Can hamsters eat rhubarb?
No – toxic. Hamsters should never eat rhubarb. The RSPCA says rhubarb can be poisonous to rodents. Woodgreen lists rhubarb and its leaves among foods to avoid, and the German Animal Welfare Federation lists it as unsuitable.
Did your hamster eat some?
If your hamster shows signs of illness or poisoning, see your vet immediately (RSPCA). It’s best to call right away, even if your hamster seems fine, and tell them what it ate, how much and when.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Take the packaging or a leftover with you.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My hamster ate rhubarb. What should I do?
If your hamster shows signs of illness or poisoning, see your vet immediately (RSPCA). It’s best to call right away, even if your hamster seems fine, and tell them what it ate, how much and when.
Sources
- RSPCA – What to feed hamsters
- Woodgreen Pets Charity – Hamster food: what to feed your hamster
- Deutscher Tierschutzbund – Die Haltung von Goldhamstern (Broschüre)
- RSPCA – Hamster health and welfare
Last checked: November 2026