Giving treats to your hamster to give them some extra variety is important to many hamster owners. And tree nuts are often a treat of choice when it comes to giving your hamster something special. But is it ok to give your hamster certain kinds of nuts? This is often the question that comes up. So can hamsters eat Brazil Nuts?
Are Brazil Nuts Good for Hamsters?
Brazil Nuts contain the following vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for hamsters: (source USDA.gov)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
- Choline
- Copper
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
What Kind of Brazil Nuts Can Hamsters Eat?
Plain Brazil Nuts are what you want to give your hamster. You do not want to give anything that has added oils, salt, sugar, or spices. Always check the ingredients before giving your hamster any treats.
Organic is best to give your hamster to avoid any extra chemicals. Even in very small amounts, these can be harmful to creatures as small as hamsters.
Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Brazil Nuts?
Yes, Syrian hamsters can have Brazil Nuts as a treat. You only want to give your hamster about 1 nut every week or two.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Brazil Nuts?
Yes, Dwarf Hamsters can have Brazil Nuts. You will not want to give as much to a Dwarf Hamster as you give to a Syrian hamster. Only about one-half of a Brazil Nut each week at maximum. It is also a good idea to chop the Brazil Nuts up smaller for the smaller breeds of hamsters.
While some say that you shouldn’t give them to the smaller breeds of hamsters due to the sugar content, over at HamsterHideout they are listed as perfectly safe to give to all hamsters. And many have no problem with giving them as a small treat here and there.
How Many Brazil Nuts Can You Give Your Hamster?
For a full-sized hamster, such as a Syrian, only give 1 Brazil nut every week or 2. If your hamster is a smaller size, such as a Dwarf Hamster, only give 1/2 of a Brazil Nut every week or two.
If your hamster has weight issues don’t give this treat as often and look for lower-calorie alternatives for treats, such as broccoli or basil.
Are There Risks Giving Brazil Nuts to Hamsters?
As with all treats, especially when the treat you are giving your hamster is a nut, there is a risk of too many calories. Hamsters can be subject to weight issues just like humans and other pets. Eating too much will result in weight problems. If your hamster is facing issues with their weight you will want to look for alternative treats like vegetables to lower the calorie count of treats in their diet.