Can Hamsters Eat Nuts? All You Need To Know

Do inquiring minds want to know that Can hamsters eat nuts? All you need to know. After all, they’re omnivores and can consume many different sorts of food, so the question isn’t all that outlandish.

Certain meals are good for hamsters, but some foods are terrible for hamsters and may be fatal. That’s why doing your homework before introducing new items to your pet’s diet is so important. In terms of nutritional value, are nuts good or bad? We’ll find out!

If you’re in a hurry, I’ll give you the rapid response you seek: Nuts can be eaten by hamsters, but only in tiny amounts. Nuts are a great source of healthful minerals, but they also pack a lot of calories and fat. Even though hamsters aren’t poisoned by nuts, overfeeding them might lead to weight gain, which you want to prevent.

However, don’t rush to the kitchen and grab a bag of nuts just yet. Before you begin feeding your hamster nuts, there are a few things you should know. You’ll be a nut master in no time if you keep reading!

Can Hamsters Eat Walnuts?

Walnuts are safe for you and your hamster to consume. A hamster may think of it as a tasty treat. But it would help if you only gave your hamster walnuts in moderation, not regularly.

Can Hamsters Eat nut

If you’re giving your hamster a walnut, be sure it doesn’t contain additional salt, sugar, or other additives, like honey. A genuine walnut is healthy for your pet.

What are Walnuts?

Single-seeded stone fruits, walnuts are found on the walnut tree, which produces walnuts. They’re a wonderful source of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. They may improve cardiovascular and bone health, as well as aid with weight control.

The walnut is the most popular nut globally and has been eaten for more than 8,000 years. California and China are the primary sources of commercial walnuts. 

A small hamster eats an almond close up.

The most popular types are English walnuts and black walnuts. After shelling, they may be eaten as-is or used to make bread, cakes, and even sauces for savory meals like pasta and meat.

A popular nut to eat in its whole is the walnut, and its papery exterior is equally edible. Also, the flesh may be minced and used in dishes. These foods need to be garnished with chopped nuts, such as a salad or fruit dish. 

Granola, veggie dishes, wraps, and spaghetti all benefit from the addition of roasted walnuts. Typical bread, scones, and pastries use finely chopped or ground walnuts, as well as sauces and dips.

Walnut oil is a wonderful option for salad dressings, but it is not suitable for cooking at high temperatures. Crude oil with a low smoke point is used in cooking (320 degrees Fahrenheit). If it reaches that temperature, the dish will taste scorched.

Benefits of Walnuts

Brain-healthy foods

Walnuts are rich in polyphenols and polyunsaturated fats, both of which may have a positive impact on brain health. 

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Oxidative stress in the brain is reduced by omega-3 fatty acids, which also aid enhance brain signaling and neurogenesis, which is the process by which new neurons are produced in the brain.

Mood-boosting

For the development and functioning of the central nervous system, omega-3 fatty acids are essential. 

Omega-3 fatty acids may have a role in some mood disorders, according to promising research and clinical data.

Weight loss

Some studies have shown that eating walnuts instead of other meals do not induce weight gain, even though they are high in calories.

It makes them a perfect snack option for individuals trying to lose weight.

Risks of Walnuts

Lower cholesterol may be a result.

Research published in Circulation indicated that those who ate walnuts every day for two years possess lower cholesterol levels than those hamsters who didn’t eat walnuts at all.

Iron may be difficult for your body to absorb.

As a walnut fanatic, you may want to avoid taking iron supplements or eating iron-rich meals simultaneously as your nutty escapades.

Risk for Type 2 diabetes

Because of their high monounsaturated fat content, walnuts stand out from other nuts. They have been associated with a favorable impact on insulin resistance that lessens the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How to feed walnuts to your hamster?

This nut is a treat for your hamster; always make sure you are holding it or are very close to it when you are doing so. When you give your hamster treats, you’re helping to strengthen your relationship while also increasing the chances of socialization. 

  • Try to start with a small number of walnuts to see if your hamster enjoys them. 
  • Ignoring your hamster is pointless, so don’t waste your time with it! Your hamster may eat the food through their cheek pouches.
  • Wash the nut well before using it in the recipe. It removes any chemicals that have been used to protect the nut while it was in the growing stage of development. 

It may be dangerous to their well-being. Walnuts can be a nutritious addition to your hamster’s diet, along with pumpkin seeds, cabbage, and carrots! 

How many walnuts can you give your hamster?

Golden hamster excited to open a walnut

The amount of walnuts you can give your hamster depends on the breed! A small amount can be given to Syrians and Robos, while Dwarfs should only be given a very small amount! 

It is based on your pet’s digestive system strength! As we’ll see in a moment, you must follow these suggestions.

What kind of walnuts can hamsters eat?

Some of the walnuts hamsters can eat Walnut shells, roasted walnuts, and black walnuts.

Shell Walnuts

They’re chasing the tasty nut that’s hidden within! However, there are no concerns if your pet eats the shell. As a result, walnut shells are safe for hamsters to ingest!

Black Walnuts

We honestly have no idea. Thus we don’t advise it. As a result, we advise you to be cautious and not offer any to your hamster.

Roasted Walnuts

Walnuts may be eaten raw or roasted by hamsters, but make sure they are free of additives! Walnuts with honey and other sweets are delicious for humans, but hamsters should not be given them.

Steps to Take Before Giving Your Hamster Almonds

Almonds are already known to be good for hamsters while also posing a health danger. As a result, we must take a few steps to reduce, if not eliminate, these hazards to the health and well-being of our hamsters. The following are some of the actions to take: 

  • Always buy organic almonds that haven’t been shelled.
  • Sort the almonds carefully to remove the bitter ones. 
  • Keep an eye out for any almonds that aren’t round.
  • To remove the skin from almonds, soak them in hot water.
  • Bitter almonds, like salted almonds, should be avoided at all costs.

Can hamsters eat peanut butter?

Peanut butter is also a favorite of hamsters, but it must be served with caution (as with any sticky meal) since it can become caught in their cheek pouches and create serious complications. 

As an occasional reward, a very thin layer of peanut butter on a piece of wood is OK, although peanut butter needs to be offered with caution.

What nuts can hamsters eat? 

A cute little hamster in a plate with various nuts eats. Dwarf hamster with nuts on a background of pumpkins on a brown table. Autumn concept

Pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans as nuts can hamsters eat. Almonds, if given in a small quantity, are safe to eat for a hamster. Large quantities will be dangerous because they contain cyanide.

Can hamsters eat nuts and seeds? 

Yes, of course, the hamster can eat nuts and seeds. Many varieties of seeds are also enjoyed by these little companion animals, who benefit from the vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and nutrients included in them. 

Seeds are pleasant treats for hamsters that assist offer balanced meals when provided in moderation along with a range of fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables.

Can hamsters eat cashew nuts? 

Cashews are generally acceptable to feed to hamsters but avoid salted or flavored cashews. Give only plain roasted cashews to them.

Avoid cashews and other nuts if your hammy has any medical difficulties, particularly obesity or obesity-related disorders. The fat content and high calorie of this treatment may be too much for your pet.

Larger hamsters, such as Syrians and Roborovskis, will benefit from cashews since regulating an adequate serving for them will be simpler. Cashews are safe for Dwarf hamsters, but they must serve carefully.

What nuts can hamsters not eat? 

The following is a list of nuts to avoid. Though you may be able to offer some of these items to your hamster in moderation, please follow the necessary precautions to ensure that they are not harmful or fatal to your pet.

Almonds: Cyanide is present in unroasted, bitter almonds, and all almonds are relatively heavy in fat. As a treat, a sliver of almond is good, but no more than one almond each week.

Peanuts: Hamsters can’t eat them because they’re too heavy in fat, and the salted version might cause dehydration. Your hamster can eat one unsalted, human-grade peanut every week.

What nuts can dwarf hamsters eat? 

A hamster eating a nut

Syrian and Robowski hamsters should only be fed tiny chunks of unseasoned, shelled nuts. We recommend offering your hamster pecan nuts as a reward after they’ve been given their regular meal.

Is it Safe for Hamsters to Eat Walnuts? 

Yes, walnuts are OK for your hamster to consume. They may find it enticing. However, fed walnuts to your hamster in moderation, not regularly.

Can hamsters eat pistachio nuts? 

The good news is that hamsters can consume pistachios without issue. If provided in the appropriate quantity, they may be a nutritious snack! Make sure you’re feeding them the appropriate quantities. 

Pistachios are suitable for Syrian, Robos, and Dwarf hamsters. They have several advantages, which we shall discuss later! 

Make sure the pistachios you offer your hamster are of the following types:

  • Unsalted
  • Unsweetened
  • Natural

It should be acceptable if they pass these three conditions!

How often can hamsters eat nuts?

Hamsters can’t consume nuts very often since they’re so high in calories. To put it another way, it should not be a regular part of their diet, but rather a special event. 

The frequency with which you can give nuts to your hamster is determined by the type of hamster you have. Syrians are larger than Dwarf and Robo hamsters. Thus it’s natural that they can consume nuts more regularly.

Can hamsters eat cashew nuts?

Cashew nuts are safe for hamsters to consume; they are not poisonous and may be a good treat. Copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, selenium, thiamine, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and antioxidants are all beneficial to your hamster in cashews.

If you decide to offer cashews to your hamster, make sure you only give them a tiny amount at a time. 

Yes, cashew nuts are high in nutrients, but they are also high in fat and, as a result, calories. As a result, if you have a Syrian hamster, feed it no more than one cashew every week or twice a month if you have a Robo or dwarf hamster.

Can hamsters eat pine nuts?

Absolutely! Syrian and Robo hamsters can do so, while Dwarf hamsters are unable to. It is because of the high fat and sugar content of this delectable food. It’s simply too much for their immune system!

Conclusion

After considering all of this information, we’ve concluded that a reasonable amount of sweet almonds is a safe and healthful snack for your hammy. Follow the instructions above and make sure any almonds you offer your hamster aren’t bitter or include any seasoning or salt. The best almonds are plain, organic almonds with the skin removed for the safest delight.

If you’re concerned that your hamster isn’t feeling well after eating an almond, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Your hamster’s health and safety are paramount, and adding almonds to his diet may give him the boost he requires if you follow our instructions. Hamster also gets a delightful new treat.

FAQs

Can hamsters eat almonds or cashews?

Yes, but with some major cautionary notes. In general, sweet almonds are OK for your hamster while avoiding bitter and salty almonds.

Can hamsters eat brazil nuts?

Yes, hamsters can consume brazil nuts, and they may be a tasty treat for them. These nuts are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals! Protein, selenium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, thiamine, vitamin E, and copper are all good sources, and they’re also high in antioxidants. Brazilian nuts, on the other hand, are enormous, especially for your hamster. Make sure you don’t feed them the whole nut; instead, chop it up and give them a tiny portion.

Can hamsters eat hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts are safe for hamsters to eat. Hazelnuts are high in protein, fiber, vitamin E, thiamin, magnesium, copper, manganese, omega-6s, omega-9s, and antioxidants, all of which are beneficial to your health hamster.

What is the alternative nut for hamsters?

If your hamster isn’t interested in nuts, give him some of these snacks instead:
Pescado (great alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids)
Sunflower seeds for chicken
Lettuce Romaine
Apples

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Gulshan
Hi, I am Gulshan, a pet blogger, and author. I've been working with the local pet groups for the past five years. I have been fascinated by our pets and am here to share that wonder with you.