Can Hamsters Eat Tomatillos?

Are tomatillos safe for hamsters? No, they are not. You should not feed your hamster tomatillos. Read on to learn more.

What Are Tomatillos?

Tomatillos, also known as the Tomate Verde or husk tomato plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the nightshade family. They are closely related to tomatoes and peppers. Tomatillos are native to Mexico and South America, where they have been cultivated for centuries in many countries around the world. The tomatillo fruit is encased in an inedible papery covering (also called a husk) when it is unripe. As with other members of the nightshade family, the tomatillo has its origins in ancient Mesoamerica where it was domesticated by indigenous people thousands of years ago.

Tomatillos have a tart, acidic taste that is somewhat similar to green tomatoes. They are used in many Latin American dishes, such as salsa, guacamole, and mole sauce.

Tomatillos are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and niacin. They also contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Can Hamsters Eat Tomatillos?

So, can hamsters eat tomatillos? No, we don’t suggest feeding tomatillos to your hamster due to the potential toxic nature of the fruit.

Tomatillos are toxic and poisonous to hamsters and other members of the rodent family (like mice, gerbils, and guinea pigs). All parts of the plant, including the fruits and leaves, contain solanine a glycoalkaloid that is highly dangerous for pets. The concentration levels of this compound vary depending on the fruit’s stage of growth as well as its size. Ingesting any part or amount of a tomatillo plant carries potential risks for poisoning in small animals such as hamsters.

Benefits Of Tomatillos For Hamsters

So, can hamsters eat tomatillos? No, we don’t suggest feeding tomatillos to your hamster due to the potential toxic nature of the fruit.

Tomatillos are toxic and poisonous to hamsters and other members of the rodent family (like mice, gerbils, and guinea pigs). All parts of the plant, including the fruits and leaves, contain solanine a glycoalkaloid that is highly dangerous for pets. The concentration levels of this compound vary depending on the fruit’s stage of growth as well as its size. Ingesting any part or amount of a tomatillo plant carries potential risks for poisoning in small animals such as hamsters.

Risks Of Tomatillos For Hamsters

While some fruits are okay for this small animal to eat on occasion, tomatillos are too acidic and toxic for them and can even cause illness or death if consumed in large quantities. This plant contains a toxin called “tomatine”, which has been known to cause toxicity in animals such as dogs and horses.

The toxicity of tomatillos is so potent that all parts of the plant, including its leaves and stems, have been shown to cause discomfort when ingested by small pets.

Symptoms of tomatillos poisoning in pets include the following, according to Pet Poison Helpline: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy. If you suspect that your pet has eaten tomatillos or other toxic fruits or vegetables consult your veterinarian immediately.

How To Feed Tomatillos To Your Hamster

We don’t suggest feeding tomatillos to your hamster at all.

How Many Tomatillos Can A Hamster Eat?

We don’t suggest feeding any tomatillo to your hamster.

What Else Can Your Hamster Eat Instead Of Tomatillos?

We have looked at if your hamster can eat tomatillos.

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 tomatillos, 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.

Summary

You should not feed your hamster tomatillos.

Hamsters cannot eat tomatillos as they are toxic. Those cute little rodents can enjoy a healthy diet of fresh vegetables and fruit, but not the much-loved green tomato. If you want to give your pet hamster some new food, make sure it is safe for them, you can check our website for other foods hamsters can eat.