Some foods can cause medical conditions, are toxic, or quickly exceed a hamsters’ daily caloric requirements, leading to weight gain and/or medical conditions. So you may be wondering, can hamsters eat grapes?
Grapes are considered a healthy and generally safe food for hamsters. However, grapes have a high sugar content which can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. Therefore, your hamster should not be fed whole grapes. Before feeding your hamster grapes speak with your vet about the appropriate quantity of grape pieces, you can offer per day.
How many grapes can I feed a hamster?
The number of grapes pieces you can feed your hamster depends on its size. Small hamsters should consume fewer grape pieces compared to larger hamsters. However, do not feed your hamster whole grapes as the high sugar content can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and stomach pains. Too many grapes could also lead to more severe health issues such as diabetes, fatty liver, or unhealthy weight gain due to the high sugar content.
Hamsters are tiny animals that don’t require very much food per day. As a result, it is easy to overfeed your hamster with treats such as grapes.
Before feeding your hamster grapes speak with your vet about the appropriate quantity of grape pieces, you can offer your hamster in one sitting. Additionally, some hamster species are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, please speak to your vet about whether it is appropriate to feed your hamster high-sugar foods such as grapes.
How to feed your hamster grapes safely
If you want to start feeding your hamster grapes, start with a very small amount to check that they tolerate the new food. Start with feeding them an eighth of a grape, and gradually increase the quantity to a quarter of a grape once or twice a week. It is a treat and should be given in moderation.
When introducing a new food, keep an eye on your hamster’s behavior to check that they aren’t suffering from an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal upset. If your hamster shows any signs of an allergic reaction or digestive problems, don’t offer them grapes anymore.
Some signs to look out for include:
- Your hamster eating non-food items such as a bit of their bedding material. They may do this if food does not agree with them.
- Diarrhea
- Loose stool
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
If these symptoms do not pass quickly, or if diarrhea lasts for longer than a day, then take your hamster to your veterinarian. Dehydration is a serious issue if diarrhea continues.
To avoid a choking hazard, choose seedless grapes or remove any grape seeds before feeding the grape pieces to your hamster.
As with any fruit and vegetable, thoroughly wash the grapes before feeding them to your hamster.
And finally, always check your hamster’s cage the day after you feed your hamster grapes and remove any uneaten grape pieces from their enclosure.
Summary
Hamsters can have grapes as long as you feed them in pieces and in small quantities. Do not feed your hamster whole grapes as the high sugar content can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. Additionally, grapes should not be a large part of their diet and should not be given more than once or twice a week. See What do Hamsters Eat? for information on the ideal diet for your hamster.
