Mealworms are often given to chickens, reptiles and other animals. But what about your pet hamster? Your vet no doubt told you to be careful what you feed them, so are mealworms safe? if you want to try it out, there are a few things you need to consider first.
Mealworms are commonly used as a tasty treat for many small pets, including hamsters. These are very nutritious and can be a good addition to a hamster’s diet.
Why Mealworms are Good for Hamsters
One of the reasons mealworms are good for hamsters is their high protein content. Hamsters need a diet rich in protein to support their growth, muscle development and overall health. Mealworms are around 53% protein so they can provide a good portion of what hamsters need. Protein is also vital for their immune system and helps repair body tissues.
In addition to their high protein content, mealworms also have healthy fats. Hamsters need healthy fats for energy and improve brain function. The combination of healthy fats and protein are necessary for hamsters to remain energetic without gaining too much weight.
Mealworms are also packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are beneficial to a hamster’s health. These nutrients aid in the proper functioning of the body, promote strong bones and teeth. These vitamins also make a hamster’s coat look healthier and shinier.
Adding Mealworms to a Hamster Diet
Hamsters are natural foragers and enjoy searching for food. Mealworms trigger their foraging instinct and provides mental stimulation. Not only do mealworms provide physical health benefits, but they are also a mental boost as well.
Like other animals, hamsters can get bored. Giving them mealworms as the occasional treat can prevent this and keep them active and happy.
I want to emphasize that mealworms should be given only on occasion. You can make mealworms a regular part of their diet, but hamsters must eat other foods too.
Aside from mealworms, hamsters need vegetables, nuts, seeds and cereals. Fresh water is also necessary. Hamsters will be happy to eat only mealworms, but that can lead to obesity and other health issues. So for the best results, I recommend mealworms with a balanced diet.
Do not feed wild mealworms to hamsters. They might be dirty or infected with parasites or bacteria. Buy only mealworms from trusted and reliable suppliers. This is the best way to ensure your pet is safe.
Related. Are Mealworms Dirty?
How Many Mealworms Should Hamsters Eat?
The number of mealworms you can feed your hamster depends on the species, age and size. For example, dwarf hamsters require fewer mealworms compared to Syrian hamsters, which are bigger. As a general guideline, one or two mealworms per week is enough for hamsters. Each mealworm should be about the size of your hamster’s mouth.
This is the rule of thumb but you have to be flexible too. If your hamster is larger than the average or needs to gain weight, more mealworms is fine. Lethargic hamsters can also benefit from extra mealworms.
But if your hamster is overweight and/or already very active, mealworms should be an occasional treat only. Too much might cause health problems later.
If you buy commercially available hamster food, keep the mealworms to a minimum. Those foods already contain most of the nutrients hamsters need. It is fine to give your pet a mealworm or two every now and then but don’t make it a habit.
If your pet doesn’t eat commercial hamster food, then you can add more mealworms to their diet. If they need more protein and healthy fats, mealworms will be ideal. You should also introduce mealworms to their diet slowly so hamster’s digestive system can adjust.
Balanced Diet
If you are not sure what to feed your hamster, there are two options: buy commercially available hamster food or prepare them yourself.
If you want to prepare the food, it is really simple. Vegetables, cereals or grains, nuts and seeds are fine. You just have to give a little bit of each to your pet regularly plus some mealworms. You can alternate so today it’s vegetables, tomorrow nuts, then cereals etc. And every now and then toss them a mealworm or two.
This diet is ideal for any hamster and will boost their nutrition. If your hamster has any preexisting conditions or allergies, talk to a vet first before giving them mealworms. It’s very rare for hamsters to have adverse reactions to mealworms, but it’s best to be sure.
Do Hamsters Like Live or. Dried Mealworms?
This is question that hamster owners often get asked. If you are buying mealworms for the first time you have probably wondered too. Will my hamster prefer live or dried mealworms? To answer that we have to take a look at each one.
Live Mealworms
Hamsters love live mealworms because they are natural hunters. Omnivores don’t just love to eat, but the thrill of hunting for live prey is important for them. This is also true for reptiles and birds.
Live mealworms are healthy and nutritious, but they also provide hamsters with the thrill of the chase. A lot of times we focus on the physical aspects of hamster health, but their mental aspect is important too.
Just like other pets, hamsters need mental stimulation or they will get bored. Live mealworms provides the activity they need to be active and behave naturally.
Dried Mealworms
On the other hand, dried mealworms are a convenient option for hamster owners. They have a long shelf life, easy to store and widely available. You can buy a pack of dried mealworms and feed them to your pet easily.
Dried mealworms cannot provide the excitement or stimulation that live mealworms do. But they are rich in nutrients and a practical choice. Because of their long shelf life, it is easier to stock up on dried mealworms than live ones.
As long as your hamster remains active and gets plenty of mental stimuli, dried mealworms will be fine. They are also more affordable so it’s easier on the pocket too.
Related. Live Mealworms vs. Dried Mealworms
Which is Better?
Both live and dried mealworms are good for hamsters. If your concern is nutrition, you cannot go wrong with either one.
The only real difference is the mental stimulation live mealworms provide. But if you can keep your pet active in other ways, this won’t be a problem.
The best option though is to try both. See which one your pet prefers and go with what they like. Or you can alternate between live and dried mealworms for variety.
Can You Overfeed Hamsters?
Hamsters have a high metabolism because spend a significant amount of time scavenging for food in the wild. This drives their instinct to store extra food in their cheek pouches and burrows.
It comes as no surprise that hamsters in the wild tend to overeat. Pet hamsters can also overeat but this time, it’s usually due to pet owners giving them too much food.
We love to watch our hamsters eat, but overfeeding is a health risk. Overweight hamsters can suffer joint pain, mobility problems and even heart ailments.
An overweight hamster is also going to struggle cleaning themselves. This will lead to coat problems due to poor hygiene. This will attract bacteria, germs and might cause diseases.
Overfeeding can also lead to tooth problems. Hamster teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, and a lack of proper dental wear can occur if they are not provided with the right diet. Overfeeding on sugary or starchy foods can contribute to dental issues such as overgrown teeth, infections, and painful abscesses.
.The quantity of food should be measured and adjusted according to your hamster’s age, breed and activity level. If your pet gets enough nutrients, they don’t need to eat a lot of mealworms. If they need more energy and gain weight, adding mealworms to their diet makes sense.
Diet is only one part. Hamsters also have to be physically and mentally active. They have to be fed properly and also exercise to stay healthy.
Conclusion
Mealworms can be a healthy and tasty treat for hamsters when given in moderation. They provide a nutritional boost, stimulate natural foraging behavior and improve their immune system.
