This article looks at answering the question “Can hamsters eat Doritos?” by taking into account the list of ingredients in the popular snack and their effects on hamsters’ health. We also explore the nutritional facts of Doritos to determine whether it can provide any value to the pet rodent’s daily requirements.
Additionally, we delve into the different flavors of the tortilla chips to conclude whether any of them can be safely consumed by hamsters without problems. It is time to take a good look at what Doritos has to offer your little guys.
Table of Contents
Can Hamsters Eat Doritos?
Hamsters cannot eat Doritos because it contains excessive amounts of salts for the rodent’s comfort. Consuming the snack can lead to obesity and kidney problems that may shorten the little rodent’s lifespan considerably.
Have you fed Doritos to hamsters in the past out of ignorance in a bid to share the amazing taste? It is impossible to go back in time but avoid repeating those mistakes now that you know how bad the snack can be for these little creatures.
Getting your pet hamsters checked out by a vet for evidence of pre-existing conditions can put the mind at rest and ensure that any problems are treated early before they get out of hand.
What is Doritos?
Doritos is a popular brand of flavored tortilla chips consumed by adults and kids. Founded in 1966 in North America, the brand has expanded its reach to almost every part of the world. Different flavors have also been added to the Original Doritos Nacho Cheese flavor.
The crunchy texture and salty taste are reasons for its continuous popularity. It is a pity that your pocket rodents cannot enjoy the wonderful snack but there are lots of healthy alternatives out there.
Doritos Nutritional Facts
Nutritional information for 1-ounce bag (28 g) of Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos
- 150 calories
- 8 grams of fat, 1 gram of which is saturated fat. There are no trans fats.
- 210 milligrams of sodium
- 18 grams of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of dietary fiber
- Less than 1 gram of sugar
- 2 grams of protein
- 40 milligrams of calcium
- 50 milligrams of potassium
Why Hamsters Should Never Eat Doritos – 5 Smart Reasons
There are several reasons why Doritos are bad for not only hamsters but other pet rodents too and a quick glance at the nutritional value chart makes that clear. Here are the top reasons why you should focus on feeding healthier snacks to hamsters instead of Doritos.
1. Sodium Content
Salt is one of the most dominant ingredients in Doritos. According to their nutritional chart, a 1-ounce bag contains 210 mg of sodium which is just too much salt for the little guy’s fragile digestive system to handle.
The excessive salt content can lead to polydipsia and resultant effects for hamsters. Besides, too much salt may weaken the rodent’s kidneys and increase the risks of renal failure which often turns fatal.
These pocket rodents have extremely short lifespans and introducing them to unhealthy salt-laden snacks like Doritos can be a dereliction of duty as a hamster parent. The end result is devastating side effects that may result in a declined quality of life and sudden death.
2. Calories
Hamsters are natural high-energy pets that engage in lots of physical activity when awake. From running on exercise wheels to staying in hideouts and gallivanting in their cages, these pocket rodents require an avenue to expend their energies day in and day out.
Obesity can interfere with the ability to stay physically active triggering significant levels of stress for these little guys. Unfortunately, consuming Doritos can make that a real possibility as the popular tortilla chips brand offers a significant calorie content.
Obese hamsters typically suffer a decline in immune system activity making them susceptible to a wide range of health conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, and renal failure are common among overweight hamsters leading to early death.
Snacks that supply excessive amounts of calories such as Doritos and cookies should be completely left out of your pet rodent’s diet.
3. Processed Nutrients
At first glance, Doritos offers decent amounts of Calcium, potassium, and protein which are core nutrients hamsters need. However, these substances are artificially added during processing and can be less effective in aiding the pocket rodent’s growth and well-being.
This is in sharp contrast with the nutrients offered by staples such as packaged hamster pellets and healthy seeds from plants like Flax and Chia as well as sprays like Millet.
4. Nutritional Imbalances
Hamsters have delicate bodies and even more delicate digestive systems which require a wide nutritional base for optimum functionality. The mix of nutrients offered by processed snacks like Doritos will never be enough to meet their nutritional needs.
Making Doritos a vital part of hamsters’ diets can lead to malnutrition and related negative effects because the little guys are likely to reject healthier meals when their tummies are filled up with the popular tortilla chips.
5. Addiction
Hamsters can easily get addicted to eating Doritos and may shun other foods as a result. Like many snacks, the popular tortilla chips brand may be highly addictive to your pet rodents resulting in loss of appetite and stunted growth.
This happens when they begin skipping healthy meals such as hamster pellets, seeds, and nuts in favor of Doritos.
What Should I Do After Accidentally Feeding Doritos to My Hamsters?
Doritos are not exactly poisonous even though they can be unhealthy for hamsters which explains why there’s no need to panic after accidentally feeding it to them. However, getting rid of leftover chips in the hamster’s cage and making sure the pet rodents are kept at arm’s length could be a smart move.
Calling a vet after feeding a few salty tortilla chips to hamsters may be an overreaction but if your little guys seem to be in severe discomfort, that may be the best way forward.
Can Hamsters Eat Chips?
Avoid offering packaged chips to hamsters because they contain artificial flavorings, oils, salts, and other ingredients that can be harmful to their health. These ingredients may cause digestive issues leading to diarrhea and stomach discomfort.
Can I Feed My Hamster a Cheeto?
Hamsters can eat Cheetos as an occasional treat but avoid making it a staple in their diets because the popular snack contains significant amounts of cheese. While hamsters can enjoy small slices of cheese without problems, it should be served once in a while.
What Human Snacks Can Hamsters Eat?
Hamsters can consume a wide range of human snacks but not all of them are healthy. Here is a couple that can be offered to the pet rodents as an occasional treat with minimal problems.
- Almonds
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Edamame
- Plain Cheerios
- Cheese
- Chia Seeds
- Pecans
- Flax Seeds
- Romaine Lettuce
- Sunflower Seeds
- Fresh Apples
Conclusion: Can Hamsters Eat Doritos?
Hamsters cannot eat Doritos because it contains a wide range of unhealthy nutrients. Core ingredients such as oil, salts, and fats may be extremely difficult to digest when consumed by your favorite pet rodent.
The salt content can cause significant damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, inhibiting their ability to remove toxins from the body. Doritos may also lead to obesity in hamsters, exposing them to a wide range of infections and life-threatening diseases.
We recommend offering healthy snacks such as green leafy vegetables and non-acidic fruits to hamsters to promote good health.