Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon? A Complete Guide

Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon: When I had a hamster, I also wanted to know this.

But at that time no blog/article could answer “Can hamsters have watermelon”. 

In this blog, I’ll answer your question along with the nutritional value of watermelon & how to feed your hamster properly.

Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon?

Yes, hamsters can eat watermelon, but only in small amounts.

Watermelon has a lot of water & natural sugars which can be refreshing & beneficial for hamsters, especially in hot weather.

• Portion Size: You should give only a small piece of watermelon to avoid digestion issues. For a dwarf hamster, a piece the size of a small pea is enough. But, for a Syrian hamster, the piece can be a bit bigger.

• Frequency: Because watermelon has a lot of sugar, you can give them once a week & not make it a regular part of their diet.

• Preparation: Make sure the watermelon is seedless. You should remove the seeds before giving them to your hamsters.

• Freshness: You can give fresh watermelon & remove any uneaten pieces from the cage to prevent spoilage & bacteria growth.

Nutritional Value Of Watermelon

Watermelon is a refreshing & hydrating fruit that is low in calories & full of nutrients.

Nutrition per 100 grams of Watermelon

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Water: 91.45 g
• Protein: 0.61 g
• Fat: 0.15 g
• Carbohydrates: 7.55 g
• Sugars: 6.2 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.4 g

Vitamins

• Vitamin A: 569 IU (11% DV)
• Vitamin C: 8.1 mg (13% DV)
• Vitamin B1: 0.033 mg (2% DV)
• Vitamin B2: 0.021 mg (2% DV)
• Vitamin B3: 0.178 mg (1% DV)
• Vitamin B5: 0.221 mg (2% DV)
• Vitamin B6: 0.045 mg (3% DV)
• Folate: 3 µg (1% DV)

Minerals

• Calcium: 7 mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 0.24 mg (1% DV)
• Magnesium: 10 mg (2% DV)
• Phosphorus: 11 mg (1% DV)
• Potassium: 112 mg (3% DV)
• Sodium: 1 mg (0% DV)
• Zinc: 0.10 mg (1% DV)

How To Safely Feed Watermelon To Hamsters?

A watermelon can be a good fruit for your hamster, but it’s important to know the process which I’ve mentioned below.

• Choose Fresh Watermelon: You can take a fresh, ripe watermelon & avoid ones that are too ripe, bruised, or moldy.

• Wash Properly: Wash the watermelon to remove any pesticides or dirt from the outer skin.

• Remove Seeds: Take out all the seeds as they can be a choking hazard or cause digestive problems.

• Cut into Small Pieces: Now, cut the watermelon into small pieces that your hamster can easily eat.

• Remove the Rind: Hamsters find the hard rind difficult to digest, so only give them the juicy red part of the watermelon.

• Introduce Gradually: If your hamster hasn’t had watermelon before, you can start with a small piece to make sure they don’t have any bad reactions.

• Check Portion Size: Since watermelon is high in sugar & water, you can give them once a week.

• Watch Your Hamster: You should watch your hamster after they eat watermelon. If they have diarrhea, stop giving it to them & talk to a vet.

• Clean Up: You can clean their cage if they don’t eat watermelon after a few hours to prevent growing bacteria.

Also Read:

Hamster Care Tips

Conclusion

In conclusion, watermelon can be a refreshing & hydrating fruit for hamsters if given in moderation & prepared correctly.

Although hamsters enjoy the sweetness & hydration it offers, it’s important to limit the amount due to its high sugar content.

Removing seeds, choosing fresh fruit & cutting it into small, easy-to-digest pieces are necessary to avoid choking & digestive problems.

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