Can hamsters eat rice?
Quick verdict
In moderation
Recommended amount
A small amount of plain cooked rice occasionally.
Why
A little plain cooked rice is fine for hamsters.
Can hamsters eat rice, and why?
A little plain cooked rice is fine for hamsters. Keep portions small and serve plain.
Hamsters are omnivores who do best on a complete hamster mix, with small amounts of fresh food as treats. They are tiny and prone to obesity and diabetes (especially dwarf hamsters), with sensitive tummies, so portions must be minimal and sugary or watery foods limited.
How to feed rice to hamsters
- •How much: A small amount of plain cooked rice occasionally.
- •How often: An occasional treat, not a daily food. A treat should be no bigger than a piece they can hold in their paws — roughly a teaspoon or less, once or twice a week.
- •Young pets: Young hamsters should stick to their staple mix; introduce treats only once they are well established, in tiny amounts.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods hamsters might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding hamsters well:
Frequently asked questions
Can hamsters eat rice?
In moderation. A little plain cooked rice is fine for hamsters.
How much rice can a hamster have?
A small amount of plain cooked rice occasionally.
Can hamsters eat rice every day?
It’s best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food. A treat should be no bigger than a piece they can hold in their paws — roughly a teaspoon or less, once or twice a week.
Can baby hamsters eat rice?
Young hamsters should stick to their staple mix; introduce treats only once they are well established, in tiny amounts.
Check rice for another pet