Rich in vitamins and minerals Beetroot is one such vegetable which we love to munch on. But have you ever wondered whether Hamsters eat Beetroots? If yes, Is it safe for them?
It is a question that boggles a lot of Hamster owners. So, I decided to do some research, and here is what I found out!
Hamsters can eat beetroots for sure. Beetroots are a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and many other nutrients needed by our Hamsters. However, it also contains a decent amount of calcium and sugar that can be bad if fed in excess. Thus, serving in moderation is the key.
You can feed them Beetroot along with other mixed veggies. One bowl of mixed veggies is ideal for your Hamster.
It is recommended to buy only organic beetroot for your Hamsters. Beets bought from the local pet store may have added pesticides and chemicals that can be toxic for your Hamster.
Let us have a quick look at the nutrients that the beetroot possesses and what benefits our Hamsters can get from it.
Nutrition In Beetroot
Let us look in detail what are the nutritional values of 100 grams of beetroot holds.
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 87.58g |
| Energy | 43kcal |
| Protein | 1.61g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.8g |
| Sugar, total including NLEA | 6.76g |
| Calcium | 16mg |
| Magnesium | 23mg |
| Phosphorus | 40mg |
| Potassium | 325mg |
| Zinc | 0.35mg |
| Vitamin C | 4.9µg |
| Vitamin A | 2µg |
| Vitamin K | 0.2µg |
Beetroot is one such vegetable that has the epitome of nutrients and minerals.
Potassium maintains the healthy heart of the Hamsters. It also helps in the development of the muscles.
A little bit of fiber present in Beetroot is also essential for the proper functioning of the Hamster’s digestive system.
Vitamin C is a fundamental vitamin for the body as it helps in fortifying out the immune system of Hamster’s body.
Vitamin A is essential for normal vision and bone development of Hamsters.
Vitamin K is a major requirement for good reproductive health in hamsters.
Beetroots and Beets greens are rich in a group antioxidants called betalains. This particular group of antioxidants is linked to lower the risk of cancer and suppress inflammation in Hamsters.
Also Read:
- What Vegetables Can Hamsters Eat? (List, Serving Size & More)
- What Fruits Can Hamsters Eat? (Complete List, Serving Size & More)
Are Beetroots Safe For My Hamsters?
Yes, Beetroots are entirely safe for Hamsters.
Remember to serve them in moderation, anything in excess can be bad for our Hamsters.
If overfed, the high calcium and phosphorus content in beets can have some negative impact on our Hamster’s health.
Have a look at these Hamster food bowls. My little ones love them, you must try these too!
Are Beetroots Bad For My Hamsters?
Your Hamster can surely suffer if you feed them with excess Beetroots. This is because:
Low Fiber Content
Beetroots does not have enough fiber for the proper functioning of your Hamster’s body.
When you overfeed beetroot, you will see a visible change in the stool of your Hamsters. It will signify the lack of fiber content in your Hamster’s diet.
Presence Of Oxalic Acid
An excess of oxalic acid in our Hamster’s body is harmful for them.
Your Hamster may suffer from diarrhea if there is an oxalic acid build up in their body.
Excess Calcium
Though calcium is important for bone formation, excess calcium can even cause kidney stones in Hamsters.
Excess calcium lead to several health complication in Hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Beetroot Stalk?
Yes, Hamsters can eat Beetroot stalks too, but in small quantities.
Though beetroot stalks contains the least amount of oxalic acid, still they have a very high sugar content.
When overfed, it can lead to diabetes and obesity in Hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Beetroot Leaves?
Yes, Hamsters can eat beetroot leaves but in small quantities.
Leaves contains a decent amount of oxalic acid, which is toxic to Hamsters, therefore serving in moderation is the key.
Beetroots also has high amount of potassium, that can disturb the bowel moments in Hamsters, if overfed.
It would be best if you only fed a couple of leaves to your Hamsters once or twice a month at maximum.
Recommended Reading:
- How Often Should I Feed My Hamster? (Owner’s Guide)
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- How Often Do Hamsters Poop & Pee? (+When To Be Worried?)
Correct Way Of Feeding Beets To Our Hamsters?
Before introducing a new food or treat to your hamster you must try a test. This can be done by feeding them in a very small proportion when doing it for the first time.
Observe them closely. Only if you do not notice any reactions you may increase the proportion.
Preparing beets for your Hamsters is easy and straightforward. Here are the simple steps you can follow:
- Make sure you wash the beet properly and peel the skin off before serving it. You should preferably wash it with warm water, this will help to kill the germs.
- After that, make sure you cut out the damaged part of the vegetable(if any)using a knife.
- You can now cut the beet into small pieces and give it to your Hamster or use a grater to grate the beet and mix it with other vegetables of your Hamsters.
- You should keep a check in your hamster’s mouth and cheeks, and make sure that your little one is not hiding any food in it for too long. It can lead to rotting of the mouth and teeth.
- After a few hours, we must make sure that all the uneaten food is taken out of the cage. Also, check if your hamster is hiding even the smallest portion of the vegetable.
Uneaten food can generate a foul smell. This can often stress your Hamster.
How Often Should We Feed Beets To Our Hamsters?
Anything in excess can be fatal for Hamsters thus beets should also be given only as treats.
You can feed beets to your Hamsters once a week.
Regular feeding of beets can induce some health problems in Hamsters, including diarrhea and bladder stone; thus, it is best to feed beet sparsely.
How Much Beetroot Should My Hamster Eat?
If you are introducing Beetroot to your Hamster for the very first time, make sure you give it in small quantities. A large amount of Beet at once may cause a disturbance in bowel movements.
One teaspoon of beetroot once or twice a month is ideal. You may gradually increase the amount up to 2 teaspoons if you see no negative reactions in your Hamsters.
Make sure the Beetroot is clean and free from dirt before serving it to your Hamster. Try and buy organic vegetables only.
My Hamster Ate Too Much Beetroot
You should always look out for the amount of beets you feed your Hamster. Excess amounts of beetroots can cause health complications in Hamsters.
If you have fed your Hamster with excess beetroot, look for the following reactions:
- Discolored and foul-smelling urine.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Allergic reactions.
In case your Hamsters have any of the above symptoms, it is advised to them to the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Hamsters can eat beet tops, beet greens, and beet stalks but only in moderation.
One teaspoon of beetroot once or twice a month is ideal. You may gradually increase the amount up to 2 teaspoons if you see no negative reactions in your Hamsters.
Before serving beetroot to your Hamsters make sure you wash them properly. Beets brought from the local store is discouraged as it contains pesticides and chemicals. Always prefer buying organic vegetables for your Hamsters.
Overfeeding can cause allergic reactions and other health complications in Hamsters. So, keep a check on the amount of beetroot you serve them.
Related Queries:
Can Hamsters Have Beetroot Juice?
Beetroot can be a toxic beverage for our Hamsters so avoid feeding it as much as possible.
Hamsters cannot digest extra sugar and thus it will make them diabetic. Also, the excess water can cause diarrhea in Hamsters.
However, if you want you may serve them a quarter teaspoon of tea or the juice. Do not add any sweetening ingredients.
Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Beets?
Avoid feeding cooked beets to your Hamsters. Beets once cooked, does not hold much nutritional value.
Cooked vegetables diminish the nutrients of the vegetables, it is best to serve them raw.
Hamsters teeth grow throughout their lifetime hence raw vegetables help them to prevent overgrown teeth.
Also, Hamsters have the habit of hiding their food, therefore, cooked food can decay and ruin your Hamster’s bedding.
Can Hamsters Eat Canned Beets?
No, do not feed canned beets to your Hamster.
Canned beets have added preservatives to increase their shelf life, which can be harmful for your Hamster.
Can Hamsters Eat Pickled Beets?
No, never feed pickled beets to your Hamster.
Pickled beetroots contain a lot of salt, sugar, and other ingredients that are harmful to our Hamsters.
Thus, the best decision would be not to serve any kind of pickle to your Hamster.
Can Hamsters Eat Sugar Beet?
Avoid feeding sugar beets to your Hamster.
Sweet beets contains a a high concentration of sucrose that can lead to obesity and diabetes in Hamsters.
