A hamster is a lovely and cute pet that needs careful attention to its diet and nutrition. Homegrown hamsters like to eat fruits and veggies. But the question is whether a tasty and healthy fruit apple could be the food of a Hamster? Yes, Apple is a beneficial fruit as hamsters show a preference for apples. So, we must include apples in the diet of a hamster in moderation. This article will help you a lot in the right determination of nutritious foods for the cute hamster.
Is it Right to Provide an Apple to a Hamster?
A hamster could be the best starter pet for children. But it requires a check and balance in the diet. No doubt Apple is a wholesome and nutritious food that everyone likes to eat, especially hamsters. First, wash the apple with clean water to remove germs and dirt. Cut into thin slices and serve in moderate quantity. So that her cheeks may easily swallow it.
Apples provide all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development. Apple as food for a hamster is the right choice. Don’t peel the apples because the skin also contains dietary fibers. The apple should not be rotten or raw, it can cause food poisoning to your hamster.
What Quantity is Preferable?
You can easily include an apple in a hamster diet until you do not do it abnormally. It is good to include other fruits along with an apple. We prefer only a half portion of the slice at a time so that your pet could munch it comfortably and digest it easily.
If the pet eats too much quantity, it can lead to serious stomach issues like diarrhea and bowel problems. Quantity control is your responsibility because the hamster will eat all the portions of apple that you will provide.
Benefits of Apple as Food of Hamster
Excellent nutrients in apples make them beneficial in the following ways.
- Apple is an excellent source of providing Vitamin C to your pet, which keeps her immune system strong and helps in bone formation.
- It also contains antioxidants that help fight the negative effect caused by free radicals in the body.
- It also contains a limited amount of nutrients like phosphorus and calcium needed to control heartbeat and blood pressure.
- Apples are low in calories and cholesterol-free.
Nutritious Facts in Apple
Here are nutritious facts in medium-sized (100 gm) apples.
- Calorie 55
- Water 86%
- Protein 0.3 gm.
- Carbs 13.8 gm.
- Sugar 10.4 gm.
- Fiber 2.4 gm.
- Fat 0.2 gm.
Apple provides all the vitamins and minerals in a specific ratio.
Storage of Apple
You can preserve apples in cool stores with optimum conditions. The optimum temperature for the storage of apples is 0-5⁰C and may vary depending on the variety. Apples can last for about 12 months in excellent condition in this way.
For storage in a refrigerator, you must place them in the crisp drawer with their top covered with a wet towel. To better understand the nature of the pet’s diet, we prefer to consult the animal dietician.
Poisonous Food for Hamster
All the fruits and veggies are not beneficial and healthy for your pet. You must know what is healthy or poisonous for your pet and maintain a balanced diet for them. Food high in sugar content is nutritious but provide in sufficient quantities to the hamster.
Don’t give rotten and raw fruits (rich in tartaric and citric acid) to your pet. It can cause diarrhea or other diseases.
Foods rich in calories such as sugary foods can cause obesity in hamsters. Be careful not to feed dwarf hamsters with carrots and tomatoes, it may cause diabetes. Diversify the diet for hamsters but not with unhealthy food.
Some foods are so fatal that they can cause instant death. So you must take care of these foods and avoid them.
Have a look at the list of foods to be avoided:
- Chocolates and candies
- Apple seeds
- Raw foods
- Almonds
- Lettuce
- Tomato leaves
- Fast food
- Citrus fruits
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Avocado
- Grapes or raisins
Best Alternative for Apple
Sometimes your cute hamster shows a dislike for apples. Immediately replaces them with healthy alternatives like other vegetables and fruits. A hamster can eat boiled chicken, a piece of fish, and vegetables. But keep in mind not to feed with food high in sugar and spice content.
Takeaway
Apple is tasty and nutritious food for the hamster. Not only they are a part of a healthy diet but provide something to chew. Just remember to wash thoroughly and then slice the apple. Provide only a couple of slices per week without seeds intake. Could apple be the food of hamster? Your question is fairly answered in this article by all facts and figures.