Is wasabi safe for hamsters to eat? Probably.. but it’s not the best choice for them due to it’s spicy taste. We don’t really recommend feeding wasabi to your hamster, but read the rest of the article to find out more.
What Is Wasabi?
Wasabi is a green-colored root that has a sharp, heat flavor. It’s part of the Brassicaceae family, which includes horseradish and mustard greens.
Wasabi is often used in Japanese cooking, where it’s grated into a paste for when sushi is served.
The sharp, heat flavor of wasabi is often likened to horseradish and mustard. It has a pungent, spicy taste that is unique and strong.
Can Hamsters Eat Wasabi?
So can hamsters eat wasabi? The answer is not a simple one. Whilst it may be safe for a hamster to eat a very small amount of wasabi, wasabi is a spicy food that your hamster will likely not enjoy eating. With so many other food choices, we don’t recommend feeding wasabi to your hamster.
Benefits Of Wasabi For Hamsters
Some hamster owners believe that small amounts of spicy foods can help give a hamster’s immune system a boost and protect them against diseases. However, we recommend that you speak to an experienced veterinarian before adding spicy food to your hamster’s diet to help ensure the food is safe for your pet.
We don’t recommend feeding your hamster wasabi.
As we’ve already mentioned, we don’t recommend feeding your hamster wasabi. However, if you really want to do so and believe your hamster will find it tasty (which is unlikely), please ensure that you give a very small amount and make sure there’s no salt or other spices mixed in with the wasabi!
Risks Of Wasabi For Hamsters
As wasabi is a very spicy food, it’s unlikely that your hamster will enjoy eating it. With so many other tasty treats available, we wouldn’t want to risk feeding them something they don’t find appealing!
Wasabi contains spices that can upset your pet’s sensitive stomachs and cause him or her discomfort.
Hamsters are known for storing their food, and this can cause problems for a couple of reasons.
Hamsters are known for storing their food, and this can cause problems for a couple of reasons.
If any wasabi are left uneaten in your hamsters cage, they could rot, start to smell and attract insects.
Your hamster may also store uneaten wasabi 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 wasabi and immediately remove and discard any uneaten wasabi from their cage.
How To Feed Wasabi To Your Hamster
If you still want to feed your hamster wasabi, we recommend feeding a very small amount.
To feed your hamster a small amount of wasabi, grate some fresh wasabi with a fine grater and add a tiny amount to their food. Don’t add any salt or other spices, as these could upset your pet’s stomach.
As with the introduction of any new food to your hamsters diet, if you are going to try feeding your hamster wasabi, you need to monitor your hamster closely whilst eating them.
How Much Wasabi Can A Hamster Eat?
We wouldn’t recommend feeding your hamster wasabi due to the risks associated with it. However, as a rule of thumb, if you do choose to feed your hamster wasabi, please ensure that they only consume a tiny amount and make sure there is no salt or other spices mixed in!
Whilst we don’t encourage testing this, as with any new food it’s advisable to monitor your hamsters whilst eating them.
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 wasabi then we would recommend giving a very small portion size, about the size of a teaspoon.
Another good way to work out what is the right amount of wasabi to feed your hamster is to give them a portion they can comfortably hold within their hands.
Other Than Wasabi What Else Can Your Hamster Eat?
We have looked at if your hamster can eat wasabi.
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.
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 wasabi, 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 wasabi? We don’t recommend feeding your hamster wasabi due to the risks it poses, particularly for a hamster’s sensitive stomach.
With so many other safe and tasty treats available, we wouldn’t want to risk feeding your pet something they won’t enjoy eating!
Now you know if it is safe to feed your hamster wasabi. Just remember, if you do decide to feed your hamster wasabi, even though we don’t recommend it, always start by introducing a very small portion of wasabi to your hamster, and look out for any signs of discomfort or unusual behaviour.
If your hamster has an adverse reaction after eating wasabi, contact your local veterinarian immediately.
