3D illustration: a hamster next to a dish of rhubarb
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Hamster · Vegetables

Can hamsters eat rhubarb?

No — never feed

No. The RSPCA warns rhubarb can be poisonous to rodents. It contains soluble oxalates, especially in the leaves, which can damage the kidneys.

Sugar
1.1 g / 100 g

If your hamster already ate some

Call your vet promptly and say whether leaves or stalk were eaten and how much. Watch for drooling, trembling, weakness, reduced appetite, or changes in drinking and urination.

Emergency steps →

Why

Risks. Rhubarb, particularly the leaves, contains soluble oxalates, which bind calcium and can cause kidney failure, tremors and drooling in animals. The stalks are also very sour.

Questions owners ask 2

Are rhubarb stalks safe if the leaves are removed?

No. The leaves are the most dangerous part, but the RSPCA, Woodgreen and PetMD advise against rhubarb in general for hamsters.

What about cooked rhubarb, crumble or jam?

No. Cooking does not make rhubarb suitable, and desserts add sugar.

Rhubarb: nutrition per 100 g
Water93.6 g
Energy21 kcal
Sugars1.1 g
Fat0.2 g
Protein0.9 g
Fibre1.8 g
Calcium86 mg
Phosphorus14 mg
Calcium : phosphorus6.14 : 1
Sodium4 mg
Vitamin A (RAE)5 µg
Vitamin C8 mg

“Rhubarb, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 167758). Public domain.

Sources & method 5

The sources below discuss rhubarb 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.

  1. What to feed hamsters — RSPCA
  2. What to feed your hamster - safe foods, fruit, veg and a complete feeding guide — Woodgreen Pets Charity
  3. Dwarf Hamster Care Sheet — PetMD (written by Maria Zayas, DVM; reviewed by Melissa Witherell, DVM)
  4. Syrian Hamster Care Sheet — PetMD (written by Maria Zayas, DVM)
  5. Rhubarb (toxic and non-toxic plants list) — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Other pets

Can budgies eat rhubarb?NeverCan cockatiels eat rhubarb?Never

More vegetables

Small amounts Carrot Yes Broccoli Yes Cucumber Better not Tomato Yes Bell pepper Better not Chili 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

All 68 foods for hamsters →