Having a wide variety of treats at hand to give your hamster some extra variety in its diet is essential to many hamster owners. Tree nuts are often a common treat that many go to first when it comes to hamster treats. But is it ok to give your hamster certain kinds of tree nuts? And is it ok for hamsters to eat hazelnuts?
Can Hamsters Eat Hazelnuts and Are Hazelnuts Safe for Hamster?
The answer is yes, you can give hazelnuts, also called Filberts, to your hamster and they are safe for them to have in moderation.
With any treat, especially nuts, you need to limit the amount that you give your hamster. Remember that this is a treat and not the main part of their day-to-day diet. The amount they can have also depends on the type of hamster you have.
Also just like humans, hamsters can have food sensitivities or allergies to certain foods. Always watch your hamster closely for up to 24 hours following the introduction to a new food. If you notice any adverse reactions contact your veterinarian right away.
If your hamster has an issue with its weight or is diabetic then it would be best to avoid hazelnuts as a treat and instead find a lower calorie option such as broccoli or basil to give them.’
What Kind of Hazelnuts Can Hamsters Have?
There are different kinds of hazelnuts in the grocery store so you want to make sure that you don’t get the wrong kind of hazelnut.
Roasted hazelnuts are ok. Do not give salted or sweetened hazelnuts to your hamster. Avoid any hazelnut that has anything in the ingredients besides just hazelnuts.
Can Syrian Hamsters Have Hazelnuts?
Yes, Syrian hamsters can have hazelnuts as a treat.
How Many Hazelnuts Can Syrian Hamsters Have?
Syrian hamsters can have up to 1 hazelnut every week. If you give different treats to your hamster often then cut back to every two weeks or once a month.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Have Hazelnuts?
Yes, dwarf hamsters can have hazelnuts as a treat.
How Many Hazelnuts Can Dwarf Hamsters Have?
Dwarf hamsters can have up to 1 hazelnut every 2 weeks. If you give your dwarf hamsters treats often then cut back to once a month for hazelnuts.
Are Hazelnuts Good for Hamsters?
Hazelnuts contain the following vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for hamsters: (source USDA.gov)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Choline
- Copper
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
Can Hamsters Eat Hazelnuts in Shells?
Whether or not to give your hamster the hazelnut with the shell really depends on your hamster.
Syrian hamsters usually love cracking open the shell. But your hamster may not like dealing with the shell and would prefer it removed and just have the hazelnut by itself. You will have to test it out with your hamster to see what they prefer.
Giving a hazelnut with a shell can have benefits for your hamster. It can help trim their teeth and claws, and it can also be entertaining for them.