Can Hamsters Eat Oranges? (Risks & Benefits)

ByCindy David Hamsters
Can Hamsters Eat Oranges

Oranges are not safe for hamsters to eat. It is a great example of exactly what your hamster shouldn’t be consuming. Regardless of whether they are baby hamsters or adult ones, oranges shouldn’t be a part of their meals. 

It is best to keep oranges, along with other citrus fruits such as tangerines and limes, as far away from your hamster’s diet as possible. Due to their high acidic content, feeding your hamster oranges will leave them in great abdominal distress and cause diarrhoea. So, save your furry little friend the pain by keeping all forms of citrus away from them!

Now that you know oranges are harmful to hamsters, let us understand more about their effects on their health. 

Why Are Oranges Bad for Hamsters?   

Oranges are an excellent addition to the human diet. It is natural to want to include various fruits and vegetables in your household in your hamster’s diet. Unfortunately, oranges are not the greatest option for this. Oranges, tangerines, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are highly acidic due to the presence of citric acid. 

While feeding small amounts of orange may not have severe consequences on your hamster’s health, it is wise to simply keep all kinds of citrus away from them. 

Hamsters have a sensitive digestive system that will most likely act up on eating citrus fruits. The acidity from oranges may also lead to dental problems in your hammy, resulting in the degradation of their teeth. 

Additionally, the sugar content from oranges can put your little hamster at high risk of diabetes too. Sugar also makes them more likely to develop obesity when there is repeated consumption. 

The daily water intake for hamsters is about 10ml/day. Oranges, moreover, have high water content as well that might be excessive for your little hamster’s body to handle. 

All the nutritional benefits that you may think your hamster is missing out on is nothing you need to stress about! You can find several alternatives that can satisfy your hamster’s nutritional needs as well.

How to Feed My Hamster Oranges?

As we mentioned earlier, the safest option for your hamster is not to feed them citrus fruits altogether. While oranges are not toxic and small quantities may not be fatal to your hamster, it could still result in their health being compromised. 

However, if you still want to try giving your hamster oranges, start with as little as possible. 

Start by giving your hamster minimal quantities and observe how their body reacts to it. If you notice your hamster’s body rejecting the fruit, please stop feeding them immediately. Also, keep in mind to throw any residual orange pieces to avoid them rotting away in your hamster’s cage. 

Some safe fruits that you can try feeding your hamster are apples, pineapples, watermelon, bananas, grapes, pears, strawberries, cherries, etc. 

What Are Some Healthy Substitutes for Oranges?

We are positive that you have now understood enough about why your hamster cannot eat oranges. But as a pet owner, you might naturally worry about what other sources of food your hamster can get its nutrients from. 

Here’s a list of healthy snack ideas that are hamster-safe:

  • Avocado 
  • Artichoke 
  • Asparagus
  • Baby corn 
  • Basil
  • Beets
  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli 
  • Cabbage 
  • Carrot
  • Cauliflower 
  • Celery 
  • Cilantro
  • Cucumber
  • Lettuce
  • Mint
  • Okra
  • Spinach
  • Sprouts 
  • Sweet corn 
  • Sweet potato
  • Tomato
  • Parsnip
  • Potato
  • Pumpkin
  • Zucchini

And guess what? These are just some of your options! You can find several more highly nutritious options that your hammy will love snacking on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hamsters eat orange slices?

No. Hamsters have an incredibly sensitive digestive system. While feeding them small quantities of orange may not have any adverse effects, they are best left out of their diet. Oranges are highly acidic fruits. So, feeding your hamster orange slices may leave them in great abdominal distress, and at risk of dental problems as well. 

Can hamsters eat orange seeds?

No. Orange seeds are toxic for hamsters. It is best to keep seeds from all kinds of fruit away from your hamster. You cannot risk your little friend nibbling away on these seeds as they can also be a choking hazard. 

Can hamsters eat mandarin oranges?

No, hamsters cannot eat mandarin oranges. Mandarin oranges have high acidic and sugar content which makes them harmful for hamsters to consume. It is best to keep them away to avoid risking your hamster falling sick. 

Can hamsters eat cuties oranges?

Like oranges, cuties oranges or clementine are too acidic for hamsters as well. Your hamster will be at high risk of diabetes too as cuties oranges have high sugar content. 

Can Syrian hamsters eat oranges?

Oranges are too acidic for all hamsters to eat, including Syrian hamsters. Just like other hamsters, their digestive system cannot handle acidity the of citrus fruits, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The sugar from oranges is excessive for Syrian hamsters to handle and may result in tooth degradation and diabetic risk. 

Can dwarf hamsters eat oranges?

No. Oranges are a big no-no for dwarf hamsters. It is best to keep oranges and other citrus fruits away from your dwarf hamster’s diet. Dwarf hamsters can safely eat several other fruits such as grapes, apples, strawberries, pears, etc. 

Can hamsters eat orange peels?

Many people give dried orange peels to their hamsters because they are sweet and fibrous to chew on. Dried orange peels are much safer for hamsters to eat as they are not as acidic as the fresh ones. Since it is mostly just fibre, there won’t be as much risk of tummy problems. Once your hammy chews through the fibre and reaches the skin, you can take the orange peel away from them. However, it is best to keep all kinds of citrus away from your hamsters as much as you can.

Can hamsters eat small pieces of tangerines?

No. As we discussed earlier, tangerines and other citrus fruits are harmful to all hamsters. Tangerines are too acidic for hamsters to consume; the same way oranges are. 

Conclusion

Oranges have remarkable health benefits for humans. As a pet parent, you probably want to share all the nutritional advantages with your little hamster friend. However, there are certain foods that you should take extra precautions with, and oranges are one of them. 

You may be concerned that your hamster is not gaining all the health benefits that come from eating citrus. But don’t worry! There are many other sources of food that your hamster can comfortably eat to enjoy the same nutrients. It is essential to provide your hamster with a well-balanced diet to ensure a happy and healthy lifestyle for them. 

It is essential to pay attention to your hamster’s diet and its reaction to various foods. Keep in mind that hamsters are small animals with small stomachs; they cannot digest all the food that we eat. So, whenever you find yourself confused about what to feed your hamster, consult your vet.

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