Are Almonds Good For Hamsters?

Introduction

Food is an essential requirement for both humans and animals, thus making feeding an even more important exercise. However, there are several differences in the food requirements even among animals as there are various species and classes. Animals have been naturally designed to survive in the wild, and so their body system adapts to that situation. Several advancements in science and technology have seen these animals make their way into human homes and become members of the household and human society.

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Numerous creatures are now being kept and nurtured by families where they offer company and satisfaction in return. These animals are now commonly referred to as pets. Pets offer so much more than just company and pleasure as the many benefits gained by human beings from keeping pets have been tested and proven to be scientifically true. So it is safe to say the human and pet relationship is symbiotic as the man provides food and shelter for the animal while his pet contributes to his general health and well-being.

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A couple of animals are commonly kept as pets which include goldfish, rabbits, dogs, cats, and hamsters. Of these animals, the hamsters are one of the most energetic and arguably the cutest. These little rodents whose tiny bodies easily attract humans to them possess a physical appearance that exudes a need to be loved which readily appeals to most people. They are quite popular among growing children and young teens even though children should not be left to care for them. The small size of these rodents makes them low food consumers, which is a blessing to most pet owners. Hamsters also can be easy to manage and handle as they cause no trouble or give reasons for alarm once they are well-cared for and adequately occupied. Your hamster’s diet can, however, pose a problem as they are very selective eaters. Even though they are omnivores, not all leaves, fruits, vegetables, or meat are good for them.

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Almonds- are they good?

It is common knowledge that hamsters are good lovers of nuts and seeds, and almond is a very popular nut. Apart from peanut, which is consumed in virtually all continents in the world, almonds also dominate the stage of nut consumed by both humans and animals. They grow on trees and are easy to pluck off. Wild hamsters happen to choose almonds as one of their favorites as they can be easily obtained. In this vein, it is safe to declare almonds safe and good for hamster consumption, howbeit in little quantity. Almonds should also be part of these rodent’s diets due to the essential nutrients derived from the nuts.

However, not all classes or types of almonds are suitable for consumption. Variations like bitter almonds and salted almonds can wreak havoc in the digestive system of our furry little friends. So while opting for an almond-filled diet, you should be cautious of the nature of the nut as your pet’s health is important. It is also necessary that regular intake of these nuts should be restricted, and this is where the need for a balanced diet comes in.

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Nutritional value and benefits of almonds

The fact that several generations of hamsters have consumed almonds all through their lives while they were in their natural habitat is a testimony of not just how safe they are but also of their rich nutrient value. These plants contain minerals, vitamins, and essential nutrients that largely contribute to the growth and development of your animal. Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for development, is heavily present in these nuts. Minerals like magnesium, fiber, potassium, calcium, and many others are contained abundantly in almonds. To this end, these nuts can be regarded as highly nutritious. The following are a few benefits of almonds consumption in hamsters.

Aids digestion process

This is necessary for these rodents, which have susceptible digestive organs. Almonds contain fiber, and this is responsible for the smooth movement of food ingested by your hamster within their digestive system. Consuming almonds in small quantities helps to clear off the intestines and digestive routes and, as such, eliminates all forms of indigestion.

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Maintaining blood sugar level

Almond is very necessary as high sugar levels in your hamster would result in severe stomach problems and sometimes lead to obesity. Vitamin E, which exists in almonds, takes responsibility for maintaining the sugar levels of your pet. It also strengthens the body cells and generally contributes to the health and vitality of your pet.

Reduces cholesterol levels

High levels of cholesterol in both humans and animals can be disastrous, especially for small animals like rodents. But you would worry less about this disaster by feeding your hamster with almonds as it helps lower the cholesterol content in your pet, thus making it free from cholesterol-related complications.

It helps to lose weight

An overweight hamster can come with many diverse challenges, but feeding these nuts to your hamster can help burn weight. This is as a result of a certain satisfaction your rodent derives after consuming the nut. This satisfaction and the feeling of being full would prevent it from eating, as usual, thus placing it on the right path of weight loss. This and regular exercises and activity will see your hamster back to the desired shape in no time.

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Conclusion

Most foods which are beneficial to hamsters are only effective when consumed in small quantities. This is because they possess small stomachs, and overfeeding can lead to digestive complications. In the feeding of almonds, it is best to be consumed once in a while and not daily or regularly. To achieve maximum nutrition from these nuts for your pet, find a way to include them strategically in its meal schedule. It is also advisable to avoid salted almonds at all costs.