Many believe that all types of fruits, including strawberries, are safe for dwarf hamsters. On the other hand, some believe this may cause health issues and should be avoided altogether. Since dwarf hamsters are so tiny, owners tend to be wary of what they feed them.
Dwarf hamsters should not eat strawberries because they are high in sugar. Since dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, they should not have fruits altogether. A dwarf hamster should eat healthy vegetables such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach instead.
This article will explain why you shouldn’t give your dwarf hamster your excess strawberry at home. I will also talk about what other fruits should be avoided and what they should be having on their tiny plates instead. Let’s start!
Can Winter White Dwarf Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
You shouldn’t feed a white winter dwarf hamster strawberries. The problem with any kind of dwarf hamster is that they are prone to diabetes. Hamsters, just like humans, can have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Regardless of diabetes type, you will need to exert twice the amount of effort in looking after them if they do have it. I talk about the symptoms of diabetes in dwarf hamsters further below.
Now, with the winter white dwarf hamster, expect hyperactivity when they are fed too much sugar. This is on top of the innate hyperactivity that their species have. They are also nocturnal creatures, so expect a lot of late-night banging on cages and squeaking when these are fed the berries.
When they are too hectic, they might startle other pets, which may startle them back, causing added stress on the dwarf hamster.
Can Russian Dwarf Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
You shouldn’t feed a Russian dwarf hamster strawberries. It will only make your hamster diabetic. You’re better off feeding them healthy and watery vegetables such as bell peppers and celery.
Generally, eating green and leafy vegetables would counter diabetes pretty well. Carrots would normally be a safe bet, but there are actually a lot of hidden sugars in this vegetable as well.
Can Chinese Dwarf Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
Chinese dwarf hamsters shouldn’t eat strawberries. Like other dwarf hamsters, they could become diabetic or obese due to the fruit’s high sugar content. It would be best to substitute fruit for some insects.
While Chinese hamsters tend to love food very much, the tiny frame of the dwarf hamster means that food is digested twice as fast.
As you may know, hamsters are omnivores, which means that they have the enzymes to digest meat. Some meal worms and wax worms would be great choices for your rodent, but make sure they are small enough to be chewed.
Can Hamsters Have Strawberries?
Hamsters can have strawberries, but dwarf hamsters should avoid them. The dietary recommendations for hamsters and dwarf hamsters are different, but for both, the majority of their diet should come from pellets and healthy vegetables.
Most hamsters enjoy strawberries and would gladly have seconds. However, you should be concerned about the amount of sugar in these goodies.
One large strawberry, for example, has 800 milligrams of sugar, which can be too much for hamsters. Too much fruit will also give them digestion problems such as diarrhea.
As such, it would be better to only give them a small piece daily.
Can Hamsters Have Dried Strawberries?
You shouldn’t feed a hamster dried strawberries. This is because dried strawberries are coated with sugars, which will only give your hamster problems. They might be harder to digest as well because they have no water.
In coming up with diet plans for your hamster, you can consult this material, which outlines the nutritional requirements for a hamster.
Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Strawberries?
A Syrian hamster can have strawberries but only in moderation. You must keep an eye out for rotting strawberries as they may be lethal to a Syrian hamster.
You can be a bit more liberal with the number of strawberries you give them as Syrian hamsters are rarely identified with diabetes.
Still, you must make sure that pellets and seeds still make up the majority of the hamster’s diet. Generally, a Syrian hamster is quiet and won’t cause you trouble, but feeding them strawberries might make them either hyperactive or agitated.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Hamsters
Throughout this article, I have mentioned diabetes several times as the primary reason you shouldn’t feed your hamster strawberries.
Here are some symptoms of diabetes in regular and dwarf hamsters:
- Hyperactivity. Like the sugar rush in kids, your hamster may experience waves of hyperactivity. This could be them running around their cages or using the exercise wheel all of a sudden. This may cause disturbances, especially at night when most hamsters are active.
- Lack of energy. On the other end of the spectrum, your hamster may experience inactivity. This really will depend on the stage of diabetes your hamster is in.
- Increased water intake. Your hamster’s kidneys will signal the brain to drink more water as it flushes excess glucose out.
- Slender frame. Your hamster is using fat and muscle much, much quicker.
How To Deal With Diabetic Hamsters
- Allow them to exercise. Let them use their hamster wheels as a way to offset the buildup of glucose. Furthermore, exercising on wheels gives your hamsters a rush of endorphins, which is quite similar to the runner’s high that athletes get.
- Feed them oats. The good thing about oats is that they improve insulin responses and insulin sensitivity. Integrating these into your hamster’s diet is sure to stabilize their blood glucose levels eventually.
- Go to your vet. Consult your vet on what medications would work or may be necessary for dealing with your pet. You can even consider switching to a certain type of diet, such as high protein-low fat, as long as you have your vet’s consent.
Conclusion
Sadly, dwarf hamsters are predisposed to diabetes and are better off avoiding fruits. By feeding them a good ratio of vegetables and pellets instead, you ensure that their sugar levels are low, their insulin levels are normal, and their owner’s mind is calm and worry-free.