Can Hamsters Eat Cherries?

Hamsters are a great addition to anyone’s family. They make a great pet to teach your child about responsibility. Caring for these little creatures is simple, but the mass amount of information out there can be a huge shock. They can have many different kinds of fruit items, but can they eat cherries? The answer is YES; hamsters can eat cherries as an added treat to their regular diet.

Most cherry species are native to the Northern Hemisphere. Cherries can grow in all parts of the world where winter temperatures are not too cold and where summer temperatures are not too hot. Their trees are known for the bright pink blossoms that bloom in the spring.

Cherries are one of the many fruits your hamster can snack on. But with all foods, there are specifics that you should know before giving to your hamsters. Here is all the information on providing cherries to your hamsters.

As the biggest domestic hamster, Syrian Hamsters will have no trouble eating this fruit. They can have about 1-3 sliced cherries a week. Give them to your hamsters spread out during the week; too much at once can cause stomach problems.

Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster will enjoy this sweet treat. Because of their size, limit giving them a cherry once a week. Make sure to chop the cherry into smaller pieces, so it’s easier for them to eat.

Roborovski Hamsters are the tiniest of the hamster breeds. Being such, you should only give them cherries about once every few weeks. Cherries are high in natural sugars, so too much for these micro-sized critters could cause serious health issues.

Similar in size to the Campbell’s Dwarf, Winter White Hamsters will be just fine with one small cherry a week. The only downside is the cherry might stain your hamster’s white fur for a few days!

Chinese Dwarf hamsters can have about one sliced cherry per week. These hamsters are very active, so cherry is the perfect treat for an energy boost. Chinese Dwarfs also enjoy burying their food in secret hiding spots. Double check to make sure they eat the cherry, if not they might store it away and it could form mold.

What are the health benefits of your hamster eating cherries?

Cherries are high in fiber, potassium, and anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are compounds produced in the body and found in most foods. They help defend the cells from damage caused by various diet issues or ongoing health problems.

They also have calcium, Vitamin A, and folic acid. These ingredients can help improve your hamsters’ overall health. Calcium keeps the bones healthy, and Vitamin A supports the vision.

They are also anti-inflammatory, so this would be the perfect treat for your older hamsters who have arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints in the body. This can cause severe pain for hamsters who are 2+ years older.

What are the health risks of hamsters eating cherries?

Cherries are full of natural sugars, and in large amounts, this could give your hamster a stomach ache. For many things, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Cherries can cause weight gain and other serious health issues.

Weight gain can also lead to diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar levels in the body. Some species of hamster can become diabetic if they eat high amounts of sugar. Dwarf hamsters are predisposed to have a higher chance of forming diabetes because of its small size.

Cherries also have a high liquid content. Diarrhea can occur if your hamster eats too many juicy fruits, including cherries,  also known as a wet tail. You would be best to give cherries as a treat, not as an added element to your hamsters’ diet.

Is it okay for hamsters to eat dried cherries?

Dried cherries would be great for your hamster. The drying process takes out most of the natural sugars, so this would be a healthier option as a treat. They will also be able to store dried cherries away in their nests because mold will not be able to grow.

When purchasing dried cherries, be sure to check they are not “candied” or have any added sugar. Never give your hamster Maraschino cherries. These are cherries that are preserved in high fructose corn syrup and sugar. That much sugar could hurt your hamster

Hiding dried cherries around their habitat would make an excellent foraging activity. This will encourage them to smell and search for the treat, much like they would do in the wild. You should try adding dried cherries to puzzle toys to inspire your hamster to find the source of the sweet smell!

Are cherry seeds and peels safe to feed a hamster?

The peel on the cherry is perfectly safe for your hamster to eat. The pit, however, can be hazardous if ingested. Eating the pit can cause stomach issues, such as blockages and an upset stomach. Cherry pits are also a choking hazard for your pet. You must remember to remove the pit from the cherry before giving it to your hamster.

The stem will also need to be removed because it is attached to the pit of the cherry. Stems can have small traces of cyanide, but even a small amount can harm your hamsters’ health.

How many cherries should my hamster eat?

Syrian Hamsters can have about 1-3 per week. Dwarf Hamsters, since they are smaller, can have about one per week. But Roborovski Hamsters should be given one every other week. The cherry is over half their size! Think of cherries as a dessert for your hamster.

Conclusion

Cherries are a sweet and healthy treat for your hamsters. They have high nutrients to give your hamsters’ well-being an additional boost. Removing the pit and the stem is essential in keeping this small fruit safe to eat. However, cherries should not be given every day. They serve as a treat to your hamster’s store-bought mix diet, along with other fruits and vegetables.