Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones
Hamsters are great pets that love to nibble on most things. This makes it even more important the owners understand which foods are healthy, and which can cause possible harm. So, let’s jump right in – can hamsters eat purple/red cabbage?
Can Hamsters Eat Purple Cabbage?
Yes, hamsters can eat purple or red cabbage in moderation. It is a healthy snack for them to eat, and many hamsters love eating cabbage. Cabbage has a ton of nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants to boost your hamster’s overall health.
How Much Red Cabbage Can Hamsters Eat?
If you want to feed cabbage to your hamster, you need to know your hamster’s size to know how much cabbage they can eat. Syrian hamsters are the biggest kind of hamster. So, a Syrian hamster can have about 1/2 teaspoon of cabbage 1-2 times a week. Winter white and dwarf hamsters are smaller than Syrian, so they can only have 1-inch of cabbage around every 10-14 days.
Can Purple Cabbage Kill Hamsters?
Red cabbage may not directly harm your hamster. However, it depends on how much your hamster eats. If your hamster eats way too much cabbage, it can cause side effects that can be fatal if not treated. There is also a risk of choking.
Is Red Cabbage Bad for Hamsters?
Red cabbage can be bad for hamsters, but only if they eat too much. Too much of most foods can be bad for hamsters. So, it would be best to stick to the recommended amount and offer a variety of other foods to enhance your hamster’s daily diet. Moreover, cabbage has a risk of choking if it is not prepared properly.
Too much cabbage can lead to digestive system issues in your hamsters. If your hamster will eat cabbage too often, it can make its stomach upset. It can also lead to diarrhea.
How Do I Prepare Red Cabbage for My Hamster?
Pick a fresh cabbage free of any dark parts, and remove one leaf. Take your cabbage leaf and wash it well to remove dirt. Chop the leaf into small pieces that they can easily hold and bite to prevent choking.
Can Hamsters Eat Raw Red Cabbage?
Yes, hamsters can have raw red cabbage. Raw cabbage has a load of nutrients, like vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber. It also has antioxidants that help remove free radicals from the body, which can prevent disease and slow the aging process.
Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Purple Cabbage?
Yes, hamsters can have cooked red cabbage. However, they can only have very little cooked cabbage. Most hamsters will benefit more from eating raw vegetables because it is closer to their natural diets in the wild.
Will Red Cabbage Make My Hamster Sick?
Red cabbage can make your hamster sick if hamsters eat cabbage excessively. If you let hamsters eat cabbage more than they should, it can make them experience diarrhea, stomach pain, etc. Therefore, it would be best to stick to the suggested amount.
What Part of the Cabbage Can Hamsters Eat?
Hamsters should only eat the cabbage leaf. The cabbage stem can be too tough for hamsters to digest. Therefore, it is best to stick to the softer cabbage leaves.
What Can I Feed My Hamster Instead of Purple Cabbage?
Hamsters can eat many fresh veggies instead of red cabbage. Dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, carrot tops, spinach, broccoli spears, kale, cucumber, bok choy, celery, etc., are just a few examples of veggies that hamsters can eat.
Moreover, hamsters can eat all kinds of cabbage besides purple cabbage. They can eat white cabbage, savoy cabbage, napa cabbage, etc.
All in All
Hamsters can enjoy red and purple cabbage safely. It is a healthy and nutritious snack that they can have in moderation. It needs to be properly washed and prepared before feeding cabbage to your hamster.
