What can you feed your hamster to satiate his insatiable need for protein? Commercial hamster meals include protein, but chances are high that the protein won’t be enough.
One option that is both easy and affordable could already be in your refrigerator. You guessed it right: eggs!
There are several studies demonstrating the positive effects of eating eggs on health. If you have a lovely hamster at home, the question may naturally come to your mind, “Can hamsters eat eggs?” or “Is eating eggs safe for hamsters?” or “What kind of eggs would my hamster like to eat? Fried, boiled, or scrambled?”
After some hardcore investigation, we found the answer to all your questions. So, let’s get rolling!
Can Hamsters Eat Eggs? Is it Safe?
Without a doubt, yes!
There are several health benefits from eggs’ high protein and nutritional content. Hamsters shouldn’t be fed raw eggs as they have a weak digestive system.
To ensure your hamster gets enough protein, feed it an egg once or twice a week.
This nutritional requirement might also be met by eating chicken or mealworms. The hamster can safely consume a tiny amount of duck, goose, and quail eggs.
When it comes to food, moderation is essential in preventing health problems. Avoid giving your hamster any kind of egg if it has a digestive condition or is overweight.
You must never, ever, ever give it uncooked egg whites. Skin issues, hair fall, and even eye infections have been linked to biotin deficits, which may result from this. Even undercooked eggs are not recommended as there is a risk of salmonella.
Is Eating Eggs Good for Hamsters?
Eggs are an excellent protein source for everyone, including your pet hamster. Let us tell you why.
The pros of hamster eating eggs are:
1. Eggs Are Filled with Protein and Amino Acid
Eggs are a great source of protein and amino acids, which aid in developing strong muscles and maintaining a healthy weight.
They are also an excellent source of amino acids, providing just the proper quantity of all the necessary amino acids. These amino acids may aid in the body’s use of egg protein. So, eating eggs is a great way to maintain a healthy body and increase muscle mass.
Moreover, they help the body produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances.
2. Eggs Are Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients (Choline)
Vitamins such as A, B2, and D may be abundant in eggs. Hamsters’ vision is protected by vitamin A, and their fur stays smooth and lustrous thanks to vitamin B. Our children’s immune systems benefit from vitamin D.
Choline, often known as vitamin B4, is a crucial component found in eggs. It’s the primary component of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning and memory.
Choline is essential for constructing cell membranes and producing neurotransmitters in the brain. Eggs are one of the most concentrated sources of this vital mineral, which helps your hamster grow.
3. Eggs Are Packed with Antioxidants
The eggs’ antioxidants provide our hamster an edge against illness. In addition, egg aids in lowering the probability that they may get specific ailments.
Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin found in abundance in eggs may help prevent vision-threatening conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
4. Eggs Have an Abundance of Calcium and Iron
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Eggs contain a good quantity of calcium and iron. Your hamsters can benefit from increased bone density and healthier teeth thanks to a calcium-rich diet.
Iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. This mineral is required to make hemoglobin and RBCs. These, in turn, oversee the transport of oxygen and nutrients.
5. Eggs Have Calming Components
If your hamster eats eggs, he will be satisfied for a long time. Eggs have a high satiety index, which indicates that they will help you feel full faster after eating them.
Choline increases the body’s serotonin synthesis, which regulates mood and sleep. Increasing their intake of choline-rich meals may help.
Related Article: Can Hamsters Eat French Fries?
Can Eggs Cause Health Risks to Hamsters?
Eggs are indeed a terrific way to get protein and a host of other essential elements. Given in moderation, eggs pose no health risk to our hamsters. But when you exceed the limit, that is where the trouble begins.
There are some cons of hamsters eating eggs as well. The following issues may arise if you feed your hamster a large number of eggs regularly:
1. Obesity and Digestive Disorder
Providing your pet hamster with eggs regularly, even in small quantities, will almost certainly lead to obesity.
A lack of food absorption might cause malnutrition, resulting in weakness and fatigue.
Because of this, treat your hamster once in a while with eggs. Try not to incorporate them into their regular diet.
2. Biotin Deficiency
If your hamster eats uncooked eggs, it will develop a B-vitamin or biotin deficit.
Health issues like lackluster coats, drowsiness, and skin sensitivities might develop as a consequence.
Even if you don’t want the mess, cooking eggs before feeding them to your pet is a good idea.
3. Chronic Disease
There is cholesterol in eggs. While eating eggs might boost healthy cholesterol levels, doing so regularly can lead to various health problems, including cancer and diabetes, due to the high cholesterol content of eggs.
The high protein content might damage the kidneys by eating too many eggs.
4. Upset Gut
Hamsters are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal issues because of their delicate digestive tract. Hamsters may become sick with diarrhea if they overeat or switch to a different diet. It means that eggs need to be cooked all the way through.
A hamster infected with salmonella might develop symptoms including bloating, excessive gas, and diarrhea if you don’t cook the eggs properly.
Can Hamsters Eat Egg Yolk?
There is no harm in feeding hamsters egg whites, but there is a lot of cholesterol and fat in egg yolk. It means that hamsters should only be given egg yolks on a very sporadic basis.
A hamster’s digestive system is small enough to handle only a tiny amount of the yolk from a boiled egg. Because of the high calorie and fat content of eggs, the hamsters should only occasionally have a bit of egg yolk.
Can Hamsters Eat Boiled Eggs?
When introducing eggs to your hamster, boiled eggs are the way to go. Boiled eggs are safe for hamsters to eat but shouldn’t be given an excessive amount. Moderation in serving is also recommended.
After they have been cooked thoroughly, they should be chopped into tiny pieces and left in the cage for around 15 minutes before being removed.
Take care not to overcook the eggs. Many beneficial nutrients are lost after overcooking.
Can Hamsters Eat Scrambled Eggs?
Scrambled eggs are an excellent option for your hamster as long as they are healthy and fed in moderation.
For a healthy and tasty treat, try cooking your hamster an omelet or scrambling some of its favorite vegetables. Scrambled eggs prepared with butter, milk, or other additives (including salt) are unsafe for hamsters.
To be safe, stick to the standard guidelines for how many eggs and what other meals may be included in a diet.
Related Article: Can Hamsters Eat Coconut?
Conclusion
It’s never too late to introduce your hamster to eggs since they are big fans of sampling new things. Introduce fresh meals gradually to avoid any stomach distress. Give it only one or two small pieces of the egg first and gradually increase the amount it eats. Try different cooking styles to discover how your hamster likes its eggs served!
