The big question is can hamster eat peanut butter?
Yes, they can!
Most, if not all, households have some sweet peanut butter locked away in the kitchen somewhere.
And owning a companion may keep you wondering if it is safe for them to have a taste too. Peanut butter consists of dry roasted peanuts with a top-up of oils.
Treating your little darling to a layer of peanut butter is pretty much okay. It supplements their diet with protein.
And that is not even all; some vitamins such as B, E, minerals, and healthy fat are also a plus.
Your hamster requires a balanced diet to remain healthy from feeding them some healthy fruits like grapes, to including.
However, other foods can also supplement your hammy with the same nutrients. Hamsters find peanut butter irresistible due to its natural solid smell and sweet taste.
Therefore, you may want to spoil them with more.
But overdoing it only comes with consequences that we will look into later on.
Giving treats to your pet is also an excellent way to bond.
While hamsters are rarely reactive to peanuts, you may have to determine if they like it first.
So, hold them closely as you socialize and let them take some from a spoon or dish if you want. Observe them keenly for the next few days to ensure nothing goes wrong.
This article will give an insight into everything you need to know about your hammy consuming the sweet brown peanut butter!
The Recommended Consumption of Peanut Butter for Hamsters
If your vet advised a regular intake of foods rich in protein, you might opt for peanut butter, and that is all right.
But if you intend to incorporate peanut butter in your pet’s main diet schedule, you could only be doing more harm than good.
Peanut butter should only be given as a snack or treat. And if your vet can propose the required amount, the better!
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Peanut Butter?
Yes, they can! You may own a Syrian, Robo, or Dwarf hamster.
Dwarf hamsters can either be Russian, Chinese, or Campbell.
On average, dwarf hamsters are tiny in body size than their counterparts, making them susceptible regarding what they can adapt from our meals.
To be precise, small amounts of peanut butter per week are perfect for them.
Can Hamsters Have Any Peanut Butter?
Are you debating on giving your pet Jif peanut butter?
Well, this kind of treat is distinguishable from the other types. It is inclusive of high amounts of sugar and additives. So, if you ask if you can give some to your hamster, the answer is yes.
How about some crunchy peanut butter?
Not to worry, as crunchy and creamy peanut butter are alike. But just like the Jif kind, go right to your ingredient listing.
Do you spot some sugar or salt?
How high are they? Excess sodium and sugar aren’t good for your pet as well as you.
Generally, ensure you watch out for your pet’s intake.
At the same time, it is recommended to opt for ones whose sugar level is slightly lower. Also, keep an eye on added salt.
A sprinkle of salt in our meals is fine, but it may be hazardous to your pet.
Moreover, brands may decide not to disclose additives in their peanut butter to get sales.
So, to beat them at their game, any peanut butter whose contents do not segregate is one to keep off for both your safety as well as your pet’s.
But if you can shop for plain and organic peanut butter, why not?
Let your pet enjoy some health-mindful snacks!
After all, a healthy pet makes his caregiver even happier.
Benefits of Peanut Butter to Your Hammy
While peanuts are rich in fats which in excess is unhealthy, every serving comes with its benefits when given in the correct quantity, and they include:
Potassium and Magnesium: Trust these guys to help minimize your hamster’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Manganese: For the normal functioning of the body, your pet may require some Manganese.
Vitamin E: Hamsters are also at risk of cancers. But the potent antioxidants from this nutrient are pretty helpful.
Vitamin B: This nutrient can boost your hamster’s energy levels to give you an active pet!
Consequences of Excessive Intake of Peanut Butter
Hamsters are very tiny, and one mistake in their diet may keep them off balance for hours, if not days.
While feeding your pet with some peanut butter is okay, you may want to perceive the risks involved when overindulged.
They include:
Under no circumstances should you give your pet excess food, especially peanut butter.
It only causes stomach complications like bloating, which causes discomfort.
Obesity:
Peanuts contain high amounts of fat.
And letting your hamster take on as much as they crave may shorten their lifespan due to obesity.
Obesity also brings about other health disorders. With that, you may find yourself visiting the vet frequently.
Diabetes:
Too much sugar and fat intake are responsible for diabetes, and hamsters are not an exception.
Unfortunately, diabetes also makes your pet prone to other health complications, and in turn, a reduced lifespan could be the result.
Nutritional problems:
If your companion feeds on extra peanut butter, you shouldn’t be surprised when their appetite goes down.
And missing out on other nutritious meals may only bring about malnutrition in the end.
Cheek pouch clogging:
Peanut butter tends to stick to your hamster’s cheek pouches.
Unfortunately, as time goes by, the accumulated butter starts decaying, leading to infections. In case this happens, your vet will prescribe some antibiotics to help with that.
Final thoughts: Can Hamsters eat peanut butter
Whether Dwarf, Robo, or Syrian, your little pet can enjoy some peanut butter only during snack time.
Spread it on another food, whether carrots, cabbage, or pumpkin seeds, and you are good to go!
Nevertheless, it’s essential to beware of the brand you are picking out.
Avoid ones whose sugar and salt levels are high.
This may only cause health problems in the long term, and you wouldn’t want a sickly pet!