Hamsters are a type of small rodent that many people keep as pets. They require a lot of care but don't need attention 24/7, and come in lots of different colors and sizes. Hamsters typically make good pets because they're playful, very cute but it's extremely important to provide them with enough space to run around.
There are a lot of question about their nutrition, because many people don't even realise hamsters are omnivore and in the wild will eat insects, lizards… in addition to their base diet of seeds and grains. It does make sense that wild hamsters will try to eat pretty much everything they can access, and here comes the question of legume.
Beans and legume are a very popular type of food around the world, that is high in protein and fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, magnesium, and potassium.
Chickpeas, lentils, peas, peanuts, beans… Legumes are one of the most ancient kind of human food. There are hundred of varieties of beans, and can be added to many meals.
Does it mean they can be fed to hamsters, and with such a big varieties of beans, are they safe for hamsters?
Table of Contents
Can Hamsters Eat Green Beans?
Hamsters are often described as greedy, but somehow very fussy eaters. It means they will try to sample everything you offer them but there can be only a few items they will actually eat on a regular basis, and some hamsters are a lot more fussy than others.
One thing they seem to agree on though, is that they all love broccoli and green beans! You might be surprised to learn that hamsters can eat green beans, as this is not a foodstuff most people would think of offering their pets. However, green beans are actually a great treat for hamsters and offer many nutritional benefits.
They are low in fat and calories, and high in fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Green beans also provide some vitamin C and vitamin A. They are a much healthier snack than sweet treats for your hamster.
Just make sure to give in moderation, a small quantity in moderation a couple of times a week.
Green beans are SAFE for hamsters.
Can Hamsters eat Raw Beans?
There is not simple answer that would apply to any and all kind of beans.
Green beans, sugar snaps are perfectly fine.
Many other beans need to be roasted lightly, or need to be boiled or soaked.
For each type of bean, you do need to make your specific research.
When raw beans have a high content of lectin, is it extremely harmful and dangerous for hamsters if given raw.
How Unsafe is Phytic Acid for Hamsters
Most beans and legumes have a phytic acid content. As a plant matures, phytate levels rapidly rise in its seeds. However, research has shown that soaking beans before consumption lowers their phytate levels significantly.
Beans should be soaked in water for 12-24 hours to reduce and neutralise phytates and lectins. Soaking has been found to decrease phytate, protease inhibitors, lectins, tannins, and calcium oxalate in legumes. Phytic acid and lectins are sometimes called anti-nutrients: It disturbs and blocks the absorption of iron, zinc, and calcium and may promote mineral deficiencies.
It is also said to cause diarrhea to hamsters.
Can Hamsters eat Cooked Beans?
In the wild, hamsters will obviously only come in contact and eat raw food, so their little stomach is designed to digest raw food only. However, they can also enjoy some cooked vegetables in captivity.
The beans must have been cooked without any additive, no oil or butter, and no flavouring or spices.
Can Hamsters eat Edamame Beans
Edamame are simply a type of soybeans, harvested before they are fully riped or before they harden. You can find them already shelled, or still in their pod, fresh or frozen.
Soya is a natural estrogen, so really not recommended for female hamsters.
Can hamsters eat Kidney Beans
Raw kidney beans are extremely toxic to hamsters and should never be fed to any of your pet.
They contain a very high level of lectin, which is a protein harmful to the intestinal mucosa, and cause severe gastric issues: vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness
Cooking will reduce that level of lectin, but even tehn not enough to make kidney bean suitable.
Kidney Beans are UNSAFE for hamsters.
Can Hamsters eat Red Beans
No, you should not give red beans to your hamster, they are unsafe for them.
Can Hamsters eat Mungbean, or Bean Sprout
While not exactly unsafe, it is much better to let them soaked for a couple of days and sprouted – humans are advised not to eat raw.
With a small animal, avoid giving them raw as well, and let them sprout first.
Bean-based recipes for Hamsters:
Mung Bean Hamster Biscuits
These biscuits are full of protein and will make a lovely treat for your hamster, healthy when you only give in moderation.
To make approx 25 small biscuits, you need:
1/2 cup mung beans
Be careful, you need to use sprouted mung beans to make the biscuits. How do you make sure the beans are sprouted? You only need to soak them for 24 to 48 hours in water. Remember to change the water every 12 hours. Once you can see the roots appear, they are ready.
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 tbsp wheat germ
2 tbsp baby oats
2 tbsp wheat germ
2 tbsp water
1 tsp flaxseed
1 tsp sesame seed
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp roasted mealworms
Fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped.
To make the biscuits:
Preheat your oven to 300F (150 Celcius).
First thump and coarsely grind the roasted mealworms placed in a large bowl or even a ziplock bag.
In a separate dish or another ziplock bag, use a fork to mash the sprouted mung beans.
Leaving water aside, mix all the ingredients together until they are fully blent together.
You should obtain a crumbly mix when you are finished.
Only then add your water, a little bit at a time, until mix the reach the consistency of a sticky dough.
With that dough, make little balls and line on a baking tray lined with grease proof paper.
Put it the oven and bake for around 15mn at 300F (150C) – The biscuits are ready when they are dry and golden.
Leave them cool completely before offering one to your hamster. Store the others in an airtight container.
Popularity of the Name Bean for a Hamster
There are many names that people call their hamsters, but one of the most popular is Bean. Bean is a cute name for your hamster and it fits them perfectly because they are small and round like a bean. Bean is also a popular name because it is easy to say and remember. If you are looking for a name for your hamster, Bean is a great option!
Popularity of the Name Jelly Bean
If you want an adorable, easy-to-pronounce name for your new hamster, look no further than "Jelly Bean." Not only is this moniker fit for a small, round fuzzball, but it's also one of the most popular names chosen by pet parents.
To Conclude
Yes, hamsters can eat many of the beans you are eating yourself. While there are some unsafe types of beans that should not be fed to hamsters, there are also many safe types of beans that make a nutritious and tasty treat for them, only give them in moderation. Green beans, beans, soybeans, Black turtle beans, mung beans are all part of the safe for hamster food list.
Kidney bean meanwhile are always an absolute no and extremely dangerous when raw.
Mung bean, or bean sprout, while not exactly unsafe, it is much better to let them soaked for a couple of days and sprouted – humans are advised not to eat raw.
With a small animal, avoid giving them raw as well, and let them sprout first.
If you are looking for a name for your hamster, Bean is a very popular and great option!