Can Hamsters Eat Bananas? (Nutrition, Serving Size & More)

Bananas are among the world’s most popular fruits. It is a superfruit for us humans. It is a delicious snack that is known for a lot of health benefits, it contains many important nutrients. But can Hamsters eat bananas? Is banana 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 bananas. You might already know by now how picky your hamster can be in terms of his food. Bananas contain a decent amount of fiber in it which is excellent for your Hamster. We must also keep in mind that fruits should not make more than 10% of your hamster’s diet as they have high sugar content. If fed too often, bananas can lead to diabetes in Hamsters.

If you are introducing bananas to your hamster for the first time be sure you are feeding it in a small amount. Observe and look for any negative reactions like looseness of the bowels or other medical problems.

If there is no such reaction, then the fruit is safe for consumption. We must avoid a sudden change in the diet of the hamster as it may lead to stress.

Before we get into further details of how much bananas should, we feed to our Hamsters, how to prepare it & more.

Let us have a quick look at the nutrients that bananas possess and what benefits our Hamsters can get from it.

Nutrition In Bananas?

NutrientsAmount
Vitamin C8.7 mg/ 100 g
Vitamin A64 IU
Vitamin K0.5ug / 100 g
Calcium5 mg/ 100 g
Phosphorous22 mg/ 100 g
Potassium358 mg/ 100 g
Fiber2.6 g/ 100 g
Sugar12.23 g/ 100 g
Protein1.09 g/ 100 g
Carbs22.84 g/ 100 g
Calories89 Kcal
Fat0.33 g/ 100 g
Water74.91 g/ 100 g
Source: USDA National Nutrient data base

Banana is once such fruit that contains an epic measure of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B-6 in it.

Vitamin C is a fundamental vitamin for the body as it helps in fortifying out the immune system of the body.

Vitamin A is essential for normal vision and bone development.

Vitamin B-6 is responsible for the generation of glucose and the normal functioning of the red blood cells.

Fibers are an essential component of your Hamster’s diet. Bananas are rich in fiber and thus hеlр wіth bоwеl mоvеmеntѕ аnd аѕ а rеmеdу fоr соnѕtіраtіоn. If your body lacks fiber, then you might suffer from diseases like diarrhea, etc.

Роlурhеnоlѕ, present in banana in abundance, hаvе bееn proven tо rеduсе іnflаmmаtіоn.

Bananas also contain some important plant compounds such as dopamine and catechin along with lots of other compounds that help in developing a healthy body.

Correct Way To Feed Bananas To Your Hamsters!

Firstly, we must know that bananas are not something that you can feed your Hamster too often. It should only be given as treats. We must ensure that it doesn’t make more than 8-12% of your Hamsters diet.

You should also have in mind that bananas are rich in sugar, so large amounts of bananas may lead to obesity or diabetes. To avoid any health complications, it is always suggested to give it as occasional treats and you will surely see how much your hamsters enjoy it.

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.

Bananas should be fed for a maximum of twice per week. It can be served as a snack after his regular meals.

Make sure you wash the banana properly if you are serving it with the peels. Yes, Hamsters can munch on banana peels too. This topic too is discussed in the latter part of this article.

The next step involves the correct quantity which should be served to your hamster. It is generally recommended to give only a quarter spoon of banana per feeding.

You should keep a check in your hamster’s mouth and cheeks, and make sure that your little one is not hiding the fruit in it for too long. It can lead to rotting of 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 fruit.

Uneaten fruit can generate a foul smell. This can often stress your Hamster.

Can Hamsters Eat Banana Peels?

Yes, you may feed banana peels to your Hamster too. Doesn’t this sound interesting? But there are a few things you must consider before feeding them to your Hamsters.

It is proven that banana peels contain less sugary components and more healthy fiber than the fruit itself.

Banana peels should also be fed only as treats like the fruit itself and not as a day-to-day snack. You should feed it for a maximum of two times a week.

We must make sure that we wash the banana peels properly before serving them to our hamster. Bananas bought from the local fruit market contains a lot of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. It can be dangerous for your little friend.

It is often recommended to feed them peels from organic bananas only.

It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Can Hamsters Eat A Diet Of Just Bananas?

Hamsters are tiny creatures and anything in excess can stake their life at risk.

Many of us think that as bananas contain a whole lot of vitamins and good dietary fibers, then why not add it to our hamster’s daily diet.

It is true that bananas are rich in a whole lot of vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B-6. It also contains a decent amount of fibers which is necessary for the smooth functioning of one’s body. But still they do contain everything your Hamster needs to live.

Bananas are known to cure constipation, but it is also true that it’s overconsumption can lead to diarrhea.

Hamsters are prone to obesity and diabetes. If we overfeed them with bananas it may prove fatal. Even a little more than a fitting portion of bananas can cause dietary imbalances.

Hamster teeth grow throughout their life. Excess of anything can lead to painful dental conditions.

Banana alone does not provide a balanced diet which your hamsters need to live.

Can hamsters Eat Dried Bananas Or Banana Chips?

Yes, Hamsters can eat dried bananas or banana chips, but it is best to avoid it as much as possible.

But once again it is very important for you to have a look at its sugar content. Though you may feed them bananas dried at home without adding any other coating of sweeteners or spices(that too in minimal amounts).

Dried banana chips are often coated with honey which makes it a disastrous choice for your hamster.

You can feed it to your hamsters a maximum of once in two weeks. As anything that is full of spices, preservatives and sweeteners is a big no-no for your hamster, I would strongly recommend to avoid it as much as possible.

However, You may get a healthier version of these chips in your pet shop or any local stores.

A Quick Overview:

  • Do Hamsters eat Bananas? Yes, they love bananas.
  • Bananas contain a decent amount of fiber which may prove beneficial for your hamster.
  • Banana has an abundance of Vitamin C(with a lot of other vitamins) which may help your hamster.
  • Its serving must be controlled so that your hamster gets the best out of it.
  • Should only be given as treats. (Once a week)
  • You should follow the correct procedure before feeding bananas to your hamster.
  • You may choose healthy alternatives of dried bananas and banana chips.
  • Banana peels are more beneficial than the fruit itself. (Make sure it is properly washed or are organic)
  • You should avoid feeding your hamsters with dried bananas or banana chips.
  • Under no circumstances, it should replace the staple diet of your hamster.

Mohini

Hello, I am Mohini, the founder of this blog. I am a qualified Animal Nutrition. I am here to help everyone understand their pets better.

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