Click to Skip Ahead
If cartoons have taught us anything, it’s that all rodents lose their minds over cheese. But what about hamsters? Is it safe for them to eat cheese?
As a matter of fact, yes, it is, as long as portions are carefully controlled.
That doesn’t mean that you can just start giving them cheese constantly, though. There are a few things that you need to know before you begin offering your pet cheese regularly, and we’ll cover the most pressing issues below.
Is Cheese Safe for Hamsters to Eat?
While some cheese varieties are perfectly safe for your hamster to eat. Certain cheeses should be avoided, and some can even be toxic for your pet.
However, while your hamster might be able to consume most cheese varieties, that doesn’t necessarily make it healthy for your hamster. Cheese is calorie-dense and high in fat, and since hamsters are prone to both obesity and diabetes, they should eat cheese sparingly. (Also, there’s nothing that says your hamster has to eat cheese, so feel free to avoid feeding it to your rodent altogether.)
This all assumes that the cheese is in good condition as well. This hopefully goes without saying, but you should never give your hamster old or moldy cheese, as it can be as hazardous to their health as it is to yours.
Avoid cheeses like Roquefort, Brie, Camembert, or any soft cheese with mold cultures or high moisture content. These can carry harmful bacteria or be too rich, leading to gastrointestinal upset or even food poisoning in hamsters. Never feed your hamster blue cheese; it is very dangerous for them because of the mold cultures that can produce harmful toxins. Even a small amount may cause serious digestive or neurological problems.
Processed cheeses, such as spreads or slices, frequently include preservatives and additives that are harmful to small mammals.
Another thing to keep in mind is the salt content of the cheese. Some varieties, like asiago, cheddar, and parmesan, have extremely high sodium levels, and those should be avoided if possible. Too much salt can be dangerous for your pet, so try to limit their intake.
Hamsters, like many small mammals, often have a hard time digesting lactose, especially when they are adults. Cheeses that are high in lactose, like cream cheese or whole milk cheeses, can cause diarrhea, bloating, or stomach discomfort. While aged cheeses like cheddar and Swiss contain less lactose and are easier to digest, they should still be offered sparingly and in very small portions to prevent stomach problems in hamsters.
What Cheese Should I Give My Hamster?
There are definitely some cheeses that are preferable to others when it comes to feeding your hamster, but let us reiterate the fact that you don’t have to feed your pet any cheese at all. They’ll be perfectly happy with all the other staples of their diet — and probably healthier as well.
If you insist on sharing your cheese, though, cottage cheese (especially the low-fat variety) should be your first choice. It’s not loaded with calories like many other cheeses, and better yet, it’s full of protein and calcium, both of which are important for hamsters.
In fact, if you have a pregnant or nursing rodent on your hands, cottage cheese makes an excellent snack (but still do so in moderation).
If there’s no low-fat cottage cheese available, mozzarella is another good option. It doesn’t have as much fat as other cheeses, so it shouldn’t cause much of an issue for your hamster’s health.
Low-lactose options like aged cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss are another option. These tend to be somewhat better tolerated due to the natural decrease in lactose content during the aging process. You may find reduced-fat cheddar or Swiss. Still, please keep in mind that even low-lactose, low-fat cheese should be given in very small amounts and only occasionally to prevent digestive problems. Remember to always check the label to avoid added salt or preservatives.
How Should I Feed My Hamster Cheese?
The most important thing is to serve only the safe kinds and always in moderation. Don’t give them cheese more than once a week, and limit it to just a tiny piece about the size of a pea when you do.
Pick an acceptable cheese and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cheese doesn’t pose as big of a choking hazard as some other foods, but hamsters can be crafty when it comes to killing themselves in interesting ways. It’s best not to give them the opportunity to do so.
Don’t let any uneaten cheese sit around, as it can start to rot — and that can attract bacteria, fungi, and even insects. Rotting food is hazardous to your pet’s health (and the smell isn’t great either).
Check to make sure your hamster isn’t stashing cheese in their cheeks. Cheek cheese can cause their teeth to rot, and dental problems are extremely bad for rodents.
Keep in mind, though, that there’s no guarantee that your hamster will even like cheese. Not all hamsters do, so if yours isn’t gobbling it down right away, you might want to remove it and serve them something healthier instead.
Final Thoughts
Some cheese varieties can become a safe treat for hamsters, but it is imperative to choose the right kind and be mindful of the portions. Reading labels is important because cheese is full of fat and calories (and sometimes salt or preservatives), neither of which are good for your pet’s health.
However, many cheeses are also loaded with protein and calcium, so it’s not a complete waste. If your hamster loves the stuff, feel free to share a tiny bit with them once a week or so.
Oh, and be sure to teach them that the free cheese in a mousetrap is the most dangerous cheese of all.
