Can Hamsters Eat Crackers? All You Need To Know

As a pet, hamsters are a great choice. They are cute, cuddly, and pleasant to hold. They don’t require lots of attention and care as compared to cats and dogs. Feeding cracker to your hamster seems to be an excellent idea so let’s check out if it’s worth it or not. Let’s jump in!
Can Hamsters Eat Crackers

So, can you feed crackers to your hamster or not? It’s a Yes. Your hamster can eat crackers safely. Being an omnivore like other rodents, they can eat fruits, vegetables, grass, grains, and even meat. As crackers are made up of wheat mainly, they can be a perfect treat for your hamster at snack time. Wheat means fiber essentially, meaning crackers are easily digestible food that is good for the digestive system.

So, does this mean that you can give your hamster crackers on a regular diet? Absolutely not! We will have to dive a bit deeper into the topic to understand this concept.

Benefits of Feeding Crackers to Your Hamster

Here are some quick nutritious facts that you need. As mentioned, for the most part, crackers are made up of highly digestible wheat. Crackers contain proteins and saturated fats (good fats) which are considered essential for muscle development. Another major element that your hamster will get from crackers is iron, an integral part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood

Crackers also contain other essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6, Magnesium, and Calcium. 

There are also carbohydrates in crackers which is pure energy. There are no toxic elements in them, so crackers make a nice nutritious chart for your hamster and benefit your little friend in every way.  

Guidelines and Risks Associated with Feeding Crackers to Hamsters

No doubt crackers are very nutritious snacks, but excess of anything is bad. Your hamsters can only eat crackers only two times a week. More than the recommended quantity can cause serious health issues like obesity and diabetes. Secondly, only a tiny amount should be given to the hamster-like a stamp-sized piece at a time. 

Commercial crackers may contain excessive minerals like sodium and artificial colors, which can be harmful. 

As a parent, you should realize that proper healthy stuff for your hamster is fruits and vegetables, so there should be primary space for these essentials in the diet plan. If you stuff your pet with less healthy snacks, then it would be harmful to it. Ensure plenty of water should be available while your pet eats crackers to avoid choking and promote proper hydration

Whole wheat or whole-grain crackers should be fed to hamsters so that they don’t face any digestion issues. Hamsters can only endure plain crackers, so avoid feeding them salted or seasoned crackers. Later mentioned crackers are only digestible by a human. Hamsters cannot tolerate that amount of salt and sugar as humans do, so avoid them strictly.

Make Crackers at Home

The best way to keep your hamster safe from the hazards of purchased crackers is to make them at home. Homemade crackers contain no artificial flavors, excessive salt, or bad fats. So, if your hamster likes crackers, make it at home and give your little friend a safe treat!

Healthy Alternatives to Crackers

There are many other healthy alternative snacks for your hamster. Here is the list of some foods that you can give to your hamster instead of crackers:

FAQs

Can Hamsters Eat Water-dipped Crackers?

Yes, they can, but there could be a slight inconvenience for you. Water dipped crackers are easily chewable and can be swallowed by hamsters lowering the risk of choking. But water-dipped crackers become too soft, and it would be difficult for your hamster to get a grip on them. For hamsters, soft crackers are challenging to handle. They may be dropping little chunks all over the place and creating a mess for you.

The best way to handle it is by placing some freshwater near your hamsters while they have their snack. They will drink water according to their need without creating any mess for you.

What Type of Crackers Hamster can Eat?

Hamsters can only eat whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers. Ritz crackers and Saltine crackers could be harmful to them. That is why only homemade whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers are best for the hamster. 

Hamsters And Crackers Explained

Hamsters enjoy eating crackers. But the owners must consider that their pet has a tiny digestive system, so they must be cautious about the amount how much they are feeding them. It would be better to eat a healthy diet with an occasional treat of crackers. If your pet shows signs of poor digestion, then you must consult with your vet. Remember, don’t feed your hamster with crackers more than twice a week. We recommend you stick with a healthier diet for your hamsters, such as organic fruits and vegetables. 

missed something?

a little about me
Hi, im Sofia
Hi, im Sofia

I'm a mother of 2, hamster enthusiast, animal lover, and blogger. I have had five hamsters in my life, each with their own personality!

share
want to know more?
Join Our Hamster Lovers Mailing List