I think you’ve really answered your own question. I wouldn’t give him them anymore since you know it’s almost double the amount. At the least, cut back to one every few days at most, not every day.

Naw not a good idea at all. It’s hard-the little beggers can make us feel awful for denying them. But it’s for their own good. No more hamster pellets for Mazuri Try berries instead as a treat

Maybe when you have to feed the hamster, have a safe treat in your hand for when he comes running… that way you can still give him something but not the hamster food.

I get the healthier veggie treats – those dry heart shaped little cookie things – and keep them in a treat jar. Then I rattle it to let her know it’s treat time, and clink one against her food dish saying “treat.” I sometimes break them in half if they are too big. They are better for her than other snacks, and the sound lets her know it’s time. Kind of like the hamster bag.

I use those veggie cookies as well, and my bunnies love them! I think that it is best just not to feed your bunny something that you think is questionable, bunnies have such sensitive digestive tracts that if they get messed up, it can cause very serious issues. You could also have a sprig of parsley or cilantro ready when he hears the hamster bag, maybe that would get him distracted!

I wish I could get a pic of Freya when she hears the bag of raisins. If she’s in her condo she’ll actually push her face as much as she can through a square in her cubes with her paws holding her up as high as she can get as if she’ll get it faster just by being closer to me. It’s pitiful and hilarious and adorable. Sometimes when she’s had enough for the day and I’m just cleaning up a little I move the bag and she gets super mad if she doesn’t get one. It’s just SO hard to say no to her, spoiled brat that she is, so I know what it’s like trying to do the right thing. He might hold a grudge for a few days but he’ll get over it if you have other treats for him.

Unfortunately this is one of those things where applying human tendencies doesn’t help the bunnies. We humans use food and drink as a reward, so we think that’s a good idea for our bunnies too. You actually could regulate his diet very carefully and limit it only to those foods that don’t give him any poopy butt. It is very bad, dangerous in fact, for him to have a frequent upset tummy. It could be a serious issue.

If you vet says he’s OK at the moment, consider toys and playtime as treats for him rather than foods. I am fond of willow sticks and balls because Sammy loves them, and it is excellent for wearing down their teeth. They can be munched on anytime, aren’t fattening, and act well on their digestion.

Bunnies are creatures of habit, so he’ll associate other things with treat time soon.