Yes, your hamster can eat strawberries. But as with all fruits, there are some things to consider here. Because fruit, so also the strawberries can and may always be only a part of the daily food. Why this is so, that we explain to you in detail here in our article and wish you now already much fun reading.

Hamster feed strawberries, the advantages

Strawberries are certainly one of the most popular fruits that you can continue your hamster. We have never heard of a hamster that does not like strawberries. The nice thing is that given in moderation, they are also healthy for the hamster. Surprisingly, strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, so that can't be bad for your pet.

Another advantage is that they have hardly any fat and the carbohydrate content is also very low. In addition, strawberries also protect against cancer. Extensive studies have already been conducted in animals, which have proven that cancer growth was successfully stopped by the antioxidants and phytochemicals contained in the strawberries.

The process that happens here is that cellular signaling pathways are influenced and thus the proliferation of cancer cells is inhibited or even stopped. In addition, the ingredients ensure that the cardiovascular system is plugged and significantly fewer diseases occur in this area. The antioxidants and polyphenols contained in strawberries strengthen the cells of the inner walls of blood vessels and reduce blood lipid levels.

Likewise, the antioxidants inhibit inflammatory processes or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Especially inflammations in the intestine can lead to a bad general condition in small animals and also us humans. In addition, a permanent inflammation in the intestine can lead to diarrhea and the nutrients from the food can no longer be absorbed properly.

Again, our tip, if you feed your hamster strawberries, try to feed regionally grown organic strawberries.

Hamster feed strawberries, the disadvantages

Most hamsters eat almost everything that is offered to them. In the wild, this includes a wide variety of plants, but also a large number of insects. If we keep these animals in captivity, then the majority of the food intake changes. Here pellets are often given and for the most part too little fresh fruit and vegetables.

The important thing with the hamster is that he gets a lot of solid food. He is a rodent and rodents usually prefer solid food. Here strawberries are in no way belong to this segment. Therefore, strawberries and fruits in general should be only a small part of the weekly diet. Another disadvantage with strawberries is that they have a high sugar content.

If hamsters get too much strawberries/fruit, they can develop diabetes. Especially dwarf hamsters are very susceptible to this and therefore the amount should be watched carefully. If your hamster already has diabetes, then we recommend that you only feed fruit at all after consulting your vet. No matter what kind of fruit, because almost all varieties have a high to very high sugar content.

Another aspect that is often forgotten is the acidity that strawberries and other fruits have. Especially if your hamster keeps the strawberries in his cheeks, the acid can cause inflammation or sores there. Furthermore, the acids, if supplied in high amounts, can cause irritation in the stomach and intestines.

Strawberries also contain a high proportion of potassium. This is a necessary element when fed in the right amount, but also has a diuretic effect. Therefore, pay close attention to the feeding amount, because too high a load on the kidneys by too many strawberries, can have unpleasant consequences.

How to feed your hamster strawberries

Before eating, the fruit should be thoroughly washed and cleaned under lukewarm water. This will remove most of the chemicals and pesticides that may be on the strawberries. Afterwards, divide the strawberries into small pieces with an edge length of no more than 1 cm. Your hamster can easily grab and eat them.

If your hamster has never eaten strawberries before, watch your pet closely to see how it reacts to the strawberries. Does he take the fruit and eat it immediately, or does he carry it to one of his hiding places. Here you should pay close attention that nothing is left behind in the enclosure. Therefore, stay with it and observe what your animal does with the strawberries.

If your hamster deposits the strawberries in one of its hiding places, check the next day to see if the strawberry is still there. Because a rotten strawberry eaten by your hamster can lead to health problems.

Are dwarf hamsters and golden hamsters allowed to eat strawberries?

Yes, all hamster species are allowed to eat strawberries. The only exception is if your hamster has diabetes. In that case, you should avoid these treats for the sake of his health. A golden hamster should be offered a maximum of two heaped teaspoons of fruit per week. Since dwarf hamsters are much more sensitive to sugar intake, you should give them less than half of this amount.

It is also important to always observe the animals how they utilize the food, in this case the strawberries. Do they eat them immediately or are they stored in the cheek pouches. You should also pay close attention to changes in your animal after eating. Some animals react with diarrhea a few hours after eating. Here you can see if this is the case with your hamster.

Strawberries as an attractant for your hamster

Strawberries are an excellent attractant for your hamster, we have already written above, almost all hamsters like strawberries. Therefore, you can also accustom your hamster to you with this treat. But also here always pay attention to the amount, because even an attractant should not make your animal sick. To attract him, just try the following.

Take a small piece of strawberry, place it on your fingertips and hold your hand near your pet. Since most hamsters are very curious, they will look to see what interesting thing is in front of their nose. This way you get them used to your hand near them and to your smell. After a short time they will approach your hand and take the delicious fruit to eat it.

Strawberries every day for the hamster?

No, you should not do that at all. This would be anything but good for the health of your hamster. The consequences would be an enormously increased probability of diabetes, diarrhea, inflammation of cheek pouches, stomach and intestines. Therefore, stick to our feeding recommendation of a maximum of two lightly heaped teaspoons of fruit per week.

Can hamsters eat the strawberries completely?

Yes, the hamsters could theoretically eat the strawberries completely. As well as the green on the fruit itself and the leaves of the plant. This is possible without any problems and does not lead to any diseases. Of course you have to follow our feeding recommendation. The leaves should also be washed, but can also be given in larger quantities.

Are hamsters allowed to eat dried strawberries?

Dried fruit contains significantly more sugar than fresh fruit. Since the drying process removes the liquid, the water content is reduced, but the sugar content remains completely intact. Therefore, you should feed much less of dried strawberries than of fresh ones. However, we recommend that you do without them and offer fresh fruit.