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

Can Hamsters Eat 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?

Can Hamsters Eat Watermelon?

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.

FAQs

Is Watermelon Safe For Hamsters?

Yes, watermelon is safe for hamsters in small, seedless portions as an occasional treat due to its high sugar content.

Can hamsters eat watermelon skin?

Hamsters should not eat watermelon skin due to its toughness and difficulty in digesting.

Can hamsters eat watermelon seeds?

Yes, hamsters can eat watermelon seeds in moderation, but it’s best to remove the seeds to prevent choking risks.

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