Can Hamsters Eat Marshmallows?

If you have a cute hamster at your home, you must be worried about what you can feed it and what you shouldn’t. In this scenario, one of the most important questions that often people ask is, “can hamsters eat marshmallows?” Well, the straight and simple answer to this question is NO! You shouldn’t feed marshmallows to your hamsters. It can be harmful to your hamsters even if you feed them in a very low amount. Why? Read on to know everything in detail below.

WHY MARSHMALLOWS ARE HARMFUL TO HAMSTERS?

While marshmallows are, undoubtedly, very tasty in nature and many people love eating them, they can be harmful to animals, including hamsters. One of the main reasons why you should not feed marshmallows to hamsters is because of the high sugar content. Sugar is quite harmful to hamsters. So, marshmallows or any other sugary treats can lead to several health issues in your hamsters. It can lead to obesity, increased blood sugar levels, and many more health complications.

WHY MARSHMALLOWS CAN BE DANGEROUS?

Besides being high in sugar content, marshmallows can also be potentially harmful to your hamster in different ways. This food item is quite sticky in nature. Hence, there is a chance of it getting stuck inside the throat or mouth of your hamster. This can make them choke which can result in some fatal incidents as well. So, it is very important to keep marshmallows away from the hamsters as it is not only unhealthy for them to eat but it is also not safe for them.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HAMSTER EATS MARSHMALLOWS?

Now that you know how dangerous a marshmallow can be for your hamster, you need to keep it away from its reach. But at times, your hamsters can get attracted to it and eat it. In case you notice that your hamster has eaten a marshmallow, you have to immediately take action. Make sure to check the cheeks of your hamster for the marshmallow. If there is any, then remove it immediately. In case they have already swallowed it and showing some signs of discomfort, then make sure to take your hamster immediately to a vet.

WHAT SHOULD HAMSTERS EAT INSTEAD?

Instead of giving marshmallows as a treat to your hamster, you need to provide them with healthy and nutritious foods. Some of the foods that you can provide them with are:

* Fresh fruits and veggies, such as carrots, peas, apples, and broccoli
* Nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, and sunflower seeds
* Cooked grains, such as oatmeal, rice, and quinoa
* Commercial foods for hamsters

CONCLUSION

Hopefully, you have got all your queries answered properly. Make sure to keep sugary treats like marshmallows away from hamsters. As mentioned above, it is not healthy for them as well as it can be quite dangerous for them too. It is better to consult a vet immediately if your hamster has consumed a marshmallow. A vet can help you with the right solution right after a thorough diagnosis. You need to ensure that you are taking proper care and following all the dos and don’ts provided by the vet.