CAN HAMSTER EAT MUSHROOMS

Hamsters are adorable, furry little mammals. They become great pets. They love food and it is very delightful to see them stuffing their cheeks with food.

Hamsters are omnivorous animals which mean that they can enjoy variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meat (insects) too. Animal lovers are always concerned about whether certain food is good for their pet or not.

People usually ask which specie of mushroom they should give to their Dwarf Roborskvi. Some ask can we give wild mushrooms to our Dwarf Campbell Russian. Others inquire if they can give their Syrian (golden) hamster a serving of cooked mushrooms.

The answer is yes! You can let your hamster enjoy mushrooms but moderately. However, in this article we will understand which mushrooms should be given to hamsters and how these should be served to them.

Can your Hamster Eat Mushrooms?

You love your pet hamster and want to know whether it can be fed on mushrooms or not. Although, they cannot eat all types of mushrooms but yes, a certain type of mushroom in a certain quantity can be given to hamsters.

But How? Let’s explore!

First things first!

No Wild Mushrooms, Please!

Never make the mistake of feeding your pet hamster on wild mushrooms on your own. A large number of mushroom species exist in the world. Some are edible and others are toxic and lethal.

Potential Hazards of Consuming Wild Mushrooms:

As many edible mushrooms resemble the toxic ones, that is why there is a strong chance of misidentification. So, it’s better to avoid rather than to regret.

Wild Mushrooms are Toxic

Many wild mushrooms contain toxic compounds that can disturb the health of hamsters badly. It can cause mild to severe allergic reactions which result in the form of rashes with or without difficulty in breathing. It can also upset the digestive system of the animal and in severe cases, organ damage could also occur. Any accidental consumption of some highly toxic species, such as the Death Cap and the Destroying Angel could also cause death.

Wild Mushrooms are contaminated

Some Wild mushrooms can absorb pollutants, heavy metals, or other harmful substances from the environment, which can be harmful if consumed.

Can You Avoid Risks of Consumption of Wild Mushrooms?

There is very little scientific research done on the topic of the consumption of mushrooms by hamsters. However, the risks associated with wild mushrooms can be avoided if you do the following with caution.

Only consume a wild mushroom after confirmed identification. Ask expert foragers, mycologists, or local mycological societies for advice.
Gather knowledge about the toxic mushrooms species in your area of collection
To avoid any allergies, always start off with a little quantity while trying out new kind of mushroom even if you are sure about its safety.
Always be aware of the environment in which the mushrooms grow and DO NOT collect from contaminated areas.

Are There Any Safe Mushrooms?

Let’s learn about the mushrooms that are safe for your little furry friend.

Store-bought Mushrooms

A few common types of mushrooms available in the market are as follows and may be considered safe.

Portobello Mushrooms
Button Mushrooms
Shitake Mushrooms
Chantarelle Mushrooms
Oyster Mushrooms

All these types of mushrooms are safe for us humans but there is very little research for their safety in hamsters. Some people feed their hamsters on mushrooms without any problem but others may find issues with that.

However, there is very little chance of toxicity if you let your hamster have store-bought mushrooms. It is not necessary if something is safe for humans, will be safe for the pets as well.

Moderate Consumption Guidelines

You may let your hamster nibble on a small quantity of mushrooms now and then. But remember not to cook the mushrooms in oils or any other seasonings because it might add harmful ingredients to your pet’s diet.

Cooked Mushrooms:

Always cook mushrooms properly before giving it to your pet. Raw form of many edible mushrooms contains carcinogenic components and they can only be eliminated with cooking.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Certain medicines include extracts of mushrooms in them. These medicines are safe to use with the advice of your veterinary doctor.

Nutritional Value of Mushrooms

Even though, only small quantity of edible mushrooms should be given to the hamsters but let’s see their nutritional value.

Mushrooms are a very good source of protein, carbohydrates, fats and other vitamins & minerals.

The following table tells the nutritional values for few store bought mushrooms per 50 grams

Mushrooms	calories	Carbs (gm.)	Fiber (gm.)	Protein (gm.)	Fat (gm.)	Vitamins & Minerals
Portobello Mushroom	9-10	1-2	0.5-1.0	1-2	Less than 0.5	Many minerals and vitamins including b complex &trace elements
Button mushrooms	8-10	1-2	0.5-1.0	1-2	Less than 0.5	Many minerals and vitamins including b complex &trace elements
Shitake Mushrooms	20-25	4-5	1-2	1-2	0.5	Vit. b and vit D when exposed in sun
Chantarelle Mushrooms	–	–	–	1-2	0.5	Vitamin C, potassium, copper, manganese, and small amounts of other essential nutrients.
Oyster Mushrooms	20-25	3-4	1-2	2-3	0.5	Vit. B, vit.D potassium, copper, and small amounts of other essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can Hamsters Eat White Mushrooms?

A: There is very little scientific research done on the safety of consumption of mushrooms in hamsters. But it has been observed that mushrooms, like white mushrooms, which are available in market, are usually considered safe if given in small quantities occasionally.

Q2: Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Mushrooms?

A: Yes, hamsters can eat cooked mushrooms. These should be cooked in simply without oils, spices and seasoning to avoid addition of harmful ingredients in the diet.

Q3: Can Hamsters Eat Portobello Mushrooms?

A: Yes, hamsters can eat store bought mushrooms, like Portobello Mushrooms as store bought mushrooms are non-toxic and can be given in small portions now and then.

Q4: Can Hamsters Eat Oyster Mushrooms?

A: Yes, hamster can eat Oyster Mushrooms in small quantity as mushrooms available in the market are non-toxic and can be consumed safely.

Q5: Can Hamsters Eat Dried Mushrooms?

A: Yes, if they are non-toxic and edible then small quantities can be consumed.

Q6: Can hamsters be given raw mushrooms?

A: No, hamsters should not be given raw mushrooms as they may contain cancer causing agents which only get removed with cooking.

Q7: Can Hamsters Eat Fresh Mushrooms?

A: Yes, hamsters can be given simply cooked fresh mushrooms without any oils, spices and seasoning.

Q8: Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Mushrooms?

A: Yes, like other species of hamsters, dwarf hamsters can also enjoy mushrooms in small portions occasionally.

Q9: Can Hamster Eat Baby Bella Mushrooms?

A: Yes, hamsters can eat Baby Bella Mushrooms in small quantities in cooked form.

Summary:

Mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, fats & multivitamins but due to lack of scientific evidence of the safe consumption in hamsters, these should be avoided. Wild mushrooms are toxic and should not be given at all unless an expert mycologist approves. However, store-bought mushrooms are considerably safe and can be consumed in moderate quantity occasionally.