Hamster · Protein & dairy
Can hamsters eat tofu?
Yes, in small amounts. Hamster Society (Singapore) uses tofu in a protein treat for hamsters. Use plain tofu with no marinade, salt or sauce.
- Portion
- A 1 cm (⅜ in) cube for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf.
- How often
- Once or twice a week
- Fat
- 8.7 g / 100 g
How to serve it
- Choose plain firm or silken tofu with no flavouring
- Drain and pat dry
- Do not use fried, smoked or marinated tofu, or anything with soy sauce, garlic or onion
- Remove uneaten tofu within a few hours
Why
Risks. Plain tofu is not known to be harmful in small amounts. Flavoured and fried tofu often contains salt, soy sauce, oil, garlic or onion. Fresh tofu spoils quickly if hoarded.
Benefits. A plant-based protein source that adds variety, useful for owners who prefer not to handle meat or insects.
Questions owners ask 2
Can hamsters eat tofu straight from the pack?
Yes. Tofu is cooked during manufacture, so a small piece of plain tofu can be offered without further cooking.
Can hamsters eat fried or marinated tofu?
No. Fried and marinated tofu usually contains oil, salt, soy sauce, garlic or onion. Use only plain tofu.
Tofu: nutrition per 100 g
| Water | 69.8 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 144 kcal |
| Fat | 8.7 g |
| Protein | 17.3 g |
| Fibre | 2.3 g |
| Calcium | 683 mg |
| Phosphorus | 190 mg |
| Calcium : phosphorus | 3.59 : 1 |
| Sodium | 14 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
“Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 172475). Public domain.
Sources & method 2
The sources below discuss tofu for hamsters (or for pet rodents generally). Confidence: medium. Rated on the JOMIZOO Feeding Scale; when good sources disagree we choose the more cautious level.
- Tofu cookie treat (recipe) — Hamster Society (Singapore)
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
