Hamsters are popular pets that are a lot of fun to own. One of the most fun things about hamsters is that there is a wide variety of foods that they are able to eat, so you can play around with foods to find your hammy’s favorites. If you’re currently in summertime stone fruit season, then you may be wondering what stone fruits are safe for your hamster. Plums are popular stone fruits that are typically easy to find in stores during stone fruit season, but are they safe for hamsters? The good news is that hamsters can eat plums.
Can Hamsters Eat Plums?
Yes, plums are a safe food for hamsters! There are a few things to keep in mind when offering plums to your hamster, though. Plums are high in sugar, which can lead to stomach upset and, in the long run, lead to obesity and serious medical conditions. They are also a relatively acidic fruit, which can also lead to stomach upset. It’s advised to limit plums to only a couple of bite-sized pieces once per week.
Can Hamsters Eat Dried Plums?
While hamsters can technically eat dried plums because they are not a toxic food, it’s generally recommended to stick to fresh plums. Dried fruits are very high in sugar, and they are a more concentrated version of the fresh fruit. This means there is a higher risk of digestive upset in hamsters that eat dried plums instead of pieces of fresh plums.
You also might recognize that dried plums are also known as prunes. Prunes are known for their ability to reduce constipation due to high concentrations of sorbitol having a laxative effect. If your hamster overeats prunes, then they are likely to develop diarrhea, which can be severe if they eat a significant amount. The diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration in such a small pet.
Are Plums Good for Hamsters?
Plums are not-toxic to hamsters but are not ideal due to the high sugar content. If your hamster is already on a good, balanced diet they have no nutritional need for plums. However, a small amount of fresh produce is encouraged from time to time as a treat. It is best to give a range of fruits and vegetables and a small amount of plum fruit can certainly be part of the rotation. As with any food, it is best to introduce slowly and monitor for any digestive upsets.
In Conclusion
Plums are a safe food for most hamsters. They should be fed in moderation in very small quantities, no more than once weekly. If overfed, plums can cause digestive upset, even leading to dangerous diarrhea. If your hamster is overfed plums frequently, then they can lead to obesity and other diseases associated with obesity and consuming too much sugar.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
