Mozzarella is one of the most popular types of cheese available thanks to its delicious taste. In the quest to give hamsters the best life has to offer, we may be tempted to share our favorite foods with them. 

Hamsters respond favorably when served with the popular Italian cheese due to the great taste. But is it even safe for these little creatures? It is time to find out.

Can hamsters eat Mozzarella cheese? Hamsters can enjoy a 1cm size of Mozzarella cheese as a weekly or bi-weekly treat due to the relatively low fat and low salt content. Serving your hamster higher quantities of cheese can lead to negative consequences such as dental problems and obesity.

Can Hamsters Eat Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella is a Southern Italian cheese made via the pasta filata method from Italian buffalo milk. While Mozarella may be a personal favorite, making it a staple in your hammy’s diet can be a huge mistake.

Mozzarella may contain relatively low amounts of fat and salt but the overall calorie count can still be massive. Feeding your hamster this popular cheese regularly can increase the risk of obesity and associated health conditions such as diabetes.

This cheese may be a great way to build a strong bond with your hammy if he seems to like it. It can also be used as a tool to get your hamster to take his medications or calm down when agitated. 

However, always focus on feeding healthy food options such as grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables to hamsters. The long-term benefits for their health and well-being will be worth it.

Nutritional Value of Mozzarella Cheese Per 100g

A quick look at the nutritional value of Mozzarella cheese offers insights into why you should avoid overfeeding it to your hamster. It contains carbs, calcium, and phosphorus as well as saturated, and unsaturated fats.

It also features sugars and sodium which can have devastating effects on the hamster’s health in the long run when fed regularly.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 300 kcal (1,300 kJ)

Carbohydrates 2.2 g

Sugars 1 g

Fat 22.4 g

Saturated 13.2 g

Monounsaturated 6.6 g

Protein 22.2 g

Minerals

Calcium (51%) 505 mg

Phosphorus (51%) 354 mg

Sodium (42%) 627 mg

Other constituents

Water 50 g

How Much Mozzarella Can Hamsters Eat?

Now that you know that Mozarella cheese should be utilized as no more than a treat in a hamster’s diet, it is only logical to want to know the exact amount to serve these rodents. You should offer no more than 1-2 cm of the delicious cheese to hamsters weekly. 

That is equivalent to the size of a pea. While your pocket rodent may want to eat more due to the amazing taste, resist the temptation to offer more.

How Should I Feed Mozzarella Cheese to My Hamster?

Cut the pea-sized Mozzarella cheese into 10 or more pieces and place them into the hamster’s food bowl. This should allow him to enjoy the cheese while minimizing the risk of choking on it.

You wouldn’t want to wake up to your hamster dead from choking on a piece of delicious Italian cheese, would you? 

Leftover cheese should be removed from the cage within 24 hours to prevent rotting. Consuming rotten food can trigger sickness in hamsters due to the potential presence of bacteria, fungi, and other disease-causing organisms.

Rotten Mozzarella cheese may also emit a terrible smell that can take over the hamster’s cage and the whole house. Hamsters are known for their amazing sense of smell so this can be extremely uncomfortable for them to put up with.

3 Side Effects of Feeding Mozzarella Cheese to Your Hamster 

While Mozzarella cheese may be perfectly fine for hamsters as a weekly treat, too much of it can have negative side effects. Here are the potential consequences of excessively feeding Mozzarella cheese to hamsters.

Lactose Intolerance in Hamsters

Lactose intolerance is possible in hamsters although the majority are able to enjoy dairy products without any problems.

Signs of hamster lactose intolerance include diarrhea and vomiting as well as stomachaches. You can always introduce your pet rodent to this delicious cheese by offering a tiny slice while watching his reaction to it.

Over time, you can increase the amounts to 1cm if you spot none of the signs of lactose intolerance stated above.

Obesity 

The risk of hamsters becoming overweight increases when fed regularly on all types of cheese, Mozzarella included. Cheese contains significant portions of salts, calories, and fats that may result in weight gain over a short period.

Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes and heart problems in hamsters. This can shorten the duration and life quality of your hammy.

Dental Problems 

Hamsters have a habit of hoarding food in their cheeks. These little buddies may try to hide Mozzarella cheese in their cheeks for later consumption. However, cheese often starts to rot after a few hours under the wrong conditions.

The cheese may also get stuck in the cheeks of your hamster within a few days, causing significant discomfort. This can lead to a host of dental problems for the little rodent.

Steps to Take After Your Hamster Consumes Too Much Mozzarella 

Hamsters need to be fed no more than a pea-sized bit of cheese once or twice weekly. But, what if the little guy accidentally eats more cheese than necessary? How do you ensure your beloved hamster’s life is not put at risk after such an accident?

Firstly, accidental overconsumption of cheese a few times should not hurt the little guy. However, monitor his health for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of balance, and lack of energy just to be sure.

If you’re still not convinced, a quick call or visit to an exotics vet can get the hammy checked out for possible signs of food poisoning. Additionally, open the hamster’s cheeks to search hidden cheese.

You can also scout every corner of the cage for concealed pieces of Mozzarella cheese.

Conclusion 

Mozzarella cheese can be an occasional treat for hamsters that are not lactose intolerant. These lovely little creatures often enjoy cheese so avoid overfeeding to prevent risks such as obesity and diabetes.

As a precautionary measure, always make sure to monitor the hamster for signs of food poisoning after feeding him with any type of cheese.