Can Hamsters Eat Cheese?

Many of us have seen the classic TV shows depicting a cartoon rodent enjoying a block of cheese. This has led many hamster parents to assume that cheese is an acceptable snack, but this is not the case!

While some hamsters can tolerate a small amount of low-fat cheese on occasion, there is a lot you should know before offering cheese to your tiny friend.

So, should hamsters eat cheese? Let’s dive into the details!

Can Hamsters Eat Cheese?

The cartoons were not wrong; our hamster friends really do love cheese. However, just because they love cheese does not mean it should be a staple in their diet. Cheese is only safe for hamsters in moderation. We do not suggest giving your hamster cheese more than once a week, and it will need to be in small servings.

What Kind of Cheese Is Safe for Hamsters?

We always suggest sticking to low-fat cheeses if you want to offer your hamster a serving. Some of the best cheese options for hamsters are mozzarella, cottage cheese, or any type of low-fat cheddar. Just be sure to avoid moldy cheeses like blue cheese or Stilton, as these can be dangerous for your little one.

How Much Cheese Can Hamsters Eat?

Cheese should only be an occasional treat for your hamster. We suggest giving your hamster cheese no more than once a week, and only offering them a pea-sized serving. Cheese can be high in sodium and fat, so any more than a pea-sized amount can upset your hamster’s stomach.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all hamsters can tolerate cheese, even if it is technically safe in small servings. Keep a close eye on your hamster the first time you offer him cheese and monitoring him closely for any sign of upset stomach. Some common symptoms of an upset stomach in hamsters include diarrhea on their tail, excessive sleeping, lethargy, and walking with a hunched back.

Keep in mind that cheese is only safe for your hamster if he eats the serving within a 12-hour period. If your hamster leaves a piece of cheese untouched for more than 12 hours, then we suggest throwing it away. This will prevent him from eating any cheese that has grown dangerous bacteria.

Do Hamsters Need Dairy?

Cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and fat when referring to a human diet. However, this is not the case for our hamster friends. Hamsters do not need dairy in their diet to thrive, and all the nutrients they need can be found in a high quality hamster pellet.

Can Hamsters Eat Yogurt?

Just like cheese, yogurt is safe for hamsters in small servings. Just be sure that you are only offering a small bite of a natural yogurt without any flavoring or fruit additives, as these yogurts can be high in sugar. The best yogurt to offer your hamster is Greek yogurt, as it is low in fat and contains good bacteria.

My Hamster Ate Cheese and Is Sick – What Should I Do?

As we mentioned above, some hamsters will still develop an upset stomach when offered a small amount of cheese. Some of the most common complications that your hamster can develop after eating cheese include diarrhea, lethargy, excessive sleeping, and a hunch when they walk. So, what should you do if this happens to your hamster?

Unfortunately, hamsters can easily become dehydrated. Their small bodies can lose fluid at a rapid rate when they are experiencing diarrhea, especially if they are not drinking enough water due to not feeling well. For this reason, take your hamster to the vet if he gets sick after eating cheese. Your vet can prescribe a safe antibiotic to nurse him through the GI upset, and they may be able to offer him some extra hydration. If you get him seen quickly before he is too dehydrated, most hamsters will make a full recovery.

You will need to look for an exotic vet in your area, or you can reach out to local dog and cat hospital to ask if any of their vets can see hamsters.

Safe Snacks for Hamsters

Cheese should only be offered to your hamster as a rare treat, but there are other healthy snacks that hamsters can enjoy more often. Let’s list a few!

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Carrots
• Bananas

Check out the articles above to learn how often hamsters can enjoy these healthy snacks!

Final Thoughts

Cheese is safe for hamsters to enjoy as a rare treat. Just be sure to review the serving guidelines we discussed above!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Elya Vatel/Shutterstock.com