Corns, also known as Maize or Indian corn is a cereal plant of the grass family called Poaceae and is an edible grain. It was first grown by people in ancient Central America and now is the 3rd most important grain in the world. But can our Hamsters eat corn? Is it safe for them? Let’s find out!
Hamsters can eat all parts of the corn plant, including the husk, leaf, and silk. Corn is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which makes it an excellent snack for our Hamsters. However, due to natural sugar content, we must keep the quantity in check to avoid health issues.
Hamsters don’t digest sugar well, which is why corn cannot be the regular part of their diet. Therefore, corn is mostly served as a treat.
Serving your Hamsters with an appropriate food is critical for well being. So, you must learn everything about food before serving it to your Hamsters. So, let us learn more about it.
Nutrition In Corn
Let us look in detail what are the nutritional values of 100 grams of corn holds.
| Nutrients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 6.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 9 µg |
| Carotene | 47 µg |
| Lutein + Zeaxanthin | 644 µg |
| Calcium | 2 mg |
| Phosphorous | 89 mg |
| Potassium | 270 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6.26 g |
| Magnesium | 37 mg |
| Carbs | 18.7 g |
| Calories | 86 Kcal |
| Fat | 1.35 g |
| Water | 76.05 g |
Corn is a rich source of carbohydrates and packed with fiber and minerals. It’s also relatively low in protein and fat.
Corn contains a fair hint of fiber that is essential for the proper functioning of the Hamster’s digestive system.
Calcium and phosphorus present in corn are important for bone formation of the Hamsters. It strengthens their bones.
Magnesium present helps to maintain the blood sugar in our bodies and also keeps the blood pressure as well as regulating muscle and nerve function.
The two most essential minerals for the blood are found in corn. Iron and copper always make sure the organism has a healthy immune system, as they make the blood healthy and robust.
Corn is a moderate source of antioxidants. The antioxidants found in corn include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Antioxidants are important to the immune system to help bring down the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
Are Hamsters Allowed Corn?
Corn is sage for our Hamsters if fed in moderation. It contains a sufficient amount of minerals and antioxidants needed by our little ones.
However, corn is high in calories, and carbohydrates can lead to various health issues in our Hamsters.
There are certain points you must always keep in mind, before serving corn to your Hamsters:
Obesity– Corn naturally is high in calories, and carbohydrate content, and Obesity is a common problem in Hamsters that can happen by feeding them too many calories.
Diarrhea: Corn is sweet and contains sugar. Sugar can be challenging for our Hamsters to digest. Excess intake of sugar can be a problem as the little tummies of our Hamsters are very fragile, and it may lead to stomach aches or diarrhea.
Urinary Problems: Calcium and phosphorus present in corn can lead to urinary problems in Hamsters. In some cases, it can also cause kidney stones in them.
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Can Hamsters Eat Corn On The Cob?
A corncob, also known as a cob of corn, is the central core of an ear of corn. It is on which the kernels grow.
You can serve corn on the cob to your Hamsters but only in moderation.
Although your Hamsters may love corn on the cob, but it has high starch content. It does not have much nutritional value.
Always serve your Hamster fresh and uncooked corn on the cob. Also, Hamsters usually enjoy eating the corn and not the cob.
Can Hamsters Eat Corn Husks?
The husk is the outer shell or coating of the seed. It is also referred to as the leafy outer covering of the corn.
Corn husks are absolutely safe for Hamsters and can be given to them with no problem.
You will notice that your Hamsters prefer the husks of the corn to the actual corn kernels.
However, serve them the husks only when you are sure that it is organic and free from any kinds of chemicals.
Wash the husk properly before serving it to your Hamsters also cut out the bruised portion, if any.
Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Corn?
Boiled corn can be given to your Hamster without adding any other thing. However, it must be served in moderation.
Cooked corn can be spicy, salty, or sugary which can prove to be harmful for your Hamster. Also, Hamsters have the habit of hiding their food, therefore, cooked food can decay and ruin your Hamster’s bedding.
Hamsters teeth grow throughout their lifetime hence raw vegetables help them to prevent overgrown teeth.
Cooking diminish the nutrients of the corn, it is best to serve them raw.
Can Hamsters Eat Canned Corns?
You should avoid feeding canned corn to your Hamsters.
Canned corn is filled with artificial sweeteners and preservatives, which are harmful to Hamsters.
Canned corn can upset your Hamster’s stomach. It can also make them obese or diabetic.
Although serving a small treat won’t make them ill but it is best to avoid it altogether.
Can Hamsters Eat Corn Flakes?
Corn flakes are a cereal made by toasting flakes of corn.
You can feed your Hamsters with cornflakes but in small quantities only.
Serve the flakes only as treats, in no condition it should replace the staple diet of your Hamsters. Also, serve your Hamsters plain cornflakes without any added flavorings.
Can Hamsters Eat Baby Corn?
Yes, baby corn is safe for your Hamsters. However, do not overfeed them.
Baby corn is a cereal grain extended from corn harvested early, while the stalks are still raw and
It is typically eaten whole, including the cob, in contrast to mature corn, whose cob is too hard for consumption.
Always serve your Hamsters with fresh baby corn and serving it raw would be ideal.
Can Hamsters Eat Cracked Corn?
Cracked corn is corn kernels that have been dried and cracked into small pieces.
Avoid feeding cracked corn to your Hamsters. Cracked corn is tough and hard in texture, it can break your Hamster’s teeth. It can also lead to other dental complications in your Hamsters.
Also, Hamsters have a weak digestive system therefore cracked corn is not ideal for your Hamsters.
Can Hamsters Eat Popcorn?
Popcorn is a variety of corn kernel which enlarges and puffs up when heated.
It is safe for your Hamsters to eat popcorn but only in moderation. Also, make sure the popcorn that you should have no oil, butter, or added salt.
Overeating popcorn can lead to severe health complications in them. It can also make your Hamster obese.
Can Hamsters Eat Cornmeal?
You should never feed cornmeal to your Hamsters.
Corn meal is dried and ground corn.
Although you may find cornmeal delicious and filling, it is not an appropriate food for your Hamsters.
Cornmeal is cooked corn flour with added salt and oil. Hamsters cannot digest cooked food well, they usually end up getting cramps and may suffer from indigestion.
Also, eating cornmeal can make your Hamster obese, it can further cause diarrhea.
Correct Way To Feed Corn To Your 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.
You can serve your Hamsters boiled corn kernels, however it is best to serve it raw and fresh.
Always keep a check on your Hamster’s cage. If there is any uneaten food left in the cage for a long time, take them out.
Hamsters have the habit of hiding their food. This can destroy the bedding. Also, Hamsters hide food in their cheek pouches, keep a check on them. This can ruin their teeth.
How Much Corn Can Hamsters Eat?
Corn should only be served as treats to your Hamsters, In no condition, it should replace the staple diet of your Hamsters.
You can serve your Hamsters 2-4 kernels at a time. Always give them raw and uncooked ones.
The best way to serve is on the cob (small slice) with the silk and the husk.
The quantity of corn that you serve your Hamsters must be controlled as it can lead to various health complications. It can make your Hamster obese and diabetic.
Now let’s summarize what other parts of corn your Hamsters can or cannot eat.
How Often Can Hamsters Eat Corn?
Corn should not be added to the regular diet of your Hamsters.
Serving small quantities of corn once a week is ideal.
Regular feeding of corn can induce some health problems in Hamsters, including diarrhea, diabetes, and obesity thus, it is best to feed corn sparsely.
Conclusion
- Corn is a rich source of carbohydrates and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, it is relatively low in protein and fat.
- Hamsters can eat corn but only in small quantities.
- You can serve all parts of the corn plant to your Hamsters, including the husk and silk.
- You can also serve baby corn, cornflakes, and popcorn to your Hamsters sometimes. Make sure they have no added butter, oil, or salt.
- Do not serve your Hamsters cornmeal or cracked corn, they might end up getting cramps and may suffer from indigestion.
- Besides, you should avoid feeding them the canned corn, because it has a high salt content that is unsuitable for Hamsters.
Sources: Nutrition Of Hamsters, Laboratory Hamster, NCBI Research, Cancer Research
