Can Hamsters Eat Cress? A Complete Safety Guide For Hamsters
⚠️ Safe for all hamster species due to very low sugar content (0.2g per 100g). Introduce gradually as it has a peppery taste that some hamsters may need to adjust to. Best served fresh and raw.
Quick Answer On Whether Hamsters Can Eat Cress
Yes, hamsters can safely eat cress when given in appropriate portions.
Species-Specific Guidance For Eating Cress For Hamsters
Safe for:
- Syrian Hamsters (3-4 leaves)
- Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters (1-2 leaves)
- Campbell's Dwarf Hamsters (1-2 leaves)
- Winter White Dwarf Hamsters (1-2 leaves)
- Chinese Hamsters (1-2 leaves)
Not Recommended for:
Proper Portions For Feeding Cress To Hamsters
Small pinch (3-4 leaves) for Syrian hamsters, 1-2 leaves for dwarf species. Can be offered 2-3 times per week as part of varied greens.
Preparation Instructions Of Cress For Hamsters
- Choose fresh, bright green cress
- Wash thoroughly under cool water
- Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves
- Pat completely dry
- Cut into appropriate sized pieces if needed
- Best served fresh and raw
- Remove any tough stems
- Use immediately after preparation
Health Benefits Of Cress For Hamsters
- Extremely low sugar content
- High in vitamin C
- Good source of vitamin K
- Contains antioxidants
- Rich in iron
- Natural peppery flavor
- Contains beneficial glucosinolates
Risks & Considerations Of Cress For Hamsters
- Peppery taste may deter some hamsters
- Can be too strong if overfed
- May cause digestive upset if too much given
- Risk of pesticide residue if not organic
- Wilts very quickly
- Should not replace main diet components
- May be too intense for some hamsters
Nutritional Profile Of Cress For Hamsters
Values per 100 grams:
Calories
32
kcal
Protein
2.6
grams
Total Fat
0.7
grams
Carbohydrates
5.5
grams
Fat Profile
Saturated Fat
0.089
grams
Monounsaturated
0.05
grams
Polyunsaturated
0.39
grams
Omega-3
0.286
grams
Omega-6
0.104
grams
Protein Content
Percentage
2.6%
Quality
Medium
Digestibility
High
Amino Acids
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Threonine
- Valine
- Isoleucine
- Phenylalanine
- Tryptophan
Other
Fiber
1.1
grams
Sugar
0.2
grams
Vitamins
Vitamin A
346
IU
Vitamin B Complex
B1: 0.08 mg
B2: 0.15 mg
B3: 0.91 mg
B6: 0.247 mg
B9: 80 mcg
Vitamin C
69
mg
Vitamin E
0.7
mg
Vitamin K
541.9
mcg
Minerals
Calcium
81
mg
Iron
1.9
mg
Phosphorus
76
mg
Potassium
230
mg
Sodium
14
mg
Zinc
0.23
mg
Storage Information Of Cress For Hamsters
Temperature
2-4°C (35-39°F)
Duration
2-3 days when refrigerated properly
Storage Tips
- Store in original container if possible
- Keep slightly damp paper towel in container
- Check daily for wilting
- Remove any yellowed leaves promptly
- Use as fresh as possible
- Don't wash until ready to use
- Best used within 24 hours of purchase