HomeSmall PetsHamstersCan Hamsters Eat Carrots? Are They Good for Their Teeth? 

Can Hamsters Eat Carrots? Are They Good for Their Teeth? 

Hamsters need some fruits and veggies in their diet. How much though, and what are some of the best ones to offer them?

Are carrots a good idea? Or are they perhaps too hard or too high in sugar? Since guinea pigs can eat carrots, does the same rule automatically apply to hamsters? 

Can Hamsters Eat Carrots?

Yes, hamsters can eat carrots, but only in moderation, as they are high in sugar. They can be given as an occasional treat, and will be good for your pet’s health.

Carrots are a good choice for your hamster, as long as they don’t eat too many of them. About two baby carrots is the adequate portion size, broken up into two portions, over the course of a week. Any more than that may in the long run jeopardize their health. 

Overeating on carrots can upset your hamster’s stomach, so you should keep the portions small, and make sure to find any discarded or hoarded bits in their cage before they start to spoil.

Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Carrots?

Dwarf hamsters can eat carrots, but only in the smallest of amounts, as their tiny bodies can quickly overdose on sugar and develop diabetes.

Any treats you give your dwarf hamster (carrots included) should not make up more than 10% of their diet. If they particularly like this veggie, you can add it to their plate about once a month, and just a couple of bites at a time.

Don’t forget to remove any leftovers from their cage before they start to spoil!

Can Baby Hamsters Eat Carrots?

Baby hamster’s shouldn’t eat carrots, as their teeth are still not strong enough, and they do really just need their mother’s milk.

When they are 5 days old, they can start eating small seeds, which will help their teeth develop, and at around 3 weeks you can introduce a dark veggie, like broccoli. Wait with the carrots until they are a couple of months old, and only introduce them gradually, to see how your young hamster reacts to them. 

Are Carrots Safe For Hamsters?

Yes, carrots are safe for hamsters, as long as you give them in moderation, as they can lead to diabetes due to their high sugar content.

Carrots are not toxic and there is nothing to worry about. The one consideration you want to take into account is the origin of the carrots. If they have been treated with pesticides, you want to either wash them very thoroughly or peel them before offering them to your pet. 

Are Carrots Bad For Hamsters?

Carrots are not bad for hamsters in small quantities. If eaten in excess though, they can lead to diarrhea, bladder stones and diabetes.

Carrots contain calcium, which is very beneficial in moderation, but which can lead to bladder stones when consumed in excess. 

Vitamin C can cause diarrhea when ingested in excess. 

The sugar content of a carrot is not necessarily dangerous, but if you routinely feed your hamster too much sugar, they will become overweight and develop diabetes. 

Are Carrots Good For Hamsters?

Carrots contain vitamins C and A, both of which are very good for hamsters. They also contain fiber and water, which are also very healthy.

Vitamin A helps hamsters from losing their hair, and it also plays a role in absorbing vitamin C. Vitamin C is of course good for their immune system, and will prevent scurvy. 

The fibers in carrots will help hamsters’ digestive system and blood pressure, while the water content will keep them hydrated.

Can Hamsters Have Carrots Every Day?

Hamsters shouldn’t have carrots every day, as they are high in sugar and can lead to obesity over time. 

Carrots are considered a treat, as opposed to a regular part of your hamster’s diet. You shouldn’t be giving carrots to your pet every day, rather space them out and give them other treats too. 

How Many Carrots Can Hamsters Have?

Hamsters can have the equivalent of two baby carrots per week, in two portions. You can of course give them a regular carrot, but chopped into roughly this size.

You can also give them even smaller portions more often, but don’t exceed the two-baby-carrot-per-week amount.

Can Hamsters Eat Raw Carrots?

Yes, hamsters can have raw carrots. In fact, this is the best way to give the veggie to them, as it will be good for their teeth. 

Raw carrots are high in vitamins and minerals, so you don’t have to worry about preparing them for your hamster. Just wash and/or peel them and cut them up into manageable chunks. 

Can Hamsters Eat Carrot Tops?

Hamsters can eat carrot tops, but in moderate amounts. Give them a couple of bites and see how they respond.

Carrot tops are healthy too, so if your hamster likes them, you can offer some on a bi-weeky basis. Make sure you don’t overdo it though, and manage their portions. 

Can Hamsters Eat Carrot Peel?

Hamsters can eat carrot peel, as long as you have washed the carrot thoroughly and are sure there are no pesticides on it.

Carrot skin is just as full of vitamins and minerals, so you don’t have to peel the bits of carrot you give your hamster. You do however have to give them a very proper wash, to get any of the dirt off, and to make sure no chemicals are left on it. 

Can Hamsters Eat Baby Carrots?

Hamsters can eat baby carrots, as they are much like regular carrots, albeit with a little bit less nutrients. 

Baby carrots can also be easier to feed to your hamster, given their size. 

Can Carrots Treat Teeth Problems?

Carrots can help keep a hamster’s teeth in check, but they are not a cure for gum infections or tooth decay. 

Hamster teeth keep growing throughout their life, so they need to be worn down with regular chewing. Carrots are great for this purpose, as they are crunchy enough. 

On the other hand, carrots can also cause teeth issues, if your hamster chooses to hoard bits of carrot in their cheeks, which can cause decay. Make sure to check your hamster has no food in their mouth on a regular basis. 

Can Carrots Treat Hair Loss?

Carrots are high in vitamin A, which promotes hair growth and health. If your hamster is deficient in this vitamin, giving them carrots can help.

Hair loss in hamsters can be caused by a variety of things, including mites, rubbing against their cage, or a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Your vet will need to help you determine what the cause is. 

If vitamin deficiency is to blame, you can add more carrots into their diet to help. However, since this may not be the cause, you will need to get them checked out by a vet before you up their carrot intake.

How to Give Your Hamster Carrots 

Shred or chop a couple of bites of carrot (around a quarter of a teaspoon) and offer them to your hamster. If they are fine in the next 48 hours, you can give them a bit more next time, until you get to one baby carrot at a time. 

If your hamster shows signs of an upset stomach, vomits or has diarrhea, or if they refuse to eat, they may not tolerate carrots well. Although this is highly unlikely, you still need to monitor them just to be sure. 

Don’t forget that hamsters are hoarders, so they will probably hide some of their food in their cage. Make sure to check it every day, and remove any bits of stale food before it can spoil.

Wrapping It Up 

Carrots are a good snack for your hamster. As long as you don’t give them more than two baby carrot-sized treats in a week’s time, they will be able to enjoy all of their benefits. 

Wondering if hamsters can eat cheese? Or perhaps if hamsters can eat apples? Read some of our other articles on hamster diet! 

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