Can Hamsters Eat Broccoli? How Much Is OK For Them To Eat?

Hamsters should have a balanced diet just like you do, and from time to time, it is good to get out of the usual hamster food you buy in the pet store. Whether you want to feed your furry little buddy with some nutrient-packed food and vegetables or treat them with some fruit, it is crucial to know which are good and which are a big no-no for your hamster before trying to feed them with some non-hamster food options.

Can your hamster eat some broccoli? YES! Broccoli is excellent for your hamster. It is packed with a lot of nutrients, and it is a perfect complement to your hamster’s diet. You just need to wash the broccoli thoroughly, introduce it gradually and give your hamster the correct amount.

Now that you know your hamster can eat broccoli, you might have some other questions before feeding your hamster this nutrient-rich vegetable. It is normal to wonder how much you can give to your furry little friend, also if your pet can die from overeating broccoli. Luckily for you, you will find the answers you need to get you started feeding your hamster with broccoli in this article.

Can Broccoli Kill Hamsters?

Kill a hamster? No, but broccoli can cause issues in the digestive tract, like gas, which can make your hamster feel uncomfortable and get bloated. High amounts of broccoli can also cause diarrhea.

It is ideal to introduce this rich vegetable in small amounts at first and gradually increase the quantity until reaching the recommended amount. This way, you can notice if your hamster can tolerate it without causing a lot of discomfort. In case your hamster does not tolerate the broccoli, move to other veggies like celery and cucumber.

The recommended amount, as we mention, will vary depending on the size of your hamster, and they go as follows:

• Big hamsters can eat one teaspoon three times per week.
• Medium size hamsters can consume one teaspoon twice a week.
• Small size hamsters, like the dwarf type, can only eat half a teaspoon once per week.

Also, broccoli can be hard to digest for your hamster, so make sure your buddy has eaten less complex vegetables such as celery and cucumber before starting to introduce broccoli into the hamster’s diet.

Can Hamsters Eat Broccoli Everyday?

If you want to feed your hamster with broccoli, the ideal is to do it two to three times per week, or even just once a week for dwarf hamsters. Regarding the amount, it will depend on the size of the hamster, but it should be between half and up to one teaspoon.

But you should vary the type of vegetables you are giving your hamster. Additionally, try to avoid giving all the varieties on the same day. Other excellent and healthy options are:

• Green beans
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Parsnip
• Buttercrunch lettuce
• Bibb lettuce
• Red lettuce
• Spinach
• Winter squash
• Summer squash
• Watercress
• Basil
• Parsley
• Mint
• Cilantro
• Sweet potato (without the skin)
• Cooked potato
• Beet
• Beet tops
• Carrot
• Carrot tops
• Swiss chard
• Bell pepper
• Pumpkin
• Okra
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Sweet corn
• Artichoke
• Yu Choy
• Bok Choy
• Cabbage
• Arugula
• Endive
• Sprouts
• Romaine

Is Broccoli Healthy For Hamsters?

Broccoli can be really healthy and will provide good nutrients for your hamster. A few things you can find in broccoli that are also good for your furry little buddy are:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B2
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Iron
• Folate

Besides all this, broccoli is an excellent source of fiber. When you cook broccoli, it can release over 33 compounds like the indole enzyme that fights and prevents the build-up of carcinogens that affect healthy cells. Also, broccoli helps your hamster maintain good energy levels, promotes a good metabolism, and helps to keep your pet’s vision healthy.

Can Syrian Hamsters Have Broccoli?

Syrian hamsters can eat broccoli, and not just that. As a result of their size, these hamsters can eat the most recommended amount among all hamsters. Syrian hamsters can be fed one almost full teaspoon around three times per week. This amount is just perfect, as your hamster will get all of the nutrients from this food without the risk of getting sick.

Is Cooked Broccoli OK For Hamsters?

Yes! Although some animals do not tolerate cooked vegetables, it is totally OK to eat cooked broccoli for hamsters. You can boil them a little bit, but lightly steamed is better. Avoid seasoning and feeding the broccoli while it is still hot. Make sure it has cooled down completely before providing the broccoli to your hamster.

It is no problem for your hamster to eat the broccoli raw. You just need to make sure to clean the broccoli well. This is to ensure that it has no trace of any chemicals and pesticides. This issue is why most people prefer to cook broccoli to guarantee it is safe to consume and that it is free of any bacteria.

Similar post: Can Hamsters Eat Tomatoes? Do They Like Tomatoes?

Hamsters’ Recommended Diet

Broccoli is a treat, not to be confused with everyday food for your tiny pet. Although broccoli has good nutrients and can benefit your hamster, it should never substitute for a healthy diet, as too much broccoli can cause digestive issues, gas, and even bloating. Make sure to provide your tiny furry buddy with nutritious food that is suitable and healthy for them to eat every day. Here are a few examples of the things you can include in your hamster’s diet:

• Hamster pellets. Make sure to pick a good quality brand and always check the labels of the package to ensure you feed the correct serving size.
• Fresh Timothy hay. This can be unlimited, and it is suitable for nibbling.
• Natural treats. Broccoli is included here, as well as the other vegetables we mentioned above and even some fruits.
• Chewable treats. These include coconut shells, hay cubes, unbleached loofah, and natural untreated softwood.
• Protein snacks. These are not mandatory, but you can give your hamster some dried mealworms, tiny portions of hard-boiled egg, or even cooked unseasoned chicken.
• Birdseed. Do not exceed a teaspoon per week. This is a fun treat to eat, and it is rich in healthy fats.

What Foods You Should Avoid Giving To Your Hamster

Even though vegetables are good for humans almost in any variety that exists, some can be harmful to your hamster, so make sure you avoid all of the following vegetables and other foods:

• Spicy peppers
• Onions
• Garlic
• Chives
• Shallots
• Tomatoes
• Raw potatoes
• Kidney beans
• Chocolate
• Syrups of any kind
• Fatty meats
• Peanut
• Sugary treats
• Juices
• Malt
• Almonds
• Caffeine
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Milk
• Kefir
• Sour cream
• Canned or processed food
• Iceberg lettuce
• Eggplants
• Jams and jelly
• Citrus fruits
• Candies
• Pickles
• Pineapples
• Seeds or pits from fruits
• Avocado
• Salt and seasonings

A Broccoli Wrap Up

So, you just learned something new today. You can definitely feed your tiny little buddy some broccoli; you just need to follow the rules. If you need a reminder of what the rules are, we got you covered:

1. Fresh organic and clean broccoli is the best option.
2. Your hamster can eat raw or cooked broccoli, but cooked will always be better.
3. Let the broccoli cool down completely before feeding your hamster with it.
4. Broccoli is a treat, and it is not suitable to be given every day.
5. Start with less complex vegetables like celery and cucumbers before introducing the broccoli.
6. Once you are ready to introduce broccoli into your hamster’s diet, make sure to do this gradually.
7. Feed your pet no more than the recommended amount according to its size. For big hamsters, the amount is one teaspoon three times per week, medium hamsters, one teaspoon twice a week, and small hamsters half a teaspoon once a week.
8. Always alternate the food and vegetables and try not to give all of them in just one day.

Make sure you follow all of these tips to give your hamster super healthy options. So do not be afraid; go ahead and start introducing this rich and full of nutrient food into your hamster’s diet.