This is a list we compiled so hamster pawrents in Singapore can easily know which sand to get their furry ones and which sands to avoid. HSS is not affiliated with any of the brands listed.
Let’s start off with the positives!
These types of sand, while common and touted as Hamster-safe, should not be used for our little fur babies.
If you walk down the aisle in the common chain pet stores, you will be faced with rows and rows of scented sand. While it seems tempting for your hamster to smell like strawberries, lemons etc, it is not good for your hamster. They have a much more sensitive nose than humans, so while it may smell pleasant to us, it will be too overpowering for the hamster and result in respiratory tract irritation.
Not only is clay-based sand usually too fine for hamsters, it also poses a risk for them in the form of clay dust. Research shows that inhalation of clay dust will result in scarring of lung tissues and irreversible loss in breathing capacity. It is tough to tell how much clay dust the sand contains, so as a general rule of thumb we strongly suggest avoiding clay-based sand altogether.
Deodorant sand and hygiene sand may seem good for preventing odours but can be harmful to the hamster. Most of the time, unknown and hence potentially harmful chemicals are infused in the ‘sand’ to make it have more antibacterial or deodorizing properties.
For example, 3 additive grains are added into the sand to reportedly help with bacteria and odour control, but with no available information on what chemicals they contain.
As the name suggests, these are way too dusty for your hamsters (despite what the packaging may say). Moreover, they are almost always made of finely ground clay which, as we know, is harmful to our hamsters. Using this will cause respiratory issues in your hamster.
These are most commonly found online, with no apparent brands or very generic brand names. Pawrents are likely drawn in by the low prices and colourful packaging. These sands are likely to be imported from places like China, where pet supplies are less likely to be strictly regulated. Who knows what chemicals these sand contain? The bottom line is, while it is admittedly difficult to prove definitively that these sands are unsafe, the lack of information is reason enough to stay away when there are so many other better brands out there. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
We strongly recommend hamster parents relying on more reputable sands for the safety of their hamsters! You should have full confidence in the products you purchase for your hamster. After all, they deserve nothing less than the best!
Hope you find the lists helpful! Thank you for reading!
Written By: Lovette
Original Art: @cosmic_lyn (instagram)