Can hamsters drink watermelon, why is this product dangerous for Djungarian and Syrian hamsters

Summer is the main time for fruits, berries and vegetables. Each owner wants to please a pet, but before that it is important to find out if hamsters can have watermelon, what reaction will be to berries. Clarify which vegetables to include on the menu and find out which fruits will not harm your pet.

Why is watermelon bad for hamsters?

Even if a hamster eats watermelon with pleasure, this does not mean that it is good for a rodent. There are many reasons for giving up berries, all nutritional guides urge you not to feed hamsters with these products. This requirement is due to the fact that:

• With a high degree of probability, the cheek pouches will be clogged, which can subsequently lead to breakage of the teeth;
• Fertilizers that stimulate crop growth penetrate the pulp and can cause severe poisoning, even death;
• Excessive amount of glucose, which excludes the possibility of giving watermelon to Dzungarians who have a genetic tendency to diabetes;
• Excess fluid can cause kidney and genitourinary problems in all breeds, including Djungarian and Syrian hamsters;
• The composition of watermelon pulp also disrupts the functioning of the digestive tract of small pets, causes diarrhea or constipation, which can end in the death of a pet.

In what cases can you give a hamster a watermelon

However, there are always exceptions. In the case when the owners live in an area where a large berry is grown, it is allowed to give watermelon to hamsters, subject to certain rules. The culture must be self-expressed by the owner of the hamster, only this ensures that no harmful pesticides and nitrates have been used for growth.

It should also be borne in mind that such a delicacy can be offered occasionally. A tiny piece will be enough to pamper your pet every 2 weeks.

Watermelon peels – how they affect hamsters

Watermelon peels absorb harmful additives and growth stimulants faster than the pulp. Therefore, they should be completely eliminated from their rodent diet. Even in the case of self-cultivation of watermelon, it is recommended to refuse such a treat.

What can replace watermelon

Hamsters are big lovers of treats, but you should not follow their lead and give everything they ask. Instead of giving a Djungarian or Syrian hamster a watermelon, it is better to offer cucumbers that are allowed for this species of rodent. You can also please your pet with a small strawberry. In extreme cases, it is allowed to offer a small piece of melon dried in the sun without the addition of preservatives, sugar or spices. Rodents love seeds, so they also make a great treat when raw.

The small size of rodents and delicate digestive tract require serious attention of the owners to their diet. And no matter how much you would like to treat the baby with something tasty, you must first find out if the hamster can have a watermelon and how he will transfer the new delicacy. Proper feeding of rodents is the key to their health and a fulfilling life.