Hamster · Vegetables
Can hamsters eat chili peppers?
Better not. Hot chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which irritates the mouth and gut, and vets and UK charities advise keeping spicy peppers away from hamsters.
- Sugar
- 5.3 g / 100 g
If your hamster already ate some
Offer fresh water, remove any remaining pieces and watch for pawing at the mouth, drooling, diarrhoea or reduced appetite. Contact a vet if signs are severe or last more than a few hours.
Why
Risks. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation and can trigger digestive upset. PetMD notes spicy peppers can cause gastrointestinal problems in hamsters, and there is no benefit.
Questions owners ask 2
Are jalapeños, chilli flakes or spicy crisps any different?
No. All hot peppers, chilli flakes and spicy seasonings should be avoided.
So can hamsters eat bell peppers?
Yes. Sweet bell peppers are not hot and are a good vegetable choice in small pieces.
Chili peppers: nutrition per 100 g
| Water | 88 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 40 kcal |
| Sugars | 5.3 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
| Fibre | 1.5 g |
| Calcium | 14 mg |
| Phosphorus | 43 mg |
| Calcium : phosphorus | 0.33 : 1 |
| Sodium | 9 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 48 µg |
| Vitamin C | 144 mg |
“Peppers, hot chili, red, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 170106). Public domain.
Sources & method 2
The sources below discuss chili peppers for hamsters (or for pet rodents generally). Confidence: high. Rated on the JOMIZOO Feeding Scale; when good sources disagree we choose the more cautious level.
- What to feed your hamster - safe foods, fruit, veg and a complete feeding guide — Woodgreen Pets Charity
- What Can Hamsters Eat? — PetMD (written by Angelina Childree, LVT; reviewed by Melissa Witherell, DVM)
Other pets
More vegetables
Small amounts
Carrot
Yes
Broccoli
Yes
Cucumber
Better not
Tomato
Yes
Bell pepper
Better not
Celery
Yes
Cabbage
Yes
Cauliflower
Yes
Zucchini
Small amounts
Sweet potato
Never
Potato
Yes
Pumpkin
Small amounts
Peas
Small amounts
Corn
Small amounts
Green beans
Never
Onion
Never
Garlic
Better not
Mushroom
Never
Rhubarb