{ "name": "Can My Pet Eat This? — small-pet food safety dataset", "publisher": "JOMIZOO", "url": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/", "license": "CC-BY-4.0", "attribution": "JOMIZOO, \"Can My Pet Eat This?\" (https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/), CC BY 4.0", "version": "1.0.0", "published": "2026-09-25", "updated": "2026-09-25", "scale": { "yes": "Safe as a regular part of the diet in sensible portions.", "limit": "Safe only as an occasional treat or in small amounts.", "avoid": "Not acutely toxic, but unsuitable. Don’t offer it on purpose; a tiny accidental bite is not an emergency.", "no": "Toxic or dangerous. Never feed it, and call a vet if your pet has eaten some." }, "species": [ { "id": "hamster", "name": "hamster", "plural": "hamsters" }, { "id": "budgie", "name": "budgie", "plural": "budgies", "aka": [ "budgerigar", "parakeet" ] }, { "id": "cockatiel", "name": "cockatiel", "plural": "cockatiels" } ], "categories": [ { "id": "fruit", "name": "Fruit" }, { "id": "veg", "name": "Vegetables" }, { "id": "greens", "name": "Greens & herbs" }, { "id": "grain", "name": "Grains, seeds & nuts" }, { "id": "protein", "name": "Protein & dairy" }, { "id": "people", "name": "Snacks & drinks" } ], "foods": [ { "id": "apple", "name": "Apple", "slug": "apples", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "apples", "apple skin", "apple seeds" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Apple flesh is a good occasional treat, but always remove the seeds and core, which contain compounds that release cyanide, and keep portions tiny because of the sugar.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove all seeds, the core and the stalk", "Cut a small piece; washed skin can stay on", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds variety, moisture and a little fibre, and most hamsters enjoy it, which makes it useful for hand-taming.", "risks": "Apple seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when chewed. The flesh is sugary, so too much can cause soft droppings and weight gain.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give apple only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat apple seeds?", "a": "No. Apple seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide, so remove every seed and the core before feeding. If your hamster has eaten seeds, call your vet for advice." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat apple skin?", "a": "Yes. Washed skin is fine on a small piece of apple." }, { "q": "Can hamsters have dried apple or apple sauce?", "a": "It is best not to. Drying concentrates the sugar, and vets advise avoiding dried fruit and sugary foods for hamsters. Apple sauce often has added sugar too." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-hamster-diet", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "aspca-apple", "bluecross-hamster-care", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets", "merck-hamster-home", "vca-owning-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Every hamster source consulted lists seedless apple as safe. ASPCA's cyanogenic glycoside entry is for dogs, cats and horses; applied to hamsters by inference, consistent with PetMD's and Woodgreen's advice to remove apple seeds. Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Apple flesh is safe for budgies, but it is sugary and the seeds contain cyanide-releasing compounds, so core it and keep it an occasional treat.", "portion": "One or two pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, roughly a thumbnail-sized amount", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Wash the apple well under running water", "Cut out the core and every seed", "Chop the flesh, skin on, into pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "Remove any uneaten apple within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Apple adds fiber, moisture and variety, and many budgies enjoy picking at it.", "risks": "Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide, so avian vets advise removing them every time. The flesh is mostly sugar and water, and budgies are prone to obesity, so fruit should stay a small part of the diet.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat apple seeds?", "a": "No. Apple seeds contain cyanide-releasing compounds and should always be removed. If your budgie swallowed one, watch it closely and call your avian vet for advice, especially if it seems weak, fluffed up or has trouble breathing." }, { "q": "Do I need to peel apple for my budgie?", "a": "No, but wash the skin thoroughly, because birds are very sensitive to pesticide residues. Organic apples are a sensible choice when available." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can eat apple flesh, but always remove the core and seeds, which contain cyanide-releasing compounds, and keep fruit to a small share of the diet.", "portion": "Two or three pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse the apple thoroughly", "Remove the core and all seeds", "Cut the flesh into pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across; the skin can stay on", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Apple is a crunchy, widely accepted fruit that gives cockatiels fiber and something to manipulate with the beak.", "risks": "VCA notes apple seeds may be toxic to birds; they contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide. Fruit is high in water and natural sugar, so VCA advises feeding it in limited quantities.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "What if my cockatiel ate an apple seed?", "a": "Remove any other seeds and call your avian vet for advice, particularly if the seed was chewed open. Watch for weakness, breathing difficulty or unusual sleepiness." }, { "q": "Can cockatiels eat dried apple?", "a": "Only rarely and in tiny amounts. Drying concentrates the sugar, and many dried apple products are sweetened or preserved, so fresh apple is the better choice." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 171688, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/apples/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/apples/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/apples/" } }, { "id": "banana", "name": "Banana", "slug": "bananas", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Banana is safe for hamsters, but it is one of the sweeter, starchier fruits, so offer only a small piece of peeled banana now and then.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most for a Syrian; once every two weeks at most for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Peel the banana; do not feed the skin", "Cut a small piece of ripe banana", "Offer it by hand or in a dish", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Soft and easy to eat, with some potassium and fibre; most hamsters like it.", "risks": "Banana is high in sugar and starch, so frequent or large pieces can lead to weight gain and upset digestion. The peel is tough and may carry residues.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give banana only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat banana peel?", "a": "No. The peel is tough, hard to chew and may carry residues. Offer only a small piece of the peeled flesh." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat banana chips?", "a": "No. Banana chips are dried, often fried and sometimes sweetened. Vets advise avoiding dried fruit because it is very high in sugar." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets", "merck-hamster-home", "vca-owning-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Banana is safe for budgies but is one of the sweeter, starchier fruits, so offer only a thin slice now and then.", "portion": "A thin slice about 5 mm (¼ in) thick, cut into quarters", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Peel the banana and discard the skin", "Cut a thin slice and quarter it", "Serve fresh banana, not dried banana chips", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours, as banana spoils quickly" ], "benefits": "Banana is soft and easy to eat, supplies potassium, and can help coax a budgie into trying fresh food.", "risks": "Banana is high in sugar and energy for such a small bird, and budgies are prone to obesity and the fatty tumors and fatty liver disease that go with it.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat banana peel?", "a": "It is better not to. The peel is not known to be toxic, but it is tough and may carry pesticide residues, so offer only the flesh." }, { "q": "Are banana chips okay for budgies?", "a": "No. Banana chips are usually fried and often sweetened, adding fat and sugar a budgie does not need." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Banana is safe for cockatiels, but it is sweet and starchy, so treat it as an occasional extra rather than an everyday food.", "portion": "A slice about 1 cm (⅜ in) thick, cut into small pieces", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Peel the banana", "Slice and cut into small pieces", "Offer plain fresh banana only", "Clear away any leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Its soft texture makes banana a useful first fruit for cockatiels that are reluctant to try fresh foods.", "risks": "Cockatiels are among the species most prone to obesity and fatty liver disease, and banana is energy-dense compared with vegetables.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat banana every day?", "a": "It is better not to. Fruit should be a small part of the fresh-food portion, with vegetables making up most of it." }, { "q": "Can I mash banana into my cockatiel's food?", "a": "A little mashed banana can help a cockatiel accept a new food, but keep the amount small and remove the dish within a couple of hours." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-obesity-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 173944, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/bananas/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/bananas/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/bananas/" } }, { "id": "blueberry", "name": "Blueberry", "slug": "blueberries", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "blueberries" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Blueberries are safe and most hamsters love them, but they are still sugary fruit, so keep them to an occasional small treat.", "portion": "Half a blueberry for a Syrian; a quarter of a blueberry for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Cut in half or quarters", "Use fresh or thawed berries with nothing added", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Contain fibre and plant pigments, and their small size makes it easy to control portions.", "risks": "The main concern is sugar: too much fruit can upset a hamster's digestion and lead to weight gain.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give blueberry only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat dried blueberries?", "a": "It is best not to. Drying concentrates the sugar, and vets advise avoiding dried fruit for hamsters." }, { "q": "Are frozen blueberries OK?", "a": "Yes, if they are unsweetened and fully thawed to room temperature before feeding." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Blueberries are one of the better fruit choices for budgies, offering fiber and flavonoids, but they still contain a fair amount of sugar.", "portion": "One or two blueberries, halved or quartered", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse the berries well under running water", "Cut each berry in half or into quarters", "Use fresh berries where possible; thaw frozen ones fully", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "The Merck Veterinary Manual notes blueberries contain beneficial fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and flavonoids, and that most birds accept them readily.", "risks": "Merck also points out that blueberries contain a substantial amount of sugar, so they belong in the treat share of the diet rather than as a staple.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat frozen blueberries?", "a": "Yes, once fully thawed to room temperature. Fresh berries are preferred because their flavonoid content declines when they are frozen." } ], "sources": [ "merck-psittacine-nutrition", "vca-budgie-feeding", "rspca-bird-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Blueberries are a good fruit for cockatiels, with fiber and flavonoids, but their sugar content means a few berries at a time is enough.", "portion": "Two or three blueberries, halved", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Wash the blueberries", "Halve them so they are easy to hold", "Choose fresh berries, or thaw frozen ones completely", "Take away uneaten berries after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "According to Merck, blueberries provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and flavonoids and are accepted by most birds.", "risks": "They are still sugary. Fruit is high in natural sugar and should be fed in limited quantities.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Do blueberries stain cockatiel droppings?", "a": "They can tint droppings blue or purple for a short time. That is harmless, but contact your vet if droppings stay discolored after you stop feeding them or your bird seems unwell." } ], "sources": [ "merck-psittacine-nutrition", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Dropping-color FAQ is general knowledge rather than from a cited source." } }, "usdaFdcId": 171711, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/blueberries/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/blueberries/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/blueberries/" } }, { "id": "strawberry", "name": "Strawberry", "slug": "strawberries", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "strawberries" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Strawberry is a safe occasional treat for hamsters. Remove the green top, wash it well and keep the piece small because of the sugar.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove the green top and stalk", "Cut a small piece", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds variety and moisture and is fairly low in calories for a fruit.", "risks": "Sugar is the main issue, and a lot of juicy fruit can loosen droppings. The juice can temporarily stain light-coloured fur.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give strawberry only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Why is my hamster's fur pink after eating strawberry?", "a": "Strawberry juice can temporarily stain light-coloured fur. It is harmless and fades." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat the tiny seeds on strawberries?", "a": "Yes. The small seeds on the outside are eaten with the fruit. The advice to remove seeds applies to larger pips and stones, such as apple seeds and cherry stones." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Fur staining is from PetMD. The seed FAQ is reasoning: PetMD says never feed fruit with seeds or pits yet lists strawberries as safe, so the rule is read as applying to removable pips and stones. Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Strawberries are safe for budgies, but they are sugary and soft berries hold pesticide residues, so wash them well and offer only a small piece.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, roughly a quarter of a small strawberry", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Wash thoroughly under running water; choose organic if you can", "Remove the green cap", "Cut into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Strawberries add color and variety and most budgies find them appealing.", "risks": "VCA warns that birds are very sensitive to pesticides and other sprays, and berries are hard to wash thoroughly. Like other fruit, strawberries are high in sugar relative to what they offer a budgie.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat strawberry seeds?", "a": "Yes. The tiny seeds on the surface are eaten with the fruit and are not known to be harmful, unlike apple seeds or stone-fruit pits." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat strawberry jam?", "a": "No. Jam is mostly added sugar. Offer a small piece of fresh strawberry instead." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can enjoy fresh strawberry, but it is sugary and needs careful washing, since birds are sensitive to pesticide residues.", "portion": "Half a small strawberry, cut into pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse well under running water, ideally organic fruit", "Take off the green cap", "Cut into bite-sized pieces", "Clear away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Strawberries are colorful and well liked, which makes them useful as an occasional reward.", "risks": "Birds are very sensitive to pesticides, and strawberries are difficult to clean fully. Their sugar content means they should stay an occasional item.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are frozen strawberries okay for cockatiels?", "a": "Yes, if they are plain and fully thawed. Avoid strawberries frozen in syrup or sugar." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 167762, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/strawberries/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/strawberries/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/strawberries/" } }, { "id": "raspberry", "name": "Raspberry", "slug": "raspberries", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "raspberries" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Raspberries are not known to be harmful to hamsters and are relatively low in sugar for a fruit, but treat them like other berries: an occasional small piece.", "portion": "One or two of the little beads (drupelets), up to about a quarter of a berry, for a Syrian; one bead for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash gently", "Check for mould; raspberries spoil quickly", "Break off a small piece", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Provide fibre and are relatively low in sugar compared with most fruit.", "risks": "No hamster-specific problems are documented. As with other fruit, too much can cause loose droppings and weight gain, and mouldy berries should never be fed.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give raspberry only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat raspberry seeds?", "a": "The tiny seeds inside raspberries cannot practically be removed and are eaten with the fruit, as with strawberries. The advice to remove seeds applies to larger pips and stones." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat raspberry leaves?", "a": "We have not found reliable veterinary guidance on raspberry leaves for hamsters, so it is best to stick to the fruit." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "bluecross-hamster-care", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No cited source names raspberries. PetMD's Syrian care sheet refers to 'apple or berries' as rare, tiny-portion treats, and its dwarf sheet says most fruits are hamster-safe without seeds or pits. Verdict inferred by analogy with strawberries and blueberries. 'Relatively low in sugar' is general nutrition knowledge, not from a hamster source." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Raspberries are safe for budgies and a little lower in sugar than many fruits, but they are still fruit, so keep portions small.", "portion": "Half of one raspberry", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse gently but thoroughly under running water", "Pull the berry apart into small pieces", "Serve fresh, or fully thawed if frozen", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours, as raspberries spoil quickly" ], "benefits": "Berries are rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, as the AAV points out.", "risks": "Raspberries are soft and hard to wash, and birds are very sensitive to pesticides. Their sugar content means they should not replace vegetables.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat the small seeds in raspberries?", "a": "Yes. The tiny seeds are eaten with the fruit and are not known to be harmful." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Raspberries are safe for cockatiels and supply fiber and antioxidants, but like all fruit they should be a small, occasional part of the diet.", "portion": "One raspberry, torn into pieces", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Wash the raspberries carefully", "Break into smaller pieces", "Use plain fresh or fully thawed berries", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "The AAV notes that fruits, especially berries, are rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.", "risks": "Sugar content and potential pesticide residues are the main concerns; neither is a problem in small, well-washed portions.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat raspberry leaves?", "a": "Plain fresh fruit is the safe choice. Garden foliage is best avoided unless your avian vet has confirmed it is safe and it has not been sprayed." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "aav-feeding-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 167755, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/raspberries/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/raspberries/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/raspberries/" } }, { "id": "grape", "name": "Grape", "slug": "grapes", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "grapes" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. The RSPCA advises never giving grapes to hamsters because they can be poisonous to rodents. Some vets allow a tiny amount, but with no proven safe dose, it is better to skip them.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "The RSPCA warns that grapes can be poisonous to rodents. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs; how this applies to hamsters is not known, and no safe amount has been established. Grapes are also very sugary.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet for advice and say how much was eaten. Watch for diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy or changes in drinking and urination, and see a vet promptly if any appear.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are seedless grapes safe for hamsters?", "a": "We treat seedless and seeded grapes the same. The concern is about the fruit itself, not only the seeds." }, { "q": "Why do some guides say grapes are fine?", "a": "Some reputable sources, including a UK animal charity and some vet clinics, allow an occasional grape. Because the RSPCA warns grapes can be poisonous to rodents and there is no proven safe amount, we take the cautious view." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-hamster-diet", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "merck-grape-toxicosis" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Credible sources disagree. RSPCA: 'Don't give them grapes or rhubarb, as these can be poisonous to rodents.' Woodgreen: grapes are fine as an occasional treat in small amounts. Dogwood Animal Hospital lists seedless grapes as OK. Northgate Veterinary Clinic lists grapes among foods to give 'very rarely or not at all' because of sugar. Merck says confirmed cases are in dogs (anecdotal in cats and ferrets) and the proposed toxin, tartaric acid, harms dogs because they lack organic acid transporters other species have, so the dog mechanism may not apply to hamsters. No hamster toxicity data found. Chose 'no' as the most cautious status per the RSPCA; this is stricter than much popular advice." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Avian vet guides list grapes as suitable for budgies, but they are very sugary, so offer a small piece only occasionally.", "portion": "A quarter of a seedless grape", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the grape well under running water", "Use seedless grapes or remove the seeds", "Cut into quarters", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Grapes are juicy and appealing, which can help encourage a budgie to try fresh food.", "risks": "Grapes are high in sugar for their size. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in dogs, with tartaric acid the suspected cause; this has not been documented in birds, but it is another reason to keep portions small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Aren't grapes poisonous to pets?", "a": "They are dangerous for dogs. Veterinary bird-care guides from VCA, the University of Florida and the RSPCA list grapes as suitable for pet birds, and no similar poisoning has been documented in birds, but small portions are still sensible." }, { "q": "Should I peel grapes for my budgie?", "a": "No, but wash them well, because the skin can hold pesticide residues." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care", "rspca-bird-diet", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Grape/raisin toxicity is documented in dogs (ASPCA: tartaric acid speculated); no avian cases found. VCA, UF and RSPCA list grapes as suitable for birds. Kept at 'limit' because of sugar and residual uncertainty." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Grapes are listed as suitable for pet birds by veterinary sources, but they are high in sugar, so cockatiels should only have a small piece now and then.", "portion": "Half a seedless grape, cut into pieces", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash thoroughly", "Remove any seeds", "Halve or quarter the grape", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "A piece of grape can be a handy training reward because most cockatiels like the taste.", "risks": "The main issue is sugar. Grape toxicity is well known in dogs; it has not been reported in birds, but that uncertainty supports keeping amounts small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel ate a whole grape. Is that an emergency?", "a": "No poisoning from grapes has been documented in birds, so a single grape is not usually an emergency. Watch droppings and appetite, and call your vet if anything seems off." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care", "rspca-bird-diet", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same reasoning as budgie: dog toxicity not documented in birds; sugar is the practical limit." } }, "usdaFdcId": 174683, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/grapes/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/grapes/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/grapes/" } }, { "id": "raisin", "name": "Raisin", "slug": "raisins", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "sultana", "sultanas", "dried grapes", "currants" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Raisins are dried grapes, which the RSPCA warns can be poisonous to rodents, and drying concentrates the sugar. Vets advise avoiding dried fruit for hamsters.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Raisins carry the same unexplained toxicity concern as grapes, in concentrated form, and are very high in sugar, which is a particular problem for diabetes-prone dwarf hamsters.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet for advice and say how many were eaten. Watch for diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy or changes in drinking and urination, and see a vet promptly if any appear.", "faq": [ { "q": "What about sultanas and currants?", "a": "Treat sultanas and currants (dried grapes) the same as raisins and do not feed them." }, { "q": "My hamster's food mix contains raisins. Is that a problem?", "a": "Pick them out, or choose a complete pellet or mix without dried grapes or added sugar." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-hamster-diet", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "merck-grape-toxicosis" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Northgate Veterinary Clinic advises avoiding dried fruit because it is very high in sugar; PetMD lists high-sugar treats among foods never to offer dwarf hamsters. Grape disagreement and dog-specific mechanism as described under grape." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Raisins are concentrated sugar with little benefit for a budgie, and because grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs for reasons not fully understood, it is safest to skip them.", "portion": "Not recommended; offer a small piece of fresh fruit instead", "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Offer a small piece of fresh fruit instead", "Keep raisins, trail mix and fruit cake away from the cage", "Check treat mixes for added raisins or sugared dried fruit" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Drying concentrates the sugar in grapes, which works against a budgie's tendency to put on weight. Grape and raisin toxicity is documented in dogs; it has not been documented in birds, but with no real benefit there is no reason to take the chance. Some dried fruit is also treated with preservatives.", "ifEaten": "A raisin or two is not an emergency. Offer normal food and water and watch your budgie over the next day or two. Contact your avian vet if it becomes lethargic, fluffs up, drinks or passes noticeably more urine, or has diarrhea.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are raisins poisonous to budgies?", "a": "No poisoning has been documented in birds. However, grapes and raisins damage the kidneys of dogs, and the cause is still not certain. Given that uncertainty and the high sugar content, it is safest to leave raisins out." }, { "q": "What about other dried fruit?", "a": "Fresh fruit is better. Dried fruit is far more concentrated in sugar and is sometimes sweetened or preserved." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-people-foods", "aav-feeding-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "low", "notes": "No avian-vet source found that addresses raisins specifically. Some popular budgie guides list raisins or dried fruit as an occasional treat. Chose the cautious 'avoid' based on sugar density (AAV and LafeberVet list sugary foods as problems) plus the unexplained grape/raisin toxicity in dogs (ASPCA)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Raisins pack a lot of sugar into a small bite and offer cockatiels little, and grape and raisin toxicity in dogs is still not fully explained, so fresh fruit is the safer choice.", "portion": "Not recommended; use a small piece of fresh fruit instead", "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Choose fresh fruit as a treat instead", "Store raisins and baked goods containing them out of reach", "Read treat-mix labels for raisins and sugared fruit" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Raisins are dried grapes with the sugar concentrated, which is unhelpful for a species prone to obesity and fatty liver. Kidney damage from grapes and raisins is well recognized in dogs; birds have not been shown to be affected, but the cause is unknown.", "ifEaten": "One or two raisins do not call for emergency care. Keep an eye on your cockatiel's appetite, droppings and activity for a day or two, and call your avian vet if it becomes quiet, fluffed up, drinks much more than usual or has loose droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can soaked raisins be given to cockatiels?", "a": "Soaking adds water but does not remove the sugar or resolve the uncertainty about grape toxicity. Fresh fruit remains the better option." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-people-foods", "aav-feeding-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "low", "notes": "Same reasoning as budgie. Differs from some popular advice that lists raisins as a bird treat." } }, "usdaFdcId": 168165, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/raisins/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/raisins/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/raisins/" } }, { "id": "watermelon", "name": "Watermelon", "slug": "watermelon", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Seedless watermelon flesh is safe as an occasional treat, but it is mostly water and sugar, so large pieces can cause loose droppings.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash the outside before cutting", "Remove all seeds", "Offer the red flesh only, not the rind", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Refreshing, but it adds little nutrition because it is mostly water.", "risks": "Watery, sugary fruit in excess can cause diarrhoea, which can quickly become serious in a small hamster. Seeds should be removed.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give watermelon only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat watermelon rind?", "a": "It is best not to. The rind is tough, may carry residues on the outside and offers little benefit." }, { "q": "Can watermelon keep my hamster hydrated?", "a": "Fruit is not a substitute for water. Your hamster should always have fresh water in a clean bottle or bowl, changed daily." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "vca-rodents-feeding", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Sources list 'melon' generally (PDSA, Northgate, Dogwood) without naming watermelon; treated as covering watermelon. VCA advises against very watery, low-nutrition vegetables (iceberg lettuce, celery), which supports keeping watermelon portions small. UC Davis notes wet tail (diarrhoea) can kill within 24 hours of signs. Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Watermelon is safe for budgies and refreshing, but it is mostly water and sugar, so a small cube now and then is plenty.", "portion": "A cube about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the rind before cutting so dirt on the skin is not carried into the flesh", "Cut away the rind", "Remove the seeds", "Serve a small cube and remove it within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Watermelon adds moisture and is well liked on warm days.", "risks": "It offers little nutrition beyond sugar and water. Too much can crowd out more nutritious vegetables and make droppings more watery.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat watermelon seeds?", "a": "Watermelon seeds are not a known toxin like apple seeds or stone-fruit pits, but one veterinary school guide advises removing the seeds of all fruit, so it is simplest to take them out." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat watermelon rind?", "a": "The rind is not toxic, but it has little value and the outer skin can carry dirt and residues. Stick to the flesh." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA lists 'melons' generally." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can have watermelon as a juicy treat, but it is mostly sugar and water, so keep it occasional.", "portion": "Two or three cubes about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Scrub the outside before slicing", "Cut off the rind", "Pick out the seeds", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "It is hydrating and many cockatiels enjoy it in hot weather.", "risks": "Low nutritional value and high water content mean large portions displace better foods and can loosen droppings.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is watermelon good for a cockatiel in hot weather?", "a": "A small piece is fine, but fresh drinking water and shade matter far more for keeping a cockatiel cool." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 167765, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/watermelon/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/watermelon/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/watermelon/" } }, { "id": "cantaloupe", "name": "Cantaloupe (melon)", "slug": "cantaloupe", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "melon", "rockmelon", "muskmelon" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Melon such as cantaloupe is listed as safe by vets and UK charities, but it is sweet and juicy, so keep it to an occasional small cube.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash the rind before cutting so dirt is not carried onto the flesh", "Remove the seeds and rind", "Cut a small cube of flesh", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Contains beta-carotene and adds variety.", "risks": "Sugar and water content are the concerns: too much can cause loose droppings and weight gain.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give melon only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat melon seeds?", "a": "Remove them. Vets advise taking seeds out of fruit before feeding it to hamsters." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat honeydew or other melons?", "a": "Yes, the same rules apply: a small cube of flesh, no seeds or rind, as an occasional treat." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Sources name 'melon'/'melons'. Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cantaloupe is one of the more useful fruits for budgies because its orange flesh is rich in beta-carotene, but it is still sugary.", "portion": "A cube about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Scrub the rind under running water before cutting", "Cut away the rind and scoop out the seeds", "Dice the orange flesh into small cubes", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "VCA and Merck list cantaloupe among foods rich in vitamin A precursors, a nutrient that seed-heavy diets lack.", "risks": "Its sugar content means it should stay a small part of the diet. The netted rind can carry bacteria, so wash it before cutting.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat cantaloupe seeds?", "a": "Melon seeds are not known to be toxic, but removing fruit seeds is the simplest rule to follow." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cantaloupe gives cockatiels beta-carotene, which supports vitamin A levels, but its sugar means it should be an occasional fruit.", "portion": "Two or three cubes about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Wash the rind well first", "Remove rind and seeds", "Cut the flesh into cubes", "Clear away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Orange-fleshed melon is listed by VCA and Merck as a good source of vitamin A precursors; vitamin A deficiency is common in seed-fed birds.", "risks": "Like other melon it is sweet and watery, so large amounts add sugar and little else.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is cantaloupe better than watermelon for cockatiels?", "a": "Nutritionally, yes. Cantaloupe's orange flesh carries far more beta-carotene, though both should be occasional treats." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169092, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cantaloupe/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cantaloupe/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cantaloupe/" } }, { "id": "orange", "name": "Orange (citrus)", "slug": "oranges", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "citrus", "mandarin", "clementine", "tangerine" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Vets and UK animal charities advise against citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit for hamsters because it can upset their digestion.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "Hamsters make their own vitamin C, unlike guinea pigs, so they gain little from citrus.", "risks": "Citrus is very acidic and is widely reported to cause digestive upset in hamsters. PDSA notes that newer research questions this, but still advises avoiding citrus until the evidence is clearer.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A small piece is not an emergency. Remove any leftovers, make sure fresh water is available and watch for diarrhoea, a wet or dirty tail area, or reduced appetite over the next day or two. Contact a vet promptly if these appear, as diarrhoea can become serious quickly in hamsters.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat lemon, lime, grapefruit or clementine?", "a": "No. All citrus fruits carry the same advice, and the peel should not be given either." }, { "q": "Does my hamster need vitamin C from fruit?", "a": "No. Unlike guinea pigs, hamsters make their own vitamin C, so a complete pellet diet covers their needs." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "vca-rodents-feeding", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "All sources advise avoiding citrus. PDSA: 'new research suggests that citrus fruits may not only be harmless to hamsters but could potentially offer some health benefits. The jury's still out... it may be best to avoid them.' The acidity explanation is traditional reasoning; no documented hamster toxicity found. Vitamin C point: VCA states guinea pigs, unlike most pets, cannot make their own vitamin C." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Peeled orange is safe for budgies, but citrus is acidic and sugary, so offer a small piece occasionally and never the peel.", "portion": "A piece of one segment about 1 cm (⅜ in) long", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Peel the orange and remove the pith and all pips", "Cut a small piece from one segment", "Serve plain fruit, never juice or canned orange in syrup", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Veterinary bird-care guides list oranges and other citrus as suitable fruits, and a juicy piece adds variety.", "risks": "Citrus peel, pips and leaves contain essential oils and citric acid that can irritate the gut. The flesh itself is acidic and sugary, so large amounts may upset digestion.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat mandarins, clementines or grapefruit?", "a": "Yes, with the same rules: peeled, pips removed, in small pieces and only occasionally." }, { "q": "Can I add orange juice to my budgie's water?", "a": "No. The AAV advises against putting juice in a bird's water because it encourages bacterial growth." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care", "aspca-people-foods", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Some popular guides say to avoid citrus entirely because of acidity; VCA and UF list orange and other citrus as suitable. ASPCA's citrus warning (oils/citric acid in peel, seeds, leaves) is written for dogs and cats; applied here as a reason to peel. 'limit' reflects sugar and acidity." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can eat peeled orange segments, but citrus is acidic and sweet, so keep it to an occasional small piece without peel or pips.", "portion": "Half a segment, cut into pieces", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Remove the peel, pith and pips", "Cut the segment into small pieces", "Offer fresh fruit only", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "A little citrus adds variety; oranges, tangerines and grapefruit appear on veterinary lists of suitable fruit for pet birds.", "risks": "The peel and pips carry irritating oils and citric acid. The acidity and sugar of the flesh are reasons to keep portions small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels drink orange juice?", "a": "It is best not to. Juice is concentrated sugar without the fiber, and juice added to water encourages bacterial growth." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "aspca-people-foods", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169097, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/oranges/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/oranges/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/oranges/" } }, { "id": "mango", "name": "Mango", "slug": "mango", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Ripe mango flesh is not known to be harmful to hamsters, but it is very sweet, so offer only a small piece occasionally, never the skin or stone.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most for a Syrian; once every two weeks at most for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Peel completely", "Cut the flesh away from the large stone", "Cut a small piece of ripe flesh", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Contains beta-carotene and fibre.", "risks": "Mango is one of the sweeter fruits, so the main risk is sugar: weight gain and loose droppings. The stone is a choking hazard, and the skin is tough and contains compounds that can irritate skin in some people.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give mango only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat dried mango?", "a": "No. Dried mango is extremely sugary and often has sugar added; vets advise avoiding dried fruit for hamsters." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No cited source names mango for hamsters. Inferred from PetMD's statements that most fruits are hamster-safe when seeds and pits are removed and should be given rarely in tiny portions. Mango skin irritation (urushiol-type compounds) is general knowledge from human dermatitis, not a hamster-specific finding." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Mango flesh is safe for budgies and rich in beta-carotene, but it is one of the sweetest fruits, so a small piece occasionally is plenty.", "portion": "One or two pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the mango, then peel it", "Cut the flesh away from the large stone and discard the stone", "Dice into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "VCA lists mango among the orange-fleshed fruits that supply plenty of vitamin A precursors.", "risks": "Mango is very sweet, and budgies gain weight easily. The skin is tough and best removed.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat dried mango?", "a": "It is better not to. Dried mango is much more concentrated in sugar and is often sweetened; a small piece of fresh mango is the better choice." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-budgie-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Mango is a good source of beta-carotene for cockatiels, but it is very sweet, so offer a small peeled piece now and then.", "portion": "Two or three pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash and peel the mango", "Discard the stone", "Cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces", "Clear away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Its orange flesh supplies carotenoids that birds convert to vitamin A.", "risks": "High sugar content; cockatiels are prone to obesity and fatty liver disease, so sweet fruit needs to stay occasional.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels chew on a mango stone?", "a": "It is better not to offer it. The stone has little flesh left, can harbor mold once it sits out, and fresh flesh is a better treat." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-obesity-birds", "merck-psittacine-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Mango stone FAQ is a practical precaution, not a documented toxicity." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169910, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/mango/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/mango/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/mango/" } }, { "id": "pineapple", "name": "Pineapple", "slug": "pineapple", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, but only a tiny piece now and then. Fresh pineapple is not known to be toxic to hamsters, but it is acidic and sugary and may irritate the mouth or upset digestion.", "portion": "A piece about 5 mm-1 cm (¼-⅜ in) across for a Syrian; a 5 mm (¼ in) crumb for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most; less often is better.", "prep": [ "Use fresh, ripe pineapple, not canned in syrup", "Remove the skin, eyes, leaves and tough core", "Cut a tiny piece", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds variety; there is no particular nutritional need for it.", "risks": "Pineapple is acidic and contains bromelain, an enzyme that can make mouths sore, and it is high in sugar. Unlike citrus, it is not specifically warned against by vets or UK charities, but stop if you notice soft droppings or pawing at the mouth.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give pineapple only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat canned or dried pineapple?", "a": "No. Canned pineapple is often packed in syrup, and dried pineapple is very high in sugar." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat pineapple skin or leaves?", "a": "No. They are tough and spiky and offer nothing useful." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "low", "notes": "No credible hamster source names pineapple. Some owner guides advise avoiding it for acidity (by analogy with citrus); others allow small amounts. Given no documented toxicity, chose 'limit' with very small portions; 'avoid' would also be defensible. Bromelain mouth irritation is known from humans, not documented in hamsters." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Fresh pineapple is safe for budgies, but it is sugary and acidic, so offer only a small piece occasionally.", "portion": "One or two pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Cut away the spiky skin, eyes and hard core", "Dice the fresh flesh into small pieces", "Avoid canned pineapple in syrup", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Fresh pineapple adds fiber, moisture and variety.", "risks": "Its sugar and acidity mean too much can upset digestion or add unwanted calories. VCA advises against canned fruit because it may be packed in sugar.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat pineapple skin or leaves?", "a": "It is best not to. They are tough and fibrous and offer nothing useful; give only the peeled flesh." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can eat fresh pineapple, but its sugar and acidity make it an occasional treat rather than a regular food.", "portion": "Two or three pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Peel and core the pineapple", "Cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces", "Use fresh rather than canned pineapple", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "A small piece of pineapple is a juicy, well-liked change from vegetables.", "risks": "Sweet and acidic; large amounts add sugar and may upset digestion. Canned versions in syrup are not recommended.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is canned pineapple in juice okay for cockatiels?", "a": "Fresh is better. Canned fruit is often packed in syrup or juice that adds extra sugar." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169124, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/pineapple/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/pineapple/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/pineapple/" } }, { "id": "pear", "name": "Pear", "slug": "pears", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Pear is a safe occasional treat for hamsters. Remove the seeds and core, as with apple, and keep the piece small because of the sugar.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove the seeds, core and stalk", "Cut a small piece of ripe pear; washed skin can stay on", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Juicy and fibre-rich, and a popular treat.", "risks": "Pear seeds should be removed, like apple seeds, and vets advise never feeding fruit seeds or pits. The flesh is sugary and juicy, so too much can loosen droppings and add weight.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give pear only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat pear seeds?", "a": "No. Remove the seeds and core before feeding, just as with apple." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat tinned pears?", "a": "No. Tinned pears are usually in syrup or juice, which adds sugar." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Pear seeds contain cyanogenic compounds like apple seeds (general botany); no pear-specific toxicity source registered, so the risk text relies on PetMD's rule to remove seeds and pits. Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Pear flesh is safe for budgies, but remove the core and seeds, as avian vets advise for fruit seeds, and keep it an occasional treat.", "portion": "One or two pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Wash the pear well", "Cut out the core and all seeds", "Dice the ripe flesh into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Ripe pear is soft, juicy and easy for a budgie to eat, and it adds fiber.", "risks": "Pear seeds, like apple seeds, contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide; a veterinary school guide advises removing the seeds of all fruit. The flesh is sugary.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat pear seeds?", "a": "No. Remove them just as you would apple seeds, because they contain compounds that can release cyanide." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "LafeberVet names apple seeds and stone-fruit pits; pear seeds covered by UF's 'remove the seeds of all fruit' and general botany (same family as apple)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can eat pear flesh, skin on, once the core and seeds are removed; it is a sugary fruit, so keep it occasional.", "portion": "Two or three pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse the pear thoroughly", "Remove the core and seeds", "Cut into bite-sized pieces", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Soft, ripe pear is easy to eat and adds fiber and moisture.", "risks": "The seeds contain cyanide-releasing compounds, and fruit sugar adds up quickly in a small bird.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat canned pears?", "a": "Fresh is best. Canned pears are usually packed in syrup or juice, which adds sugar." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169118, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/pears/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/pears/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/pears/" } }, { "id": "cherry", "name": "Cherry", "slug": "cherries", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "cherries" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, flesh only. Ripe cherry flesh is fine as an occasional treat, but the stone, stem and leaves contain cyanide-releasing compounds and must be removed.", "portion": "A piece of flesh about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, roughly a quarter of a cherry, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most for a Syrian; once every two weeks at most for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove the stalk and any leaves", "Cut the flesh away from the stone and throw the stone away", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds variety; hamsters generally enjoy the taste.", "risks": "Cherry stones, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, and a whole stone is a choking risk. The flesh is sugary.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give cherry only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "What if my hamster ate a cherry stone?", "a": "Call your vet for advice. Chewed stones can release cyanide, and a stone is a choking risk for a small animal." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat dried, glacé or maraschino cherries?", "a": "No. These are very sugary or soaked in syrup." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "aspca-cherry", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "PetMD lists cherry pits among toxic foods for hamsters and says most fruits are hamster-safe without seeds or pits; no hamster source discusses cherry flesh specifically. ASPCA entry (Prunus spp.) covers dogs, cats and horses." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, flesh only. Cherry pits contain cyanide-releasing compounds, so pit every cherry and keep it an occasional treat for budgies.", "portion": "A quarter of a pitted cherry", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the cherries well", "Remove the stem and the pit completely", "Cut the flesh into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Cherry flesh adds color and variety and is popular with many birds.", "risks": "Cherry pits contain cyanogenic compounds, and avian vets advise never letting birds chew them. The flesh is sugary.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "What if my budgie chewed a cherry pit?", "a": "Take the pit away and call your avian vet for advice, especially if the pit was cracked open, since the harmful compounds are in the kernel inside. Watch for weakness, breathing difficulty or collapse." }, { "q": "Are glacé or maraschino cherries okay?", "a": "No. They are heavily sweetened and dyed. Offer only fresh, pitted cherries." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, with the pit removed. Cockatiels can eat cherry flesh, but the pits contain cyanide-releasing compounds and must never be offered.", "portion": "Half a pitted cherry, cut into pieces", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Rinse the cherries", "Take out the pit and stem", "Cut the flesh into small pieces", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "A piece of cherry makes a colorful occasional treat.", "risks": "Pits from cherries, plums, apricots and peaches contain cyanide-releasing compounds, and cockatiels have strong enough beaks to crack them. The flesh is sweet.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel cracked a cherry pit. What should I do?", "a": "Remove the remains and phone your avian vet for advice straight away. Watch for weakness, fast or labored breathing or collapse." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-cockatiel-care", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 171719, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cherries/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cherries/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cherries/" } }, { "id": "peach", "name": "Peach", "slug": "peaches", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Peach flesh is listed as safe for hamsters, but the stone, leaves and stem contain cyanide-releasing compounds, and the fruit is sugary.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) across, no bigger than your hamster's ear, for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week (twice at most) for a Syrian; no more than once every two weeks for a dwarf.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove the stone, stalk and any leaves", "Cut a small piece of ripe flesh; washed skin can stay on", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Juicy and a source of some vitamins and fibre.", "risks": "The stone, stem and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides. The flesh is sweet and juicy, so too much can cause soft droppings and weight gain.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give peach only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat nectarines, plums or apricots?", "a": "The flesh of these stone fruits can be offered in the same small amounts, but always remove the stone, and speak to your vet if a stone was chewed." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat tinned peaches?", "a": "No. Tinned peaches are usually in syrup or juice, which adds sugar." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "aspca-peach", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA and Northgate list peach as suitable. ASPCA entry is for dogs, cats and horses. The nectarine/plum/apricot FAQ is extrapolated from the same stone-fruit rule and is not individually sourced. Portion and frequency are deliberately stricter than PetMD's dwarf care sheet (about a teaspoon of fruit 1-3 times a week), because Blue Cross limits fruit to Syrian hamsters, UC Davis's exotic service says hamsters cannot tolerate high-sugar items such as fruit, and dwarf species are diabetes-prone." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Peach flesh is safe for budgies, but the pit contains cyanide-releasing compounds and the fruit is sugary, so offer a small, pitted piece.", "portion": "One or two pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the peach well; the skin can stay on", "Remove the pit completely", "Dice the flesh into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Ripe peach is soft and juicy and adds variety.", "risks": "Peach pits, like other stone-fruit pits, contain cyanogenic compounds. The flesh is sugary, and canned peaches are usually packed in syrup.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat nectarines, apricots and plums?", "a": "Yes, the same rules apply: flesh only, pit removed, in small pieces and only occasionally." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat peach skin?", "a": "Yes, if it is washed well. Peeling is optional." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can eat peach flesh, but never the pit, which contains cyanide-releasing compounds. Keep it an occasional sweet treat.", "portion": "Two or three pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the peach", "Take out the pit", "Cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Peach is soft and appealing, a good occasional change from vegetables.", "risks": "Stone-fruit pits carry cyanogenic compounds. The fruit is sugary, and canned peaches in syrup add even more sugar.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are nectarines and apricots also okay for cockatiels?", "a": "Yes, as long as the pit is removed and portions stay small." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169928, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/peaches/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/peaches/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/peaches/" } }, { "id": "kiwi", "name": "Kiwi", "slug": "kiwi", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [ "kiwifruit" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Peeled kiwi flesh is not known to be harmful to hamsters, but it is sweet and quite acidic, so offer only a small piece occasionally.", "portion": "A piece about 5 mm-1 cm (¼-⅜ in) across for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most.", "prep": [ "Peel off the fuzzy skin", "Cut a small piece of ripe flesh", "Offer a first taste and watch for soft droppings", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds variety; hamsters make their own vitamin C, so they do not need kiwi for it.", "risks": "Kiwi is acidic and contains an enzyme (actinidin) that can irritate the mouth in some people, so it may bother some hamsters. It is also sugary.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Give kiwi only rarely, as a 5 mm (¼ in) taste no more than once every two weeks, or skip fruit and use a low-sugar vegetable such as cucumber as a treat. Roborovskis are less studied, but they are tiny, so keep their portions just as small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat kiwi skin?", "a": "It is best to peel it. The fuzzy skin is tough and may carry residues." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "vca-rodents-feeding", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "low", "notes": "No credible hamster source names kiwi. Inferred from PetMD's general fruit guidance. Actinidin irritation is documented in humans, not hamsters. Vitamin C point from VCA (only guinea pigs among common pet rodents cannot make their own)." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Kiwi flesh, including the tiny black seeds, is safe for budgies, but it is sweet and tart, so offer a small piece occasionally.", "portion": "One or two pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the kiwi", "Peel off the fuzzy skin", "Cut a thin slice into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Kiwi adds fiber, moisture and a bright color that can tempt budgies to explore.", "risks": "Its sugar and acidity mean it should be a small, occasional part of the diet.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are kiwi seeds safe for budgies?", "a": "Yes. The tiny black seeds are eaten with the flesh and are not known to be harmful." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Kiwi is safe for cockatiels and the tiny seeds are fine, but it is sugary and acidic, so treat it as an occasional fruit.", "portion": "Two or three pieces about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Rinse and peel the kiwi", "Slice and cut into pieces", "Offer ripe, fresh fruit", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Kiwi is a colorful, fiber-containing fruit that adds variety.", "risks": "Sugar and acidity; large amounts may upset digestion.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat kiwi skin?", "a": "The skin is not known to be toxic, but it is fuzzy and may carry residues, so peeling is the simpler choice." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 168153, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/kiwi/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/kiwi/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/kiwi/" } }, { "id": "avocado", "name": "Avocado", "slug": "avocado", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Avocado contains persin, a toxin that can damage the heart, and the Merck Veterinary Manual lists mice, rats and guinea pigs among susceptible species. It is also very fatty.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Persin is found in the leaves, skin, stone and fruit; leaves are the most toxic part and levels vary by variety. In susceptible mammals it can cause heart muscle damage, with breathing difficulty and lethargy within 24-48 hours. Avocado is also very high in fat.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet promptly and say how much, and which part, was eaten. Watch closely for laboured breathing, lethargy, swelling or reduced appetite over the next 24-48 hours.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is a tiny bit of ripe avocado flesh OK?", "a": "We do not recommend any amount. Persin levels vary between varieties and parts of the fruit, and no safe dose has been established for hamsters." }, { "q": "What about guacamole?", "a": "No. As well as avocado, guacamole usually contains onion, garlic, salt and chilli, which are all unsuitable for hamsters." } ], "sources": [ "merck-avocado-toxicosis" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "high", "notes": "No credible hamster-specific source found (the charity and vet hamster pages consulted do not mention avocado). Merck lists cattle, goats, horses, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, sheep and several birds as susceptible; dogs are relatively resistant. Verdict inferred from closely related rodents; confidence in 'do not feed' is high." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Avocado contains persin, which damages the hearts of pet birds, and budgies are among the most sensitive species. Never feed any part of it.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "All parts of the avocado plant, including the flesh, skin, pit and especially the leaves, contain persin, which can cause heart damage, fluid build-up and breathing difficulty. In published reports, budgies given about 1 g of avocado showed signs of distress, and larger amounts were fatal within 48 hours.", "ifEaten": "Treat any amount as an emergency. Call your avian vet or an animal poison line straight away, even if your budgie seems fine. Signs such as fluffed feathers, labored breathing, weakness or being unable to perch can appear around 12 hours after eating, and death can follow within one to two days.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is a tiny lick of avocado or guacamole okay for a budgie?", "a": "No. There is no known safe amount, and budgies are among the most susceptible birds. Guacamole also usually contains onion and garlic, which are harmful too." }, { "q": "Are some avocado varieties safe?", "a": "No. Guatemalan types have been linked to poisoning most often, but no variety is known to be safe for birds." } ], "sources": [ "merck-avocado-toxicosis", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-budgie-feeding", "aav-basic-care", "rspca-bird-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Merck: budgerigars fed 1 g avocado developed agitation and feather pulling; 8.7 g mashed avocado caused death within 48 h. Hargis et al. 1989 (JAVMA) found avocado highly toxic to budgerigars; cited within Merck and LafeberVet." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Avocado contains persin, a toxin that can damage a cockatiel's heart and cause fatal breathing problems. Never offer the flesh, skin, pit or leaves.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "The Merck Veterinary Manual lists cockatiels among the birds affected by avocado. Persin causes heart muscle damage, fluid around the heart and lungs, and swelling under the skin of the neck and chest. The leaves are the most toxic part, but the fruit, pit and skin are also dangerous.", "ifEaten": "Call your avian vet or an animal poison line immediately, whatever the amount, and do not wait for signs. Watch for fluffed feathers, open-mouth or labored breathing, weakness and inability to perch; signs often start within about 12 hours.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat food that contains avocado, like smoothies or salads?", "a": "No. Keep all avocado-containing foods, including guacamole and avocado toast, away from your cockatiel." }, { "q": "Can I use avocado wood or leaves as a perch or chew toy?", "a": "No. The leaves are the most toxic part of the plant, and all parts contain persin." } ], "sources": [ "merck-avocado-toxicosis", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "petmd-cockatiel-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 171705, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/avocado/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/avocado/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/avocado/" } }, { "id": "coconut", "name": "Coconut", "slug": "coconut", "category": "fruit", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, but only a tiny amount now and then. Fresh coconut flesh is not toxic, but it is very high in fat, and hamsters easily become overweight.", "portion": "A thin shaving about 5 mm (¼ in) across for a Syrian; best skipped for dwarf species (see the dwarf note).", "frequency": "Once every one to two weeks at most.", "prep": [ "Use fresh or plain unsweetened coconut only", "Offer a thin shaving of the white flesh", "Do not offer coconut milk, cream, oil or sweetened desiccated coconut", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds novelty. A clean, untreated coconut shell also makes a safe gnawing item or hide.", "risks": "Coconut flesh is mostly fat and calorie-dense. Hamsters are prone to obesity, and vets recommend low-fat treats.", "dwarf": "Research in diabetes-prone Chinese hamsters found that reducing dietary fat or calories helped prevent diabetes developing, so it is best to skip coconut flesh for Campbell's, Winter White, hybrid and Chinese hamsters.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters have a coconut shell?", "a": "Yes. PDSA lists coconut shells among safe things for hamsters to gnaw on. Make sure it is clean and untreated." }, { "q": "Is coconut water or coconut milk OK?", "a": "No. Your hamster only needs fresh water. Coconut milk is very fatty, and coconut water adds sugar." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "vca-owning-hamster", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No cited source discusses coconut flesh for hamsters; PDSA mentions coconut shells only as chews. Verdict based on high fat content (general nutrition), VCA's statement that hamsters are prone to obesity, and PetMD's advice to prioritise low-fat treats. Gerritsen 1982 (abstract): 'Caloric restriction per se or reduction of dietary fat prevented onset of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in prediabetics.' PubMed page blocked by CAPTCHA; abstract retrieved via NCBI E-utilities / Europe PMC API." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, but only a tiny piece, rarely. Fresh coconut is not toxic to budgies, but it is very high in fat, and budgies are prone to obesity, fatty tumors (lipomas) and fatty liver.", "portion": "A sliver about 5 mm (¼ in) across", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Use fresh, plain coconut flesh", "Avoid sweetened desiccated coconut, coconut sweets and coconut oil", "Shave or grate off a thin sliver", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Coconut offers a novel texture that some budgies enjoy shredding.", "risks": "Coconut flesh is rich in saturated fat. VCA lists budgies among the species most prone to obesity, which raises the risk of lipomas and fatty liver disease.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies drink coconut water?", "a": "Plain water is the best drink. Unsweetened coconut water is not known to be toxic, but it adds sugar, and avian vets advise keeping the water bowl free of additives." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-obesity-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA lists coconut as suitable for budgies. The strict portion/frequency is inferred from coconut's fat content and the species' documented predisposition to obesity, lipomas and hepatic lipidosis." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, but only a small piece, rarely. Coconut is not toxic to cockatiels, but its high fat content is a concern for a species prone to obesity and fatty liver disease.", "portion": "A sliver about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Offer fresh, unsweetened coconut only", "Skip desiccated, sweetened or oil-based coconut products", "Cut a thin sliver", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "A little fresh coconut can be used as a foraging reward.", "risks": "High fat. VCA lists cockatiels among the birds most commonly affected by obesity, and Merck associates obesity with fatty liver disease.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is coconut shell safe as a toy for cockatiels?", "a": "Clean, dry coconut shell is commonly used for toys. Make sure it contains no moldy flesh, glue or sharp edges." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-obesity-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Coconut shell FAQ is a practical note, not from a cited source." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170169, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/coconut/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/coconut/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/coconut/" } }, { "id": "carrot", "name": "Carrot", "slug": "carrots", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Carrot is safe and crunchy, but it has more natural sugar than most vegetables, so vets suggest it as an occasional treat rather than a daily food.", "portion": "A thin slice or stick about 1 cm (⅜ in) long for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Two or three times a week.", "prep": [ "Wash or peel to remove soil", "Cut into a thin slice or small stick", "Serve raw with nothing added", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Rich in beta-carotene, and the crunch gives hamsters something to gnaw.", "risks": "Carrots contain more natural sugar than leafy and green vegetables, so large or frequent portions add calories. Chop into small pieces to reduce the choking risk.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Keep carrot to a thin 5 mm (¼ in) sliver once or twice a week, and rely mainly on low-sugar vegetables such as cucumber, broccoli and bell pepper.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are baby carrots OK?", "a": "Yes, but chop them into small pieces first. PetMD recommends this to prevent choking." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat cooked carrot?", "a": "Plain cooked carrot is safe, but raw is better: it is crunchier and has nothing added. Never offer carrot cooked with butter, salt or seasoning." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "rspca-hamster-diet", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets", "merck-hamster-home", "vca-owning-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Most sources list carrot as a regular safe vegetable (RSPCA 'cleaned root vegetables', Woodgreen, UC Davis, PetMD dwarf sheet). PetMD's 'What Can Hamsters Eat?' says 'only as occasional treats, as they have a high sugar content', and PetMD's Syrian sheet says 'small portions of root vegetables'. Took the more cautious 'limit'. Many popular guides treat carrot as an everyday vegetable." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Carrot is a good regular vegetable for budgies: crunchy, well liked and rich in beta-carotene, which helps prevent the vitamin A deficiency common on seed diets.", "portion": "About a teaspoon (5 ml) of grated or finely diced carrot as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash or peel the carrot", "Grate it or cut it into small dice or thin matchsticks", "Serve raw, or lightly steamed and cooled, with nothing added", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "The AAV and VCA name carrots among orange vegetables high in beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor that seeds lack, and the Royal Veterinary College recommends carrot for budgies.", "risks": "Carrot is sweeter than leafy vegetables, so it works best as one part of a varied mix rather than the only vegetable.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat carrot tops?", "a": "Yes. VCA lists carrot tops among suitable foods; wash them well and chop finely." }, { "q": "Is raw or cooked carrot better?", "a": "Raw is fine and keeps more nutrients, as cooking can deplete some foods of their value. Lightly steamed carrot is also fine." } ], "sources": [ "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-budgie-feeding", "rvc-budgie-care", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Carrot is an excellent everyday vegetable for cockatiels, supplying beta-carotene that supports vitamin A levels, which are often low in seed-fed birds.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of grated or diced carrot as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash or peel the carrot", "Grate, dice or cut into thin sticks", "Offer raw or lightly steamed and cooled, unseasoned", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Red-orange vegetables such as carrots are high in beta-carotene, according to the AAV, and vitamin A deficiency is common in birds on all-seed diets.", "risks": "Few risks. Carrot is a little sweeter than green vegetables, so pair it with others rather than feeding it alone.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat carrot greens?", "a": "Yes. Carrot tops are listed by VCA as suitable; wash and chop them before serving." } ], "sources": [ "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 170393, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/carrots/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/carrots/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/carrots/" } }, { "id": "broccoli", "name": "Broccoli", "slug": "broccoli", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Broccoli is a safe, low-sugar vegetable for hamsters. Offer a small floret a few times a week; large amounts can cause gas.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Cut a small floret or thin piece of stalk", "Serve raw, or lightly steamed with nothing added and cooled", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Low in sugar and a source of fibre, vitamins and minerals; the stalk gives something to gnaw.", "risks": "Broccoli and other cabbage-family vegetables can cause gas if fed in large amounts. Introduce it slowly and cut back if droppings become soft.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat broccoli stalks and leaves?", "a": "Yes. Washed stalks and leaves are fine in small pieces." }, { "q": "Raw or cooked broccoli?", "a": "Raw is fine and keeps the crunch. If you cook it, it must be plain, with no butter, oil, salt or seasoning, and cooled before serving." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "merck-hamster-home", "vca-owning-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Universally listed as safe. Northgate says 'very small amounts and only occasionally' (as for all fresh vegetables); Dogwood warns too much may cause gas." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable for budgies, but rotate it with other vegetables rather than feeding large amounts daily, as heavy intake has been linked to goiter in budgies.", "portion": "A few small florets or leaves, about a teaspoon (5 ml) chopped, as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "2–4 times a week, rotated with vegetables outside the cabbage family", "prep": [ "Wash the broccoli well", "Chop the florets, leaves and peeled stalk into small pieces", "Serve raw or lightly steamed and cooled, unseasoned", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Broccoli florets and leaves are rich in beta-carotene; the AAV, VCA and the Royal Veterinary College all recommend broccoli for budgies.", "risks": "Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, which contains goitrogens that interfere with iodine use. Budgies are especially prone to thyroid enlargement (goiter), and a published outbreak in a budgie flock was linked to large amounts of broccoli in a diet with no added minerals.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can broccoli give my budgie goiter?", "a": "The risk comes from large amounts, especially with a seed-only diet that is low in iodine. In the reported outbreak, sick budgies improved once broccoli was removed and iodine was added. Offer broccoli as one of several vegetables alongside a pellet-based or iodine-supplemented diet." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat broccoli stalks and leaves?", "a": "Yes. The leaves are especially nutritious. Peel the tough outer layer of the stalk and chop it finely." } ], "sources": [ "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "rvc-budgie-care", "vca-budgie-feeding", "paper-loukopoulos-2015", "ufifas-avian-goiter", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Recommended for budgies by AAV, VCA and RVC. Quantity caution from Loukopoulos et al. 2015 (goiter outbreak: 45 of 400 budgies ill, 15 died; diet was a commercial mix plus broccoli, oats and carrots with no minerals; resolved after broccoli removal and iodine supplementation) and UF/IFAS listing broccoli and cabbage as goitrogenic feeds; VCA notes budgies are vulnerable to iodine deficiency. Kept at 'yes' with rotation advice rather than 'limit' because the risk was tied to large amounts plus no mineral supplementation." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Broccoli is one of the best vegetables for cockatiels. The florets and leaves are rich in beta-carotene, which supports the vitamin A that seed-heavy diets lack.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of chopped florets and leaves as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "Several times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Rinse the broccoli thoroughly", "Chop florets and leaves into small pieces; peel and dice the stalk", "Serve raw or lightly steamed and cooled, without seasoning", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "The AAV lists broccoli among dark green vegetables high in beta-carotene, and Merck names broccoli leaves and florets as good vitamin A sources for birds.", "risks": "Safe for cockatiels. As with any single vegetable, very large daily amounts are unwise, because cabbage-family plants contain goitrogens that can interfere with iodine use.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Does my cockatiel need broccoli cooked?", "a": "No. Raw broccoli is fine and keeps more nutrients; lightly steamed and cooled is also fine if your bird prefers it." } ], "sources": [ "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners", "ufifas-avian-goiter", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Goiter reports center on budgerigars; the goitrogen note for cockatiels is a general precaution." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170379, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/broccoli/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/broccoli/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/broccoli/" } }, { "id": "cucumber", "name": "Cucumber", "slug": "cucumber", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cucumber is a safe, low-sugar vegetable and a good treat for dwarf hamsters, but it is mostly water, so keep portions small to avoid loose droppings.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Cut a small piece; washed skin can stay on", "Serve raw", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Very low in sugar and calories, which makes it a sensible treat for diabetes-prone dwarf hamsters.", "risks": "Cucumber is mostly water with little nutrition, so large amounts can cause diarrhoea. Hoarded pieces go off quickly in the bedding.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat cucumber skin?", "a": "Yes, if it is washed well. Peel it if you cannot wash off a waxy coating." }, { "q": "Can cucumber replace my hamster's water?", "a": "No. Fresh water should always be available in a clean bottle or bowl, changed daily." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Universally listed as safe. VCA's warning about watery, low-nutrition vegetables names iceberg lettuce and celery, not cucumber. Hamster Society Singapore's fresh-food page (now offline, not cited) advised moderation for high-water vegetables such as cucumber and cabbage." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cucumber is safe for budgies and refreshing, but it is mostly water, so treat it as a light extra alongside more nutritious vegetables.", "portion": "A thin slice about 5 mm (¼ in) thick, or a few small cubes", "frequency": "A few times a week", "prep": [ "Wash well; peeling is optional", "Slice thinly or cut into small cubes", "The soft seeds can be left in", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Cucumber is low in calories and many budgies enjoy nibbling it, especially in warm weather.", "risks": "It has little nutritional value because it is mostly water, the same reason VCA gives for limiting iceberg lettuce and celery. Large amounts can make droppings watery.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat cucumber seeds and skin?", "a": "Yes. The soft seeds and well-washed skin are fine." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA lists cucumber as suitable; VCA's own reasoning about high-water produce (iceberg lettuce, celery) suggests keeping it a minor item. 'yes' because it is harmless, not because it is nutritious." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cucumber is a safe, low-calorie vegetable for cockatiels, though it is mostly water and should sit alongside more nutrient-rich vegetables.", "portion": "Two or three thin slices, or about a tablespoon (15 ml) of cubes", "frequency": "A few times a week", "prep": [ "Wash the cucumber", "Slice or cube it; skin and seeds can stay", "Serve raw and plain", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "It is hydrating and low in calories, which suits a species prone to weight gain.", "risks": "Little nutritional value; large portions displace better vegetables and loosen droppings.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are pickles okay for cockatiels?", "a": "No. Pickles are soaked in salt and vinegar and often contain garlic. Offer only fresh cucumber." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-obesity-birds", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie. Pickle answer supported by AAV/VCA warnings on highly salted foods." } }, "usdaFdcId": 168409, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cucumber/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cucumber/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cucumber/" } }, { "id": "tomato", "name": "Tomato", "slug": "tomatoes", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "tomatoes" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Ripe tomato flesh is not toxic, but the leaves, stems and unripe fruit contain solanine-type compounds, and some UK charities advise avoiding tomato altogether.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "The green parts of the tomato plant and unripe fruit contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids, which can cause serious digestive upset and weakness. Ripe fruit is acidic and watery. Reputable sources disagree about ripe tomato, so we take the cautious view.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A small bite of ripe tomato is not an emergency: remove any leftovers and watch for diarrhoea, a wet or dirty tail area, or reduced appetite over the next day or two, and contact a vet promptly if these appear. If your hamster ate leaves, stems or green tomato, call your vet for advice.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat tomato leaves or stems?", "a": "No. The green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine and are listed as toxic to pets. Keep hamsters away from tomato plants." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce or ketchup?", "a": "Cherry tomatoes carry the same caution as other tomatoes. Sauces, ketchup and soups often contain onion, garlic, salt or sugar and should never be given." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "aspca-tomato-plant" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: PDSA lists tomato among suitable fruits; PetMD says do not offer unripe tomatoes and lists tomato leaves as toxic (implying ripe fruit is acceptable); ASPCA (dogs, cats, horses) says 'ripe fruit is non-toxic'; Woodgreen lists 'Tomato' under foods to avoid. Chose the more cautious 'avoid'. This is stricter than much popular advice, which allows small pieces of ripe tomato." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, ripe flesh only. Ripe tomato is not toxic to budgies, but the leaves, stems and green fruit contain solanine, and the flesh is acidic.", "portion": "A piece of ripe tomato about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week at most", "prep": [ "Use only fully ripe, red tomato", "Remove every bit of stem, leaf and green calyx", "Wash and cut into small pieces", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Ripe tomato adds moisture and variety; VCA lists it among suitable foods for budgies.", "risks": "Tomatoes are nightshades: the leaves, stems and unripe fruit contain the glycoalkaloid solanine, while ripe fruit is considered non-toxic. The acidity of the flesh is another reason to keep portions small.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "What if my budgie nibbled a tomato leaf or green tomato?", "a": "Remove the plant, note roughly how much was eaten and call your avian vet for advice. Watch for drooling, regurgitation, diarrhea or weakness." }, { "q": "Are tomato sauce or ketchup okay?", "a": "No. They are concentrated, salted and often sweetened, and may contain onion or garlic." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-tomato-plant", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants", "vca-budgie-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "LafeberVet (2019) says 'birds can eat green tomatoes' and that the plants are toxic, which conflicts with ASPCA (unripe fruit contains solanine) and LafeberVet's own toxic-plant list (tomato green parts). Took the cautious line: ripe fruit only. Some vet-reviewed retailer content advises against tomatoes altogether because of acidity." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, ripe flesh only. Cockatiels can eat ripe tomato, but never the leaves, stems or green fruit, which contain solanine, and keep portions small because it is acidic.", "portion": "One or two pieces of ripe tomato about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week at most", "prep": [ "Choose fully ripe tomatoes", "Cut off all green parts, including the stem and calyx", "Wash and dice", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "A little ripe tomato adds variety to the vegetable mix.", "risks": "The green parts of the tomato plant, and unripe fruit, contain solanine. Ripe fruit is non-toxic but acidic.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can I let my cockatiel play on my tomato plants?", "a": "No. The leaves and stems are toxic to birds. Keep cockatiels away from tomato, potato and other nightshade plants." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-tomato-plant", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same disagreement as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170457, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/tomatoes/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/tomatoes/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/tomatoes/" } }, { "id": "bell-pepper", "name": "Bell pepper", "slug": "bell-peppers", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "capsicum", "sweet pepper", "red pepper", "green pepper" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Sweet bell peppers are a safe, low-sugar vegetable for hamsters. Remove the seeds and stalk and offer a small strip.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove the stalk, seeds and white pith", "Cut a small strip", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Crunchy and low in calories, with vitamins including vitamin C and, in red, yellow and orange peppers, carotenoids.", "risks": "Very low risk. Do not confuse sweet peppers with hot chilli peppers, which should be avoided. Too much of any fresh food can loosen droppings.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are all colours of bell pepper safe?", "a": "Yes. Red, yellow and orange peppers are slightly sweeter than green, but all are fine in small amounts." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat pepper seeds?", "a": "Remove them. They add nothing, and seeds are generally best taken out before feeding." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA ('Bell Sweet peppers'), PetMD ('Colored peppers, such as bell peppers') and Northgate ('Sweet peppers') list them as safe." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Bell peppers, especially red, orange and yellow ones, are an excellent vegetable for budgies: crunchy, low in sugar and rich in beta-carotene.", "portion": "A few small strips or cubes, about a teaspoon (5 ml), as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the pepper well", "Cut off the stalk", "Slice into thin strips or small pieces; the seeds can be left in", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "VCA names bell peppers among the brightly colored vegetables that supply vitamin A precursors, which seed-based diets lack.", "risks": "Few risks beyond washing off residues. The leaves and stems of pepper plants, like other nightshades, should not be offered.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat bell pepper seeds?", "a": "Yes. Bell pepper seeds are not known to be harmful, and many budgies enjoy picking them out." }, { "q": "Which color pepper is best?", "a": "Red, orange and yellow peppers are riper and richer in carotenoids than green ones, but all colors are safe." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-budgie-feeding", "uf-pet-bird-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Bell peppers are a top vegetable for cockatiels: low in sugar, crunchy to shred, and rich in beta-carotene, especially the red, orange and yellow ones.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of strips or pieces as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Rinse the pepper", "Remove the stalk", "Cut into strips or chunks; leave some seeds for foraging if you like", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Brightly colored peppers are listed by VCA as good sources of vitamin A precursors, and the University of Florida veterinary hospital recommends various peppers for pet birds.", "risks": "Very low risk. Keep cockatiels away from the leaves and stems of the pepper plant, which belongs to the nightshade family.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat stuffed or roasted peppers?", "a": "Only plain pepper. Stuffed or roasted dishes usually contain salt, oil, onion or garlic." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 170108, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/bell-peppers/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/bell-peppers/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/bell-peppers/" } }, { "id": "chili", "name": "Chili pepper", "slug": "chili-peppers", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "chilli", "jalapeno", "hot pepper", "cayenne" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "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.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "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.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "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.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are jalapeños, chilli flakes or spicy crisps any different?", "a": "No. All hot peppers, chilli flakes and spicy seasonings should be avoided." }, { "q": "So can hamsters eat bell peppers?", "a": "Yes. Sweet bell peppers are not hot and are a good vegetable choice in small pieces." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Woodgreen lists 'Chillies' under foods to avoid; PetMD: 'Spicy peppers and citrus fruit should be avoided, as they can cause gastrointestinal problems.' No source describes acute toxicity, hence 'avoid' rather than 'no'." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Birds do not feel the burn of capsaicin, and vet sources list hot peppers as suitable, but keep portions small and wash your hands after cutting them.", "portion": "A thin ring or small piece about 5 mm (¼ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the chili well", "Remove the stalk and cut into small pieces; seeds can stay", "Wash your hands and knife afterwards so you do not get capsaicin in your own eyes", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Chili peppers are rich in carotenoids; the Merck Veterinary Manual lists them among foods that supply vitamin A.", "risks": "Research on the capsaicin receptor shows birds are indifferent to capsaicin's pain-producing effect. There is little published data on large amounts in small parrots, so moderation is a precaution rather than a response to known harm.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Don't hot chilies burn a budgie's mouth?", "a": "No. Birds' capsaicin receptor does not respond to capsaicin, which is why wild birds eat chili fruits and spread the seeds." }, { "q": "Can budgies have chili flakes or hot sauce?", "a": "No. Stick to fresh chili. Sauces and seasonings usually contain salt, garlic, onion or vinegar." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners", "paper-jordt-2002" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA lists 'peppers (red/green/hot)'; Merck (owner edition) lists chili peppers as a vitamin A source. 'limit' is precautionary given limited data on quantity in small species; arguably could be 'yes'. Some internet sources claim chili is toxic to birds; no evidence found for that." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels cannot taste the heat of chili, and vets list hot peppers as suitable, but offer small pieces as part of a varied mix.", "portion": "One or two small pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the chili", "Cut off the stalk and chop; seeds may be left in", "Clean your hands and cutting board afterwards", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Fresh chilies supply carotenoids that support vitamin A intake.", "risks": "Birds lack the capsaicin sensitivity that mammals have, so the heat is not a problem for them. Because data on large quantities is limited, small portions are a sensible precaution.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Will chili upset my cockatiel's stomach?", "a": "Birds are indifferent to capsaicin, and no harm from normal portions of fresh chili is documented. Stop offering it and call your vet if you notice any digestive change." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners", "paper-jordt-2002" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170106, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/chili-peppers/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/chili-peppers/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/chili-peppers/" } }, { "id": "celery", "name": "Celery", "slug": "celery", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Celery is not toxic, but VCA vets advise against it because it is mostly water with little nutrition, and PetMD warns its stringy fibres are a choking hazard.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Long, tough strings can lodge in the mouth or throat, and celery adds little nutrition. Some vets and charities allow small pieces, so this is a precaution rather than a toxicity concern.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A nibble is not an emergency. Check that your hamster is breathing and eating normally and has no string caught in its mouth. If it is gagging, pawing at its mouth, or its cheeks stay swollen for more than a few hours, contact a vet.", "faq": [ { "q": "Some guides say celery is fine. Who is right?", "a": "PDSA and some vet clinics list celery as safe, while VCA advises against it and PetMD warns about the strings. Because better vegetables are available, we suggest skipping it. If you do offer it, remove the strings and cut it very small." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat celery leaves?", "a": "The leaves are less stringy than the stalk, but they still add little. Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce or dandelion leaves are better choices." } ], "sources": [ "vca-rodents-feeding", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "pdsa-hamsters", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: VCA (rodents generally): 'Do not give your rodent iceberg lettuce or celery, as these vegetables are composed mostly of water and provide little to no nutritional value.' PetMD: celery strings 'pose a choking hazard... not a good choice for a snack.' PDSA, Northgate and Dogwood list celery as safe. Chose the more cautious 'avoid'. Differs from much popular advice. PetMD dwarf sheet cited for swollen cheek pouches that do not empty after a few hours warranting a vet visit; it lists spinach as safe." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Celery is not toxic, but it is mostly water with few nutrients, and its long strings should be cut short for a bird as small as a budgie.", "portion": "A few pieces of stalk about 5 mm (¼ in) long, or a few chopped leaves", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the celery well", "Peel off or cut out the stringy fibers", "Chop the stalk into pieces no longer than 5 mm (¼ in)", "Chop the leafy tops finely", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Celery leaves carry more nutrients than the watery stalk, and the crunch can be enriching.", "risks": "VCA advises feeding celery sparingly because its high water content gives birds few nutrients. The long fibers in the stalk are a possible choking or crop-blockage hazard for small birds, so cut them short.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat celery leaves?", "a": "Yes. The leaves are more nutritious than the stalk; wash and chop them finely." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "The string/crop-impaction concern is widely repeated but was not found in the cited vet sources; included as a precaution (inferred)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Celery is safe for cockatiels but mostly water, so vets advise feeding it sparingly, cut into short pieces with the strings removed.", "portion": "A few pieces about 1 cm (⅜ in) long, or about 2 teaspoons of chopped leaves", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash the celery", "Remove the stringy fibers", "Cut the stalk into short pieces", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Many cockatiels enjoy the crunch, and the leaves add some extra nutrients.", "risks": "Low nutritional value because of the high water content. Long stringy fibers are best removed as a precaution.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is celery good for a cockatiel's diet?", "a": "It is safe but not especially nutritious. Darker and orange vegetables such as broccoli, bell pepper and carrot offer more." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169988, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/celery/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/celery/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/celery/" } }, { "id": "cabbage", "name": "Cabbage", "slug": "cabbage", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cabbage is listed as safe by UK charities and vets. Offer a small piece of leaf a few times a week; too much can cause gas or loose droppings.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash well and discard wilted outer leaves", "Tear or cut a small piece of leaf", "Serve raw", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Low in sugar and calories, with fibre and vitamins.", "risks": "Cabbage-family vegetables can cause gas, and watery leaves in large amounts can loosen droppings. Leafy greens rot quickly if hoarded.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are red cabbage, savoy and Chinese cabbage OK?", "a": "Yes, the same small-portion rule applies to all common cabbages." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat cooked cabbage or coleslaw?", "a": "Plain cooked cabbage is fine but raw is better. Coleslaw contains mayonnaise and often onion, so never feed it." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "bluecross-hamster-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Woodgreen, PDSA and Dogwood list cabbage as safe. Blue Cross advises not giving too many green vegetables because they rot easily when hoarded. Hamster Society Singapore (offline, not cited) advised moderation because of high water content. Gas risk is general brassica knowledge." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cabbage is safe for budgies, but it contains goitrogens and budgies are prone to thyroid problems, so offer it now and then as part of a mix.", "portion": "A piece of leaf about 2 cm (¾ in) square, finely shredded", "frequency": "Once or twice a week, not on the same days as other cabbage-family vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the leaves well", "Choose darker outer leaves over the pale inner heart", "Shred finely", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Cabbage adds crunch and variety; the darker leaves carry more nutrients than the pale heart.", "risks": "Cabbage-family vegetables contain goitrogens that interfere with iodine use. Thyroid enlargement (goiter) is the most common thyroid disease in budgies, and large amounts of these vegetables, especially with an iodine-poor seed diet, add to the risk.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Which vegetables are in the cabbage family?", "a": "Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and turnip are all brassicas. Rotate them with vegetables such as carrot, bell pepper, zucchini and pumpkin." }, { "q": "What are the signs of goiter in a budgie?", "a": "Wheezing, clicking or squeaky breathing, voice changes, regurgitation or difficulty swallowing, because the enlarged thyroid presses on the airway and gullet. In severe cases a swelling may be visible in the neck. See an avian vet promptly." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "ufifas-avian-goiter", "paper-loukopoulos-2015", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA lists cabbage as suitable for budgies. 'limit' is a budgie-specific precaution based on UF/IFAS (cabbage listed as goitrogenic feed; goiter most common thyroid disease in budgerigars), Loukopoulos 2015, and VCA noting budgies' vulnerability to iodine deficiency. Cockatiel verdict is 'yes'." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cabbage is safe for cockatiels as one of several vegetables. Darker leaves offer more nutrients than the pale heart.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of finely shredded leaf as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the leaves", "Pick darker outer leaves where possible", "Shred or chop finely", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Cabbage gives crunch, fiber and variety, and VCA lists it among suitable vegetables for pet birds.", "risks": "Like other cabbage-family plants it contains goitrogens, which can interfere with iodine use if fed in very large amounts, so rotate it rather than feeding it every day.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is red cabbage okay for cockatiels?", "a": "Yes. Red and green cabbage are both fine in moderate amounts; red cabbage may temporarily tint droppings." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "petmd-cockatiel-care", "ufifas-avian-goiter" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Goiter reports center on budgerigars, so cockatiels get 'yes' with rotation advice." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169975, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cabbage/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cabbage/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cabbage/" } }, { "id": "cauliflower", "name": "Cauliflower", "slug": "cauliflower", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cauliflower florets and stalk are safe for hamsters in small amounts. Like broccoli, too much can cause gas.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Remove the leaves and cut a small floret or piece of stalk", "Serve raw, or lightly cooked with nothing added and cooled", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Low in sugar and calories, and a source of fibre and vitamins.", "risks": "Can cause gas if fed in large amounts. Woodgreen advises not feeding the leaves.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat cauliflower leaves?", "a": "Woodgreen Pets Charity advises feeding only the florets and stalk and avoiding the leaves, so we suggest removing them." }, { "q": "Raw or cooked?", "a": "Both are fine in small amounts, as long as it is plain, with no cheese sauce, butter or seasoning." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Woodgreen: 'The florets and stalk are both safe, cooked or raw, in small amounts. Avoid feeding them the leaves.' No reason given for avoiding leaves." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cauliflower is safe for budgies, but it offers fewer nutrients than broccoli and shares the cabbage family's goitrogen concern, so keep it occasional.", "portion": "One or two tiny florets, chopped", "frequency": "Once or twice a week, not on the same days as other cabbage-family vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the cauliflower", "Break off small florets and chop them finely; the leaves can be used too", "Serve raw or lightly steamed and cooled, unseasoned", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Cauliflower adds texture and variety and is listed by a veterinary school hospital among suitable vegetables for pet birds.", "risks": "It is pale and lower in carotenoids than darker vegetables. As a brassica it contains goitrogens, and budgies are the species most prone to goiter.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat cauliflower leaves?", "a": "Yes. The green leaves are safe and more nutritious than the white florets; wash and chop them finely." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "ufifas-avian-goiter", "vca-budgie-feeding", "paper-loukopoulos-2015" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Cauliflower is not named in the goitrogen sources (UF/IFAS names kale, cabbage, broccoli, turnips), but it is the same species as cabbage and broccoli (Brassica oleracea); the budgie caution is extrapolated." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cauliflower is safe for cockatiels as part of a varied vegetable mix, though it is less nutritious than broccoli and darker vegetables.", "portion": "A few small florets, about a tablespoon (15 ml) chopped", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Rinse the cauliflower", "Cut into small florets; include some green leaves", "Offer raw or lightly steamed and cooled, plain", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "It adds crunch and variety, and the University of Florida veterinary hospital lists it among suitable vegetables.", "risks": "Low in carotenoids compared with orange and dark green vegetables. Like other brassicas it contains goitrogens, so rotate it rather than feeding large amounts daily.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Raw or cooked cauliflower for cockatiels?", "a": "Either is fine. Raw keeps more nutrients; lightly steamed and cooled can be easier for some birds to accept." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "ufifas-avian-goiter", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169986, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cauliflower/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cauliflower/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cauliflower/" } }, { "id": "zucchini", "name": "Zucchini (courgette)", "slug": "zucchini", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "courgette" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Zucchini (courgette) is a safe, low-sugar vegetable for hamsters. Offer a small piece a few times a week.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Cut a small piece; the skin can stay on", "Serve raw, or lightly cooked with nothing added and cooled", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Low in sugar and calories, which suits dwarf hamsters; adds moisture and variety.", "risks": "Very low risk in small amounts; like other watery vegetables, a lot can loosen droppings. Do not feed a zucchini that tastes unusually bitter, as bitterness can indicate natural toxins called cucurbitacins.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat other squash?", "a": "Yes. Summer and winter squash flesh is listed as safe in small pieces; remove seeds and tough rind." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "ucdavis-hamster-care-sheet", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA (courgette, squash), Dogwood (zucchini), UC Davis and PetMD (squash). The cucurbitacin caution is general food-safety knowledge (bitter squash poisoning in people), not from a hamster source." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Zucchini (courgette) is a safe, low-sugar vegetable for budgies that can be offered regularly as part of a varied mix.", "portion": "About a teaspoon (5 ml) grated or in small cubes, as part of the day's vegetables", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the skin well", "Grate or dice finely, skin on", "Serve raw or lightly steamed and cooled", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "It is low in sugar and fat, which suits a species prone to obesity, and its mild taste makes it a good starter vegetable.", "risks": "Zucchini is quite watery, so it is best paired with more nutrient-dense orange and dark green vegetables.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat other squash?", "a": "Yes. VCA lists squash as suitable, and orange-fleshed types such as butternut are rich in beta-carotene; cook hard winter squash until soft and serve it plain." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Zucchini is a mild, low-sugar vegetable that cockatiels can have regularly as part of their daily vegetable mix.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) grated, sliced or cubed", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the zucchini", "Slice, cube or grate it with the skin on", "Offer raw or lightly steamed and cooled", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Low in calories and easy to accept, it is a useful base vegetable for cockatiels learning to eat fresh food.", "risks": "Few risks; its high water content means it should not be the only vegetable offered.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat zucchini seeds?", "a": "Yes. The soft seeds inside a zucchini are fine." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169291, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/zucchini/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/zucchini/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/zucchini/" } }, { "id": "sweet-potato", "name": "Sweet potato", "slug": "sweet-potatoes", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "yam" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, cooked and plain. Sweet potato is not toxic, but it is starchy and sweet, so treat it as an occasional extra rather than an everyday vegetable.", "portion": "A cube about 1 cm (⅜ in) for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week.", "prep": [ "Peel and wash", "Boil, steam or bake plain, with no butter, salt, sugar or spices", "Let it cool completely", "Cut a small cube and remove leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Rich in beta-carotene and fibre.", "risks": "High in starch and natural sugar, so frequent portions add calories. Raw sweet potato is harder to digest, so offer it cooked. It is not related to the ordinary potato, which should not be fed.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Keep sweet potato to a pea-sized crumb no more than every week or two, or skip it, and rely mainly on low-sugar vegetables such as cucumber, broccoli and bell pepper.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is sweet potato the same as potato?", "a": "No. Sweet potato is a different plant. Ordinary potatoes, especially raw, green or sprouted ones, should not be fed to hamsters." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat sweet potato skin or fries?", "a": "Peel it to remove soil and residues. Sweet potato fries and crisps are cooked in oil and often salted, so they are not suitable." } ], "sources": [ "vca-rodents-feeding", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No cited source names sweet potato for hamsters. VCA lists 'yellow and orange vegetables' as acceptable and PetMD allows 'small portions of root vegetables'. Cooking and 'limit' are cautious choices based on starch content (general nutrition)." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes, cooked and plain. Sweet potato is one of the best orange vegetables for budgies, rich in beta-carotene; serve it steamed or baked with nothing added.", "portion": "About a teaspoon (5 ml) of mashed or finely diced cooked sweet potato", "frequency": "2–3 times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Peel and wash the sweet potato", "Steam, boil or bake until soft, with no salt, butter or oil", "Cool completely, then mash or dice finely", "Remove leftovers within an hour, as cooked food spoils faster" ], "benefits": "The AAV, VCA and the Royal Veterinary College all list sweet potato among recommended vegetables because it is rich in beta-carotene, which birds convert to vitamin A.", "risks": "It is starchier than most vegetables, so it should be one part of a varied mix. Seasoned, buttered or candied sweet potato and fries are not suitable.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat raw sweet potato?", "a": "Most guidance recommends serving it cooked, plain and cooled. Cooked sweet potato is softer and easier for a small bird to eat." } ], "sources": [ "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "rvc-budgie-care", "vca-budgie-feeding", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Cooking recommendation is conventional avian guidance; raw sweet potato is not documented as toxic." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes, cooked and plain. Sweet potato is an excellent source of beta-carotene for cockatiels; steam or bake it and serve it without any seasoning.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of mashed or diced cooked sweet potato", "frequency": "2–3 times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Peel the sweet potato", "Cook until soft by steaming, boiling or baking, without salt, butter or oil", "Let it cool, then dice or mash", "Take away leftovers within an hour" ], "benefits": "Red-orange vegetables such as sweet potato are high in beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor, and Merck lists sweet potatoes among foods rich in vitamin A.", "risks": "Somewhat starchy, so it should not dominate the vegetable mix. Avoid versions prepared for people with sugar, butter or salt.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can I mix sweet potato with my cockatiel's pellets?", "a": "A little mashed sweet potato can help a cockatiel accept new foods, but moist food spoils quickly, so remove the dish within an hour." } ], "sources": [ "aav-feeding-birds", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-disorders-owners", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 168482, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/sweet-potatoes/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/sweet-potatoes/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/sweet-potatoes/" } }, { "id": "potato", "name": "Potato", "slug": "potatoes", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "potatoes" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Vets and UK charities advise against potatoes for hamsters. Raw, green or sprouted potatoes and the peel contain solanine, and cooked potato is starchy with no benefit.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Potatoes belong to the nightshade family; green or sprouting potatoes, the peel and the plant contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can cause severe digestive upset, weakness and a slow heart rate. Cooked potato is less risky but starchy, calorie-dense and unnecessary.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "If your hamster ate raw, green or sprouted potato, peel or any part of the plant, call your vet for advice. A crumb of plain cooked potato is unlikely to cause problems, but watch for diarrhoea, a wet or dirty tail area, or reduced appetite over the next day or two, and contact a vet promptly if these appear.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat mashed potato, chips or crisps?", "a": "No. As well as the potato, these contain butter, milk, oil or salt, which are unsuitable for hamsters." }, { "q": "What about sweet potato?", "a": "Sweet potato is a different plant. It can be offered plain and cooked in small amounts." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "aspca-tomato-plant" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PetMD: do not offer potatoes; Woodgreen: avoid 'Potato (including raw/green potato)'; Dogwood: raw potatoes toxic. Solanine signs cited from ASPCA's tomato plant entry (same family and toxin; ASPCA has no potato entry). Plain cooked potato is widely considered low-risk; chose 'no' because sources do not distinguish." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, cooked and plain only. Cooked potato is not toxic to budgies but offers little, and raw, green or sprouting potatoes and the plant contain solanine.", "portion": "A piece of plain cooked potato about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Use potatoes with no green patches or sprouts", "Peel, then boil, steam or bake until soft, with no salt, butter or oil", "Cool and cut a small piece", "Remove leftovers within an hour" ], "benefits": "Plain cooked potato is a bland food that some budgies accept, but sweet potato and other orange vegetables offer much more.", "risks": "Potatoes are nightshades: the leaves, stems, sprouts and green skin contain glycoalkaloids such as solanine, while properly stored potato flesh is considered safe for birds. Chips, crisps and fries are too salty and fatty.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat raw potato?", "a": "It is better not to. Raw potato is hard to digest, and any green or sprouting parts contain more solanine. Offer only plain cooked potato, or better still, sweet potato." }, { "q": "What about potato peel?", "a": "Leave it off. Glycoalkaloids concentrate in and just under the skin, especially where it has turned green." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA lists potato as suitable and LafeberVet says birds can eat potatoes while the plants are toxic. 'limit' reflects low nutritional value and solanine risk in raw/green/sprouted potatoes and the plant; the green-potato and peel details come from general toxicology rather than a bird-specific source." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, cooked and plain only. Cockatiels can eat plain cooked potato, but never raw, green or sprouted potato or the plant's leaves, which contain solanine.", "portion": "One or two pieces of plain cooked potato about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Discard any potato with green skin or sprouts", "Peel and cook until soft, without salt, butter or oil", "Cool before serving", "Take away leftovers within an hour" ], "benefits": "Little nutritional benefit compared with sweet potato, pumpkin or carrot, but plain cooked potato is harmless in small amounts.", "risks": "The potato plant and any green or sprouting tubers contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids. Potato dishes made for people are usually salted and buttered, and chips and fries are high in fat and salt.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat mashed potato from my plate?", "a": "No. Mashed potato made for people usually contains butter, milk and salt. Set aside a plain cooked piece before seasoning if you want to share." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170026, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/potatoes/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/potatoes/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/potatoes/" } }, { "id": "pumpkin", "name": "Pumpkin (flesh)", "slug": "pumpkin", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "squash" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Plain pumpkin flesh is safe for hamsters in small pieces, raw or cooked. Avoid pumpkin pie filling and anything with added sugar or spice.", "portion": "A piece about 1–1.5 cm (⅜–⅝ in) across for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Keep all fresh food together to about 1–2 teaspoons a day for a Syrian and about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "One to three times a week, rotated with other vegetables.", "prep": [ "Wash, peel and remove the seeds and stringy pulp", "Cut a small cube of flesh; serve raw or cooked plain and cooled", "Never use pie filling, spiced or sweetened pumpkin", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Contains beta-carotene and fibre, and is moderately low in sugar compared with fruit.", "risks": "Low risk in small amounts; large portions can loosen droppings. Soft, cooked pumpkin spoils quickly if hoarded.", "dwarf": "Pumpkin is less sugary than fruit, but keep portions small (about 5 mm, ¼ in) for diabetes-prone dwarfs.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat pumpkin seeds?", "a": "Plain, unsalted pumpkin seeds can be an occasional treat, but they are high in fat: one seed for a Syrian, or a small piece of a shelled seed for a dwarf, once or twice a week at most." }, { "q": "Is canned pumpkin OK?", "a": "Plain canned pumpkin with nothing added is fine in a tiny amount. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices and should not be given." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "vca-rodents-feeding", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "PDSA lists pumpkin and squash as suitable; VCA lists yellow and orange vegetables as acceptable; Dogwood lists unsalted pumpkin seeds as suitable; PetMD lists squash. Sugar comparison is general nutrition knowledge." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Pumpkin flesh is a nutritious, low-fat vegetable for budgies, rich in beta-carotene, and can be served raw or plainly cooked.", "portion": "About a teaspoon (5 ml) of grated raw or mashed cooked pumpkin", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash and peel the pumpkin and scoop out the stringy pulp and seeds", "Grate the raw flesh finely, or steam or bake it plain and let it cool", "Never use canned pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced", "Remove raw leftovers within a couple of hours and cooked ones within an hour" ], "benefits": "VCA lists pumpkin and squash among vegetables rich in vitamin A precursors, a nutrient often lacking in seed-based diets.", "risks": "Few risks when plain. Carved or decorative pumpkins that have been sitting out may be moldy and should not be fed.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat pumpkin seeds?", "a": "Plain, unsalted pumpkin seeds are not toxic, but they are high in fat, so treat them as an occasional treat rather than a vegetable." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-budgie-feeding", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Plain pumpkin flesh is a good regular vegetable for cockatiels, supplying beta-carotene with little fat, and it can be offered raw or cooked.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of diced raw or mashed cooked pumpkin", "frequency": "A few times a week, rotated with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Peel the pumpkin and remove pulp and seeds", "Dice or grate raw, or cook plain and cool", "Do not use canned pie filling or spiced pumpkin products", "Take away leftovers promptly" ], "benefits": "Orange squash and pumpkin supply carotenoids that cockatiels convert to vitamin A.", "risks": "Very low risk when fresh and plain. Avoid moldy or decorative pumpkins.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is canned pumpkin okay for cockatiels?", "a": "Plain canned pumpkin puree with no added sugar, salt or spice is acceptable in small amounts; pie filling is not." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "aav-basic-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Canned puree answer is inferred (VCA advises against canned produce packed with salt or sugar)." } }, "usdaFdcId": 168448, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/pumpkin/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/pumpkin/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/pumpkin/" } }, { "id": "peas", "name": "Peas", "slug": "peas", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Garden peas are safe for hamsters, but they are starchier and sweeter than leafy vegetables, so offer just one or two at a time.", "portion": "One or two peas for a Syrian; one pea, or half, for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week.", "prep": [ "Use fresh or frozen peas with nothing added", "Thaw frozen peas to room temperature", "Remove from tough pods", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Provide plant protein and fibre, and hamsters enjoy handling them.", "risks": "Peas are higher in starch and sugar than most vegetables, so large amounts add calories. Canned peas often contain added salt.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Keep peas to one pea once a week, and rely mainly on low-sugar vegetables such as cucumber, broccoli and bell pepper.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat dried or split peas?", "a": "Not raw. Vets warn against feeding raw dried beans and pulses, so stick to fresh or frozen garden peas." }, { "q": "Are canned or mushy peas OK?", "a": "No. They usually contain salt, and mushy peas may also have sugar or other additions." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "pdsa-hamsters", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Woodgreen, PDSA and Northgate list peas as safe without special limits. 'Limit' reflects higher starch/sugar than leafy vegetables (nutritional reasoning, not a documented problem). Dried-pulse FAQ extrapolates PetMD's 'raw beans' warning." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Fresh or thawed frozen peas are safe for budgies, and most enjoy nibbling or shelling them; offer a few as part of the day's vegetables.", "portion": "Three to five peas, or a short piece of pod", "frequency": "A few times a week", "prep": [ "Use fresh peas, or frozen peas thawed to room temperature", "Offer whole or halved peas, or young pods to explore", "Avoid canned peas, which often contain added salt", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Peas add plant protein and fiber, and pods make good foraging enrichment.", "risks": "Peas are starchier and more energy-dense than leafy or watery vegetables, so they should be one part of the mix. Canned peas may contain salt, which VCA advises against.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat pea pods?", "a": "Yes. Fresh pea pods, including snap peas and snow peas, are safe; wash them and cut them into short pieces." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "rspca-bird-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Peas are a safe vegetable for cockatiels, fresh or thawed from frozen, and pods give them something to open and forage.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of peas, or one or two pods", "frequency": "A few times a week", "prep": [ "Use fresh peas or thawed frozen peas", "Offer loose peas or whole washed pods", "Skip canned or salted peas", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Peas supply plant protein and fiber, and working pods open is good enrichment.", "risks": "Somewhat starchy, so they should complement rather than replace lower-calorie vegetables.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Should peas be cooked for cockatiels?", "a": "No. Fresh or thawed frozen peas can be served raw; lightly cooked peas are also fine if plain." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "rspca-bird-diet", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 170419, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/peas/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/peas/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/peas/" } }, { "id": "corn", "name": "Corn (sweetcorn)", "slug": "corn", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "sweetcorn", "maize", "corn on the cob" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A few kernels of fresh sweetcorn are safe for hamsters, but corn is starchy and sugary, so keep it an occasional treat.", "portion": "Two or three kernels for a Syrian; one kernel for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week.", "prep": [ "Use fresh or frozen kernels, thawed, with nothing added", "Avoid canned corn with salt or sugar", "Do not feed corn that looks or smells mouldy", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Adds variety; hamsters enjoy handling kernels.", "risks": "Corn is higher in starch and sugar than most vegetables. Mouldy corn can contain fungal toxins.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, their hybrids and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Keep corn to one kernel once a week, and check whether their dry food already contains corn, and rely mainly on low-sugar vegetables such as cucumber, broccoli and bell pepper.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat popcorn?", "a": "Plain popcorn with no butter, salt or sugar is listed by VCA as an occasional treat for hamsters. Buttered, salted or sweet popcorn is not suitable." }, { "q": "Is the corn in hamster food mixes a problem?", "a": "No, it is part of a balanced food. The concern is adding a lot of extra corn on top." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "vca-rodents-feeding", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "gerritsen-1982-chinese-hamster-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "PDSA (sweetcorn) and Dogwood (corn) list it as safe; VCA lists unsalted popcorn as a treat. 'Limit' reflects starch/sugar content (general nutrition). Mould/mycotoxin caution is general feed-safety knowledge." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Fresh or thawed sweetcorn is safe for budgies, but it is starchy and sweet, so treat it as an occasional extra rather than a staple vegetable.", "portion": "Three to five kernels, or a thin round of cob about 1 cm (⅜ in) thick to pick at, taken away after a short while", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use fresh sweetcorn or frozen kernels thawed to room temperature", "Serve raw or lightly cooked, with no butter or salt", "Throw away any corn that looks or smells moldy", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "The AAV suggests a piece of corn on the cob as something fun to destroy that doubles as a snack.", "risks": "Sweetcorn is higher in sugar and starch than most vegetables. Moldy corn and other grains can carry fungal toxins, so offer only fresh, clean corn.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat popcorn?", "a": "Salted, buttered or sweetened popcorn should not be given; VCA lists salty snacks such as popcorn among foods budgies should never have." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat canned corn?", "a": "It is better not to. Canned corn often contains added salt or sugar." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "aav-basic-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA lists corn as suitable and AAV mentions corn on the cob for enrichment. 'limit' reflects energy density in an obesity-prone species (inferred)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels usually love sweetcorn, and a piece of cob makes good enrichment, but it is starchy and sweet, so keep it occasional.", "portion": "A round of cob about 2 cm (¾ in) thick, or about a tablespoon (15 ml) of kernels", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use fresh or thawed frozen sweetcorn", "Serve raw or lightly cooked and cooled, plain", "Discard anything moldy", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Picking kernels off a cob keeps a cockatiel busy, and the AAV mentions corn on the cob as a toy that doubles as a snack.", "risks": "Energy-dense compared with most vegetables; cockatiels gain weight easily. Moldy corn can carry fungal toxins.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat dried corn or corn in seed mixes?", "a": "Dried corn is safe only if it is clean and free of mold. Fresh sweetcorn is the better choice for a treat." } ], "sources": [ "aav-basic-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169998, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/corn/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/corn/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/corn/" } }, { "id": "green-beans", "name": "Green beans", "slug": "green-beans", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "string beans", "french beans" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts, ideally cooked. Green beans are listed as safe, but several vets warn against raw beans, so lightly cook them plain and cool them first.", "portion": "A piece about 1 cm (⅜ in) long for a Syrian; about 5 mm (¼ in) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week.", "prep": [ "Wash and trim the ends", "Boil or steam plain until tender, with no salt, butter or seasoning", "Cool completely and cut small", "Remove any uneaten piece, including from the hoard, within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Low in sugar and calories, with fibre and vitamins.", "risks": "Raw beans contain lectins that cooking destroys; levels are highest in dried beans such as kidney beans and lower in green beans. PetMD and two vet clinics list raw or uncooked beans as unsafe for hamsters, so cooking is the cautious choice.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat raw green beans?", "a": "Woodgreen Pets Charity says both raw and lightly cooked green beans are safe, but because vets list raw beans among foods to avoid, we recommend cooking them first." }, { "q": "What about kidney beans, baked beans or other beans?", "a": "Never feed raw dried beans. Baked beans and beans in sauce contain sugar and salt and are also unsuitable." } ], "sources": [ "woodgreen-hamster-food", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Woodgreen: 'Both raw and lightly cooked green beans are safe'; PetMD's Syrian sheet lists green beans as safe but also says do not offer 'raw beans'; Northgate: never feed 'uncooked beans'; Dogwood: 'raw beans' toxic. These warnings probably refer to dried legumes, but they do not specify, so recommended cooking and 'limit'. Lectin statement is general food science." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Fresh green beans are a safe, low-sugar vegetable for budgies. Chop them small, and never offer dried beans unless they are fully cooked.", "portion": "One or two beans, cut into pieces about 5 mm (¼ in) long", "frequency": "A few times a week", "prep": [ "Wash and trim the ends", "Chop into short pieces", "Serve raw or lightly steamed and cooled", "Avoid canned beans with added salt", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Green beans are low in sugar and fat and add fiber and crunch; the University of Florida veterinary hospital lists them among recommended vegetables.", "risks": "Few risks when fresh and plain. VCA lists beans as suitable only when cooked; raw dried beans such as kidney beans contain lectins and must be soaked and fully cooked.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat raw green beans?", "a": "Fresh green beans are commonly fed raw. Lightly steaming them is a simple extra precaution, because raw beans contain some lectins. Dried beans must always be fully cooked." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-budgie-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Lectin detail (phytohaemagglutinin, highest in dried kidney beans) is general food-science knowledge, not from a cited bird source." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Green beans are a good low-sugar vegetable for cockatiels, fresh or lightly steamed. Dried beans are different and must be fully cooked first.", "portion": "About a tablespoon (15 ml) of chopped beans", "frequency": "A few times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse and top-and-tail the beans", "Cut into short pieces", "Offer raw or lightly steamed and cooled", "Take away leftovers after a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Low in sugar and fat, with fiber and crunch that many cockatiels enjoy.", "risks": "Minimal when fresh. Canned beans may be salted, and uncooked dried beans contain lectins.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat frozen green beans?", "a": "Yes, once thawed or lightly cooked, as long as they are plain." } ], "sources": [ "uf-pet-bird-care", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "petmd-cockatiel-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169961, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/green-beans/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/green-beans/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/green-beans/" } }, { "id": "onion", "name": "Onion", "slug": "onions", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Onions contain sulfur compounds that damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia. Vets list onion as unsafe for hamsters in any form: raw, cooked, dried or in sauces.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Onions and other alliums contain sulfur-containing oxidants that damage red blood cells (Heinz body anaemia). Harm can build up for several days after eating, and concentrated forms such as onion powder are more dangerous.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet promptly, even if your hamster seems well, and say how much was eaten and in what form. Signs of anaemia, such as weakness, pale ears, feet and nose, fast breathing or reduced appetite, may take several days to appear.", "faq": [ { "q": "What about spring onions, chives, leeks or shallots?", "a": "These are all alliums with the same risk and should never be fed." }, { "q": "Is cooked onion or onion powder safer?", "a": "No. Cooking does not remove the risk, and dried or powdered onion is more concentrated. Check that any human food shared with your hamster contains no onion." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "northgate-vet-hamster-diet", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "merck-allium-toxicosis" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA's hamster page lists 'Onion' among suitable vegetables - an outlier contradicted by PetMD (DVM-authored), Northgate ('Never feed your hamster... onions'), Dogwood ('toxic'), Woodgreen and Allium toxicology. Recommend the site owner flag the PDSA listing as a likely error rather than cite it as support. Merck mechanism and timing (Heinz bodies within 24 h, haemolysis 3-5 days) are from cats, dogs and livestock; no hamster dose data found." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Onions contain sulfur compounds that damage red blood cells, and avian vets list them among foods budgies must avoid. Raw, cooked and powdered onion are all unsafe.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Onions and other alliums (garlic, leeks, chives, spring onions) contain compounds that damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. Concentrated forms such as onion powder are more potent, and fatal poisoning has been reported in geese fed large amounts of green onions.", "ifEaten": "Remove any remaining onion and call your avian vet, especially if more than a tiny bit or a concentrated form (powder, soup mix, fried onion) was eaten. Signs can be delayed by a day or more and include weakness, lethargy, fluffed feathers, breathing effort and red-brown or unusually dark droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is cooked onion safe for budgies?", "a": "No. Cooking does not remove the harmful compounds, and dried or powdered onion is even more potent than raw." }, { "q": "Can budgies have food seasoned with onion, like crackers or stock?", "a": "No. Keep seasoned people food away from budgies; much of it contains onion or garlic powder as well as salt." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-allium-toxicosis", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Merck's Allium chapter covers mammals; it is cited for the point that raw, cooked and dried forms are all toxic." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Onion can damage a cockatiel's red blood cells, and VCA says it should never be offered to a bird. This includes cooked onion and onion powder.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Onion belongs to the Allium family, whose sulfur compounds cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. VCA's cockatiel feeding guide lists onion alongside avocado as potentially toxic.", "ifEaten": "Call your avian vet for advice, particularly if your cockatiel ate more than a nibble or a concentrated form such as onion powder. Watch over the next few days for weakness, reduced appetite, fluffed feathers, labored breathing or dark or reddish droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "What about spring onions, leeks or chives?", "a": "They are all in the onion family and should be kept away from cockatiels too." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "petmd-cockatiel-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-allium-toxicosis" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 170000, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/onions/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/onions/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/onions/" } }, { "id": "garlic", "name": "Garlic", "slug": "garlic", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Garlic contains the same red-blood-cell-damaging compounds as onion, and veterinary toxicology rates it about 3-5 times more potent. Never feed it to hamsters in any form.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Garlic, like onion, contains sulfur-containing oxidants that damage red blood cells and can cause Heinz body anaemia; signs can take several days to appear. Garlic powder, oil and supplements are concentrated.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet promptly, even if your hamster seems well, and say how much was eaten and in what form. Signs of anaemia, such as weakness, pale ears, feet and nose, fast breathing or reduced appetite, may take several days to appear.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is a small amount of garlic good for hamsters' health?", "a": "No. There is no proven benefit for hamsters, and garlic can damage red blood cells." }, { "q": "What about foods cooked with garlic?", "a": "Do not share them. Sauces, seasoned vegetables, bread and meat dishes often contain garlic or garlic powder." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "dogwood-hamster-nutrition", "merck-allium-toxicosis" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "All hamster sources that mention garlic say avoid. Merck: 'Garlic is 3-5 times more toxic than onion' (general statement; species data from cats, dogs and livestock)." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Garlic damages red blood cells and is considered more potent than onion; a pet conure died after being fed garlic. Keep garlic and garlic powder away from budgies.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Garlic contains sulfur compounds that destroy red blood cells; in mammals it is considered three to five times more toxic than onion. A published case described a conure that died of sudden red-cell destruction after being fed garlic.", "ifEaten": "Call your avian vet promptly, especially if a clove, garlic powder or garlicky food was eaten; a budgie's small size means a small amount matters. Watch for weakness, lethargy, fluffed feathers, breathing effort and reddish or dark droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Isn't garlic a natural health supplement for birds?", "a": "No. Despite claims online, avian vet sources list garlic as a food to avoid. Its harmful effect on red blood cells is documented, and it has no proven benefit for pet birds." }, { "q": "Is garlic powder in food a problem?", "a": "Yes. Concentrated forms such as garlic powder are more potent than fresh garlic." } ], "sources": [ "paper-wade-2004", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-allium-toxicosis", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Some popular internet sources promote garlic as an immune booster or dewormer for birds; vet sources disagree. In Wade & Newman 2004 the conure had been force-fed a large amount (half a clove found in the crop)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Garlic is harmful to cockatiels: it damages red blood cells, and fatal poisoning has been reported in a small parrot. Avoid fresh garlic, garlic powder and garlicky foods.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Like onion, garlic causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, but it is more potent. A dusky-headed conure, a parrot not much larger than a cockatiel, died of acute hemolysis after being fed garlic.", "ifEaten": "Phone your avian vet for advice straight away and say how much was eaten and in what form. Signs of anemia can take a day or more to appear: weakness, sleepiness, fluffed feathers, labored breathing and dark or reddish droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels have bird treats flavored with garlic?", "a": "It is best to avoid them. Garlic is on avian vet lists of foods not to feed." } ], "sources": [ "paper-wade-2004", "petmd-cockatiel-care", "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "merck-allium-toxicosis", "petmd-toxic-foods-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "" } }, "usdaFdcId": 169230, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/garlic/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/garlic/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/garlic/" } }, { "id": "mushroom", "name": "Mushroom", "slug": "mushrooms", "category": "veg", "aliases": [ "shiitake", "button mushroom" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Mushrooms add little for hamsters, wild ones can be deadly, and raw button mushrooms contain agaritine, considered a potential weak carcinogen in mice.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Wild mushrooms can be highly toxic and are hard to identify. Raw cultivated button mushrooms contain agaritine, which a 2020 scientific review describes as a potential weak carcinogen in mice. PDSA lists mushroom as suitable, so sources disagree.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A nibble of a plain shop-bought mushroom is not an emergency: remove the rest and watch for diarrhoea, a wet or dirty tail area, or reduced appetite over the next day or two, and contact a vet promptly if these appear. If your hamster ate a wild mushroom, call your vet immediately and take a photo or sample.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are cooked mushrooms OK?", "a": "Cooking reduces the concern about raw mushrooms, but they still add little, and cooked dishes often contain garlic, onion, butter or salt. We suggest skipping them." }, { "q": "My hamster ate a mushroom from the garden. What should I do?", "a": "Call your vet straight away. Many wild mushrooms are poisonous and cannot be reliably identified by sight." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamsters", "lagrange-2020-agaritine" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "low", "notes": "Disagreement: PDSA lists 'Mushroom' among suitable vegetables; no other credible hamster source found either way. Verdict inferred from toxicology: Lagrange & Vernoux 2020 (review): agaritine in A. bisporus 'is a potential weak carcinogen in mice' and advise avoiding raw or poorly cooked button mushrooms (for people). An older study (Toth & Erickson 1986) reported tumours in mice fed uncooked mushrooms for life; the size of this risk is debated. PubMed page blocked by CAPTCHA; abstract retrieved via NCBI E-utilities / Europe PMC API. Evidence set to 'inferred' because the only direct hamster source supports the opposite verdict." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Shop-bought mushrooms are not known to poison birds, but avian vets disagree on feeding them and wild mushrooms can be deadly. There is no need to offer them to budgies.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Offer other vegetables instead", "Never feed wild or foraged mushrooms", "Keep mushrooms growing in the garden, aviary or plant pots out of reach" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "LafeberVet states that mushrooms safe for people are considered safe for pets, but some avian vets advise avoiding all mushrooms because they have been linked to digestive upset in parrots. Wild species such as Amanita and false morels are dangerously toxic, and cooking does not make false morels safe.", "ifEaten": "A nibble of a plain, shop-bought mushroom is not an emergency; watch for regurgitation, diarrhea or lethargy over the next day and call your vet if they appear. If your budgie ate a wild or unidentified mushroom, call your avian vet or an animal poison line immediately and take a sample with you.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are cooked mushrooms safer for budgies?", "a": "Cooking does not make toxic wild species safe; LafeberVet notes it does not remove the danger of false morels. For shop-bought mushrooms, there is simply no benefit that justifies offering them." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: LafeberVet (Pollock) says human-edible mushrooms are considered safe for pets; a vet-reviewed retailer article (not cited) says experts recommend avoiding mushrooms because of digestive upset. Chose the more cautious 'avoid'. Popular internet advice is split." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Edible mushrooms are not proven toxic to cockatiels, but opinion among avian vets is divided, and wild mushrooms can be fatal, so it is simplest to leave them out.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Choose other vegetables instead", "Do not feed wild or foraged mushrooms", "Check the aviary, garden and house plants for mushrooms and remove them" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Some sources consider shop-bought mushrooms safe while others advise avoiding them because of digestive upset in parrots. Toxic wild mushrooms, including Amanita and false morels, can cause severe or fatal poisoning.", "ifEaten": "If your cockatiel pecked at a plain cultivated mushroom, watch its appetite and droppings for a day and call your vet if anything changes. If it ate a wild mushroom, treat it as an emergency: call your avian vet or a poison line now and bring the mushroom for identification.", "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel ate a mushroom from the lawn. What should I do?", "a": "Call your avian vet or an animal poison line immediately. Some wild mushrooms are deadly, and identification matters, so bring a sample." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same disagreement as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169251, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/mushrooms/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/mushrooms/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/mushrooms/" } }, { "id": "rhubarb", "name": "Rhubarb", "slug": "rhubarb", "category": "veg", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. The RSPCA warns rhubarb can be poisonous to rodents. It contains soluble oxalates, especially in the leaves, which can damage the kidneys.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "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.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "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.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are rhubarb stalks safe if the leaves are removed?", "a": "No. The leaves are the most dangerous part, but the RSPCA, Woodgreen and PetMD advise against rhubarb in general for hamsters." }, { "q": "What about cooked rhubarb, crumble or jam?", "a": "No. Cooking does not make rhubarb suitable, and desserts add sugar." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-hamster-diet", "woodgreen-hamster-food", "petmd-dwarf-hamster-care", "petmd-syrian-hamster-care", "aspca-rhubarb" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "All sources agree. ASPCA (dogs, cats, horses): toxic principle soluble calcium oxalates; signs kidney failure, tremors, salivation. Leaves are the highest-oxalate part (general botany)." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Rhubarb leaves are rich in soluble oxalates that can damage the kidneys, and avian vet sources list rhubarb as a toxic plant. Keep the whole plant away from budgies.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of soluble oxalates, which bind calcium and can cause kidney damage. The stalks contain far less, but they are very sour, offer no benefit and are usually cooked with a lot of sugar, so no part of rhubarb is recommended for a bird as small as a budgie.", "ifEaten": "If your budgie ate any rhubarb leaf, call your avian vet or an animal poison line promptly. For a small nibble of plain stalk, call your vet for advice and watch for regurgitation, weakness, trembling or changes in drinking and droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is cooked rhubarb or rhubarb crumble okay for budgies?", "a": "No. Rhubarb desserts are loaded with sugar and butter, and the plant offers no benefit to birds." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants", "pph-rhubarb" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Pet Poison Helpline states stalks contain very little soluble oxalate and are non-toxic (for pets generally); LafeberVet lists Rheum spp. as toxic plants and notes leaf oxalates cause kidney problems. Chose 'no' for the food as a whole; an accidental nibble of stalk is unlikely to be serious." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalates that can harm the kidneys, and rhubarb appears on avian vet toxic-plant lists. Do not feed any part of it to cockatiels.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Soluble oxalates in rhubarb leaves can lower blood calcium and injure the kidneys. The stalks carry much less oxalate, but they have no nutritional value for cockatiels and are usually served with sugar.", "ifEaten": "Call your avian vet or a poison line if your cockatiel ate rhubarb leaf. For a small taste of stalk, ring your vet for advice and watch for regurgitation, weakness, trembling, increased drinking or watery droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is it safe to grow rhubarb near an outdoor aviary?", "a": "It is best not to. Birds may reach or be offered the leaves, which are the most toxic part." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-unsafe-foods", "lafebervet-toxic-plants", "pph-rhubarb" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same as budgie." } }, "usdaFdcId": 167758, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/rhubarb/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/rhubarb/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/rhubarb/" } }, { "id": "romaine", "name": "Romaine lettuce", "slug": "romaine-lettuce", "category": "greens", "aliases": [ "lettuce", "cos lettuce" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes, in small pieces. Romaine is a leafy green that vet sources list as suitable for hamsters, unlike iceberg. Too much at once can loosen droppings, so keep portions tiny.", "portion": "A piece of leaf about 2–3 cm (1 in) square for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf. Count it within the 1–2 teaspoons of fresh food a day.", "frequency": "2–4 times a week, rotating with other vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the leaf well and pat it dry", "Use the darker outer leaves rather than the pale heart", "Tear into small pieces", "Remove uneaten or hoarded leaf the next day" ], "benefits": "Adds fibre, water and vitamins A and K, and brings variety to a pellet-based diet.", "risks": "Romaine is mostly water, so a large amount can cause soft droppings, and leaves hoarded in the nest rot quickly. It should add variety, not replace the pellet diet.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is romaine better than iceberg lettuce for hamsters?", "a": "Yes. Veterinary sources advise against iceberg because it is mostly water with little nutritional value, while romaine and other darker leafy greens can be offered in small amounts." }, { "q": "Can romaine lettuce give my hamster diarrhoea?", "a": "A large portion of any watery leaf can soften droppings, and sudden diet changes can upset a hamster's gut. Introduce it gradually in small pieces. If your hamster develops diarrhoea or a wet bottom, contact a vet promptly." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "vca-rodents-feeding", "pdsa-hamster-diet", "bluecross-hamster-care", "vetpartner-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PetMD (DVM-reviewed) names romaine as suitable; VCA approves leafy greens and specifically excludes iceberg. PDSA's vegetable list does not include lettuce. Portion guidance follows PDSA (1–2 teaspoons of fresh food a day) and Blue Cross (portions as small as the hamster's ear). The diarrhoea caution is reasoned from water content and Veterinary Partner's advice to change diets slowly." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Romaine is a good everyday green for budgies. Its darker leaves carry far more nutrition than pale iceberg lettuce, and most budgies enjoy shredding it.", "portion": "A leaf piece about 5 cm (2 in) square, or 1–2 teaspoons finely chopped, as part of the day's fresh food", "frequency": "Daily or most days, rotated with other greens and vegetables", "prep": [ "Wash the leaf well under running water", "Use crisp, fresh leaves and discard wilted or slimy parts", "Offer a whole piece to shred, or chop it finely", "Remove uneaten leaves after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Romaine is low in calories and provides beta-carotene, which birds turn into vitamin A, plus vitamin K and folate. Vitamin A deficiency is common in seed-fed birds, so dark leafy greens are worth offering.", "risks": "Very few. Unwashed produce can carry pesticide residues or bacteria, and a large amount of watery greens can make droppings wetter for a while. Greens add to a pellet-based diet; they do not replace it.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat romaine lettuce every day?", "a": "Yes. Romaine can be offered daily as part of a mix of vegetables and greens. Together, fresh foods should make up roughly a fifth to a quarter of what a budgie eats, with pellets as the base." }, { "q": "Is romaine better than iceberg lettuce for budgies?", "a": "Yes. Iceberg is mostly water and has little nutritional value, while romaine's darker leaves contain much more beta-carotene and other nutrients." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA lists romaine lettuce among suitable foods for budgies and for pet birds generally. The romaine-versus-iceberg nutrient comparison is general food-composition knowledge, not bird-specific research." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Romaine lettuce is a safe, useful daily green for cockatiels and a much better choice than iceberg. Wash it and offer it as part of a varied fresh-food mix.", "portion": "A leaf piece about 8 cm (3 in) square, or 2–3 teaspoons chopped, as part of the day's fresh food", "frequency": "Daily or most days, alongside other vegetables", "prep": [ "Rinse the leaf thoroughly", "Discard any wilted, brown or slimy parts", "Clip a whole piece to the cage or chop it into small pieces", "Take away leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Romaine supplies beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), vitamin K and folate for very few calories. Cockatiels are prone to vitamin A deficiency, so darker greens help round out the diet.", "risks": "Minimal. Wash off pesticide residues and bacteria, and expect slightly wetter droppings if a cockatiel eats a lot of watery greens. Romaine is a supplement to pellets, not a complete food.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Do cockatiels need greens if they eat pellets?", "a": "Pellets should form most of the diet, but fresh vegetables and greens, up to about a fifth to a quarter of daily food, add variety, enrichment and extra nutrients." }, { "q": "Can cockatiels eat the romaine stalk?", "a": "Yes. The crunchy rib is safe; many cockatiels enjoy chewing it, though the leafy parts hold more nutrients." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's pet-bird fruit and vegetable list names romaine; VCA's cockatiel page warns against pale, watery lettuces and notes cockatiels are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169247, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/romaine-lettuce/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/romaine-lettuce/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/romaine-lettuce/" } }, { "id": "iceberg", "name": "Iceberg lettuce", "slug": "iceberg-lettuce", "category": "greens", "aliases": [ "lettuce" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Iceberg lettuce is mostly water with very little nutrition, and vets advise leaving it out. Darker greens such as romaine are a better choice.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Offer a small piece of romaine or another darker leafy green instead", "Remove any iceberg leftovers from the enclosure" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Iceberg lettuce is mostly water and provides little nutritional value, so it takes up space in a tiny stomach without adding much. Watery leaves eaten in quantity can also soften droppings. It is not toxic.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A nibble is not an emergency. Remove any leftover pieces, make sure fresh water and pellets are available, and watch the droppings for a day or two. Contact a vet if your hamster develops diarrhoea, a wet or dirty bottom, or stops eating.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is iceberg lettuce poisonous to hamsters?", "a": "No, it is not toxic. Vets leave it out because it is mostly water and offers very little nutrition; darker leafy greens make better use of your hamster's small daily fresh-food allowance." } ], "sources": [ "vca-rodents-feeding", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA ('do not give your rodent iceberg lettuce') and PetMD both advise against it on nutritional grounds, not toxicity. 'Avoid' reflects low value, and a nibble needs no treatment." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Iceberg lettuce is mostly water with very little nutrition, so it fills a budgie up without adding much. It is not toxic, and a nibble is harmless.", "portion": "Not recommended. If you offer any, keep it to a torn piece about 2 cm (3/4 in) across", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Offer romaine, kale or dandelion leaves instead", "If you do give iceberg, wash it first", "Use only a small torn piece", "Remove leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Iceberg is not poisonous. The problem is that it is pale and watery and offers little, so it can crowd out more nutritious foods, and large amounts may briefly make droppings wetter.", "ifEaten": "No action is needed. If droppings stay very watery for more than a day, or your budgie seems fluffed up, quiet or off its food, contact an avian vet, as that suggests illness rather than the lettuce.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is iceberg lettuce poisonous to budgies?", "a": "No. It is not toxic, but avian vets do not recommend it because it is mostly water and has little nutritional value. Darker greens are a better use of a budgie's small appetite." }, { "q": "Will iceberg lettuce give my budgie diarrhoea?", "a": "It can make droppings look wetter for a few hours because of its water content. That is not true diarrhoea; ongoing loose droppings need a vet check." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA: iceberg or head lettuce is not recommended because it is mostly water with little nutritional value. Popular claims that iceberg is toxic are not supported; 'avoid' reflects low value, not danger." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Iceberg lettuce is pale and watery and gives cockatiels almost nothing they need. It is not poisonous, so a stolen bite is nothing to worry about.", "portion": "Not recommended. If you offer any, keep it to a torn piece about 3 cm (1 in) across", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Swap it for romaine, kale, dandelion leaves or other dark greens", "If you give iceberg at all, wash it", "Keep the piece small", "Take away uneaten pieces after a few hours" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Iceberg is not toxic, but it has little nutritional value. Filling up on it leaves less room for pellets and nutrient-rich vegetables, and the high water content can make droppings wetter.", "ifEaten": "Nothing needs to be done. If your cockatiel has watery droppings for more than a day or seems unwell, see an avian vet, since the lettuce is unlikely to be the cause.", "faq": [ { "q": "Why do vets say not to feed iceberg lettuce to cockatiels?", "a": "Because it is mostly water and has little nutritional value. Cockatiels are prone to vitamin A deficiency, so darker greens are far more useful." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's cockatiel page specifically names iceberg or head lettuce as offering little nutritional value." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169248, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/iceberg-lettuce/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/iceberg-lettuce/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/iceberg-lettuce/" } }, { "id": "spinach", "name": "Spinach", "slug": "spinach", "category": "greens", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Vet and welfare sources list spinach as suitable, but it is high in oxalate, so offer it now and then as part of a rotation rather than every day.", "portion": "One small leaf, about 2–3 cm (1 in) across, for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash thoroughly, including bagged baby spinach", "Serve raw and plain, never creamed, buttered or salted", "Tear into small pieces", "Remove uneaten leaves the next day" ], "benefits": "A source of vitamins A and K, folate and some fibre.", "risks": "Spinach is rich in oxalate, which binds calcium. Because bladder stones are not uncommon in hamsters, rotating spinach with other greens is a sensible precaution, though this is based on its nutrient content rather than a documented hamster problem. Like other watery leaves, too much can soften droppings.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat baby spinach?", "a": "Yes. Baby spinach is the same plant picked young. Wash it and offer a small leaf once or twice a week." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat cooked spinach?", "a": "Plain raw spinach is better. Spinach cooked for the family often contains butter, salt, cream or garlic, which are not suitable for hamsters." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "ucdavis-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "sdhumane-hamster", "vetpartner-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA, UC Davis, PetMD and San Diego Humane Society all list spinach as suitable. 'Limit' rather than 'yes' is our precaution based on spinach's high oxalate content; no fetched source specifically restricts spinach for hamsters. Veterinary Partner notes bladder stones are not uncommon in hamsters but says they generally do not respond to dietary change, so the oxalate concern is theoretical." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Spinach is nutritious and listed by vets as suitable, but it is rich in oxalate, which binds calcium, so offer it now and then rather than as the main green.", "portion": "One or two baby spinach leaves, or about 1 teaspoon chopped", "frequency": "Once or twice a week, rotated with other greens", "prep": [ "Wash the leaves thoroughly", "Offer a whole baby leaf or chop it finely", "Serve raw or plainly steamed, with nothing added", "Rotate with lower-oxalate greens such as romaine, kale and dandelion" ], "benefits": "Spinach provides beta-carotene, vitamin K, folate and iron.", "risks": "Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which binds calcium and limits how much of the leaf's calcium a bird can absorb. Seed-heavy diets are already low in calcium, so spinach should be one green among many rather than a daily staple.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is spinach bad for budgies?", "a": "No. It is not toxic, and veterinary feeding guides list spinach among suitable foods for budgies. The caution is its oxalate content, which reduces calcium absorption, so it is best fed in rotation rather than every day." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat cooked spinach?", "a": "Plain steamed spinach is fine. Never offer spinach cooked with butter, salt, garlic or other seasonings." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-calcium", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: VCA lists spinach as suitable for budgies with no caveat; LafeberVet (Pollock) notes that plant calcium digestibility is limited by binding to oxalate or phytate. No bird study shows harm from normal spinach portions; 'limit' is a cautious call based on calcium binding." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Spinach is safe for cockatiels, but its oxalate binds calcium, and cockatiels are prone to calcium deficiency and egg-binding, so keep it an occasional green.", "portion": "One or two leaves, or about 2 teaspoons chopped", "frequency": "Once or twice a week, mixed with other greens", "prep": [ "Rinse well", "Chop into small pieces or offer a whole leaf", "Serve raw or plainly steamed", "Make lower-oxalate greens such as kale, romaine and dandelion the everyday choice" ], "benefits": "Spinach adds beta-carotene, vitamin K, folate and iron to the diet.", "risks": "Oxalic acid in spinach binds calcium, so little of its calcium is usable. Calcium deficiency is particularly common in cockatiels and can lead to weakness, seizures and egg-binding in laying hens, so spinach should not be relied on as a calcium source or fed every day.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Should I avoid spinach if my cockatiel hen is laying eggs?", "a": "Keep it occasional and focus on a pellet-based diet. Chronic egg laying drains calcium, and cockatiels are prone to egg-binding, so ask your avian vet about her calcium needs." }, { "q": "Is spinach a good calcium source for cockatiels?", "a": "Not really. It contains calcium, but oxalate binds much of it. Pellets and lower-oxalate greens are more dependable." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "lafebervet-calcium", "illinois-avian-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA's pet-bird list includes spinach; VCA's cockatiel page and Illinois (Marrow) highlight calcium deficiency and egg-binding in cockatiels; LafeberVet notes oxalate limits plant calcium digestibility. 'limit' chosen for caution." } }, "usdaFdcId": 168462, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/spinach/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/spinach/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/spinach/" } }, { "id": "kale", "name": "Kale", "slug": "kale", "category": "greens", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes, in small pieces. PDSA lists kale as a suitable vegetable for hamsters. Rotate it with other greens rather than feeding it every day.", "portion": "A piece of leaf about 2 cm (¾ in) square for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "2–3 times a week, as part of a rotation", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Strip the leaf from the thick central stem", "Tear or chop into small pieces", "Serve raw and plain" ], "benefits": "Provides fibre, vitamins A, C and K and some calcium.", "risks": "Kale belongs to the cabbage family and is fairly rich in calcium; offering it in rotation rather than daily avoids overdoing any one vegetable. At treat-sized portions no specific problem is known. Large amounts of any new green can upset digestion.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat kale stems?", "a": "The thick central rib is tough and fibrous. It is not toxic, but it is better to strip it off and offer only the leafy part in small pieces." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat kale chips?", "a": "No. Kale chips are usually coated in oil and salt or other seasonings. Offer plain raw kale instead." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "vca-rodents-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA lists kale among suitable vegetables; VCA approves leafy greens in general. Rotation advice is a general precaution for brassicas, not from a hamster-specific source." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Kale is one of the more nutritious greens you can give a budgie, offering beta-carotene and calcium. Wash it, strip the tough stem and chop it small.", "portion": "A leaf piece about 5 cm (2 in) square, or 1–2 teaspoons finely chopped", "frequency": "2–4 times a week, rotated with vegetables outside the cabbage family", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Strip the leaf from the tough central stem", "Chop finely or clip a piece to the cage", "Serve raw or plainly steamed, with nothing added" ], "benefits": "Kale provides beta-carotene (for vitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and calcium.", "risks": "Kale is safe in normal portions. Like other cabbage-family plants it contains compounds that can interfere with iodine use in very large amounts; budgies are prone to iodine deficiency on all-seed diets, so rotate kale with other greens. There is no evidence that normal portions cause problems.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat kale every day?", "a": "It is better not to. Kale is in the cabbage family, whose goitrogens can interfere with iodine use, and budgies are the species most prone to goiter. Offer it a few times a week and rotate it with greens outside the cabbage family, such as romaine and dandelion." }, { "q": "Raw or cooked kale for budgies?", "a": "Raw is fine and keeps more vitamin C. Plain steamed kale is also fine; never add butter, salt or garlic." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA lists kale among suitable foods for budgies. The goitrogen comment is an extrapolation from brassica chemistry plus the known budgie iodine-deficiency risk on seed diets (Merck); no study shows harm from kale in budgies." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Kale is a nutritious regular green for cockatiels, supplying beta-carotene and calcium that seed-heavy diets lack. Wash it and offer it chopped or as a whole leaf to shred.", "portion": "A leaf piece about 8 cm (3 in) square, or about 2 teaspoons chopped", "frequency": "Several times a week, alongside other vegetables", "prep": [ "Rinse the leaves thoroughly", "Remove the thick central rib", "Chop or tear into cockatiel-sized pieces", "Serve raw or lightly steamed with no seasoning" ], "benefits": "Kale is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin K and vitamin C and contains calcium, which is useful for cockatiels, a species prone to vitamin A and calcium deficiencies.", "risks": "Kale is safe in normal amounts. Very large quantities of cabbage-family greens could in theory affect iodine use, so vary the greens rather than feeding kale alone.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is kale good for cockatiels?", "a": "Yes. It is one of the better greens for them, as long as it is part of a varied mix and the base diet is pellets." }, { "q": "Can cockatiels eat kale stems?", "a": "The thin stems are fine; the thick central rib is tough and less nutritious, so it is easier to strip it off." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "illinois-avian-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's pet-bird list includes kale. Goitrogen caution is theoretical." } }, "usdaFdcId": 168421, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/kale/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/kale/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/kale/" } }, { "id": "dandelion", "name": "Dandelion greens", "slug": "dandelion-greens", "category": "greens", "aliases": [ "dandelion leaves" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes, if unsprayed. A vet-reviewed guide lists dandelion greens as suitable for hamsters. Pick them only from places free of chemicals and animal traffic, and wash well.", "portion": "One small leaf, about 3 cm (1¼ in) long, for a Syrian; half a small leaf for a dwarf.", "frequency": "2–3 times a week, rotating with other greens", "prep": [ "Only pick from ground never treated with weedkiller, slug pellets or fertiliser, away from roads and dog-walking areas", "Wash thoroughly", "Tear into small pieces", "Introduce gradually if your hamster has not had it before" ], "benefits": "Rich in vitamins A and K and a source of calcium and fibre; hamsters often enjoy the bitter leaves.", "risks": "The main risk is contamination of wild-picked plants with pesticides, herbicides or animal waste. Dandelion leaves are also relatively rich in calcium and, like other greens, can soften droppings if a lot is eaten at once.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can I pick dandelions from my garden for my hamster?", "a": "Yes, as long as the area has never been treated with weedkiller, slug pellets or fertiliser and is not used by dogs, cats or wildlife. Wash the leaves well before feeding." }, { "q": "Are shop-bought dandelion greens OK?", "a": "Yes. Salad-grade dandelion greens sold for people are a convenient option. Wash them as you would any leafy green." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Only PetMD (DVM-reviewed) among the fetched sources names dandelion greens for hamsters. Popular claims that dandelion is a strong diuretic for hamsters could not be confirmed in veterinary sources; the rotation advice is a general precaution. Flowers and roots were not assessed." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Dandelion leaves are a nutritious green for budgies, provided they come from ground that has not been sprayed or fouled. Wash them well before serving.", "portion": "One or two small leaves, or about 1–2 teaspoons chopped", "frequency": "Several times a week", "prep": [ "Pick only from places free of weedkillers, fertilisers, traffic fumes and animal waste, or buy them", "Wash thoroughly and shake dry", "Offer a whole leaf or chop it finely", "Remove leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Dandelion greens provide beta-carotene, vitamin K and calcium, and whole leaves make good foraging material.", "risks": "The main risk is contamination: lawn or roadside dandelions may carry herbicides, pesticides or droppings from other animals, and birds are very sensitive to pesticides.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can I pick dandelions from my garden for my budgie?", "a": "Yes, if you know the ground has not been treated with weedkiller or fertiliser and is not used by dogs or cats. Wash them well first." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat dandelion leaves every day?", "a": "They can be part of the daily fresh food, but rotating them with other greens and vegetables gives a better range of nutrients." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA lists dandelion leaves as suitable for budgies and for pet birds generally, and advises washing produce because birds are very sensitive to pesticides." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Dandelion leaves are a safe, nutritious green for cockatiels. Use leaves from unsprayed ground or a shop, and wash them first.", "portion": "Two or three leaves, or about 2 teaspoons chopped", "frequency": "Several times a week", "prep": [ "Collect only from areas you know are free of sprays, fertiliser and animal waste", "Rinse well", "Offer whole leaves for shredding or chop them", "Take away wilted leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Dandelion leaves add beta-carotene, vitamin K and calcium, and whole leaves encourage natural foraging.", "risks": "Contamination is the concern: garden and roadside plants may carry pesticides, herbicides or droppings, and birds are very sensitive to these chemicals.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are dandelions safe for cockatiels?", "a": "Yes. Dandelion leaves appear on veterinary lists of suitable foods for pet birds. Just make sure they have not been sprayed." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's pet-bird list includes dandelion leaves." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169226, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/dandelion-greens/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/dandelion-greens/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/dandelion-greens/" } }, { "id": "parsley", "name": "Parsley", "slug": "parsley", "category": "greens", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. PDSA lists parsley among occasional treats for hamsters. A sprig now and then is plenty.", "portion": "One small sprig (2–3 leaves) for a Syrian; a single leaf for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Use fresh curly or flat-leaf parsley", "Remove thick stems", "Remove any uneaten parsley the next day" ], "benefits": "An aromatic herb that adds variety and scent for foraging; contains vitamins A, C and K.", "risks": "Parsley is not toxic to hamsters. It is more concentrated in calcium and oxalate than lettuce-type greens, which is one reason to keep it an occasional herb rather than a staple. Large amounts of any herb can upset digestion.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is parsley toxic to hamsters?", "a": "No. PDSA lists it as a safe occasional treat. The reason to limit it is to keep the diet varied and avoid overdoing calcium- and oxalate-rich greens." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat parsley stems?", "a": "Thin stems are fine in small amounts. Thick, woody stems are best removed." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA lists parsley under 'other occasional treats'. The calcium/oxalate reasoning is based on nutrient content, not a documented hamster problem." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A board-certified avian vet lists parsley as safe, but it has caused sun sensitivity in ducks and ostriches that ate a lot, so keep it to a sprig mixed with other greens.", "portion": "One small sprig (a few leaves)", "frequency": "Two or three times a week, mixed with other greens", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Offer a plain sprig of flat-leaf or curly parsley, or chop it", "Mix it with other greens rather than serving a pile of parsley", "Remove leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Parsley supplies beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K and adds variety and scent to fresh food.", "risks": "Parsley contains natural compounds that can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. A 1988 report described parsley-induced photosensitivity in ostriches and, experimentally, in ducks. No cases in budgies have been reported, so the concern is large amounts, not a sprig.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is parsley toxic to budgies?", "a": "Not in normal amounts. It appears on some 'toxic' lists because of reports in ducks and ostriches that ate a lot of it, while a board-certified avian vet lists parsley as safe for pet birds. A sprig a few times a week is a sensible middle ground." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat parsley stems?", "a": "Yes, the soft stems are fine. Wash them and offer them with the leaves." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-fresh-foraging", "perelman-1988-parsley" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: parsley appears on some owner-facing 'toxic' lists. Perelman & Kuttin (1988) documented photosensitisation in ostriches (natural outbreak) and ducks (experimental). Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian) states the entire parsley plant is safe for pet birds. No psittacine cases found. The PubMed abstract does not name the compounds; attributing the effect to furanocoumarins is general plant chemistry. 'limit' chosen as the cautious middle." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Parsley is considered safe for cockatiels by an avian vet, but large amounts caused sunlight sensitivity in other birds, so offer a sprig or two as part of mixed greens.", "portion": "One or two sprigs", "frequency": "Two or three times a week", "prep": [ "Rinse thoroughly", "Offer plain sprigs or chop them into a vegetable mix", "Avoid serving large bunches on their own", "Take away leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Parsley adds beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K, and whole sprigs are good for foraging.", "risks": "Parsley contains compounds that can cause photosensitivity. This was documented in ostriches and ducks that ate large amounts; it has not been reported in cockatiels, so moderation is the safeguard.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat parsley every day?", "a": "It is safer as one of several rotating greens a few times a week rather than a daily staple, because of reports of sun sensitivity in other birds that ate large amounts." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-fresh-foraging", "perelman-1988-parsley" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same evidence as for budgies: avian-vet statement that parsley is safe versus a photosensitisation report in ostriches and ducks. 'limit' chosen for caution." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170416, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/parsley/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/parsley/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/parsley/" } }, { "id": "cilantro", "name": "Cilantro (coriander leaf)", "slug": "cilantro", "category": "greens", "aliases": [ "coriander" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Fresh coriander (cilantro) is on PDSA's list of occasional treats for hamsters. A sprig now and then is plenty.", "portion": "One small sprig (2–3 leaves) for a Syrian; a single leaf for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Offer fresh leaves and thin stems only", "Do not use dried spice blends or seasoning mixes", "Remove any uneaten herb the next day" ], "benefits": "Adds scent and variety to foraging; contains vitamins A and K.", "risks": "Cilantro has no known toxicity for hamsters. It is limited mainly to keep the diet balanced, and because sudden large amounts of any fresh greens can upset a hamster's digestion.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is coriander the same as cilantro?", "a": "Yes. In the UK the leaves are called coriander and in North America cilantro. The fresh leaves are the part to offer." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA lists coriander among occasional treats; no other fetched source discusses it. Coriander seed (the spice) was not assessed." }, "budgie": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Fresh cilantro (coriander leaf) is a safe herb for budgies and a good way to add variety to their greens. Wash it and offer a plain sprig.", "portion": "A small sprig, or about 1 teaspoon chopped", "frequency": "Several times a week, as part of mixed greens", "prep": [ "Wash well", "Offer leaves and soft stems as a sprig or chopped", "Serve fresh and plain, never from salsa or seasoned dishes", "Remove leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Cilantro provides beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K, and a sprig or whole plant makes good foraging enrichment.", "risks": "No specific toxicity is known. Wash shop-bought herbs to remove residues, and do not share cilantro from human dishes, which often contain salt, onion or garlic.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat coriander seeds?", "a": "An avian vet notes that the whole fresh plant, including its seed heads and flowers, can be given. Spice blends are best avoided because they may contain salt or other spices." }, { "q": "Is cilantro the same as coriander?", "a": "Yes. Cilantro is the leaf of the coriander plant; the name differs between countries." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-fresh-foraging", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Only one avian-vet source (Stephanie Lamb, DABVP Avian) addresses cilantro directly and describes the entire plant as edible for pet birds. No reports of harm found. VCA cited for general produce-washing advice." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "yes", "short": "Yes. Cilantro is a safe fresh herb for cockatiels, and many enjoy picking through a whole sprig. Wash it and serve it plain.", "portion": "One or two sprigs, or about 2 teaspoons chopped", "frequency": "Several times a week, as part of mixed greens", "prep": [ "Rinse well", "Offer sprigs whole for foraging or chop into a vegetable mix", "Use plain herb only, not leftovers from seasoned food", "Take away wilted leftovers after a few hours" ], "benefits": "Cilantro contains beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K and is a useful foraging item.", "risks": "No known toxicity. The risks are pesticide residues on unwashed herbs and seasonings such as salt, onion and garlic in human dishes.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can I grow cilantro for my cockatiel?", "a": "Yes. An avian vet recommends home-grown cilantro as a safe foraging plant, including the flowers and seed heads, as long as it is not sprayed." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-fresh-foraging", "vca-fruit-veg-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Single direct avian-vet source; no contrary evidence found." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169997, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cilantro/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cilantro/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cilantro/" } }, { "id": "oats", "name": "Oats", "slug": "oats", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "oatmeal", "porridge oats", "rolled oats" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain rolled oats are a common grain in hamster mixes and fine as a small extra. Keep them to a few flakes for dwarf hamsters, which are prone to diabetes.", "portion": "About ½ teaspoon of plain rolled oats for a Syrian; a small pinch (a few flakes) for a dwarf.", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Use plain, uncooked rolled or whole oats", "Avoid instant oat sachets, granola and flavoured or sweetened oats", "Serve dry, with no milk, sugar, honey or syrup", "Scatter a few flakes to encourage foraging" ], "benefits": "Oats supply starch for energy plus some fibre and protein, and scattered flakes encourage natural foraging.", "risks": "Oats are mainly starch, so large amounts add calories and can crowd out the balanced pellet diet. Instant and flavoured oat products may contain sugar, salt or dried fruit.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, hybrid and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Keep oats to a few flakes once or twice a week, and never use sweetened oat products.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat porridge or oatmeal?", "a": "Plain oats cooked in water and cooled are not harmful in a tiny amount, but soft porridge spoils quickly if hoarded. Never use porridge made with milk, sugar, honey or syrup." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat granola or oat bars?", "a": "No. These usually contain sugar, honey, syrup, chocolate or dried fruit, and bars can be sticky. Stick to plain rolled oats." } ], "sources": [ "sdhumane-hamster", "hss-tofu-cookie", "merck-hamster-home", "vca-rodents-feeding", "pdsa-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No fetched veterinary source names oats specifically. San Diego Humane Society describes hamster mixes as containing grains, and Hamster Society (Singapore) uses oats in its hamster treat recipes. Status reasoned from oats being a plain, low-sugar grain; total extras should stay under about 10% of the diet (Merck, VCA). Dwarf note based on PDSA and ExoCare diabetes guidance." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain oats are safe for budgies, but they are starchy and low in calcium, so keep them an occasional extra rather than a staple.", "portion": "About 1/2 teaspoon of plain rolled oats or cooked plain oatmeal", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use plain oats with no sugar, salt, flavouring or milk", "Offer a small pinch of dry rolled oats, or cook them in water", "Let cooked oats cool to lukewarm or room temperature", "Remove cooked oats within a few hours, before they spoil" ], "benefits": "Oats supply energy, some protein and fibre, and a pinch can add variety.", "risks": "Grains are energy-dense and poor in calcium, and budgies are prone to obesity. Instant or flavoured oats often contain sugar and salt, and damp cooked grain left in the cage can grow bacteria or mould.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat raw oats?", "a": "Yes. Plain dry rolled oats are fine in a small pinch; they do not need cooking." }, { "q": "Can budgies have porridge made with milk?", "a": "No. Make it with water only. Birds digest lactose poorly, and sweetened porridge adds sugar they do not need." } ], "sources": [ "illinois-avian-nutrition", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "lafebervet-calcium", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vca-budgie-feeding" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No avian-vet source names oats specifically. Inferred from sources that allow limited whole grains (Illinois: 'limited grains'; Pollock handout: whole grain products in small amounts), note grains are poor calcium sources (LafeberVet), and warn that mouldy cereal grains can carry fungal toxins (Lafeber)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain oats are a safe grain for cockatiels, dry or cooked in water, but they add starch rather than the vitamins and calcium cockatiels most need.", "portion": "About 1 teaspoon of plain rolled oats or cooked plain oatmeal", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Choose plain oats with nothing added", "Serve a pinch dry, or cook in water only", "Cool cooked oats before serving", "Clear away leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Oats provide energy and fibre and make a soft, warm-texture food some cockatiels like.", "risks": "Oats are starchy and low in calcium and vitamin A, both nutrients cockatiels often lack. Flavoured instant oats contain sugar and salt, and wet oats spoil quickly.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are oat groats in seed mixes good for cockatiels?", "a": "They are safe, but like other seeds and grains they are low in key vitamins and minerals, so seed mixes should not be the main diet." } ], "sources": [ "illinois-avian-nutrition", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "lafebervet-calcium", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Inferred from general guidance on limited grains; no source names oats for cockatiels." } }, "usdaFdcId": 173904, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/oats/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/oats/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/oats/" } }, { "id": "rice", "name": "Rice (cooked, plain)", "slug": "rice", "category": "grain", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A few grains of plain cooked rice are not harmful, but rice adds starch and little else, spoils fast when hoarded, and must never be seasoned.", "portion": "3–5 grains of plain cooked rice for a Syrian; 1–2 grains for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Cook in plain water with no salt, oil, butter or stock", "Let it cool completely", "Offer a few separate grains, not a sticky clump", "Remove leftovers within a few hours, as cooked rice spoils quickly" ], "benefits": "A bland, easily digested starch. It offers little that a pellet diet does not already provide.", "risks": "Cooked rice is starchy, low in fibre and goes off quickly if stored in the nest or cheek pouches. Leftover rice from human meals often contains salt, oil, soy sauce, onion or garlic, which are not suitable for pets.", "dwarf": "For diabetes-prone dwarfs (Campbell's, Winter White, hybrids and Chinese hamsters), rice is best skipped or limited to a single grain now and then.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat fried rice or leftover takeaway rice?", "a": "No. Fried and takeaway rice usually contain oil, salt, soy sauce, onion or garlic. Only plain, unseasoned rice is suitable." }, { "q": "Is brown rice better than white rice for hamsters?", "a": "Plain brown rice has a little more fibre, but both are starchy foods that should stay a rare extra." } ], "sources": [ "merck-hamster-home", "vca-rodents-feeding", "bluecross-hamster-care", "aspca-people-foods", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No fetched source discusses rice for hamsters. Verdict reasoned from starch content, spoilage of hoarded food (Blue Cross), general treat limits (Merck, VCA) and ASPCA's warnings on onion, garlic and salt." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain cooked rice, especially brown rice, is safe for budgies. Keep it a small side dish so it does not crowd out pellets and vegetables.", "portion": "About 1/2 teaspoon of cooked rice (a thumbnail-sized amount)", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Cook in plain water with no salt, butter, oil or seasoning", "Let it cool to room temperature", "Mix with finely chopped vegetables if you like", "Remove leftovers within a few hours, as cooked rice spoils quickly" ], "benefits": "Brown or wild rice provides energy, some fibre and B vitamins, and mixing it with chopped vegetables can encourage a budgie to try new foods.", "risks": "Rice is mostly starch and low in calcium, so large amounts dilute a balanced diet. Cooked rice left at room temperature can grow bacteria, and rice cooked for people is often salted, buttered or fried.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is white rice as good as brown rice for budgies?", "a": "White rice is safe but less nutritious. Brown or wild rice keeps more fibre and B vitamins." }, { "q": "Can I give my budgie leftover rice from dinner?", "a": "Only if it was cooked completely plain. Fried rice, seasoned rice or rice cooked in stock can contain salt, oil, onion or garlic." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "illinois-avian-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA lists brown rice among suitable foods for budgies; the LafeberVet handout (Pollock) lists wild rice among foods for small amounts; Illinois advises limited grains." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain cooked rice is safe for cockatiels, and brown rice is the better choice. Serve it cool and unseasoned, as a small extra.", "portion": "About 1 teaspoon of cooked rice", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Cook in unsalted water with no butter or oil", "Cool completely before serving", "Stir in chopped vegetables to add nutrients", "Discard leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Brown or wild rice adds energy, fibre and B vitamins and is a useful base for mixing in vegetables.", "risks": "Rice is starchy and low in calcium and vitamin A. It spoils quickly once cooked, and restaurant or family rice dishes often contain salt, fat, onion or garlic.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat uncooked rice?", "a": "Cooked rice is the better option. Dry raw rice is hard and offers little; cooked plain rice or a little brown rice mixed with vegetables is more useful." } ], "sources": [ "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "illinois-avian-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's pet-bird list includes brown rice; Pollock handout lists wild rice. The FAQ avoids repeating the unverified 'rice expands in the stomach' claim either way." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169704, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/rice/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/rice/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/rice/" } }, { "id": "bread", "name": "Bread", "slug": "bread", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "toast" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Vets list plain whole wheat bread as a hamster treat. Keep it tiny and dry, and never offer bread with butter, spreads, garlic or raisins.", "portion": "A cube about 1 cm (⅜ in) across of plain wholemeal bread for a Syrian; a crumb about half that size for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Choose plain wholemeal (whole wheat) bread", "Offer it dry or lightly toasted rather than soft and doughy", "Add no butter, jam, peanut butter or other spreads", "Remove uneaten pieces before they go mouldy" ], "benefits": "Wholemeal bread supplies some fibre and carbohydrate and is a handy hand-feeding treat for taming.", "risks": "Bread is starchy and often salty, soft bread can form a doughy lump in the cheek pouches, and hoarded bread goes mouldy. Garlic bread, raisin bread and sweet or chocolate spreads add real risks. Raw yeast dough is dangerous because it expands and produces alcohol.", "dwarf": "Diabetes-prone dwarfs are better off with a crumb at most, or none. Skip white, sweet or enriched breads entirely.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat white bread?", "a": "A crumb is not harmful, but white bread is more refined and lower in fibre than wholemeal. If you offer bread at all, choose plain wholemeal." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat bread with butter or peanut butter?", "a": "No. Spreads add fat, salt and sometimes sugar or sweeteners, and sticky spreads can cling inside the cheek pouches." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat raw bread dough?", "a": "No. Raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach, and the yeast produces alcohol, which is toxic to pets. Contact a vet if your hamster eats some." } ], "sources": [ "medvet-hamster", "sdhumane-hamster", "bluecross-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "aspca-people-foods", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "MedVet and San Diego Humane Society list whole wheat bread as a treat. PetMD advises avoiding most human foods other than fresh produce, so we chose 'limit' with small, infrequent portions. The soft-bread cheek-pouch concern is reasoned from Blue Cross's description of impacted pouches; no fetched source names bread as a cause. Yeast dough warning from ASPCA." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A crumb of plain wholegrain bread or toast is not harmful, but bread offers little and often contains salt and sugar. Never offer mouldy bread.", "portion": "A crumb about 1 cm (⅜ in) square of plain wholegrain bread or toast", "frequency": "Once a week or less", "prep": [ "Choose plain wholegrain bread with no garlic, onion, chocolate, sweet toppings or sugar-free sweeteners", "Check that it is completely free of mould", "Toast it lightly and let it cool; dry pieces are less sticky", "Do not soak bread in milk or water", "Remove any leftover pieces the same day" ], "benefits": "Wholegrain bread provides some carbohydrate and fibre; its main value is as a familiar, occasional treat.", "risks": "Most bread contains added salt and often sugar and fat, which small birds do not need. Mouldy bread can contain fungal toxins, and soft or soaked bread spoils quickly in the cage. Raw bread dough is dangerous because the yeast keeps rising and produces alcohol.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is bread bad for budgies?", "a": "A crumb of plain wholegrain bread is not harmful, and an avian vet includes wholegrain bread or toast among foods that can be given in small amounts. It is a low-value filler, though, so vegetables are a better use of a budgie's appetite." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat white bread?", "a": "A crumb will not hurt, but white bread has less fibre and fewer nutrients than wholegrain, so there is no reason to make it a habit." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "LafeberVet handout (Pollock, DABVP Avian) lists whole grain bread or toast among foods that may be offered in small amounts. VCA advises avoiding processed foods but does not name bread. Mould concern from Lafeber's note on mouldy cereal grains; raw dough hazard from ASPCA. The widely repeated idea that soft bread sticks in the crop was not found in any avian-vet source; toasting is suggested only as a simple precaution." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain wholegrain bread or toast is safe for cockatiels as a rare treat, but it is low in nutrients and usually salted. Never give mouldy bread or raw dough.", "portion": "A piece about 2 cm (3/4 in) square of plain wholegrain bread or toast", "frequency": "Once a week or less", "prep": [ "Use plain wholegrain bread without garlic, onion, chocolate, sweet toppings or sugar-free sweeteners", "Make sure there is no mould anywhere on the loaf", "Toast lightly and cool", "Offer a small dry piece rather than soaked bread", "Remove leftovers the same day" ], "benefits": "Wholegrain toast gives a little fibre and is an easy food to share as a treat.", "risks": "Bread is mostly starch with added salt, and often sugar and fat, so it adds calories without the vitamin A and calcium cockatiels need. Mould can produce toxins, and uncooked yeast dough can expand and produce alcohol.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat bread every day?", "a": "No. Treat it as an occasional crumb. Daily bread would displace pellets and vegetables and add unnecessary salt." }, { "q": "What kind of bread is best for cockatiels?", "a": "Plain wholegrain bread or toast with no toppings, seeds coated in salt, or garlic. Sweet breads and flavoured crackers are not suitable." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA's cockatiel page says to avoid processed foods like cookies, crackers or chips (bread not named); Pollock handout allows whole grain bread or toast in small amounts." } }, "usdaFdcId": 172688, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/bread/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/bread/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/bread/" } }, { "id": "pasta", "name": "Pasta (cooked, plain)", "slug": "pasta", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "noodles", "spaghetti" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. VCA lists pasta among occasional hamster treats. Offer it plain, with no sauce, salt, oil, garlic or cheese.", "portion": "One or two small pieces of plain cooked pasta, about 1 cm (⅜ in), for a Syrian; one tiny piece for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week", "prep": [ "Cook in unsalted water with no oil", "Let it cool", "Cut into small pieces", "Remove leftovers the same day" ], "benefits": "A bland carbohydrate treat; wholewheat pasta adds a little fibre.", "risks": "Pasta is starchy and adds calories without much nutrition. Leftover pasta from human meals usually carries salt, oil, sauce, onion, garlic or cheese, which are not suitable.", "dwarf": "For diabetes-prone dwarfs, keep pasta to a tiny piece now and then, or skip it.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat uncooked pasta?", "a": "Cooked plain pasta is the safer choice. Dry pasta snaps into hard, sharp shards that could scratch or pierce the cheek pouches, so if you offer it dry at all, use a small, smooth piece and count it as a treat." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat pasta with sauce?", "a": "No. Sauces usually contain salt, sugar, oil, onion, garlic or cheese. Only plain pasta is suitable." } ], "sources": [ "vca-rodents-feeding", "medvet-hamster", "vetpartner-hamster", "aspca-people-foods", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA, MedVet and Veterinary Partner all mention pasta as an acceptable small extra; VCA does not say whether cooked or dry. PetMD's general advice to avoid human foods is the more cautious view, so portions here are small and infrequent." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain cooked pasta is safe for budgies and many enjoy it, but take their portion out before any sauce, salt, butter or cheese goes on.", "portion": "One or two pieces of a small pasta shape, or about 1/2 teaspoon", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Cook in unsalted water", "Take the budgie's portion out before adding sauce, butter, oil or cheese", "Cut into small pieces and let it cool", "Remove leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Plain pasta gives energy and a soft texture birds often accept readily, and wholewheat pasta adds fibre. Veterinary guides suggest moist foods such as pasta as a carrier for crushed pellets when converting a bird from seeds.", "risks": "Pasta is starchy and low in calcium and vitamin A, so it should stay a small extra. The real dangers are the additions: salt, butter, oil, garlic, onion and cheese sauces.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat spaghetti with sauce?", "a": "No. Pasta sauces usually contain onion, garlic, salt and oil. Offer a plain noodle taken out before the sauce is added." }, { "q": "Is wholewheat pasta better for budgies?", "a": "Yes. It has more fibre, although either kind should remain an occasional extra." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "lafebervet-healthy-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA uses cooked pasta as a moist carrier for pellet conversion; Lafeber (Pollock) suggests a plain noodle before sauce, salt or butter; Pollock handout lists pasta among foods for small amounts." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can have plain cooked pasta as an occasional treat. Serve it cool, unsalted and before any sauce, butter or cheese is added.", "portion": "Two or three small pieces, about 1 teaspoon", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Boil in water without salt", "Set the cockatiel's share aside before adding anything", "Cool and chop into small pieces", "Clear away leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Plain pasta is an easy, soft food, and sprinkling crushed pellets on it can help a seed-eating cockatiel accept pellets.", "risks": "It is mainly starch with little vitamin A or calcium. Sauces, salt, butter, garlic, onion and cheese are what make human pasta dishes unsuitable.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat pasta with pesto or tomato sauce?", "a": "No. These sauces contain garlic, salt, oil and often cheese. Only plain, unseasoned pasta is suitable." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "lafebervet-healthy-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's cockatiel page uses cooked pasta as a moist carrier for crushed pellets." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169737, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/pasta/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/pasta/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/pasta/" } }, { "id": "popcorn", "name": "Popcorn", "slug": "popcorn", "category": "grain", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. VCA lists unsalted popcorn as a hamster treat. It must be plain and air-popped, with no butter, salt, sugar or flavouring, and hard kernels removed.", "portion": "One or two plain popped pieces for a Syrian; one small piece for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Air-pop plain kernels with no oil, butter, salt or sugar", "Do not use microwave-bag, caramel, cheese or buttered popcorn", "Remove unpopped and half-popped kernels and loose hulls", "Break into small pieces" ], "benefits": "A light treat that hamsters enjoy carrying and foraging for.", "risks": "Buttered, salted, caramel or flavoured popcorn adds fat, sodium and sugar. Hard unpopped kernels and sharp hull fragments are a concern because sharp pieces of food can occasionally pierce the cheek pouches.", "dwarf": "Popcorn is starch from corn. For diabetes-prone dwarfs, keep it to a single small piece now and then.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat salted or buttered popcorn?", "a": "No. Salt and butter make it unsuitable. Only plain, air-popped popcorn is appropriate, and only a piece or two." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat unpopped popcorn kernels?", "a": "Better not. They are very hard, offer no benefit and could injure the cheek pouches. Remove them before offering popcorn." } ], "sources": [ "vca-rodents-feeding", "bluecross-hamster-care", "aspca-people-foods", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA explicitly names 'unsalted popcorn' as an occasional treat. The kernel/hull caution is reasoned from Blue Cross's note that sharp pieces of food can pierce the cheek pouches." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Veterinary guides list popcorn among salty foods never to feed budgies. Plain air-popped popcorn is not toxic, but most popcorn is salted, buttered or flavoured.", "portion": "Not recommended. If offered at all, one plain, fully popped piece with no salt, butter or oil", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Never share cinema, microwave or flavoured popcorn", "If you offer any, air-pop plain kernels with no oil, salt or butter", "Remove unpopped kernels and loose hulls", "Give a single piece and remove leftovers" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Most popcorn carries salt, butter, oil, sugar or flavourings, and small birds are sensitive to salt. Plain popcorn itself is not poisonous but offers almost nothing nutritionally, and unpopped kernels are very hard.", "ifEaten": "One piece of plain popcorn needs no action. If your budgie ate salted or buttered popcorn, make sure fresh water is available and watch over the next day for heavy drinking, very wet droppings, wobbliness or lethargy. Contact an avian vet if you see these or if it ate more than a small piece.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is plain air-popped popcorn safe for budgies?", "a": "It is not toxic, and some bird keepers use it as a treat, but it offers little nutrition and veterinary feeding guides advise against popcorn for budgies. Fresh vegetables or a little spray millet make better treats." }, { "q": "What if my budgie ate a piece of salted popcorn?", "a": "A single piece is unlikely to cause harm. Provide fresh water and watch for heavy drinking or wobbliness; call an avian vet if it ate several pieces or seems unwell." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vcbe-toxic-items", "lafeber-toxic-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement with popular advice: many owner-facing websites recommend plain air-popped popcorn as a treat. VCA's budgie page lists popcorn with chips and pretzels as very salty foods that should never be fed; the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics lists popcorn among salty snacks. No avian-vet source found endorsing popcorn. Chose 'avoid' as the cautious status." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Popcorn as people eat it is salty, buttery or sugary, which cockatiels should not have. Plain air-popped popcorn is not toxic, but it adds nothing useful.", "portion": "Not recommended. If offered at all, one or two plain, fully popped pieces with no salt, butter or oil", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Do not share cinema, microwave, caramel or flavoured popcorn", "If you offer any, air-pop plain kernels with no fat or salt", "Pick out unpopped kernels and hulls", "Offer only a piece or two and remove leftovers" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Salted and buttered popcorn gives a small bird a load of salt and fat; caramel and kettle corn add sugar. Plain popcorn is mostly starch with little nutritional value, and unpopped kernels are hard.", "ifEaten": "A piece of plain popcorn needs no action. After salted, buttered or sweet popcorn, provide fresh water and watch for heavy drinking, watery droppings, weakness or wobbling, and call an avian vet if they appear or if a large amount was eaten.", "faq": [ { "q": "Why do some sites say popcorn is fine for cockatiels?", "a": "Plain air-popped popcorn is not poisonous, so some keepers use it as a treat. Veterinary sources group popcorn with salty snacks to avoid, and it offers little nutrition, so we suggest other treats." } ], "sources": [ "vcbe-toxic-items", "vca-budgie-feeding", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA's cockatiel page does not name popcorn but says to avoid processed snacks like chips; VCA's budgie page and VCBE list popcorn among salty foods. 'avoid' chosen for caution; differs from common internet advice." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170246, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/popcorn/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/popcorn/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/popcorn/" } }, { "id": "millet", "name": "Millet", "slug": "millet", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "spray millet", "millet spray" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Millet is a small seed found in many hamster mixes. It is fine as a treat, but seeds should be limited so they do not replace the balanced pellets.", "portion": "A small pinch of loose millet, or a 1–2 cm (½–¾ in) piece of millet spray, for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "1–2 times a week", "prep": [ "Use plain millet or millet spray, not seed sticks bound with honey or molasses", "Scatter or hide it to encourage foraging", "Count it as a treat, not part of the main ration" ], "benefits": "Encourages natural foraging, and millet is much lower in fat than oil seeds such as sunflower.", "risks": "Millet is mostly starch. Hamsters that fill up on seeds may skip their pellets, which can lead to an unbalanced diet and weight gain. Seed sticks and bars are often bound with honey or molasses, adding sugar.", "dwarf": "Keep millet to a few grains now and then for Campbell's, Winter White, hybrid and Chinese hamsters, and avoid honey- or molasses-coated millet treats completely.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is millet spray safe for hamsters?", "a": "Yes, a small piece occasionally. Choose plain millet spray rather than sticks or bars bound with honey or molasses, which Blue Cross advises avoiding." } ], "sources": [ "merck-hamster-home", "vca-rodents-feeding", "bluecross-hamster-care", "vetpartner-hamster", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No fetched source names millet specifically. VCA lists seeds as occasional treats, Merck says seeds should be limited, and Blue Cross suggests seed sprays for foraging while warning against seed sticks containing molasses or honey. Veterinary Partner advises largely avoiding high-fat seeds; millet is relatively low in fat, so 'limit' was chosen." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Millet is a budgie favourite but is low in many nutrients, and budgies that fill up on it can become poorly nourished or overweight.", "portion": "About 2–3 cm (1 in) of spray millet, or a small pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of loose millet", "frequency": "Spray millet only occasionally (one veterinary guide suggests once or twice a month for pellet-fed budgies); loose millet can be part of a small daily seed portion of no more than about a tenth of the diet", "prep": [ "Break off a short piece rather than hanging a whole spray", "Check that it is dry, clean and free of mould or insects", "Use it for training or foraging rather than filling the bowl", "Count it as part of the day's seed, not an extra" ], "benefits": "Millet is very palatable, which makes small pieces useful for hand-taming, training and foraging games.", "risks": "Millet is low in vitamin A, calcium and protein and high in carbohydrate. Budgies choose it over better foods, and seed-heavy diets are linked to obesity, fatty liver, lipomas, iodine deficiency (goitre) and vitamin A deficiency.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat millet every day?", "a": "A small pinch of loose millet can be part of a daily seed ration, but spray millet is best kept as an occasional treat. Most of the diet should be pellets plus vegetables." }, { "q": "Why does my budgie only eat millet?", "a": "Budgies prefer tasty, high-carbohydrate seeds. Offer other foods first and millet only as a reward, and ask an avian vet about a gradual switch to pellets." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vca-lipomas" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Sources disagree on how much seed small parrots should get: Merck (Hoppes) suggests 40–50% pellets and 30–40% seed mix for budgerigars and cockatiels; RSPCA says small parrots need some seed daily but no more than a tenth of the diet; VCA says millet spray only once or twice a month. Portion and frequency follow the more cautious VCA/RSPCA end. PDSA's budgie diet page (reported by search to call millet sprays a very occasional treat) could not be opened and is not cited." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels love millet, but it is nutritionally poor, and seed-heavy diets leave cockatiels short of vitamin A and calcium. Use it as a treat or training reward.", "portion": "About 3–5 cm (1–2 in) of spray millet, or a small pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon) of loose millet", "frequency": "Spray millet a few times a month as a treat; loose millet can be part of a small daily seed portion of no more than about a tenth of the diet", "prep": [ "Offer a short length, not a whole spray", "Make sure it is dry and free of mould or insects", "Use pieces as training rewards or hide them for foraging", "Reduce other seeds on days you give millet" ], "benefits": "Millet is highly motivating, which makes it an excellent training reward and foraging item.", "risks": "Millet is low in vitamin A, calcium and protein. Cockatiels are prone to vitamin A deficiency, calcium deficiency and egg-binding, and diets built mainly on seed are linked to obesity and fatty liver disease.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is spray millet bad for cockatiels?", "a": "Not in small amounts. The problem is quantity: a cockatiel given unlimited millet tends to eat little else." }, { "q": "How much seed should a cockatiel eat?", "a": "Veterinary and welfare advice varies. A cautious guide is seed at no more than about a tenth of a small parrot's diet, with pellets and vegetables making up the rest." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "illinois-avian-nutrition" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Same disagreement on seed proportion as for budgies (Merck 30–40% seed mix vs RSPCA 10% vs VCA 'very small part'). VCA's cockatiel page gives no specific millet frequency; the budgie page's once-or-twice-a-month figure was adapted loosely." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169702, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/millet/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/millet/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/millet/" } }, { "id": "sunflower-seeds", "name": "Sunflower seeds", "slug": "sunflower-seeds", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "sunflower" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain, unsalted sunflower seeds are a classic hamster treat, but they are about half fat, so one or two a few times a week is plenty.", "portion": "1–2 seeds for a Syrian; 1 seed for a dwarf.", "frequency": "2–3 times a week at most", "prep": [ "Use plain raw or dry-roasted seeds with no salt or flavouring", "Shelled or in-shell seeds are both fine", "Hand-feed or hide them rather than adding them to the bowl", "Cut back if the main food is already a seed-heavy mix" ], "benefits": "Hamsters love them, which makes them useful for hand-taming, and they contain protein and vitamin E.", "risks": "Sunflower seeds are about half fat by weight. Hamsters readily pick seeds over pellets, and VCA notes that seeds are high in fat and poor in overall nutrition, and that hamsters are prone to obesity. Salted or flavoured seeds add sodium and seasonings.", "dwarf": "Dwarf hamsters are small and prone to diabetes, which extra weight does not help. One seed at a time, a few times a week, is enough.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat salted sunflower seeds?", "a": "No. Choose unsalted, unflavoured seeds. Snack-style seeds are often heavily salted or coated in seasoning." }, { "q": "My hamster only eats the sunflower seeds from its mix. Is that a problem?", "a": "Yes, it can be. Selective eating of seeds leads to an unbalanced, high-fat diet. Vets and welfare charities recommend a pelleted food as the main diet, with seeds only as treats; ask your vet how to switch gradually." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "vca-owning-hamster", "vca-rodents-feeding", "merck-hamster-home", "vetpartner-hamster", "pdsa-hamster-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PetMD calls plain sunflower seeds 'a great occasional treat'; VCA lists seeds as occasional treats; Merck says seeds should be limited; Veterinary Partner says high-fat nuts and seeds 'should largely be avoided'. 'Limit' with very small portions reconciles these. The 'about half fat' figure is standard food-composition knowledge, not from a fetched hamster source." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Sunflower seeds are very high in fat and low in calcium, and budgies are prone to obesity and fatty tumours, so treat them as a rare reward.", "portion": "One or two hulled kernels, or one seed in its shell", "frequency": "Once or twice a week, ideally as a training reward", "prep": [ "Use plain, raw, unsalted seeds", "Never use roasted, salted or flavoured snack seeds", "Break a kernel into pieces for a small budgie", "Store seeds dry and discard any that smell rancid or look mouldy" ], "benefits": "Sunflower kernels provide vitamin E and energy and are highly motivating as training rewards.", "risks": "Sunflower seeds are high in fat, low in calcium and short of key amino acids. Birds pick them out ahead of healthier foods, and high-fat seed diets are linked to obesity, fatty liver and lipomas, which budgies commonly develop.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are sunflower seeds bad for budgies?", "a": "They are not toxic, but they are a high-fat treat. One or two kernels, once or twice a week, is plenty for a budgie; a mix that is mostly sunflower is not a suitable diet." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat salted sunflower seeds?", "a": "No. Snack seeds are salted or flavoured, and small birds are sensitive to salt." } ], "sources": [ "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds", "rspca-bird-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Merck: sunflower seeds are selected preferentially, low in calcium, deficient in essential amino acids and high in fat. VCA: lipomas common in budgies and linked to high-fat, all-seed diets." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels love sunflower seeds, but they are fatty and low in calcium, and cockatiels that fill up on them often become overweight or short of nutrients.", "portion": "Two to four seeds", "frequency": "A few times a week, used as training rewards", "prep": [ "Use plain, raw, unsalted seeds", "Avoid roasted, salted or flavoured snack seeds", "Hand them out one at a time as rewards rather than in the bowl", "Discard seeds that smell rancid or look mouldy" ], "benefits": "Sunflower seeds are energy-rich and contain vitamin E; their high appeal makes them effective training rewards.", "risks": "Seed mixes heavy in sunflower are high in fat and low in calcium and vitamin A. Cockatiels are prone to calcium and vitamin A deficiency, fatty liver disease and lipomas, and they tend to pick sunflower over healthier food.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel's seed mix is mostly sunflower. Is that a problem?", "a": "Yes, if it is the main food. Veterinary sources describe sunflower-heavy diets as high in fat and deficient in calcium and other nutrients. Talk to an avian vet about gradually moving to pellets." }, { "q": "Black or striped sunflower seeds for cockatiels?", "a": "Either is fine as an occasional treat; the fat content matters more than the type." } ], "sources": [ "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's cockatiel page notes that black sunflower seeds are commonly offered but deficient in many nutrients." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170562, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/sunflower-seeds/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/sunflower-seeds/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/sunflower-seeds/" } }, { "id": "pumpkin-seeds", "name": "Pumpkin seeds", "slug": "pumpkin-seeds", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "pepitas" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A plain, unsalted pumpkin seed is fine as a treat, but like other seeds it is high in fat, so keep it to one now and then.", "portion": "1 seed for a Syrian; half a shelled (green) seed for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use raw or plain dry-roasted seeds with no salt, oil, sugar or spice", "Rinse and dry seeds from a fresh pumpkin before offering", "For small hamsters, use shelled green seeds broken into pieces" ], "benefits": "Contains protein, zinc and fibre (in the hull), and a seed in its shell gives some gnawing and foraging work.", "risks": "Pumpkin seeds are high in fat, so regular handfuls contribute to obesity. Salted, spiced or sugar-coated seeds are unsuitable. Whole seeds are large for the smallest dwarfs to pouch.", "dwarf": "For dwarfs, and especially tiny Roborovskis, offer only a small piece of a shelled seed, and not every week.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat seeds from a carved pumpkin?", "a": "Yes, if the pumpkin was fresh, unpainted and not left out to go mouldy. Rinse and dry the seeds, and offer one plain seed occasionally." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat roasted pumpkin seeds?", "a": "Only if they are roasted plain, without oil, salt or seasoning. Most shop-bought roasted pumpkin seeds are salted, so check the label." } ], "sources": [ "vca-rodents-feeding", "vca-owning-hamster", "merck-hamster-home", "vetpartner-hamster" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No fetched source names pumpkin seeds. Verdict follows general guidance on seeds: VCA (occasional treats; seeds high in fat), Merck (limit seeds), Veterinary Partner (largely avoid high-fat seeds)." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain raw pumpkin seeds are not harmful, but like other oily seeds they are rich in fat, so a budgie needs only a fragment now and then.", "portion": "One seed, broken into small pieces", "frequency": "Once a week", "prep": [ "Use plain, raw, unsalted seeds, either from a fresh pumpkin or shelled pepitas", "If taken from a pumpkin, rinse off the pulp and use the same day or dry them fully", "Never use roasted, salted or spiced snack seeds", "Break into budgie-sized pieces" ], "benefits": "Pumpkin seeds contain protein, zinc, magnesium and unsaturated fat.", "risks": "They are energy-dense and fatty, which matters for a small bird prone to obesity and lipomas. Seeds sold as snacks are often roasted with salt or spices, and damp seeds can go mouldy.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat pumpkin seeds with the shell on?", "a": "They can pick at a whole seed, but the hull is tough for a small beak. A shelled seed broken into pieces is easier." }, { "q": "Are pumpkin seeds better than sunflower seeds for budgies?", "a": "Both are fatty treats. Neither should be a regular part of a budgie's diet; one small piece now and then is enough." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No avian-vet source discusses pumpkin seeds specifically. Inferred from guidance that seeds and nuts should be small, occasional treats (RSPCA, Merck) and the fat sensitivity of budgies (VCA). Nutrient composition is general food-composition knowledge." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain raw pumpkin seeds are a safe occasional treat for cockatiels, but they are fatty, so one or two at a time is enough.", "portion": "One or two seeds", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use raw, unsalted seeds or plain pepitas", "Rinse and dry seeds taken from a fresh pumpkin", "Skip roasted, salted or spiced seeds", "Offer as a reward or hide in a foraging toy" ], "benefits": "Pumpkin seeds provide protein, zinc and magnesium, and cracking them gives cockatiels something to work on.", "risks": "High fat content adds calories quickly, and cockatiels are prone to obesity, fatty liver and lipomas. Salted snack seeds add sodium, and damp seeds can grow mould.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat pumpkin flesh too?", "a": "Yes. Plain raw or cooked pumpkin flesh is a nutritious vegetable for cockatiels and can be fed more freely than the seeds." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "vca-fruit-veg-birds", "vca-lipomas" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No source names pumpkin seeds; VCA lists pumpkin (the vegetable) among suitable foods." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170556, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/pumpkin-seeds/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/pumpkin-seeds/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/pumpkin-seeds/" } }, { "id": "peanuts", "name": "Peanuts", "slug": "peanuts", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "peanut", "peanut butter" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain, unsalted peanuts are fine as a rare treat, but they are high in fat. Never give salted, flavoured or mouldy peanuts, or peanut butter from the jar.", "portion": "Half a shelled peanut for a Syrian; a crumb-sized piece for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week", "prep": [ "Use plain, unsalted peanuts sold for people, raw or dry-roasted", "Throw away any that look shrivelled, discoloured or mouldy", "Break into small pieces", "Do not give peanut butter straight from the jar" ], "benefits": "Provides protein and fat for energy, and hamsters find peanuts very tempting, which helps with hand-taming.", "risks": "Peanuts are high in fat and add weight quickly in a small animal. Mouldy peanuts can carry aflatoxins, which damage the liver, so use only fresh, human-grade nuts. Peanut butter is sticky and may cling inside the cheek pouches, and some brands contain salt, sugar or xylitol.", "dwarf": "Diabetes-prone dwarfs should have no more than a crumb-sized piece, and not every week.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat salted or honey-roasted peanuts?", "a": "No. Salted, honey-roasted, chocolate-coated and flavoured peanuts add salt, sugar and other unsuitable ingredients. Use plain, unsalted peanuts only." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat peanut butter?", "a": "Not by the lick. It is sticky, so it can stay lodged in the cheek pouches, and many brands contain salt, sugar or, occasionally, xylitol. If you use a tiny amount in a baked hamster treat, choose a plain peanut butter whose only ingredient is peanuts, with no salt, sugar, xylitol or other sweeteners. 'Sugar-free' and 'reduced-sugar' spreads are the ones most likely to contain xylitol." }, { "q": "Are peanuts in the shell OK?", "a": "Plain, unsalted in-shell peanuts sold for people are fine occasionally for a Syrian. Check that shells are clean and dry, and remember a whole peanut is more than a single portion." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "vca-rodents-feeding", "hss-tofu-cookie", "vetpartner-hamster", "merck-aflatoxicosis", "bluecross-hamster-care", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "PDSA and VCA list 'nuts' as occasional treats without naming peanuts; Hamster Society (Singapore) uses unsalted, sugar-free peanut butter in a baked treat and warns about salt and sugar in commercial brands. Veterinary Partner advises largely avoiding high-fat nuts. The sticky-peanut-butter/cheek-pouch concern is reasoned from Blue Cross's description of impacted pouches; no fetched vet source names peanut butter specifically. Aflatoxin on peanuts from Merck." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Peanuts can carry aflatoxin, a mould toxin linked to liver damage in pet birds, and they are very fatty for a small budgie. Never give salted or coated peanuts.", "portion": "Not recommended. If given at all, a crumb of fresh, plain, human-grade peanut", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Choose safer treats such as a little millet or vegetables", "Never offer salted, flavoured, candied or chocolate-coated peanuts", "Never offer peanuts that look discoloured, shrivelled or mouldy", "Do not use peanut butter, which is fatty and sticky and may contain salt, sugar or xylitol" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Peanuts, especially poorly stored or pet-grade ones, can be contaminated by moulds that produce aflatoxin. A veterinary reference links liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in pet birds to aflatoxin from improperly stored seed and pet-grade peanuts. Peanuts are also high in fat, and budgies are prone to obesity, fatty liver and lipomas.", "ifEaten": "A bite of a fresh, plain peanut is not an emergency. If your budgie ate salted peanuts, give fresh water and watch for heavy drinking or wobbliness. If it has been eating old or possibly mouldy peanuts, tell your avian vet, and seek help promptly for fluffed-up posture, poor appetite or unusual droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are peanuts poisonous to budgies?", "a": "Fresh, human-grade peanuts are not poisonous in themselves. The concern is aflatoxin from mould, which you cannot reliably see or smell, plus the high fat. An avian vet lists peanuts as not recommended." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat peanut butter?", "a": "Better not. It is very fatty, can contain salt and sugar, and some brands contain xylitol, which is dangerous to animals." } ], "sources": [ "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "merck-food-hazards", "vca-lipomas" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Lafeber (Pollock) lists peanuts under 'not recommended but sometimes fed without incident'; Merck links hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis to aflatoxicosis from improperly stored seed and pet-grade peanuts; Merck Food Hazards notes xylitol in some peanut and nut butters. Note: the RSPCA suggests peanut butter as a flavour to coax parrots onto new foods during diet change, a minor disagreement. Human-grade, fresh peanuts carry lower but not zero risk. 'avoid' chosen over 'limit' for caution." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Peanuts are fatty and can carry aflatoxin, a mould toxin linked to liver disease in pet birds. They are common in cockatiel mixes, but safer treats exist.", "portion": "Not recommended. If given at all, a small piece of fresh, plain, human-grade peanut", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Pick seed mixes without peanuts, or remove them", "Never offer salted, roasted-flavoured, candied or chocolate-coated peanuts", "Never feed peanuts that are discoloured, shrivelled, musty or mouldy", "Skip peanut butter, which may contain salt, sugar or xylitol" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Aflatoxin-producing moulds can grow on peanuts that are poorly stored, and chronic exposure has been linked to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in pet birds. Peanuts are also high in fat, and cockatiels are prone to obesity, fatty liver disease and lipomas.", "ifEaten": "A piece of fresh, plain peanut is not an emergency. After salted peanuts, provide water and watch for heavy drinking or weakness. If your cockatiel has had regular access to old or mouldy peanuts, mention it to your avian vet, and get prompt help for lethargy, poor appetite or abnormal droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel's seed mix contains peanuts. Should I remove them?", "a": "It is sensible to. Peanuts add a lot of fat, and lower-grade peanuts are a recognised source of aflatoxin. If you keep them, buy fresh mixes and store them cool and dry." }, { "q": "Are peanuts in the shell safer?", "a": "The shell does not guarantee freedom from mould, and shells can themselves carry mould. Human-grade, fresh nuts are lower risk, but peanuts are still best kept out of the diet." } ], "sources": [ "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "merck-food-hazards", "vca-lipomas" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "As for budgies. 'Shells can carry mould' is general knowledge about stored peanuts, not a cited bird-specific finding." } }, "usdaFdcId": 172430, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/peanuts/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/peanuts/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/peanuts/" } }, { "id": "almonds", "name": "Almonds", "slug": "almonds", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "almond" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. A vet-reviewed guide lists almonds among foods hamsters should avoid. Bitter almonds contain cyanide-forming compounds, and even sweet almonds are hard, fatty nuts.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Offer a small piece of plain unsalted peanut or a sunflower seed instead", "Keep bitter almonds, almond extract, marzipan and apricot kernels away from your hamster" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which releases hydrogen cyanide; one study measured roughly 40 times more cyanide in bitter than in sweet almonds. Sweet snack almonds contain far less, but they are high in fat and very hard, and salted or flavoured versions add further problems.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A small piece of plain sweet almond is not usually an emergency: remove the rest, make sure your hamster can empty its cheek pouches, and watch for diarrhoea or lethargy over the next day. If it ate a bitter almond, an apricot kernel or almond extract, or you see weakness, breathing difficulty, wobbliness or collapse, call a vet straight away.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are sweet almonds safe for hamsters?", "a": "Sweet almonds are not highly toxic the way bitter almonds are, and some owners do offer them. We still suggest choosing another treat, because a vet-reviewed guide lists almonds as a food to avoid, and they are hard, fatty nuts that add nothing a pellet diet lacks." }, { "q": "Can hamsters have almond butter or almond milk?", "a": "No. Almond butter is sticky and fatty, and almond drinks often contain sugar or other additives. Neither is useful for hamsters." } ], "sources": [ "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "chaouali-2013-almonds", "aspca-people-foods", "pdsa-hamster-diet" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Sources disagree: PDSA and VCA list 'nuts' in general as occasional treats, and much popular advice says sweet almonds are fine in moderation, while PetMD (DVM-reviewed) lists almonds as a toxic food to avoid. We followed the more cautious source. PetMD does not distinguish sweet from bitter almonds. Chaouali et al. (2013) measured about 1062 mg/kg HCN in bitter almonds versus about 25 mg/kg in sweet almonds. No hamster-specific toxic dose was found. Not graded 'no' because plain sweet almond is not acutely toxic; the ifEaten text treats bitter almond or apricot kernel as a vet call." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Almonds are not toxic, but they are about half fat, and budgies are tiny birds prone to obesity and fatty tumours. If your budgie steals a sliver, it will not come to harm.", "portion": "Not needed. At most a sliver about the size of a grain of rice", "frequency": "Rarely", "prep": [ "Offer vegetables or a little millet as treats instead", "If you give any, use plain almond with no salt or flavouring", "Shave off a tiny sliver", "Never give salted, smoked, sugared or chocolate-coated almonds" ], "benefits": "Almonds contain vitamin E, calcium and unsaturated fat, but a budgie gets these more safely from pellets and greens.", "risks": "The concern is fat and calories rather than poison. Budgies commonly develop obesity, fatty liver disease and lipomas on high-fat diets, and even a small piece of nut is a large portion for such a small bird. Flavoured almonds add salt and sugar.", "ifEaten": "No action is needed for a nibble of plain almond. If your budgie ate salted or flavoured almonds, make sure fresh water is available and watch for heavy drinking, wobbliness or lethargy over the next day; call an avian vet if you see these.", "faq": [ { "q": "Do almonds contain cyanide that can poison budgies?", "a": "Sweet almonds sold for eating contain only trace amounts of the compound that releases cyanide; bitter almonds contain much more and should never be given. The main reason to skip almonds for budgies is their fat." }, { "q": "Can I give my budgie almond milk?", "a": "No. It adds nothing a budgie needs, and many versions contain sugar or additives. Fresh water is the only drink it needs." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "vcbe-toxic-items", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No avian-vet source discusses almonds for budgies specifically. RSPCA and Merck allow nuts in very small amounts as occasional treats for parrots; the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics warns that the smaller the bird, the higher the risk from even a few bites of high-fat or high-salt food. Budgie: cautious 'avoid'; cockatiel: 'limit'. Popular advice often lists almonds as a healthy budgie treat. Sweet vs bitter almond chemistry is general knowledge." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A sliver of plain almond makes a good occasional reward for cockatiels, but almonds are high in fat, and cockatiels are prone to fatty liver and lipomas.", "portion": "A sliver about a quarter of one almond", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use plain raw or dry-roasted almonds with no salt or flavouring", "Chop into small slivers", "Use pieces as training rewards rather than a bowl treat", "Never give chocolate-, sugar- or salt-coated almonds" ], "benefits": "Almonds provide vitamin E, some calcium and unsaturated fat, and their crunch makes them a satisfying reward.", "risks": "Almonds are about half fat, so frequent or large portions add calories quickly, and high-fat diets are linked to obesity, fatty liver disease and lipomas in cockatiels. Salted and flavoured almonds add sodium and sugar.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels eat almonds in the shell?", "a": "Most cockatiels struggle to crack almond shells. Offer shelled slivers instead." }, { "q": "Are almonds poisonous to cockatiels because of cyanide?", "a": "No. Sweet almonds sold for eating contain only traces of the cyanide-releasing compound. Bitter almonds should never be given." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Nuts are allowed in small amounts for parrots by RSPCA, Merck and the Pollock handout (which names walnuts and palm nuts, not almonds)." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170567, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/almonds/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/almonds/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/almonds/" } }, { "id": "walnuts", "name": "Walnuts", "slug": "walnuts", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "walnut" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain shelled walnut is not known to be toxic to hamsters, but it is one of the fattiest nuts, and mouldy walnuts can carry dangerous toxins.", "portion": "A piece about the size of a pea for a Syrian; a crumb for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Use fresh, plain, unsalted shelled walnuts sold for people", "Throw away any that smell rancid or show mould or dark discolouration", "Never offer walnuts picked up from the ground", "Break into pea-sized pieces" ], "benefits": "Walnuts contain protein and polyunsaturated fats, and a small piece makes a high-value taming treat.", "risks": "Walnuts are very high in fat, which can contribute to obesity and digestive upset. Mouldy walnuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which cause tremors and seizures in dogs; that is the reason to use only fresh, human-grade nuts.", "dwarf": "For dwarfs, which are small and prone to diabetes, keep walnut to a crumb once in a while.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat walnuts in the shell?", "a": "Whole walnuts are too big and hard for most hamsters, and old shells can hide mould. Offer a small piece of shelled walnut instead." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat candied or salted walnuts?", "a": "No. Sugar, honey and salt coatings make them unsuitable." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "vca-rodents-feeding", "vetpartner-hamster", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-tremorgenic" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "PDSA and VCA list 'nuts' as occasional treats but do not name walnuts; Veterinary Partner advises largely avoiding high-fat nuts. ASPCA names walnuts among high-fat nuts that can cause digestive upset in pets. Tremorgenic mycotoxin evidence comes from dogs (Merck); no hamster data found." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Walnuts contain healthy fats, but they are still very rich for a bird as small as a budgie, which is prone to obesity and lipomas. A crumb will not hurt.", "portion": "Not needed. At most a crumb about the size of a grain of rice", "frequency": "Rarely", "prep": [ "Offer vegetables or a little millet as treats instead", "If you give any, use a fresh, plain, unsalted walnut", "Check the nut smells fresh, not rancid or musty", "Crumble a tiny piece" ], "benefits": "Walnuts contain omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E.", "risks": "The issue is fat and calories. Budgies are prone to obesity, fatty liver and lipomas on high-fat diets, and a piece of walnut is a large dose of fat for such a small bird. Old walnuts can turn rancid or grow mould, and candied or salted walnuts add sugar and salt.", "ifEaten": "No action is needed for a nibble of plain walnut. If your budgie ate a large piece, salted or candied walnuts, or a mouldy nut, watch for lethargy, heavy drinking, wobbliness or changes in the droppings and call an avian vet if anything seems wrong.", "faq": [ { "q": "Aren't walnuts healthy for birds?", "a": "They contain useful fats, and an avian vet lists walnuts among foods parrots can have in small amounts. For a budgie, though, even a small piece is a lot of fat, so they are best left out or kept to a crumb." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "rspca-bird-diet", "vcbe-toxic-items", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: the Pollock handout lists walnuts among foods that can be offered to pet birds in small amounts; VCBE cautions that the smaller the bird, the higher the risk from even a few bites of high-fat food. Budgie: cautious 'avoid'; cockatiel: 'limit'." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A pea-sized piece of plain walnut is a fine occasional treat for cockatiels, but walnuts are fatty, and cockatiels are prone to fatty liver and lipomas.", "portion": "A piece about the size of a pea", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use fresh, plain, unsalted walnut halves", "Check for a fresh smell; discard rancid, musty or mouldy nuts", "Break into pea-sized pieces", "Use as a training reward or foraging treat" ], "benefits": "Walnuts provide omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E, and an avian vet lists them among foods pet birds can have in small amounts.", "risks": "Walnuts are high in fat, so regular or large portions add up quickly. Rancid or mouldy nuts should never be fed, and candied or salted walnuts add sugar and salt.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels crack walnuts?", "a": "Most cannot crack a whole walnut shell. Offer shelled pieces, or a cracked shell with a little nut left inside as a foraging puzzle." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "vca-lipomas" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Pollock handout names walnuts; RSPCA and Merck allow nuts as occasional treats; VCBE's caution about high-fat food in small birds applies to a lesser degree to cockatiels." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170187, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/walnuts/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/walnuts/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/walnuts/" } }, { "id": "cashews", "name": "Cashews", "slug": "cashews", "category": "grain", "aliases": [ "cashew" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain, unsalted cashews are not known to be toxic to hamsters, but they are fatty, and most snack cashews are salted or flavoured.", "portion": "A quarter to half of one cashew for a Syrian; a crumb for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Use plain, unsalted cashews sold for people", "Avoid salted, honey-roasted, spiced or chocolate-covered cashews", "Break into small pieces" ], "benefits": "Provides protein and fat; useful as an occasional high-value treat.", "risks": "Cashews are high in fat, which can contribute to obesity. Salted and flavoured cashews add sodium, sugar or seasonings such as onion and garlic powder. Cashews are sold shelled because the shell contains irritant oils, so never offer anything from a whole cashew shell.", "dwarf": "For diabetes-prone dwarfs, a crumb-sized piece now and then is the most to give.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat salted cashews?", "a": "No. Use only plain, unsalted cashews, and only a small piece." }, { "q": "Are 'raw' cashews from the shop safe?", "a": "Cashews sold as 'raw' have already been removed from the shell and processed for eating, so a small plain piece is fine. Never offer cashews still in their shell." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "vca-rodents-feeding", "vetpartner-hamster", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No fetched source names cashews for hamsters; verdict follows general guidance on nuts (PDSA, VCA treats; Veterinary Partner largely avoid high-fat nuts). The shell-irritant point is general food knowledge, not from a fetched veterinary source." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Plain cashews are not toxic, but they are fatty and usually sold salted or roasted in oil, which makes them a poor choice for small budgies.", "portion": "Not needed. At most a crumb about the size of a grain of rice of plain, unsalted cashew", "frequency": "Rarely", "prep": [ "Offer vegetables or a little millet as treats instead", "If you give any, use plain, unsalted cashew", "Never offer salted, honey-roasted or flavoured cashews", "Crumble a tiny piece" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Cashews are high in fat, and budgies are prone to obesity, fatty liver and lipomas. Most cashews sold as snacks are salted or roasted in oil, and small birds are sensitive to salt.", "ifEaten": "No action is needed for a nibble of plain cashew. After salted or flavoured cashews, provide fresh water and watch for heavy drinking, wobbliness or lethargy, and call an avian vet if you see them.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are raw cashews toxic to budgies?", "a": "Cashews sold as 'raw' in shops have already been shelled and heat-treated to remove the irritating shell oil, so they are not poisonous. The real issue for budgies is fat and, in snack cashews, salt." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-bird-diet", "vcbe-toxic-items", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No avian-vet source discusses cashews specifically. The cashew shell-oil point is general food-processing knowledge; some internet lists wrongly call shop-bought raw cashews toxic to birds." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A small piece of plain, unsalted cashew is safe for cockatiels as an occasional treat, but cashews are fatty and usually sold salted, so choose carefully.", "portion": "A piece about a quarter of one cashew", "frequency": "Once a week", "prep": [ "Buy plain, unsalted cashews", "Never offer salted, honey-roasted or spiced cashews", "Break into small pieces", "Use as a reward rather than a bowl food" ], "benefits": "Cashews provide energy, some protein and minerals such as magnesium and zinc, and their soft crunch is popular as a reward.", "risks": "Cashews are high in fat, and cockatiels are prone to obesity, fatty liver and lipomas. Snack cashews add salt and sometimes sugar.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are raw cashews safe for cockatiels?", "a": "Yes. Shop-bought 'raw' cashews have already had the irritating shell oil removed by processing. Choose unsalted ones and keep portions small." } ], "sources": [ "rspca-bird-diet", "merck-management", "vca-lipomas", "vca-obesity-birds" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Inferred from general guidance on nuts for parrots; no source names cashews." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170162, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cashews/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cashews/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cashews/" } }, { "id": "egg", "name": "Egg (hard-boiled)", "slug": "eggs", "category": "protein", "aliases": [ "eggs", "boiled egg" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. PDSA and Blue Cross list boiled egg as a good occasional protein treat for hamsters. Always cook it fully and serve it plain.", "portion": "A piece of hard-boiled egg about the size of your hamster's ear, roughly 1 cm (⅜ in), for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Hard-boil until both white and yolk are firm", "Cool and peel, then offer white, yolk or a little of both", "Add no salt, butter, mayonnaise or seasoning", "Remove any uneaten egg within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Egg is an easily digested source of high-quality protein that adds variety alongside the pellet diet.", "risks": "Raw or undercooked egg can carry Salmonella, and raw egg white contains a protein (avidin) that binds the B vitamin biotin, so only fully cooked egg should be used. Yolk is rich in fat, and cooked egg spoils quickly if hoarded.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat raw egg?", "a": "No. Raw egg can carry Salmonella, and raw egg white contains a protein that binds the B vitamin biotin. Always hard-boil the egg." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat scrambled egg?", "a": "Plain scrambled egg cooked without butter, oil, milk or salt is similar to boiled egg and fine in a small piece. Most scrambled egg made for people contains butter and salt, so boiled is simpler." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "bluecross-hamster-care", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-hamster-home" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA and Blue Cross both name boiled egg. PetMD says protein should come mainly from pellets and advises against most human foods, hence 'limit' rather than 'yes'. Raw egg risks from ASPCA (general pet guidance)." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Hard-boiled egg is a good protein source that avian vets suggest for pet birds, but the yolk is rich, so offer a small crumbled portion.", "portion": "About 1/2 teaspoon of chopped hard-boiled egg (a thumbnail-sized amount)", "frequency": "Once or twice a week; your avian vet may suggest more for breeding or moulting birds", "prep": [ "Boil the egg until both white and yolk are completely firm", "Cool it fully", "Chop or mash finely; a little finely crushed boiled shell adds calcium", "Add no salt, butter, oil or mayonnaise", "Remove leftovers within an hour or two" ], "benefits": "Egg provides high-quality protein, which birds need more of during moult and egg laying, and cooked egg with its shell is a calcium source for pet birds.", "risks": "Egg yolk is rich in fat and cholesterol, so large or frequent portions add calories budgies do not need. Raw or undercooked egg can carry Salmonella, and cooked egg spoils quickly if left in the cage.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat raw egg?", "a": "No. Always cook egg until firm. Raw egg can carry Salmonella, and raw egg white contains a protein that binds the B vitamin biotin." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat scrambled egg?", "a": "Yes, if it is cooked through with no butter, oil, milk or salt. Hard-boiling is simplest." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "lafebervet-calcium", "merck-psittacine-nutrition", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA uses cooked egg as a moist carrier food for budgies; the Pollock handout lists hard-boiled or scrambled egg with the shell as a calcium source; Merck notes higher protein needs during moult and laying. Raw egg risks from ASPCA (general pets)." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can have a little hard-boiled egg as a nutritious treat. It is rich, so keep portions small and always cook it fully.", "portion": "About 1 teaspoon of chopped hard-boiled egg", "frequency": "Once or twice a week; your avian vet may suggest more for breeding or moulting birds", "prep": [ "Hard-boil until the yolk is completely set", "Let it cool", "Chop finely, with a little finely crushed boiled shell if you like", "Serve with no salt, butter or seasoning", "Take away leftovers within an hour or two" ], "benefits": "Egg is an excellent protein source, and hard-boiled egg with shell provides calcium, which is useful for cockatiels, a species prone to calcium deficiency.", "risks": "Yolk is fatty and cholesterol-rich, so too much adds unwanted calories. Raw egg can carry Salmonella and contains a biotin-binding protein, and cooked egg spoils fast at room temperature.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is egg good for a cockatiel that is laying eggs?", "a": "Egg can help supply protein and, with shell, calcium, but a laying hen needs a vet-guided plan. Chronic laying depletes calcium and is linked to egg-binding in cockatiels." }, { "q": "Can cockatiels eat egg shells?", "a": "Boiled, finely crushed shell is a recognised calcium source for pet birds. Never offer raw shell." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "lafebervet-healthy-diet", "lafebervet-calcium", "merck-psittacine-nutrition", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA's cockatiel page mentions cooked egg as an occasional table food and as a moist carrier for pellets." } }, "usdaFdcId": 173424, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/eggs/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/eggs/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/eggs/" } }, { "id": "chicken", "name": "Chicken (cooked, plain)", "slug": "chicken", "category": "protein", "aliases": [], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Blue Cross lists lean cooked meat as a suitable fresh food for hamsters. Serve plain, fully cooked chicken with no skin, bones, salt or seasoning.", "portion": "A shred about 1 cm (⅜ in) long for a Syrian; about half that for a dwarf.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Boil, steam or bake the chicken plainly, with no salt, oil, onion, garlic or stock", "Cook it thoroughly", "Remove skin, fat and every bone", "Shred into tiny pieces and remove leftovers within a few hours" ], "benefits": "Lean protein that suits a hamster's omnivorous diet and adds variety.", "risks": "Raw chicken can carry Salmonella and other bacteria. Seasoned or leftover chicken often contains salt, onion or garlic, which can damage red blood cells in pets, and cooked bones can splinter. Meat spoils quickly if hoarded in the nest.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat rotisserie or leftover chicken?", "a": "Usually not. Rotisserie and leftover chicken is typically salted and seasoned, often with garlic or onion. Cook a plain piece specially instead." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat raw chicken?", "a": "No. Raw chicken can carry Salmonella and other bacteria. Only thoroughly cooked, plain chicken is suitable." } ], "sources": [ "bluecross-hamster-care", "medvet-hamster", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Blue Cross ('lean cooked meat') and MedVet ('cooked lean meats') support small portions. Onion/garlic and raw-meat warnings are from ASPCA's general pet guidance; the red-blood-cell effect is documented in cats and dogs rather than hamsters." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A shred of plain cooked chicken is safe for budgies now and then, but they are seed and plant eaters and get the protein they need from pellets.", "portion": "One or two small shreds, together about the size of a pea", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Use lean breast meat cooked right through", "Remove skin and bones; add no salt, seasoning, oil or sauce", "Cool and shred finely", "Never offer raw or undercooked chicken", "Remove leftovers within an hour or two" ], "benefits": "Lean chicken provides protein, which birds need more of during moult and breeding.", "risks": "Meat is not a natural part of a budgie's diet, and meat-heavy diets are discouraged for plant-eating parrots; they have been linked to iron storage disease in grey parrots. Raw chicken can carry Salmonella and E. coli, and skin or seasoned meat adds fat and salt.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Do budgies need meat?", "a": "No. Budgies are mainly seed and plant eaters, and a good pellet diet covers their protein needs. Meat is an optional, occasional extra." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat chicken nuggets or seasoned chicken?", "a": "No. Breaded, fried or seasoned chicken contains salt, fat and often onion or garlic. Only plain, unseasoned cooked meat is suitable." } ], "sources": [ "merck-psittacine-nutrition", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vca-budgie-feeding", "vcbe-toxic-items", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA's budgie page allows small portions of wholesome human food without naming meat; VCA's cockatiel page mentions small amounts of lean cooked meat (cited as the closest species evidence). Merck warns against carnivorous diets in herbivorous parrots (iron storage disease in grey parrots). VCBE warns fatty meat contributes to fat deposits. No source addresses meat for budgies directly." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Veterinary guides note some cockatiels enjoy a little lean cooked meat. Offer an occasional shred of plain cooked chicken, never raw, seasoned or fatty meat.", "portion": "A few small shreds, no more than about 1 teaspoon in total", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Use lean, skinless breast meat cooked through", "Remove all bones", "Add no salt, seasoning, oil or sauce", "Shred finely and serve cool", "Clear away leftovers within an hour or two" ], "benefits": "Plain chicken adds high-quality protein, which can be useful during moult.", "risks": "Cockatiels are mainly seed and plant eaters, and a meat-heavy diet is discouraged in plant-eating parrots because it has been linked to iron storage disease. Raw chicken can carry Salmonella and E. coli, and fatty or seasoned meat adds fat and salt.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is it strange for a cockatiel to eat chicken?", "a": "Cockatiels are not meat eaters by nature, but a small amount of lean cooked meat is safe. It should stay a rare extra, not a regular part of the diet." }, { "q": "Can cockatiels have chicken bones?", "a": "No. Offer only boneless meat; cooked bones can splinter." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "merck-psittacine-nutrition", "vcbe-toxic-items", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA cockatiel: 'Some birds occasionally even enjoy a small amount of lean cooked meat'. Merck cautions against carnivorous diets for herbivorous parrots. Bone-splinter advice is a general precaution, not a cited bird-specific finding." } }, "usdaFdcId": 171477, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/chicken/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/chicken/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/chicken/" } }, { "id": "mealworms", "name": "Mealworms", "slug": "mealworms", "category": "protein", "aliases": [ "insects", "dried mealworms", "worms" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. PDSA and Blue Cross list mealworms as a good protein treat for hamsters. They are rich in fat, so one or two a few times a week is enough.", "portion": "1–2 dried mealworms for a Syrian; 1 for a dwarf.", "frequency": "2–3 times a week", "prep": [ "Buy mealworms sold as pet food or live food", "Dried or freeze-dried mealworms are the simplest option", "If you use live mealworms, hand-feed one at a time and never leave live insects loose in the enclosure", "Check the nest so live worms are not being stored" ], "benefits": "A natural protein source; wild hamsters eat insects, and hand-feeding mealworms is enriching and helps build trust.", "risks": "Mealworms are high in fat, so too many contribute to weight gain. PetMD advises against live prey because hoarded live insects can injure a hamster or infest the enclosure.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Are live or dried mealworms better for hamsters?", "a": "Dried mealworms are easier and cannot escape or bite. If you prefer live ones, hand-feed them one at a time so none end up stored alive in the nest." }, { "q": "How many mealworms can a hamster eat?", "a": "A Syrian can have one or two a few times a week, and a dwarf one. Their high fat content is the reason to keep numbers low." } ], "sources": [ "pdsa-hamster-diet", "bluecross-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "PDSA and Blue Cross name mealworms; PetMD accepts freeze-dried mealworms but advises against live prey. We recommend dried mealworms as the default and hand-feeding if live ones are used." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. A mealworm is not harmful to a budgie, but insects are poor in calcium, dried ones are calorie-dense, and pellet-fed budgies do not need them.", "portion": "One or two mealworms, live or dried", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Buy mealworms sold as animal food from a reliable supplier", "Never collect wild insects, which may carry pesticides or parasites", "Soak dried mealworms briefly in warm water if you like", "Offer by hand or in a dish so you know how many were eaten" ], "benefits": "Mealworms are rich in protein and can be a novel foraging treat.", "risks": "Insects, including mealworms, are poor sources of calcium, and dried insects pack a lot of calories into a small piece. Budgies are mainly seed and plant eaters, so regular insect treats add energy without improving a pellet-based diet.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Do budgies need mealworms for protein?", "a": "No. A good pellet diet provides enough protein for a pet budgie. Mealworms are optional." }, { "q": "Are dried mealworms better than live ones for budgies?", "a": "Either is fine in tiny amounts. Dried ones are more concentrated, so one dried mealworm is plenty." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-calcium", "finke-2015-feeder-insects", "merck-psittacine-nutrition" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No avian-vet source discusses mealworms for budgies or cockatiels. LafeberVet (Pollock): invertebrates are generally poor calcium sources; Finke (2015): commercial feeder insects including mealworms were poor calcium sources; Merck: some psittacines eat insects as a small part of the diet. Fat content was not quoted because no fetched source gives a mealworm figure." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can have the odd mealworm as a protein treat, but insects are poor in calcium, a nutrient cockatiels often lack, so keep them occasional.", "portion": "Two or three mealworms, live or dried", "frequency": "Once a week at most", "prep": [ "Buy mealworms sold as animal food, never wild-caught insects", "Rehydrate dried mealworms briefly in warm water if you like", "Hand-feed or place in a foraging toy", "Remove any uneaten live mealworms so they do not escape into the cage" ], "benefits": "Mealworms are high in protein and make an interesting foraging item.", "risks": "Insects are poor calcium sources, and cockatiels are prone to calcium deficiency and egg-binding. Dried mealworms are calorie-dense, and pellet-fed cockatiels do not need extra animal protein.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can mealworms help my cockatiel during moult?", "a": "A few can add protein, but a balanced pellet diet already meets most needs. Ask your avian vet before adding extra protein for moult or breeding." } ], "sources": [ "lafebervet-calcium", "finke-2015-feeder-insects", "illinois-avian-nutrition", "merck-psittacine-nutrition" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "As for budgies; no source addresses mealworms for cockatiels directly." } }, "usdaFdcId": null, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/mealworms/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/mealworms/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/mealworms/" } }, { "id": "tofu", "name": "Tofu", "slug": "tofu", "category": "protein", "aliases": [ "bean curd" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "limit", "short": "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.", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "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" ], "benefits": "A plant-based protein source that adds variety, useful for owners who prefer not to handle meat or insects.", "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.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat tofu straight from the pack?", "a": "Yes. Tofu is cooked during manufacture, so a small piece of plain tofu can be offered without further cooking." }, { "q": "Can hamsters eat fried or marinated tofu?", "a": "No. Fried and marinated tofu usually contains oil, salt, soy sauce, garlic or onion. Use only plain tofu." } ], "sources": [ "hss-tofu-cookie", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Only Hamster Society (Singapore) discusses tofu for hamsters, as an ingredient in a baked protein treat; no veterinary source was found. Effects of soy compounds in pet hamsters are not addressed in the sources reviewed; small, infrequent portions keep any such concern minimal." }, "budgie": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain tofu is a safe, lactose-free protein for budgies. Use unseasoned tofu and offer only a small cube now and then.", "portion": "A cube about 1 cm (⅜ in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Use plain firm tofu with no marinade, salt, soy sauce or spices", "Rinse and pat dry", "Cut a small cube or crumble it; serve it as it comes or plainly steamed", "Remove leftovers within a couple of hours, as tofu spoils quickly" ], "benefits": "Tofu provides plant protein, and tofu set with calcium sulfate also contains calcium.", "risks": "Tofu has no known toxicity for birds, but it is a processed food. Flavoured, fried or marinated tofu brings salt, oil and seasonings such as garlic or onion, and like any moist protein food it spoils if left out.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies eat flavoured or fried tofu?", "a": "No. Marinades and frying add salt, oil and seasonings. Only plain tofu is suitable." }, { "q": "Is tofu a good protein source for budgies?", "a": "It is a safe occasional extra, but pellet-fed budgies do not need added protein; vegetables should come first among fresh foods." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No avian-vet source found that discusses tofu. Inferred: plain tofu is soybean curd with a coagulant; risks come from seasoning and spoilage. VCA (small portions of wholesome human food, avoid processed and oily foods) and Lafeber (avoid high-salt, high-fat table food) cited for the general principles only." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "limit", "short": "Yes, in small amounts. Plain, unseasoned tofu is a safe occasional protein for cockatiels and contains no lactose. Keep it a small extra alongside pellets and vegetables.", "portion": "A cube about 1.5 cm (1/2 to 3/4 in) across", "frequency": "Once or twice a week", "prep": [ "Choose plain firm tofu, ideally calcium-set", "Rinse, pat dry and cut into small cubes or crumble", "Add no soy sauce, salt, oil or spices", "Discard leftovers within a couple of hours" ], "benefits": "Tofu offers plant protein, and calcium-set tofu adds some calcium, a mineral cockatiels often lack.", "risks": "Tofu is not known to be harmful, but seasoned, fried or marinated versions contain salt, oil and flavourings such as garlic. It spoils quickly once out of the fridge.", "ifEaten": null, "faq": [ { "q": "Is tofu safer than cheese for cockatiels?", "a": "In one respect, yes: tofu contains no lactose, which birds digest poorly. Plain tofu is also lower in salt than most cheeses." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No source discusses tofu for cockatiels; reasoning as for budgies." } }, "usdaFdcId": 172475, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/tofu/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/tofu/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/tofu/" } }, { "id": "cheese", "name": "Cheese", "slug": "cheese", "category": "protein", "aliases": [ "cheddar" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Cheese is high in fat and salt, and dairy can upset digestion. One vet hospital lists it as a treat, but safer protein treats such as boiled egg are available.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Offer a small piece of hard-boiled egg, plain cooked chicken or a mealworm instead", "Keep cheese snacks out of reach during free-roam time" ], "benefits": "Cheese contains protein and calcium, but a pelleted hamster food already supplies these.", "risks": "Most cheeses are high in fat and salt. Pets generally have little lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so dairy can cause diarrhoea or other digestive upset. Soft cheese can also smear inside the cheek pouches and spoils quickly if hoarded.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A crumb of plain cheese is not an emergency. Remove any leftovers, make sure your hamster has water, and watch for diarrhoea or a wet, dirty bottom over the next day or two. Contact a vet promptly if diarrhoea develops, as it can become serious quickly in hamsters.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat a little cheese?", "a": "A crumb will not poison a hamster, and one veterinary hospital lists cheese among possible treats. Because of its fat, salt and lactose, we suggest boiled egg, cooked chicken or mealworms instead." }, { "q": "Is low-fat cheese or cottage cheese better?", "a": "Lower-fat cheese reduces one problem, but it still contains lactose and often salt. It is still not a useful food for hamsters." } ], "sources": [ "medvet-hamster", "aspca-people-foods", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "ucdavis-hamster-care" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Sources disagree: MedVet lists cheese among treat ideas, while PetMD advises avoiding most human foods and ASPCA warns that dairy can cause diarrhoea in pets. Following the more cautious view, we chose 'avoid'. The lactase statement is ASPCA's general pet guidance, not hamster-specific research. UC Davis notes hamster diarrhoea ('wet tail') can be fatal within 24 hours, which supports prompt vet contact." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Birds digest lactose poorly, and cheese is also salty and fatty, which suits a tiny budgie badly. A crumb is unlikely to cause harm.", "portion": "Not recommended. At most a crumb smaller than a lentil of plain, mild cheese", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Offer hard-boiled egg or vegetables instead", "Never give blue, strongly flavoured, heavily salted or processed cheese", "If you offer a crumb, make it plain, mild hard cheese", "Remove any leftovers promptly" ], "benefits": "Cheese contains protein and calcium, but pellets, greens and egg supply these without the fat, salt and lactose.", "risks": "Birds lack the enzyme to digest much lactose, so dairy can cause diarrhoea as the amount rises. Most cheeses are also high in fat and salt, and budgies are prone to obesity and sensitive to salt.", "ifEaten": "A crumb needs no action. If your budgie ate a larger amount you may see loose droppings for a day; keep fresh water available and contact an avian vet if diarrhoea persists or your budgie seems fluffed up, stops eating or drinks excessively.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is cheese toxic to budgies?", "a": "No, it is not poisonous. Some veterinary guides allow very small amounts of cheese for pet birds, while a leading veterinary reference advises owners to avoid milk products. Given a budgie's size and sensitivity to fat and salt, it is best left out." }, { "q": "Is low-lactose cheese all right for budgies?", "a": "Aged hard cheeses contain little lactose, but they are still fatty and salty. A crumb is not harmful; it just offers nothing a budgie needs." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vca-cockatiel-feeding" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: VCA (cockatiel page) allows 'very small amounts of cheese' and dairy in moderation; Lafeber (Pollock) says low-lactose cheeses and yogurts can be occasional small treats; Merck (Hoppes) lists milk products among foods owners should avoid. Cautious 'avoid' chosen. Popular advice often says small pieces of cheese are fine." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Some vets allow a tiny taste, but birds digest lactose poorly and cheese is salty and fatty. A crumb will not hurt a cockatiel, but it is not a useful treat.", "portion": "Not recommended. At most a crumb about the size of a lentil of plain, mild cheese", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Choose egg, vegetables or a seed reward instead", "Avoid blue, processed, smoked or heavily salted cheese", "If you do share a crumb, keep it plain and mild", "Remove leftovers promptly" ], "benefits": "Cheese supplies protein and calcium, but cockatiels get these more safely from pellets, egg and greens.", "risks": "Birds have little ability to digest lactose, so larger amounts of dairy can cause diarrhoea. Cheese is also high in fat and salt; cockatiels are prone to obesity and fatty liver, and small birds are sensitive to salt.", "ifEaten": "No action is needed for a crumb. After a larger amount, watch for loose droppings over the next day; contact an avian vet if diarrhoea persists or your cockatiel seems quiet, fluffed up or off its food.", "faq": [ { "q": "Some vets say cockatiels can have a little cheese. Why 'better not'?", "a": "One veterinary feeding guide does allow very small amounts, but a leading veterinary reference lists milk products among foods to avoid. When credible sources differ we lean cautious, and cheese adds fat, salt and lactose without adding anything cockatiels need." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Direct disagreement: VCA cockatiel page ('very small amounts of cheese') vs Merck (avoid milk products). Cautious status chosen." } }, "usdaFdcId": 173414, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/cheese/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/cheese/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/cheese/" } }, { "id": "yogurt", "name": "Yogurt", "slug": "yogurt", "category": "protein", "aliases": [ "yoghurt", "yogurt drops" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Yogurt is a dairy food that can upset a hamster's digestion, and flavoured yogurts and yogurt drops add sugar, a particular problem for diabetes-prone dwarfs.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Choose a protein treat such as boiled egg or a mealworm instead", "Skip yogurt drops and yogurt-coated treats, which are typically high in sugar and fat" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Pets generally have little lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so dairy can cause diarrhoea. Flavoured yogurts, yogurt drops and yogurt-coated treats add sugar and fat, and some contain artificial sweeteners. Yogurt also spoils quickly if hoarded.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White, hybrid and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. Sweetened yogurt and yogurt drops should be avoided completely.", "ifEaten": "A lick of plain yogurt is not an emergency. Remove any leftovers and watch for diarrhoea or a wet, dirty bottom over the next day or two. Call a vet if diarrhoea appears, or if your hamster seems lethargic or stops eating.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are yogurt drops safe for hamsters?", "a": "They are sold as hamster treats, but they are typically high in sugar and fat. Blue Cross advises avoiding sugary, fatty treats, and dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, so we recommend skipping them." }, { "q": "Does yogurt help a hamster with diarrhoea?", "a": "No home remedy replaces a vet. Diarrhoea (wet tail) in hamsters can be fatal within a day or two, so contact a vet promptly rather than trying yogurt." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-people-foods", "bluecross-hamster-care", "pdsa-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "ucdavis-hamster-care" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "No fetched source discusses yogurt for hamsters specifically. Verdict reasoned from ASPCA's general dairy warning, Blue Cross's advice to avoid sugary, fatty treats, and the diabetes risk in dwarfs (PDSA, ExoCare). Pet shops and many websites promote yogurt drops as hamster treats; we disagree for these reasons." }, "budgie": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Yogurt has less lactose than milk, but birds still digest dairy poorly, and flavoured yogurts add sugar or sweeteners. A lick of plain yogurt is not harmful.", "portion": "Not recommended. At most a fingertip dab of plain, unsweetened yogurt", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Never offer flavoured, sweetened or 'light' yogurt, which may contain sugar or xylitol", "If you offer any, use plain unsweetened yogurt only", "Give a dab on a spoon rather than a dish", "Remove leftovers promptly; yogurt spoils quickly in a warm room" ], "benefits": "Plain yogurt contains protein and calcium, and some owners offer it for its live cultures, though a benefit for birds has not been shown.", "risks": "Birds have little lactase, so dairy can cause diarrhoea as the amount increases. Flavoured yogurts add sugar, and some low-sugar products use xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerous to animals.", "ifEaten": "A dab of plain yogurt needs no action. If your budgie ate a spoonful or more, watch for loose droppings over the next day. If the yogurt was sugar-free or artificially sweetened, check the label for xylitol and call an avian vet if it is listed.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is yogurt a good probiotic for budgies?", "a": "There is little evidence that yogurt cultures help birds. If your budgie needs a probiotic, ask an avian vet about a product made for birds." }, { "q": "Can budgies eat Greek yogurt?", "a": "Plain Greek yogurt is lower in lactose than milk but still dairy and fairly fatty. A dab will not hurt, but it is not a useful regular food." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "merck-food-hazards" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Disagreement: Lafeber (Pollock) says some yogurts are low in lactose and can be an occasional small treat; VCA says dairy in moderation; Merck lists milk products among foods to avoid. Cautious 'avoid' chosen. Popular advice often recommends plain yogurt as a probiotic treat; no bird-specific evidence for that benefit was found." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Birds digest dairy poorly, and most yogurts are sweetened. A small taste of plain yogurt will not hurt a cockatiel, but it offers little they need.", "portion": "Not recommended. At most a small dab (about 1/4 teaspoon) of plain, unsweetened yogurt", "frequency": "Rarely, if at all", "prep": [ "Avoid flavoured, fruit, sweetened or sugar-free yogurts", "If you share any, use plain unsweetened yogurt", "Offer a dab on a spoon", "Remove leftovers quickly" ], "benefits": "Plain yogurt contains protein and calcium; claimed probiotic benefits for birds are unproven.", "risks": "Lactose is poorly digested by birds, and larger amounts of dairy can cause diarrhoea. Sweetened yogurts add sugar, and sugar-free versions may contain xylitol.", "ifEaten": "A small taste of plain yogurt needs no action; watch for loose droppings after a larger amount. If the yogurt was sugar-free, look for xylitol on the label and contact an avian vet if it is present.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can cockatiels have yogurt drops or yogurt-coated treats?", "a": "Better not. Yogurt coatings are mostly sugar and fat with added dairy, and offer nothing useful." } ], "sources": [ "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "merck-food-hazards" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Same disagreement as for budgies. Claim about yogurt-coated treats being mostly sugar and fat is general knowledge of such products." } }, "usdaFdcId": 171284, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/yogurt/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/yogurt/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/yogurt/" } }, { "id": "chocolate", "name": "Chocolate", "slug": "chocolate", "category": "people", "aliases": [ "cocoa" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that can cause tremors, heart rhythm problems, seizures and death in animals. A hamster's tiny body makes small amounts risky.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Chocolate's methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) overstimulate the nervous system and heart. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder contain the most; white chocolate the least, though it is still sugary and fatty. No safe dose has been established for hamsters; the effects are documented mainly in dogs.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away, even if your hamster seems fine. Note the type of chocolate (dark, milk, white or cocoa) and roughly how much is missing. Rodents cannot vomit, so do not try home remedies. Remove any chocolate from the nest, and watch for restlessness, rapid breathing, trembling, wobbliness, diarrhoea or seizures.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is white chocolate safe for hamsters?", "a": "No. White chocolate has the lowest theobromine content, but it is still sugary and fatty and offers nothing a hamster needs. Treat all chocolate as off-limits." }, { "q": "My hamster ate a tiny crumb of chocolate. What should I do?", "a": "Phone your vet for advice. A crumb of milk chocolate may cause no problems, but hamsters are so small that professional advice is worthwhile, especially for dark chocolate or cocoa." } ], "sources": [ "sdhumane-hamster", "merck-chocolate", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-food-hazards", "horn-2013-rodents-vomit" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "San Diego Humane Society lists chocolate among foods to avoid for hamsters. Toxicology (Merck, ASPCA) is documented mainly in dogs; Merck notes many species are susceptible. No hamster-specific toxic dose was found. Horn et al. (2013) conclude that the inability to vomit is a general property of rodents." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause heart rhythm problems, seizures and death in birds. A budgie is so small that even a little is dangerous.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines) overstimulate the heart and nervous system, causing hyperactivity, a racing or irregular heart, tremors, seizures and potentially death. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain the most. A wild kea parrot died of methylxanthine poisoning after eating dark chocolate.", "ifEaten": "Call an avian vet or an animal poison control line straight away, even if your budgie seems fine, and have the packaging ready so you can say what type and roughly how much was eaten. Watch for restlessness, regurgitation, diarrhoea, trembling, rapid breathing and seizures. Do not try home remedies or try to make your bird bring food up.", "faq": [ { "q": "How much chocolate is toxic to a budgie?", "a": "No safe dose has been established for birds. Because budgies are so small, even a small piece could be significant, so any amount is a reason to call your vet." }, { "q": "Is white chocolate safe for budgies?", "a": "White chocolate contains very little theobromine, but it is still fatty and sugary, and it is easy to misjudge what a product contains. Do not feed it, and call your vet if your budgie ate chocolate of any kind." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vcbe-toxic-items", "gartrell-2007-chocolate-kea", "merck-food-hazards", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "Unanimous across sources. Kea case: Gartrell & Reid 2007 (about 20 g dark chocolate; acute methylxanthine toxicity). White-chocolate note from Merck Food Hazards." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Chocolate is toxic to cockatiels. Its theobromine and caffeine can trigger a racing heart, tremors, seizures and death, and darker chocolate is the most dangerous.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Chocolate contains the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine, which stimulate the heart and nervous system. Signs in birds include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors and seizures, and death has been documented in a wild parrot that ate dark chocolate. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate carry the highest doses.", "ifEaten": "Treat any chocolate as an emergency: call an avian vet or animal poison control line immediately and keep the wrapper to report the type and amount. Watch for restlessness, trembling, rapid breathing, diarrhoea or seizures. Do not attempt home treatment.", "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel licked some chocolate. Is that serious?", "a": "Call your vet for advice. A lick of milk chocolate is a much smaller dose than a piece of dark chocolate, but only a vet can judge the risk for your bird's weight and the product involved." }, { "q": "Are chocolate-flavoured bird treats safe?", "a": "Avoid anything containing cocoa or chocolate. There is no need to risk it when plenty of safe treats exist." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vcbe-toxic-items", "gartrell-2007-chocolate-kea", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA cockatiel page: never offer chocolate. Unanimous across sources." } }, "usdaFdcId": 170273, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/chocolate/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/chocolate/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/chocolate/" } }, { "id": "coffee", "name": "Coffee & tea (caffeine)", "slug": "coffee", "category": "people", "aliases": [ "tea", "caffeine", "energy drink", "cola" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Coffee, tea, energy drinks and cola contain caffeine, a stimulant that can cause hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and death in pets. Keep grounds and drinks away.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Caffeine is a methylxanthine, like the theobromine in chocolate, and it overstimulates the nervous system and heart. Coffee grounds and beans, tea leaves and bags, caffeine tablets and energy drinks are the most concentrated sources. No hamster-specific safe dose exists; the concern rests on its well-documented effects in other pets and the hamster's tiny size.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away, especially if your hamster ate coffee grounds, beans, tea leaves or a caffeine tablet, or drank more than a lick of a caffeinated drink. Rodents cannot vomit, so do not try home remedies. Watch for restlessness, rapid breathing, trembling or seizures.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters have decaf coffee or tea?", "a": "No. Decaffeinated drinks still contain small amounts of caffeine and offer nothing a hamster needs. Fresh water is the only drink a hamster requires." }, { "q": "Is herbal tea OK for hamsters?", "a": "It is not needed, and herbal blends can contain plants that are not suitable for hamsters. Stick to fresh water." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-people-foods", "merck-chocolate", "merck-food-hazards", "horn-2013-rodents-vomit" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "high", "notes": "No fetched source discusses caffeine for hamsters specifically; verdict based on ASPCA and Merck guidance on methylxanthines in pets. The mechanism is well established across mammals." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks contain caffeine, which can cause a racing heart, arrhythmias and hyperactivity in birds. Even a few sips can be dangerous for a budgie.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Caffeine is a methylxanthine, like theobromine in chocolate. It overstimulates the heart and nervous system and can cause arrhythmias, hyperactivity, tremors and, in serious cases, cardiac arrest. Coffee grounds, tea leaves and caffeine tablets are concentrated sources.", "ifEaten": "Contact an avian vet straight away if your budgie drank coffee, tea, cola or an energy drink, or pecked at coffee grounds, tea leaves or caffeine tablets. Watch for restlessness, trembling, rapid breathing and seizures, and keep your bird warm and quiet on the way.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is herbal tea safe for budgies?", "a": "Caffeine-free herbal teas are not covered by this warning, but some herbs have effects of their own. Fresh water is the only drink a budgie needs; ask your avian vet before using any herbal preparation." }, { "q": "Can budgies drink decaf coffee?", "a": "Better not. Decaffeinated coffee still contains a little caffeine and offers nothing a budgie needs." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vcbe-toxic-items", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA lists caffeine products (coffee, tea, soda) among foods never to feed budgies; VCBE warns even a few sips can be extremely hazardous." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, hyperactivity and even cardiac arrest in birds. Keep cups and grounds away from cockatiels.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Caffeine stimulates the heart and nervous system. Birds can develop an increased heart rate, arrhythmias, hyperactivity, tremors and potentially fatal heart problems. Loose tea, coffee grounds and caffeine pills are especially concentrated.", "ifEaten": "Call an avian vet promptly if your cockatiel drank a caffeinated drink or ate coffee grounds, tea leaves or caffeine tablets. Note what and how much, keep the bird calm and warm, and watch for agitation, trembling, fast breathing or seizures.", "faq": [ { "q": "My cockatiel likes to sip from my cup. Is a little tea all right?", "a": "No. Even small amounts of caffeine can be hazardous for a bird this size. Keep drinks covered and offer fresh water instead." }, { "q": "Is green tea safer than coffee?", "a": "Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee but still contains it, so it is not safe for cockatiels." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "vcbe-toxic-items", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA cockatiel page: never offer products containing caffeine. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee is general knowledge." } }, "usdaFdcId": 171890, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/coffee/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/coffee/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/coffee/" } }, { "id": "alcohol", "name": "Alcohol", "slug": "alcohol", "category": "people", "aliases": [ "beer", "wine" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed and can cause incoordination, depression, breathing difficulty, tremors, coma and death in pets. For an animal as small as a hamster, even a lick matters.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Ethanol depresses the nervous system and disturbs blood chemistry. Beer, wine, spirits, liqueur chocolates, alcohol-soaked cakes, fermenting fruit and raw yeast dough (which produces alcohol as it ferments) are all sources.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "Call your vet or an animal poison helpline immediately, because alcohol is absorbed quickly. Keep your hamster warm and quiet in a secure box on the way. Watch for wobbliness, weakness, slow breathing or unresponsiveness.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat fermented or overripe fruit?", "a": "Fruit that has started to ferment can contain alcohol and may also be mouldy. Remove old fruit from the enclosure promptly and only offer fresh pieces." }, { "q": "Is a drop of beer harmful to a hamster?", "a": "It can be. A hamster weighs a tiny fraction of what a person or even a small dog weighs, so a small amount of alcohol is a large dose for its size. Never offer alcohol." } ], "sources": [ "aspca-people-foods", "merck-food-hazards" ], "evidence": "inferred", "confidence": "high", "notes": "No hamster-specific source; verdict based on ASPCA and Merck guidance for pets. Alcohol toxicity is well established across mammals." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Alcohol depresses the nervous system and can cause loss of coordination, breathing problems and death. For a bird as small as a budgie, even a few sips of a drink could be a large dose.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Ethanol is absorbed quickly and depresses the brain and breathing. In pets it can cause vomiting, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, changes in blood chemistry, coma and death. An unsteady bird can also be injured falling from a perch. Raw yeast dough produces alcohol as it ferments.", "ifEaten": "Treat this as an emergency and call an avian vet at once. While you arrange care, move your budgie to a small, warm, quiet cage with a low perch or none, to prevent falls, and do not force food or water.", "faq": [ { "q": "What if my budgie drank from my glass of wine or beer?", "a": "Call an avian vet immediately, even if it seems normal, because signs can appear quickly. Keep drinks covered or out of reach whenever your bird is out of its cage." }, { "q": "Can fermenting fruit give a budgie alcohol?", "a": "Very overripe fruit can ferment and contain some alcohol. Remove fresh fruit after a few hours and do not offer fruit that smells boozy." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-food-hazards" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA: alcoholic beverages should never be fed to budgies; Merck: avoid alcohol; ASPCA and Merck Food Hazards describe ethanol effects in pets and raw dough fermentation. No bird-specific dose data were found; 'even a few sips could be a large dose' is reasoning from body size." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Alcohol is toxic to cockatiels. It depresses the brain and breathing and can cause wobbling, collapse, coma and death, and a small bird can be badly affected by a small amount.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Ethanol is rapidly absorbed and acts on the nervous system. Signs in pets include incoordination, depression, breathing difficulty, tremors, coma and death. Intoxicated birds are also at risk of injury from falls. Uncooked yeast dough and fermenting fruit can produce alcohol.", "ifEaten": "Call an avian vet immediately. Keep your cockatiel warm and quiet in a small cage with low or no perches so it cannot fall, and do not give food or drink by force.", "faq": [ { "q": "Is a drop of alcohol in food, such as a sauce or cake, a problem?", "a": "Food made with alcohol is not suitable for cockatiels. Cooking does not always remove all the alcohol, and such foods usually contain sugar, fat or salt too." }, { "q": "How can I prevent accidents?", "a": "Keep glasses covered or out of reach when your cockatiel is out, and remove fruit before it starts to ferment." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-food-hazards" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "VCA cockatiel page: never offer alcoholic beverages. 'Cooking does not always remove all alcohol' is general food-science knowledge." } }, "usdaFdcId": 168746, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/alcohol/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/alcohol/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/alcohol/" } }, { "id": "chips", "name": "Potato chips (crisps)", "slug": "potato-chips", "category": "people", "aliases": [ "crisps" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "avoid", "short": "Better not. Potato chips (crisps) are salty, fatty junk food with no benefit for hamsters, and flavoured kinds may contain onion or garlic powder. A stolen crumb is not usually an emergency.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [ "Offer a piece of plain air-popped popcorn or a vegetable instead", "Keep snack bowls out of reach during free-roam time" ], "benefits": "", "risks": "Chips are high in salt and fat. Too much salt causes thirst and, in larger amounts, salt poisoning, which is more likely if water is not available. Dwarf hamsters weigh about the same as a budgie, so for them even one or two chips is a lot of salt. Flavourings such as onion and garlic powder can damage red blood cells in pets, and sharp shards could injure the cheek pouches.", "dwarf": null, "ifEaten": "A crumb of plain chip is unlikely to cause harm: remove the rest, make sure fresh water is available, and watch your hamster for a day. Call a vet if it ate more than a crumb or a flavoured variety, or if you notice heavy drinking, wobbliness, trembling, lethargy or diarrhoea.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat unsalted potato chips?", "a": "Unsalted chips are still fried and fatty and offer no benefit. A piece of plain, air-popped popcorn is a better crunchy treat." } ], "sources": [ "sdhumane-hamster", "bluecross-hamster-care", "petmd-what-can-hamsters-eat", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-salt" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "San Diego Humane Society lists 'junk food' among foods to avoid; Blue Cross advises avoiding sugary, fatty treats; PetMD advises avoiding processed human foods. None names potato chips specifically. Salt toxicosis (Merck) and allium effects (ASPCA) come from general veterinary toxicology, not hamster studies. Graded 'avoid' rather than 'no' because a crumb is not acutely dangerous." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Potato chips are loaded with salt and fat. Veterinary guides list chips among foods never to feed budgies, and for a bird this small a few chips can hold a harmful amount of salt.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Birds are sensitive to salt. Excess sodium upsets electrolyte balance, causing thirst, dehydration and kidney problems, and in severe cases weakness, loss of coordination and death. In a study of house sparrows, relatively small amounts of salt caused rapid depression, loss of coordination and deaths. Chips are also fatty, and flavoured chips often contain onion or garlic powder.", "ifEaten": "A nibble of one plain chip is unlikely to cause harm; make sure fresh water is available. If your budgie ate more than a small piece, or a heavily salted or flavoured chip, call an avian vet for advice. Signs of salt poisoning include heavy drinking, very wet droppings, weakness, wobbling or falling off the perch, and trembling.", "faq": [ { "q": "What about unsalted or baked chips?", "a": "They are still processed, fatty and low in nutrition, and many are seasoned with onion or garlic powder. Crunchy vegetables make a far better treat." }, { "q": "My budgie stole a crumb of a crisp. Should I panic?", "a": "No. A crumb is a very small amount of salt. Offer fresh water and watch for heavy drinking or wobbliness; call a vet if you see either." } ], "sources": [ "vca-budgie-feeding", "vcbe-toxic-items", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "bollinger-2005-salt-sparrows", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Status debate 'no' vs 'avoid': Lafeber (Pollock) calls high-salt, high-fat foods 'not technically toxic'; VCA says chips should never be fed to budgies; VCBE (avian practice) says a few chips or pretzels can contain potentially toxic amounts of salt for a small bird; Merck lists junk food (salt, sweets) among foods to avoid. Bollinger et al. (2005), house sparrows: clinical signs at oral NaCl of 1,500 mg/kg and above, approximate LD50 3,000–3,500 mg/kg in water-deprived birds. Rough internal estimate only: a budgie of about 35 g would reach 1,500 mg/kg with about 50 mg of salt, roughly two to three typical salted chips; parrots may differ and water access matters. Chose 'no' as the cautious status." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Chips are very salty and fatty, and veterinary sources say not to feed them to pet birds. Small birds are sensitive to salt, and a handful of chips can be a harmful dose.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Too much salt disturbs a bird's electrolyte balance, leading to thirst, dehydration, kidney damage and, at higher doses, weakness, incoordination and death, as shown in a study of house sparrows. Chips also add fat, and many flavours contain onion or garlic powder.", "ifEaten": "A crumb of a plain chip is unlikely to cause harm; provide fresh water. If your cockatiel ate a whole chip or more, or a strongly seasoned one, call an avian vet for advice. Watch for heavy drinking, very wet droppings, weakness, wobbling, trembling or collapse.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are tortilla chips or pretzels any better?", "a": "No. They are also salty processed snacks and should not be fed to cockatiels." }, { "q": "What is a good crunchy treat instead?", "a": "Try a small piece of raw carrot, bell pepper or broccoli stalk, or a sliver of plain unsalted nut." } ], "sources": [ "vca-cockatiel-feeding", "vcbe-toxic-items", "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "bollinger-2005-salt-sparrows", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "VCA cockatiel page: avoid processed foods like chips. VCBE warns a few chips can contain potentially toxic salt for a small bird. Rough internal estimate using the sparrow data: a 90 g cockatiel would reach 1,500 mg/kg with about 135 mg salt (several typical chips). 'no' chosen for caution over 'avoid'." } }, "usdaFdcId": 169677, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/potato-chips/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/potato-chips/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/potato-chips/" } }, { "id": "candy", "name": "Candy & sweets", "slug": "candy", "category": "people", "aliases": [ "sweets", "xylitol", "gum", "chewing gum", "lollipop" ], "verdicts": { "hamster": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Sweets offer nothing but sugar, sticky sweets can lodge in the cheek pouches, and chocolate or sugar-free sweets with xylitol add poisoning risks. Dwarf hamsters are also prone to diabetes.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Sugar adds empty calories and is a particular concern for diabetes-prone dwarfs. Chewy sweets, toffee, jelly sweets and gum can cling inside the cheek pouches. Chocolate sweets contain theobromine and caffeine. Xylitol in sugar-free gum and sweets causes dangerous low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs; its effect on hamsters has not been studied, so treat it as dangerous.", "dwarf": "Campbell's, Winter White and their hybrids, and Chinese hamsters, have an inherited tendency to diabetes. Keep all sugary foods away from them.", "ifEaten": "If the sweet contained chocolate or xylitol, or your hamster ate more than a crumb, call your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away. For a lick of a plain sugar sweet, remove the rest, look for sticky pieces in the nest, and watch for diarrhoea, lethargy or a cheek that stays swollen or will not empty, which needs a vet.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can hamsters eat sugar-free sweets?", "a": "No. Sugar-free sweets and gum often contain xylitol or other sweeteners. Xylitol is known to be dangerous to dogs and its effects on hamsters are unknown, so treat it as unsafe." }, { "q": "Are honey sticks and other sweet hamster treats OK?", "a": "Blue Cross advises avoiding sugary, fatty treats, including seed sticks made with molasses or honey. They are best skipped, especially for dwarf hamsters." }, { "q": "What sweet treat can I give instead?", "a": "For a Syrian, a tiny piece of fresh fruit now and then is a better choice than any sweet. For dwarf hamsters, a small piece of vegetable or a mealworm is safer." } ], "sources": [ "sdhumane-hamster", "bluecross-hamster-care", "aspca-people-foods", "merck-food-hazards", "merck-chocolate", "pdsa-hamster-diet", "exocare-dwarf-diabetes", "voss-1978-djungarian-hamster-islets", "frankel-1974-chinese-hamster" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "high", "notes": "San Diego Humane Society lists candy among foods to avoid for hamsters. Graded 'no' rather than 'avoid' because the category includes chocolate, xylitol-containing products and sticky sweets; a lick of plain sugar candy is not itself known to be toxic, and the ifEaten text reflects that. Xylitol toxicity is documented in dogs (Merck, ASPCA); no hamster data found. Diabetes predisposition: PDSA (Russian dwarfs), ExoCare (Campbell's and hybrids), Voss et al. 1978 (Djungarian colony), Frankel et al. 1974 (Chinese hamster sublines). Blue Cross says only Syrian hamsters should have fruit as an occasional treat." }, "budgie": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Sweets are just sugar and fat, chocolate candies are toxic, and sugar-free sweets and gum may contain xylitol, which is the suspected cause of death in a group of wild birds. Keep all candy away from budgies.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Sugary sweets add empty calories to a bird prone to obesity and can upset the gut. Sugar-free products often contain xylitol, which causes dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs; it has not been studied in parrots, but 29 wild Cape sugarbirds died shortly after drinking xylitol-sweetened nectar. Chocolate sweets add theobromine and caffeine.", "ifEaten": "If the sweet was sugar-free, contained chocolate, or you are not sure, call an avian vet or animal poison control line right away and keep the wrapper. Xylitol can lower blood sugar within minutes, so watch for weakness, wobbliness, falling from the perch or collapse. A lick of ordinary sugar candy is less serious: offer water and watch for loose droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Can budgies have honey or honey sticks?", "a": "Honey sticks are seeds glued together with sugar and honey, and most avian vets do not recommend them. Honey itself is concentrated sugar that a budgie does not need." }, { "q": "What about sugar-free gum?", "a": "Never. Gum is a common source of xylitol and could also stick in or block a small bird's mouth or throat." } ], "sources": [ "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vcbe-toxic-items", "gardner-2017-xylitol-sugarbirds", "vca-budgie-feeding", "merck-food-hazards", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "Status reflects the whole category: ordinary sugar candy alone would be 'avoid'-level, but xylitol and chocolate products justify 'no'. Xylitol evidence in birds is limited: presumptive fatal toxicosis in Cape sugarbirds (Gardner & Mitchell 2017) versus poultry feeding trials in which broiler chicks tolerated dietary xylitol (e.g., Takahashi et al. 2000, PMID 10824964, not in registry). Avian-vet sources (Lafeber/Pollock, VCBE) advise keeping sugar-free products away from birds. The gum-choking point is a precaution, not a cited finding." }, "cockatiel": { "status": "no", "short": "No. Candy gives cockatiels sugar and fat and nothing useful, chocolate sweets are toxic, and sugar-free sweets and gum may contain xylitol, a sweetener linked to bird deaths.", "portion": null, "frequency": null, "prep": [], "benefits": "", "risks": "Sugar-rich sweets can irritate the gut and add calories to a bird prone to obesity and fatty liver. Xylitol, common in sugar-free gum, mints and sweets, causes severe low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs; its effects in parrots are unknown, but it was the presumed cause of death in a group of wild nectar-feeding birds. Chocolate adds theobromine and caffeine.", "ifEaten": "Call an avian vet or animal poison control line at once if the candy was sugar-free, contained chocolate, or you cannot tell, and keep the packaging. Watch for weakness, stumbling, trembling or collapse. If it was a lick of ordinary sugar candy, offer water and watch for loose droppings.", "faq": [ { "q": "Are sugary bird treats from pet shops safe?", "a": "Treats coated in sugar or honey add calories without nutrition. Vegetables, a little millet or a sliver of plain nut are better rewards." }, { "q": "Can cockatiels eat marshmallows or jelly sweets?", "a": "No. They are almost pure sugar, may contain colourings or sweeteners, and are sticky enough to cling to the beak." } ], "sources": [ "merck-nutritional-diseases-birds", "lafeber-toxic-foods", "vcbe-toxic-items", "gardner-2017-xylitol-sugarbirds", "merck-food-hazards", "aspca-people-foods" ], "evidence": "direct", "confidence": "medium", "notes": "As for budgies. 'Pet-shop' treats wording is generic; no brand implied." } }, "usdaFdcId": 167990, "urls": { "hamster": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-hamsters-eat/candy/", "budgie": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-budgies-eat/candy/", "cockatiel": "https://limocax-pixel.github.io/jomizoo-can-eat/can-cockatiels-eat/candy/" } } ] }