Nibbly

Can hamsters eat strawberries?

Yes, but only a little. Strawberry is not toxic to hamsters and most love it, but it is sugary. Give a raisin-sized piece once or twice a week, washed and with nothing added. For Russian dwarf hamsters, which are prone to diabetes, once a week is better.

By Nibbly · Updated 28 October 2026

Cinnamon Nibbly hamster standing on its hind legs, begging for a treat.

How much strawberry, and how often

  • Amount: a piece the size of a raisin or your little fingernail. A whole strawberry is far too much.
  • How often: once or twice a week, never every day. For a dwarf hamster, once.
  • How: washed, raw, at room temperature. The green leaves do no harm.
  • Never: strawberries in syrup, jam, strawberry yoghurt or strawberry-flavoured sweets.

Why so little

Fruit is very sugary for an animal of 30 or 40 grams. Russian dwarf hamsters, Campbell's especially, are prone to diabetes, and too much fruit also gives them diarrhoea. They hoard food in their larder too: take away anything left after a few hours so it does not rot in their house.

Cinnamon Russian dwarf hamster eating from its bowl full of seed mix in Nibbly.

Food in Nibbly

In Nibbly you choose what goes in the bowl: seed mix, which keeps their weight, veggies, light and with a little water, or sunflower seeds, which they love but which are fattening. Overfed hamsters get chubby, and treats from your hand help you earn their trust. Everything they eat is in the feeding guide.

Adopt your hamsters in Nibbly

Frequently asked questions

Can hamsters eat strawberry leaves?

Yes, the green leaves are not toxic and some hamsters nibble them. Wash them well and give only a little, as with the fruit itself.

Can I give my hamster strawberry every day?

No. Because of its sugar, strawberry should be a treat once or twice a week at most, and once a week for a dwarf hamster.

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