Can Hamsters Eat Celery?

Deciding to adopt a hamster as a furry new friend is an exciting moment! So many things come to mind when adopting a hamster. Questions like….

• What should you name your furry friend?
• What type of toys should you get?
• Should you get a boy or a girl hamster?

Sometimes when we decide to adopt a new furry friend, we tend to forget health related things, such as best foods to feed a new furry friend. Pet stores usually recommend hamster pellets, fruits, and vegetables, but what about celery? If you have ever eaten celery, it is very stringy and can get stuck between your teeth, so it is reasonable to question if hamsters can eat it. The answer is yes! Hamsters can eat celery in moderation and with proper precautions.

Why Should They Eat Celery?

Celery is a green, antioxidant vegetable rich in vitamins A, B C, E, and K. These vitamins are essential for your tiny furry friends development, health, and protect them against illnesses. Celery also has fiber contents, so your hamsters digestive tract will stay regular with this being added as a treat. Just like any new food or treat, introduce this food slowly into your hamsters diet to avoid negative reactions from occurring. Adding small a small piece over a short span should help your furry friends stomach adjust to eating this new food. Celery should be fed in moderation to avoid diarrhea, since it has fiber contents in it. Because celery has a strong, stringy texture, it is also beneficial for hamsters dental health. Hamsters are prone to having dental issues. By gnawing on a tough vegetable such as celery can help keep their teeth from overgrowing.

How To Prepare The Celery

Humans will consume celery whole or in large pieces; however, hamster should have smaller pieces to eat. Cut the celery small enough to where you hamster can nibble on it. Make sure to thoroughly clean the celery before giving it to your hamster. The fibrous strands should be removed to avoid your hamster from choking. All parts of the celery are edible; however, do not be surprised if your hamster does not consume the celery leaves.

When Should Celery be Avoided?

Although this article answers the question that celery can be given to hamsters, there are some scenarios of when it should be avoided. If your hamster starts having diarrhea or softer stools, stop giving the celery immediately and consult your veterinarian. Also young, newborn hamsters should not be fed celery because they are still developing a digestive system and it can cause more harm then good.

Conclusion

If you are not sure what to feed your hamster, always research and consult with a veterinarian. Hamsters are fun, loving animals to own and feeding a proper diet will help elongate their lifespan. Celery is a great vegetable to add into your hamsters diet!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © I Wayan Sumatika/Shutterstock.com