Can Hamsters Eat Popcorn?

What hamsters can and cannot eat is very tough to decide until you do not have the complete information about every vegetable, fruit, nut, and seeds. But if you go through our articles you will have complete information about all of them.

Can Hamsters Eat Popcorn?

Yes, Hamsters can eat popcorn, but they are usually different popcorn from the one you normally have. Popcorn is not bad; therefore, it makes a good treat for your pet. However, some rules need to be followed before feeding them to your hamsters.

Firstly, make sure it does not have any butter mixed. It should not be salty, sweet, or flavored, but should be plain. Also, there are some contraindications in terms of serving sizes or your hamster will become overweight in no time.

Why Should You Give Popcorn To Your Hamster?

Popcorn is a perfect snack for your hamster to nibble on only when it is plain and unsalted. Popcorn is high in fibre which will help support the bones and digestive system. Also, it is great for pups and hamsters who are in the breeding process.

These are all essential vitamins and minerals that will help your hamster grow up and have a healthy body. Breeding mothers will benefit from the nutrients which will add up extra support.

It also contains high amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium provides support for their joints and bones. Phosphorus impacts the way muscles move thereby providing support to your hamster’s muscles.

Related: Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries?

Why Should You Not Give Popcorn To Your Hamster?

Food like popcorn can be harmful when given in large amounts. They can only have popcorn that is plain, unsalted, unbuttered, and also to not be fed in large amounts. Salt and butter add extra calories, which can cause your hamster to become overweight or obese. Salt will present a variety of problems, including diabetes and also a lot of problems in the blood circulation levels.

Diabetes is a condition that is caused by high blood sugar levels in the body and is a very serious problem when not taken care of properly. Some species are susceptible to becoming diabetic if they eat high amounts of sugar and salt.

Dwarf hamsters are one of the rodents that have a higher chance of becoming diabetic. They are prone to diabetes because they are smaller in size and cannot digest so much sugar and salt in their body.

There are higher chances of Popcorn being stuck in cheek pouches. The dryness of the popcorn could stick to the inside of the cheek. Leaving the dry popcorn to sit on your hamster’s cheek can have a major impact.

If this happens, your hamster will need to have surgery done and that can be problematic for you as well. You can also give Boiled corn as it can also aid in avoiding cheek impactions, but only give in small amounts. The corn contains high amounts of acid and will most likely give your pet a stomach ache if fed in larger quantities.

How To Feed Popcorn To Hamster Properly?

Well, there is not much to tell in this area but just keep in mind while serving them popcorn you should only feed them plain, unsalted and unbuttered popcorn.

For giant, you should feed them 5 pieces of popcorn once a week, and for dwarf, you should feed them 3 pieces of popcorn once a week.

Alternatives To Popcorn

The following food items can be given to your Hamster as alternatives to Popcorn:

• Apples
• Broccoli
• Green beans
• Squash
• Clover
• Kale

Related: Can hamsters eat celery?

FAQs

Conclusion:

Well, in my opinion, you can give popcorn to your hamsters as a treat but only the ones that are plain, uncooked, unsalted and unbuttered. Also, keep in mind for different types of hamsters there are different conditions to have popcorn.