Foods Toxic to Hamsters

🚨 If your hamster already ate something on this list

Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 / Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

Never feed these to hamsters (16)

These are unsafe at any amount, or dangerous enough that they're not worth the risk.

Apple seeds Never Aubergine Never Avocado Never Bitter almonds Never Chilli & spicy peppers Never Chives & leeks Never Chocolate Never Citrus fruit Never Garlic Never Onion Never Processed or salted meat Never Raw beans Never Raw potato Never Rhubarb Never Salty, sugary & junk food Never Tomato leaves & green tomato Never

Why each one is a problem

Apple seeds. Contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide in the gut; always remove before offering apple. Full details →

Aubergine. Contains solanine and is harsh on the digestive system, so it is unsafe for hamsters. Full details →

Avocado. Contains persin and is very high in fat and acidity, making it toxic and unsuitable for hamsters. Full details →

Bitter almonds. Contain amygdalin that converts to cyanide, so bitter almonds are toxic. Full details →

Chilli & spicy peppers. Spicy peppers cause gastrointestinal problems for hamsters and should never be fed. Full details →

Chives & leeks. Alliums like onion and garlic; toxic to hamsters and must be avoided. Full details →

Chocolate. Contains theobromine, which is toxic to hamsters; never feed any chocolate. Full details →

Citrus fruit. Too acidic and sugary; causes gastrointestinal upset, so avoid all citrus. Full details →

Garlic. Causes digestive upset and interferes with blood cell production, so it is toxic to hamsters. Full details →

Onion. Contains thiosulphate that damages red blood cells and can cause anaemia; never feed onion. Full details →

Processed or salted meat. Too high in salt and fat and often full of additives; avoid all processed meats. Full details →

Raw beans. Raw beans contain toxic lectins and are dangerous; never feed uncooked beans. Full details →

Raw potato. Raw and green potato contain toxic solanine; never feed raw potato. Full details →

Rhubarb. Poisonous to rodents; the leaves and stalks contain toxic oxalates, so never feed it. Full details →

Salty, sugary & junk food. Cause obesity, dental disease and diabetes; never feed processed human snacks. Full details →

Tomato leaves & green tomato. The leaves, stems and green parts contain toxic solanine and must never be fed. Full details →

Safe only in moderation (15)

Not toxic, but these should be occasional or small-portion foods for hamsters — the reason is on each page.

Apple Moderation Banana Moderation Blueberry Moderation Celery Moderation Cheese Moderation Grape Moderation Melon Moderation Pear Moderation Plain wholegrain bread Moderation Pumpkin seeds Moderation Romaine lettuce Moderation Strawberry Moderation Sunflower seeds Moderation Sweet potato Moderation Sweetcorn Moderation

What hamsters should actually be eating

Hamsters do best on a quality hamster mix plus small amounts of safe fresh food. Go easy on sugary items, especially with diabetes-prone dwarf hamsters.

Frequently asked questions

What foods are toxic to hamsters?

The most common unsafe foods for hamsters include apple seeds, aubergine, avocado, bitter almonds, chilli & spicy peppers, chives & leeks. Each is listed below with the reason why.

What should I do if my hamster ate something toxic?

Contact your vet or a pet poison line immediately — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

How much of a toxic food is dangerous for hamsters?

It varies by food and by the size of the animal — some are dangerous in tiny amounts. Treat any amount as worth a call to your vet.

See the full list of what hamsters can and can't eat →

Ratings are compiled from recognized veterinary and animal-welfare sources — see our sources. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice.