Safe Wood for Hamsters to Chew


Safe Wood for HamstersHamsters like to chew, chew, chew. Because they are a rodent, their teeth are ever growing. To help keep them healthy and happy, hamsters need plenty of toys to chew on and keep their teeth ground down to a safe length. However, you can’t just go out in your yard and pick up a stick to give to you pet. You should make sure that any wood or toys you give your pet are made from safe materials. In the case of wood, you want it to be free of pesticides and other chemicals that could harm your hamster.

With hamsters, it doesn’t matter what type you have (Syrian, Russian, Dwarf, Chinese, etc.), the woods, toys, and foods that are safe for them are all the same. Luckily Hamsters are less sensitive that some other exotic pets (like chinchillas or rabbits) when it comes to wood, so you have a lot more options when buying toys and many of the toys offered in the pet store will be safe for your hamster. Since very little wood is absolutely toxic to them, it’s hard to get a comprehensive list of what is safe. Still, we gathered together what information is available to provide a starting point.

We have a list of materials and safe wood for hamsters, as well as unsafe items that must be avoided.

Safe Wood (& Other Materials) For Hamsters

Safe Wood for Hamsters to Chew

  • Apple Wood
  • Aspen
  • Cardboard Toilet Paper Roll Tubes
  • China Fir
  • Dog Biscuits (flavorless, without garlic as an ingredient)
  • Lava Bites
  • Loofah
  • Pear Wood
  • Pine (chew toys& shelves only, not bedding)
  • Popsicle Sticks
  • White Birch
  • Willow



Toxic Wood

  • Cedar
  • Oleander
  • Yew