed them to your hamster.
Risks Of Spring Onions For Hamsters
As already mentioned, thiosulphate is found in large quantities in garlic and spring onions.
Even relatively small amounts of it can be harmful to your hamster. The substance reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout the body which causes suffocation. This can lead to a slow and painful death for your hamster.
A little spring onion is unlikely to cause any health problems for your hamster, but why risk it when there are so many other healthier options available?
How To Feed Spring Onions To Your Hamster
We do not recommend that you feed your hamster spring onions.
How Much Spring Onion Can A Hamster Eat?
We don’t recommend feeding any amount of spring onion to your hamster.
What Can Your Hamster Eat Instead Of Spring Onions ?
We have looked at if your hamster can eat spring onions.
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 spring onions, 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
So, Can Hamsters Eat Spring Onions?
No, spring onions are not good for your hamster. They’re likely to cause stomach problems. Fortunately, you can find many different types of fruits, vegetables, grains and grasses for your hamster to eat instead of the spring onion.
If your hamster has an adverse reaction after eating spring onions, contact your local veterinarian immediately.
