Foods Not to Feed Hamsters

Hamsters are fortunate to enjoy a variety of different foods, including "people" food. Certain foods that are safe for people, however, are not safe for hamsters. Certain dietary restrictions need to be followed to assure a hamster's well-being. Three particularly common household foods can ultimately result in hamster mortality, and therefore should never be included in a hamster's diet.

  1. Chocolate

    • Chocolate

      Chocolate contains a compound known as methylxanthine. Methylxanthine is a natural diuretic (an agent used to eliminate liquids from the body). When ingested by hamsters, methylxanthine can promote excessive vomiting, diarrhea and urination. An excessive loss of fluids in hamsters can lead to dehydration and hamster mortality.

    Onions

    • An onion

      Feeding onions to hamsters can result in red blood cell damage. Certain oxidants found in onions aid the formation of unproductive red bloods cells. A hamster's body tissues and organs rely on red blood cells to transport a sufficient oxygen supply. A lack of oxygen to the vital organs can lead to heart failure and hamster mortality.

    Raw Kidney Beans

    • Red kidney beans

      Raw kidney beans can cause severe vomiting in hamsters, potentially leading to hamster mortality. Raw kidney beans contain the toxic agent phytohaemagglutinin. Raw red kidney beans contain a high concentration of phytohaemagglutinin. Phytohaemagglutinin toxicity is measured with the hemagglutinating unit (hau). Raw kidney beans contain from 20,000 to 70,000 hau. However, when cooked properly, red kidney beans contain only 200 to 400 hau. While cooked kidney beans contain less phytohaemagglutinin, it is not advisable to include them in a hamster's diet.