Nuts are often thought of frequently when it comes to treats for hamsters. But is it safe for you to give your hamster pistachios for a treat? Pistachios are a high fat and high-calorie treat, but they also have beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In short, the answer is yes hamsters can eat pistachios as a treat in moderation. Read on to see what considerations you need to take when giving your hamster pistachios as a treat.
What Kind of Pistachios Can Hamsters Eat?
Hamsters can be given plain unsalted pistachios that don’t have any additives or extra ingredients.
Plain Pistachios, No Salt, No Spices, or Anything Extra
Pistachios often come flavored or with extra spices on them. So when picking out pistachios to give to your hamster make sure to double-check the ingredients on the list to make sure the only ingredient is pistachios.
Any extra ingredients on the pistachio package, like salt or pepper, is a big no-no. These can cause serious issues for your hamster such as GI upset or dehydration.
Organic
Organic pistachios are best. Non-organic foods often have harsh chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides used on them. These types of chemicals can be dangerous for small creatures like hamsters even if it is a small amount on the food you give them.
How Many Pistachios Can You Give Your Hamster?
Larger hamster breeds, such as Syrian hamsters, can have 1 pistachio every 2 weeks.
Dwarf hamsters should only have a half of a pistachio every 2 weeks maximum.
If your hamster is not very active only give 1 pistachio once a month instead of twice a month.
Are Pistachios Good for Hamsters?
While you do have to limit the number of pistachios that you give to your hamster, even a small amount has some beneficial vitamins and minerals: (source USDA.gov)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B6
- Calcium
- Copper
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
Are There Risks Giving Pistachios to Hamsters?
As with most nuts as treats, there can be risks when giving pistachios to your hamster.
The biggest risk is your hamster’s weight. Giving them too many pistachios can lead to weight issues which can ultimately lead to further complications down the road. Remember to always limit the number of pistachios that you give to your hamster. If your hamster already has an issue with its weight then it would be best to look for alternative treats such as low-calorie vegetables.
GI issues can also be an issue when new treats are introduced or if they are given too much. Always monitor your hamster for 12 to 24 hours after giving them a new food or treat to make sure they don’t end up with any GI reactions. If you do notice problems do not give them anymore and contact your veterinarian.