As humans, we enjoy monkey nuts as a treat occasionally. But when it comes to your hamster pet, should you feed them monkey nuts?
Let us dive into feeding your hamster monkey nuts, You should learn the benefits, risks, and how many monkey nuts you should feed your hamsters. Read to find out
Here’s If Hamsters Can Have Monkey Nuts
Hamsters can eat monkey nuts. They must be given in moderation and served as a treat. Hamsters must be fed natural monkey nuts without any additives such as salt or seasoning. Too many nuts lead to obesity. It is also a choking risk for young hamsters.
Benefits Of Monkey Nuts
Monkey nuts contain ingredients that are good for the well-being of your hamsters.
Here are the benefits your hamsters derive from monkey nuts:
- proteins
- unsaturated fatty acids
- fiber
- vitamin E
- Vitamin B
- Magnesium
Proteins
Hamsters need protein for their growth and development. Young growing hamsters need a high protein diet for the bones and teeth.
Adult hamsters, do need too much protein in their diet.
Unsaturated Fatty Acid
Monkey nuts contain high fats. Fats provide energy for your hamsters. However, too many fats cause obesity in hamsters.
Fiber
Fiber helps in the digestive health of your hamsters.
Vitamin B
Vitamins B in monkey nuts provides a lot of energy for your hamsters.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential mineral for both the eyes and the skin.
Magnesium
Magnesium is required for important body functions and biochemical reactions.
Lack of magnesium in pets has been linked to the following:
- anxiety
- muscle cramps
- seizures
- fatigue
- Gastrointestinal upset
Are Monkey Nuts Safe For Hamsters?
Hamsters should not have problems eating monkey nuts, However, it is the quantity you give your hamsters. Hamsters should be given monkey nuts based on the breed.
You must ensure, you give your hamsters natural nuts. The raw monkey nuts are the best.
If you give your hamsters too many monkey nuts, it can lead to being overweight. this is due to the high-fat content in monkey nuts.
Monkey nuts are a choking risk for young hamsters. So it is important to take off the shell and cut the nuts into pieces before feeding your young hamsters
Nuts are known to cause aflatoxin poisoning in animals. It is caused by mold that grows on food such as corn, peanuts, and other grains.
A high level of aflatoxins have been known to cause illness, liver damage, and even death in pets
Can Hamsters Eat Roasted Monkey Nuts?
Yes, hamsters can eat roasted monkey nuts. The monkey nuts should not be salted or any additive added.
You should ensure you do give them too many due to the high-fat content in the nut.
How Many Monkey Nuts Should You Feed Your Hamsters?
The portion size you give your hamster is very important. You don’t want to give your hamster too many monkey nuts. It should serve as a treat for your hamsters.
Many hamster owners recommend you give your hamsters 1 monkey nut per week. The argument is that one monkey nut is a lot of food per the size of a hamster.
So the portion you give for Syrian hamsters, Robo hamsters, and Dwarf hamsters will vary due to their sizes.
Can Hamsters Eat Monkey Nutshells?
Hamsters will generally not eat the monkey nutshell. Your hamster is more interested in the nut inside the shell.
Hamsters normally nibble the shell off to get the nut inside. If your hamsters should eat a little bit of the shell it shouldn’t be a concern
If your hamsters like to eat the shell as well, it will be better to break the shell first before feeding it to your hamster.
Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Monkey Nuts?
Syrian hamsters are the most popular hamster breeds. They are larger compared to the other breeds.
If you can consider their body size, Syrian hamsters should have at least 3 monkey nuts per week.
Can Robo Hamsters Eat Monkey Nuts?
Robo hamsters eat monkey nuts. But the portion you give your Robo hamster must be taken into consideration.
Robo hamsters due to their body size should consume 2 monkey nuts per week.
Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Monkey Nuts?
Yes, Dwarf hamsters eat monkey nuts. You must watch the portion size. They are the most tin compared to the Syrian and Robo hamsters.
The dwarf hamster must consume 1 monkey nut per week.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters can eat monkey nuts but in moderation. It is best to serve it as a treat.
Monkey nuts have a lot of benefits. It is a source of protein, fats, magnesium, and vitamins.
Syrian hamsters, Robo hamsters, and Dwarf hamsters can eat monkey nuts. However, due to the size of each breed, you give them appropriately.
Monkey nuts carry risks with them. Feeding your hamsters too many monkey nuts leads to obesity.