We all know that birds like seeds, but can hamsters eat sunflower seeds? Yes! Hamsters tend to love sunflower seeds, and they might even be included in the pellet mix that you typically feed them.
For many smaller animals, seeds make great snacks. They are packed with healthy fats and carbohydrates and are often quite nutritious. On the human side, seeds are typically relatively cheap to buy and easy to find at any pet store. Depending on what you want, you can even pick them up while grocery shopping.
Can Hamsters Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Yes, hamsters can eat sunflower seeds. In fact, they are usually a favorite treat for these fuzzy scamperers. Watching them eat seeds is quite a cute spectacle for us to watch, as they hold them in both paws and nibble away.
Since hamsters will eat sunflower seeds for much longer than they should, you mustn’t overfeed them. Sunflower seeds are especially delectable to Robo hamsters, Dwarf hamsters, and Syrian hamsters, so watch out!
Types of Sunflower Seeds
There are all kinds of sunflower seeds. Some of these come from slightly different plants, but most of the varieties have to do with how producers prepare them.
Striped sunflower seeds
These sunflower seeds have stripes running down the centers and sides. They are the most common type of seed that you can buy. Hamsters will almost always love them and can safely eat a moderate amount.
Black oil sunflower seeds
These are not as readily available for commercial consumption but instead, are a desirable addition to bird feed. Black oil sunflower seeds have a much higher oil content and are meatier on the inside. Visually, they are entirely black and tend to be much thinner than striped sunflower seeds.
Out of the two, black oil sunflower seeds will be harder to find and feed your hamster outside of a bird feeder. It is better for them to eat striped sunflower seeds, anyway, since they do not need the extra calories that black oil seeds have.
Beyond these two types of sunflower seeds, there are also various ways that sunflower seeds can be produced and packaged. They can be shelled or unshelled, and both varieties are safe for your hamster, though shelled sunflower seeds are arguably better because unshelling them will occupy your hamster and improve their jaw and teeth health.
When buying sunflower seeds from the store, ensure that they are not salted. Salted sunflower seeds are quite popular for humans, but this extra sodium is not healthy for hamsters.
Salt from the exterior of a sunflower seed is enough for your hamster to begin suffering from high blood pressure. It can even lead to fatal cardiac issues and end up decreasing their lifespan.
Nutritional Benefits of Sunflower Seeds for Your Hamster
Sunflower seeds, when served in the right amounts, are a healthy snack for your hamster. They are loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help improve your hamster’s overall health, including:
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
As long as the seeds are not salted, the nutrients inside the seeds work to keep your hamster’s blood and blood pressure relatively healthy. They also aid in the health of your hamster’s bones and teeth. The vitamin E keeps your hamster’s eyes and skin healthy.
Potential Dangers of Sunflower Seeds for Your Hamster
Sunflower seeds should be fed in moderation to your hamster so they do not suffer from adverse health issues. Too much of a good thing can most definitely be detrimental to their health.
The most significant risk of sunflower seeds or any seeds for that matter is the fat content. Sunflower seeds contain high amounts of fat that can help your hamster maintain a healthy coat, but too much can cause obesity and diabetes. Both of these are hard on their health and will end up reducing their lifespan.
Sunflower seeds should be like dessert for your hamster. They can quickly fill up eating them, and doing so does not encourage a diverse, nutrient-rich diet.
Although ingesting vitamins is generally a good thing for your pet, too much does them harm. Too much vitamin C, in particular, can cause stress on their digestive system. It may eventually cause diarrhea if ingested in high amounts.
How to Feed Your Hamster Sunflower Seeds?
Your hamster should get sunflower seeds as a treat after they have finished with their other food. If you don’t have your hamster on a feeding schedule, you need to be even more careful giving them treats.
The smaller the hamster is, the fewer sunflower seeds they should receive. Large hamsters, like Syrians, can eat around four sunflower seeds a day.
Robo hamsters are smaller, though not the smallest type of hamster commonly sold in pet shops. They should only get about two sunflower seeds each day.
Finally, Dwarf hamsters should only get 1 sunflower seed every other day. They will get fatter on these seeds much faster and should be controlled closely. These little rodents are also much more susceptible to obesity, meaning any treats should be metered out sparingly.
If you enjoy giving your hamsters a treat now and then, they are bound to enjoy sunflower seeds. By restricting the amount that you feed them, you can keep them safe but still bring the joy of a tasty treat into their lives.
For more general questions about feeding your hamster, add a comment below to let us know!
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