Dates are a sweet fruit that is enjoyed by many people. But can hamsters eat them? This is a question that many people may have.
In this blog post, we will explore whether or not hamsters can eat dates and if there are any benefits to doing so.
So, read on to learn more!
can hamsters eat dates? Hamsters can’t eat dates, and for good reason. The sugar content is high and it lacks some very essential nutrients. Dates are also a bit sticky and can cause choking, so it is best to keep hamsters away from this fruit altogether.
If you have a hamster, make sure to avoid giving them dates as a snack!
Nutrition Facts of Dates
- Sugars – 63.35 g
- Selenium – 3 µg
- Zinc – 0.29 mg
- Riboflavin – 0.066 mg
- Lutein + zeaxanthin – 75 µg
- Vitamin E – 0.05 mg
- Total lipid (fat) – 0.39 g
- Vitamin B-6 – 0.165 mg
- Protein – 2.45 g
- Vitamin K – 2.7 µg
- Magnesium – 43 mg
- Carotene, beta – 6 µg
- Phosphorus – 62 mg
- Carbs – 75.03 g
- Niacin – 1.274 mg
- Iron – 1.02 mg
- Copper – 0.206 mg
- Dietary fiber – 8 g
- Energy – 282 kcal
- Thiamin – 0.052 mg
- Folates – 19 µg
- Calcium – 39 mg
- Vitamin C – 0.4 mg
- Sodium – 2 mg
- Potassium – 656 mg
Risks to Think About When Feeding hamsters Dates
Dates don’t have enough vitamin C. This vitamin is important for hamsters’ health and keeps them in good shape. They can’t make vitamin C on their own, so they need to take supplements or eat foods that have it.
If hamsters don’t get so much of this vitamin, they can get a disease called scurvy, which causes them to bleed, have rough coats, skip, lose their appetite, have no energy, etc.
Also, the amount of other vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 is not important.
Dates are delicious, super creamy, and chewy, but they are extremely caloric. This is not good even for us humans. The sugar content can create problems with blood sugar. Besides, sugars create an imbalance in the gut flora in guinea pigs.
Also, there are fibers. Excess fibers from dates will upset the tummy of the guinea pigs. Symptoms will be a loose stool, diarrhea, pains, vomiting, gas, and similar.
Fresh fruit must be given as a treat every once in a while to prevent diarrhea and lower the risk of diabetes, notably in dwarf hybrid.
fruits
All fruits should be fresh, ripe, and in good condition.
| Food | Syrian | Robo | Winter White | Campbell's | Chinese | Serving Size | Feeding Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| blueberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1- 3 berries | 1-2 times per week |
| blackberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 berry | Every 1 - 2 days |
| Kiwi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 - teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Grapes (No seeds) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/2 small grape | 1-2 times per week |
| cherries (No pits) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 cherry | 1-2 times per week |
| pears | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| cantaloupe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Bananas | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Mango | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| plums (No pits) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Raspberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 raspberry | 1-2 times per week |
| coconut | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Honeydew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Watermelon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Apricot | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| Apples No seeds) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| lychee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| papaya | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| strawberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| pineapple | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
| peaches(no pits) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1/4 teaspoon | 1-2 times per week |
Conclusion: can hamsters eat dates
Hamsters should not eat dates because they are high in sugar and lack essential nutrients. Dates can also cause choking, so it is best to keep hamsters away from this fruit altogether.
If you have a hamster, make sure to avoid giving them dates as a snack.
