Many hamster owners love sharing food with their pets. However, we also know that some human foods are bad for hamsters, so we have to ask ourselves if our favorite fast foods are one of them.
Hamsters shouldn’t eat French fries because this food is rich in fat and has zero nutritional value for them. French fries may cause obesity and other health problems such as diabetes, heart complications, or high blood pressure in hamsters.
In the rest of this article, I will explain why you should never let your pet hamster eat French fries. I will also discuss whether giving your hamsters other types of potato foods, such as raw potatoes, boiled potatoes, or chips, is safe.
Why Hamsters Shouldn’t Eat French Fries
Hamsters should never eat French fries because fried potatoes are very unhealthy for them. Eating French fries may cause allergies or long-term health complications in hamsters. The latter problem occurs if hamsters are fed large amounts of French fries over a longer period.
French fries are also unhealthy for people. You’ve probably heard many times about how eating fast food is bad for your health, as it contains different additives. It’s practically impossible to know which additives were used to prepare your fast food, especially if you bought it from a local chain.
French Fries Are Rich in Fat
Fast food makes us fat, and the same goes for hamsters. French fries, one of the most popular fast foods, are usually prepared with lots of oil. According to this article, 10 pieces of French fries may contain up to 4 grams of fat.
Foods rich in oil or fats are bad for hamsters because these animals frequently struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Hamsters are also very small, about 7 inches long (17 cm), and reach a weight of 0.30 pounds (130 grams).
Their small size, combined with other factors, may contribute to the risk of obesity. Some hamsters are kept in small cages and don’t have enough room for regular exercise. Some also may be fed improperly. New hamster owners don’t always know their pets should eat smaller portions of food several times a day.
Obesity is dangerous for hamsters because it causes further complications, including:
- Increased blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Reduced mobility
- Heart diseases
- Pain
French Fries Contains Additives
Many people dislike preparing their French fries at home, which is the safest way to eat them. When you prepare them, you know exactly which ingredients you used.
However, some people are too lazy to do this or simply don’t have time the cook, so they’ll use frozen French fries or buy them at a local fast food chain.
If you’re feeding your pet hamster fries you didn’t prepare yourself, you run the risk of your pet consuming some ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction.
Most fast-food companies use additives to enhance the taste of their products. While some additives may be okay for you, they may harm your pet hamster. A hamster’s digestive tract is different from ours and may be unable to break down certain additives.
Additionally, digesting carbs gained from fast food may be overwhelming for the hamster.
French Fries Have High Salt Content
Another harmful ingredient commonly found in French fries is salt. French fries can be quite salty, and large amounts of salt may be very harmful when consumed by a smaller organism.
Just like with fats and additives, salt from French fries may not be toxic for us but can affect our hamsters negatively. Salt has been described as causing increased blood pressure and kidney-related problems in hamsters.
Do Hamsters Like Eating French Fries?
Despite being unhealthy, French fries are also very tasty, and hamsters won’t normally decline them.
Hamsters love treats, although some treats may cause health issues for them. But they’ll ignore this part because of the delicious taste. This is when the owner needs to step in and ensure they never give their pet hamster French fries.
Owners should also know that fries lack the nutrients a hamster’s diet typically requires. In nature, hamsters survive on nutrients like protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Captive hamsters should have the same diet, as French fries have no nutritious components.
What Should I Do if My Hamster Accidentally Eats Fries?
Hamsters are unaware of the fact that French fries can be harmful to them. They’ll often consume them because of the delicious taste.
Sometimes, you may leave a box of fries unattended, and if your hamster is running freely around the room, it’ll be tempted to try them.
Consuming smaller portions of French fries isn’t going to harm your hamster (if this happens once). One French fry isn’t a big deal (although some hamsters may choke on it), but you should pay attention to your hamster to see if it’ll develop an allergy.
If your hamster is trying out a treat for the first time, it may go through a shock that will trigger an allergic reaction. You should watch out for that in the next 24 hours.
Can Hamsters Eat Potatoes?
The answer depends on whether you’re feeding your hamster raw or processed potatoes.
Raw potatoes are bad for everyone. They contain a toxin called solanine, which may lead to death in larger amounts.
Processed or cooked potatoes, however, don’t have this toxin and are safe to eat. However, the only acceptable option for your hamster is boiled potatoes—no frying or baking! Don’t use salt or other spices; just serve smaller portions of plain boiled potatoes to your hamster.
Can Hamsters Eat Potato Chips?
Hamsters cannot eat potato chips under any circumstances. Potato chips may even be worse than French fries. Chips contain enormous amounts of fats and additives. Chips, like French fries, may cause obesity in hamsters and have very little to zero nutritional value for hamsters.
Conclusion
Hamsters shouldn’t eat French fries because they’re rich in fats, additives, and salt. They also have zero nutrients necessary for a healthy hamster’s diet. Larger amounts of French fries can cause obesity and diseases related to being overweight.
Don’t feed your hamster French fries; stick to unprocessed fruits or vegetables for treats.