Hamsters make excellent pets, as they’re entertaining, inexpensive, and easy to care for. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with a hamster’s needs to ensure they’re well-balanced and thriving, especially regarding their diet. Many people believe that since hamsters are omnivorous and the grass is abundant, it’s safe to give them grass to save money on pet food, but is this true?
Hamsters can eat grass, but it shouldn’t be their primary food source, as they need a well-balanced diet. Also, avoid turf grass, which could be contaminated with chemicals or pests that could harm your hamster. Instead, purchase Timothy, Brome, or Oat Grass from a pet store.
This article discusses whether grass safely fits into a hamster’s diet. It also explains the different types of grasses, why turf grass isn’t suitable for hamsters, and how to properly incorporate grass into your critter’s food time. Read on to learn more.
The Hamster Diet: Do They Eat Grass?
While there are over 20 different hamster species, the Golden Hamster is the most common pet species. The Golden Hamster, also known as the Syrian Hamster, is native to the arid region of the Middle East and lives in burrows at high elevations along the Aleppinian Plateau.
All hamsters, whether native to Europe or Asia, consume a diet consisting primarily of plant matter. However, the species is omnivorous, occasionally consuming insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
Overall, the hamster diet is mainly made up of:
- Seeds
- Grains
- Leaves
- Stems
- Roots
- Insects
- Worms
To reiterate, hamsters eat a variety of plant matter, including grass. However, the grass in a hamster’s native habitat differs greatly from the grass we see in our yards. Common lawn grass is not the best grass to feed your hamster.
In fact, you should avoid feeding hamsters turf grass altogether.
Types of Grass Hamsters Can Eat
Although hamsters shouldn’t be given turf grass, you can offer several other types of grass. Those grasses include the following types.
Brome Grass
Brome Grass is a cool-season grass native to the Midwestern United States. Because the grass is harvested only once a year, it’s harder to come by than the other two types of grass listed in this section.
However, the hay produced by Brome Grass is of the highest quality, which is soft, leafy, and free of sticks and stems. That said, it’s more expensive than other grasses.
Oat Grass
When an oat plant is ready to seed, it’s harvested immediately to get oat grass. This stops the oat from seeding but allows the plant to retain the flavorful husk. The result is delicious grass enjoyed by many animals, including hamsters.
It’s high in vitamins, including beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid, and contains a notable amount of protein.
Timothy Grass
Timothy, known as Cat’s Grass or Cat’s Tail, is a tall, European-native perennial grass. The grass is primarily used in producing hay, and various animal feeds, thanks to its high nutrient content. This cool season grass is regularly grown alongside other common hamster treats, including alfalfa.
Is Grass Toxic to Hamsters?
Grass can be toxic to hamsters when contaminated. Avoid feeding your hamster random grass, as it may be contaminated with unknown chemicals, bacteria, fungi, pests, or parasites. Instead, opt for Timothy Grass, Brome Grass, or Oat Grass, purchased from a reputable seller.
It’s never wise to offer any random plant material to your hamster. Any vegetation found outdoors poses the risk of exposure to all sorts of toxins and pests. Instead, you should only purchase products from trusted retailers, particularly those that specialize in pet products.
Can Hamsters Eat Turf Grass?
There are dozens of turf grass species. Various species have unpleasant textures, including rough “spikes” that could irritate your hamster’s mouth and tongue. Some may taste extremely bitter or even lead to allergic reactions.
It’s also possible that exposing your hamster to turf grass could expose it to pesticides or weed killers, which could be harmful or fatal.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Grass?
Dwarf Hamsters can eat grass as long as it’s a suitable type. Brick-and-mortar pet stores and online pet product retailers have many safe options available. Dwarf Hamsters should also consume less grass than Golden Hamsters due to their smaller size. Offer one or two blades in moderation.
Feeding Grass to Your Hamster
Before offering grass to your hamster, there are several things you need to consider.
Ensure that your hamster’s diet primarily consists of hamster pellets. They may not look very appealing, but they contain various vitamins and minerals to maintain your hamster’s overall health.
Have your hamster checked by a veterinarian. It’s important to ensure your hamster isn’t overweight, as the last thing you want is to contribute to their weight gain by offering treats in the form of delicious grass.
Instead, hold off on offering grass until your hamster’s weight is under control. Incorporate a running wheel or hamster ball, or interact with your hamster daily in an open playpen.
When To Offer Grass
The best time to offer grass to your hamster is as an occasional supplement, not an everyday food. Your hamster should not have regular access to grass, even as bedding. Only offer two to three blades of grass at a time or one to two pieces for Dwarf Hamsters. Don’t offer more than this once per week.
Can You Put Grass in a Hamster’s Cage?
You can put a couple of pieces of grass in a hamster’s cage when providing it as a supplementary treat. However, edible grasses shouldn’t be used as bedding. This could encourage your hamster to overeat, leading to digestive problems and nutrient deficiencies.
Can Hamsters Eat Too Much Grass?
Hamsters can eat too much grass. A hamster consuming too much grass can cause serious digestive issues, including diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. It can also cause blockages, which could be deadly.
Grass should never be the primary food source for your hamster. Instead, use it as a supplement or a treat.
Conclusion
Never pluck grass from your backyard and hand it to your hamster to eat, as you don’t know what’s on it. Instead, go for hamster-safe grass available online or in pet stores. These varieties are healthy to use as supplements or treats and are unlikely to have been treated with pesticides or weed killers with ingredients that could harm your furry friend.