Hamsters are often mistaken for herbivores because they love chowing down on those leafy greens! Herbs, in particular, are very tasty, which makes them a big hit among these tiny pets. But since hamsters have very sensitive digestive systems, not everything they like should be fed to them.
Hamsters can eat cilantro and other herbs. Cilantro is packed with vitamins and minerals, and antibacterial properties that can keep a hamster healthy. However, like all foods given to hamsters, cilantro should be given in tiny quantities to avoid any negative effects.
If you like using cilantro in your dishes, you can also share your love for this herb with your furry pet. Let’s talk about safely incorporating this tasty garnish into your pet hamster’s meals.
How To Safely Feed Your Hamster Cilantro
You can feed your hamster cilantro if you clean it thoroughly and give it just the right amount.
Wash Cilantro Thoroughly
As much as you can, choose cilantro that was grown organically. Most commercially grown herbs and vegetables are cheaper, but they also are loaded with chemicals, like pesticides and insecticides, that may remain on produce even after washing.
The amount of chemicals used in fresh produce is regulated to remain within safe limits. However, what may be harmless to humans may be detrimental to a tiny hamster’s health.
And even if you do get fresh vegetables and herbs from your local farmer’s market, wash cilantro thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. Dirt residue may contain minerals that could be harmful to your hamster.
Take About a Pinch of Cilantro Leaves
You would only need a pinch of cilantro leaves or about as much as the size of their paw. If you’re giving this herb to your hamster for the first time, you might want to give an even smaller portion to ensure it won’t react negatively.
Some hamsters are allergic to cilantro, so giving your pet a tiny amount the first time will help you check whether it’s developing any allergic reactions, like itching, without getting any more serious.
Cilantro should also be given to hamsters as a treat and not as a substitute for a well-balanced meal of hamster pellets. Treats like these should be given once or twice a week only.
If you have a larger hamster, such as a Syrian hamster, you may give cilantro up to twice a week. But if you have a dwarf, you will want to keep portions small and only give treats once a week.
Due to their size, larger hamsters can tolerate more food without experiencing any negative effects than smaller breeds, although you still need to be strict about portions!
Hold Your Hamster Close While Feeding
One of the fun ways to do this when feeding your hamster cilantro treats is to hold your pet close to you as it enjoys its treat. This is a great way to bond with your pet and help it associate being held with a positive feeling.
If your hamster is new, you might want to keep things slow and go at your pet’s pace. Do not force your hamster to come near you if it shows signs of discomfort, such as loud shrieking or running away.
Do Not Leave Leftovers in the Cage
When your hamster has had its fill, it will either start hoarding the rest or leave some herbs behind. Do not put leftovers inside the hamster’s cage. Fresh fruits and herbs go bad pretty quickly, and you would not want rotten food soiling your hamster’s home, as this can lead to health problems.
Watch Out for Changes in Your Pet’s Bowel Movements
After feeding cilantro to your hamster, keep a close watch on its behavior, paying close attention to its bowel movements. Try to check whether it’s pooping more than usual. If it is, you may have given your pet too much.
If your hamster develops diarrhea that lasts more than a day, take it to the vet immediately.
Benefits and Potential Issues with Giving Cilantro to Hamsters
One thing that makes hamsters adorable is their tiny, tiny bodies. They are irresistibly cute, what with their little paws and round bellies.
But a downside to their tiny frame is that they have extra-sensitive tummies. Give them too much of a good thing, and they’ll have an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Unlike bigger animals, diarrhea can be dangerous to hamsters because it can quickly lead to other complications like dehydration, which a tiny animal is often defenseless against. If it continues for more than a day, diarrhea can even result in death.
Cilantro is an example of the “good things” you can give your pet. It is a tasty and highly nutritious herb, so humans also like using it in our dishes. Some of the benefits of feeding cilantro to hamsters are the following.
- Helps strengthen their immune system. Cilantro is rich in Vitamin C, promoting wound healing and making them more disease-resistant.
- Fights against bacterial infection. Cilantro also contains the antimicrobial compound dodecanal that protects the body from harmful microbes like Salmonella.
- Keeps hamsters well-hydrated. Cilantro has a high moisture content, so eating this herb can help keep your pet hydrated.
- Wards off digestive problems. Cilantro is rich in carminatives, which aid in the proper function of the digestive system, keeping off issues like constipation and gastric pains. It is also very rich in fiber.
- Removes toxins from the body. Cilantro is also known to remove toxins from the body by binding them and allowing them to pass through urine and poop.
There’s no question that cilantro has plenty of health benefits. But feeding this herb does not come without risks. Ingesting too much cilantro can cause problems in hamsters, including the following.
- Kidney stones. Cilantro has a high calcium content, which promotes healthy bone development. But give your pet too much of it, and the calcium can cause your hamster to have kidney stones.
- Upset stomach. Cilantro’s high fiber content can aid digestion, but too much of it may also cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Gas and bloating. Since cilantro is also quite acidic, too much can cause gas, bloating, and painful stomach cramps.
Conclusion
When it comes to hamster food, quantity is key. No matter how healthy and delicious a piece of cilantro is, it can cause health risks to your little pet when portions are way too big for your pet to handle. Avoid kidney stones, upset stomachs, gas, and bloating in your pet by cleaning the leaves thoroughly and only offering a pinch of cilantro once a week as a treat.