Can Hamsters Eat Sesame Seeds? All There Is To Know

Sesame seeds are one of the most common household items. However, when it comes to feeding your pet hamster with those, then there are things to be aware of. Sesame seeds do come with healthy gains but can be harmful if not properly maintained.

Can Hamsters Eat Sesame Seeds? Unless they are sesame snaps or sticks, the sesame seeds are good for hamsters and they can eat it. The seeds provide the hamsters with a good digestive system and overall better health. However, overfeeding them can be threatening.

So what’s the right amount of sesame seeds to feed your hamster? Moreover, how to feed them? Don’t worry. We will cover everything there is to know in this article. Let’s get started!

Can Hamsters Eat Sesame Seeds?

As of now, you already know that hamsters can eat sesame seeds. Additionally, most hamsters seem not only to like it but love it! Starting from pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds to any other type of edible seeds, they are all loved by hamsters.

Why? Because they don’t instantly swallow the seeds but rather keep them in their mouth for some time. They find seeds interesting to keep in their tiny jaws and then slowly chew with their small teeth.

Yes, the hamsters are allowed to have sesame seeds, but why not sesame sticks or snaps? They might both be made of sesame but contains different nutrients. The sesame sticks come with contaminants that bring more drawbacks than health benefits. Similarly, the snaps have high sugar levels and can make the hamsters obese and negatively affect the teeth.

Black Sesame Seeds Or White?

If you are wondering whether can hamsters eat black sesame seeds or white ones, then this is where you will find your answer. It doesn’t matter which shade it contains; they love it as long as they are seeds. However, black seeds are more crunchy and have a powerful tang.

Thus, even though they both contain the same level of nutrients, your hamster might prefer one over the other.

Balanced Diet

The most important aspect of feeding the adorable pet with sesame seeds is to receive the pros only. As a result, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for your pet to live longer. A hamster between the age of 6 months to 18 months has a diet that consists of protein: 17-18%, fat: 6-7%, and fiber: 10-12%.

Similarly, a younger hamster would need less of them, and an older one will require more. Thus, your pet mustn’t only eat seeds as their diet. Changing and giving them varieties will keep their diet well maintained.

On the other hand, too many seeds in their diet will stop them from consuming other nutrients as well. Seeds contain a fair amount of fibers that will stop them from feeling hungry.

Health Benefits Of Sesame Seeds

The two primary reasons why someone would consider feeding hamsters with seeds are convenience and health benefits. First, the sesames contain protein that helps them, just as they do with humans. It works as a fuel to carry oxygen all over the body proportionally. Additionally, create an antibody.

Calcium is what makes the bones strong and durable. Sesame seeds are high in calcium which helps them in the long run. Similarly, iron and fibers support your pet’s overall body by increasing red blood cells to carry oxygen and have a good digestive system.

Health Risks Associated With Sesame Seeds

Contrarily, there are risks as well that need to be kept in the count. Firstly, the high fiber content will make them feel less hungry. As a result, it will not make them want to eat other sources of nutrients. In the long run, your pet would get sick often and have a shorter lifespan.

But are sesame seeds bad for hamsters? Too many seeds a day will make the hamsters suffer from obesity. The skin would become too much thick for the body to function properly.

How Many Sesame Seeds?

The exact amount of how many sesame seeds vary from one group to another. What you can take into count is the size of your hamster.

One of the biggest groups in the hamster universe is the Syrians. They are generally very big and thus have the capacity to consume more seeds. Their body can utilize the extra fat and have the extra space in their stomach to eat other sources of nutrients.

Likewise, a smaller species of hamster wouldn’t be able to consume the same amount of fat and fiber.

However, in terms of numbers, the maximum number for a Syrian hamster is five in a day. Whereas, with a smaller size, you would want to keep it as low as two seeds a day.

How To Feed Sesame Seeds To A Hamster?

Now that you know how many sesame seeds Syrian hamsters can eat, it’s time to know how to feed them properly. Feeding something to your adorable hamster or any other pet animal is not about just filling up their stomach but also making them love you.

So to get adored by your adorable pet, you should be the one feeding your hamster with love. Thus, being present there is essential to establishing a connection with it.

If you are not comfortable with your fingers going near their mini jaws then you can get a small bowl. It’s suggested that the bowl doesn’t have any tall boundaries. Simply put the seeds in the bowl and leave it near your pet while you stay in the vision of them.

Bonus: Try feeding them toasted sesame seeds

Can hamsters eat toasted sesame seeds? Well, it doesn’t matter if the sesame seeds are toasted or not. Your adorable one will surely love both of them. In the health sector, it doesn’t make a difference.

However, hamsters also have their preference. Some might like toasted ones and the others the non-toasted ones. Thus, it’s best to let them try both.

FAQ

Let’s check out some frequently asked questions by you guys about hamsters and seeds. These are mostly the basic ones but worth knowing.

Outro

So, can hamsters eat sesame seeds? You can go for sesame seeds as part of your hamster’s meal without worry. Additionally, you wouldn’t certainly be forcing them to eat them as they like it.