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Soft stools
Soft stools or diarrhea in an otherwise healthy hamster may be an indication of a dietary problem and that he is being fed on to much sugar or green vegetables. Any sign of soft stools or diarrhea unaccompanied by disease does not usually cause the hamster any discomfort or pain. In this case there is no loss of appetite or decrease in activity. Any changes in your pet's diet should be made slowly over a period of time to avoid intestinal upsets, particularly if you have just acquired your pet.
Very frequently soft stools or diarrhea is often due to something in the diet that is taken in excess. Or could be an allergy to a particular fruit or vegetable but this is rare and rather to the excess of sugar, or chemical substances. Chemicals are used as pesticides on fruit and vegetables, and some residue can be left on the produce and therefore should be washed or peeled before consumption. Some hamsters may develop allergies to food, there are many signs of food allergies, mucus covered stools, diarrhea, or skin problems can indicate some food allergies.
A high sugar intake may come from eating too much fruit, as fruit contains fructose: fructose is a very sweet and naturally occurring sugar that is found in fruit, and a number of root vegetables. The sweeter the fruit the more concentrated the sugar becomes. Melons and Pears in particularly have a high content of fructose. Fructose causes water retention in the intestines, the more water the softer the stools. Leafy green vegetables will also lead to lose stools. These can include Peas, Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and Lettuce, these may lead to bloating, loose stools, and even diarrhea depending on the amount eaten and other factors. Moderating intake of these should see an improvement.
Soft poop in hamsters
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