Can Hamsters Eat Walnuts? Yes, Here’s Why.

In this article, we will answer the question: Can Hamsters Eat Walnuts?‍

Hamsters are small rodents who love to explore. They also love their food. The downside is they’re picky when it comes to what they eat. The good news? Hamsters CAN eat walnuts! However, you may not know this because most people assume such a little creature wouldn’t have much interest in eating walnuts. But, if you know the facts about this sweet and crunchy nut, then you’ll be surprised to learn that yes, hamsters can and will eat them!

Keep reading for more information on this intriguing topic and how it might impact your own pet hamster.

What is a Walnut?

A walnut is the edible fruit of the walnut tree (Juglans regia). This tree has been cultivated for thousands of years, and its timber is still used for furniture making. The walnut tree is native to Asia, but can be found growing in many other parts of the world, including the US and Europe. Today, the US is the world’s largest producer of walnuts.

Walnut is a popular food and is eaten roasted, sautéed, or as a snack. It is also used in both savory and sweet dishes and in many different types of desserts. Walnuts are high in protein and are also an excellent source of essential fatty acids, minerals (including manganese, copper and magnesium), B vitamins (including niacin, folate and riboflavin), and antioxidants.

Can Hamsters Eat Walnuts?

Hamsters can eat walnuts! And, they should eat walnuts as part of a balanced diet. The reason for this is that hamsters who eat only dry and/or mostly processed food are at risk for developing health issues such as obesity, gastrointestinal problems, and even diabetes.

This is because dry food is very high in carbohydrates. The logic behind feeding a hamster walnuts is that they provide a healthy dose of fats and proteins. But, there’s more to it than that. A few years ago, a study was done to see just how much hamsters liked eating walnuts.

The scientists found that all hamsters ate walnuts. Furthermore, they found that hamsters preferred walnuts over other high-fat foods such as peanuts and sunflower seeds.

The researchers also noted that hamsters didn’t overeat walnuts like they did with the other high-fat foods. This led them to the conclusion that walnuts would be the best choice for a healthy hamster diet. After all this, you might be wondering how many walnuts should a hamster eat? There is no set amount, and it will depend on the size, age, and health of your hamster. You should follow the guidance of your hamster’s veterinarian or talk to your local pet store about how much your hamster should be eating.

The Nutritional Value of Walnuts for Hamsters

As we’ve just seen, walnuts make an excellent choice for a hamster’s diet. But, why is this the case? Well, they are particularly high in fat while being low in protein and low in carbohydrates. The fat content in walnuts is around 72% and is made up of mostly polyunsaturated fats.

These fats are essential for many bodily functions and are especially good for brain health and protection against certain cancers.

Hamsters are small rodents, and they need more fat than larger rodents such as gerbils. This is because hamsters are very active animals and need energy for exploring and running around. Walnuts are also high in protein.

In fact, they contain around 18% protein. This is about double the amount that you’ll find in sunflower seeds and peanuts. As we’ve already discussed, protein is essential for growth and repair. It also provides energy to muscles and organs, including the brain.

Protein is also important for regulating blood sugar levels, which is why it makes sense to feed hamsters who may be prone to diabetes more walnuts.

How to Feed Your Hamster Walnuts

Now that you know hamsters can eat walnuts, you might be wondering how you should feed your hamster. As we’ve mentioned, hamsters like to explore and can get quite fussy when it comes to certain types of food. This is why you should avoid using a bowl and should instead use a food pouch. This will keep the food fresh and dry, and it will help make it easier for your hamster to eat.

You can buy food pouches from most pet stores or online. When it comes to how much you should feed your hamster, you should follow the directions on the packaging. Your hamster will also let you know when it has had enough to eat.

Final Words

Hamsters can eat walnuts, and they should eat walnuts. They are healthy snacks that are high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. Feeding your hamster walnuts can help protect it against diabetes and other health issues.

Additionally, they make a great treat for your hamster to enjoy throughout the day. Now that you know that hamsters can eat walnuts, you might decide to add them to your next shopping list. Remember, though, that they shouldn’t be given to your hamster everyday. Instead, they should be given as a special treat once or twice a week.