Watching your little hamsters enjoying their meals and treats can be a real pleasure for pet owners. However, when it comes to these tiny animals and their delicate digestive systems, you have to be very careful about the kinds of treats you are feeding them. The best food for hamsters is the exceptional hamster food you get in pet stores. Of course, every once in a while, these little creatures deserve a little treat. So if you are wondering ‘can hamsters eat honeydew,’ here is what you need to know about it.
Honeydew melons have a sweet, green skin on the outside, and a pale fleshy portion on the inside. These fruits contain quite a high amount of salt, phosphorous, water, sugar, and even acidic content.
While honeydew melons can be a popular food amongst humans, is it really safe for your little hamsters?
Well, the answer is no. You absolutely cannot feed honeydew melons to your hamsters.
As you already know, your hamsters are tiny creatures and are quite prone to gaining weight from a high-fat diet. The weight gain can lead to obesity and even diabetes, which is very dangerous to treat in your little hamsters.
Honeydew melons also contain quite a bit of water content. It is this element of honeydews which can cause your little hamsters to develop diarrhea. Diarrhea cannot be easily treated in hamsters, and without proper treatment, it can even turn fatal.
It can so happen that you accidentally feed your hamster a little portion of your honeydew melon. Well, if that is the case, then you really don’t need to stress over it. As long as you don’t make it a regular habit to feed honeydew to your hamsters, they will be safe.
However, if you notice that your hamster has developed diarrhea or is refusing to eat their regular food, it is best that you take your little pet to the vet for a check-up.
Another thing to keep in mind is that honeydew contains quite a bit of salt and fat content. If you want to feed honeydew melon to your hamsters, just to see how they react to it, remember to give them just a tiny little piece for a taste. However, do not make this a habit and start feeding them honeydews every week, as you know, it is hazardous for them.
When it comes to feeding your hamsters, there are a lot of safe foods that you can feed them as occasional treats. Since honeydews contain so much water, fat, sugar, phosphorous, and even acidic content, it is not a tasty treat for your hamsters and can be quite dangerous.
In case you notice any health changes after your hamster accidentally eats a small piece of honeydew, take your pet to the vet immediately. Avoid feeding honeydew to your Syrian and Roborovski hamsters as well as your Dwarf hamster species entirely.