What Veggies Can Hamsters Eat?

The basic diet for a pet hamster generally includes grains, seeds, nuts, legumes and hay-based pellets, which is what the commercially prepared bags of hamster food provide in quantities that are nutritionally balanced specifically for hamsters. Ideally, the hamster also should get some fresh vegetables to provide variety and interest in its diet. Hamsters can eat most vegetables, but some should only be fed in moderation. A few vegetables, however, are dangerous and potentially lethal to a hamster.

  1. Safe Vegetables

    • Most of the fresh produce that people eat is fine for hamsters, especially if served raw. Hamsters eat just about any vegetable that you do, including sweet corn, peas, bell peppers, okra, cucumbers, carrots and most fresh herbs, such as basil. Hay provides good roughage and your hamster can have as much as it wants. Uneaten hay used as bedding doesn't cause problems.

    Vegetables That Cause Problems in Excess

    • All brassicas, members of the cabbage family, can lead to stomach upsets and diarrhea in hamsters and other small animals if you feed them too much. Examples include cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and broccoli. A little now and then should be safe, but stop feeding these vegetables to your hamster if it shows any signs of diarrhea. Lettuce may be dangerous in large quantities as it puts a strain on hamsters' livers. Very high calorie vegetables, such as avocados, and sweet fruits, such as bananas, could lead to obesity if given in excess.

    Toxic Vegetables

    • Vegetables that are dangerous to hamsters include onions, raw potatoes, raw rhubarb, raw beans, and tomatoes or tomato leaves. Garlic also is not good for them, although they would be unlikely to eat it due to its pungent smell. Citrus fruits can cause problems for small rodents.

    Feeding Tips

    • A hamster should get about a 1/4 cup of vegetables a day in addition to the hamster mix. Adjust the quantities depending on your hamster's behavior. If the hamster is storing most of the vegetables, feed it less since stored vegetables can get moldy. Sweet or fatty vegetables and any fruits are treats and should be treated as such, though they are superior to commercial hamster treats. Providing treats of any kind once or twice a week is plenty.