Gerbils are social, active, and curious animals that make excellent pets. They are relatively easy to care for and have a simple diet, but it’s important to feed them the right foods to keep them healthy and happy.
What do gerbils eat?
Gerbils are omnivores, which means they eat both plant-based and animal-based foods. A balanced diet for a gerbil should include a variety of foods to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need. Here are some foods that are appropriate for gerbils to eat:
-
Commercial gerbil food: Commercial gerbil food is a good base for your gerbil’s diet. Look for a high-quality, pelleted food that is specifically formulated for gerbils. This food should make up the bulk of your gerbil’s diet.
-
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Gerbils enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some good options include apple, carrot, cucumber, and spinach. Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before giving them to your gerbil.
-
Seeds and nuts: Gerbils enjoy a variety of seeds and nuts, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. These should be given in moderation, as they are high in fat.
-
Protein: Gerbils need protein in their diet, and this can be provided by giving them small amounts of cooked chicken, scrambled egg, or mealworms. Be sure to avoid giving your gerbil too much protein, as this can cause health problems.
-
Hay: Gerbils need hay in their diet to help keep their teeth healthy and to aid in digestion. Timothy hay is a good option for gerbils.
What foods should you avoid giving to gerbils?
While gerbils can eat a variety of foods, there are some foods that should be avoided. Here are some foods that are not good for gerbils to eat:
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to gerbils and can cause serious health problems, including seizures and even death.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits can cause digestive problems for gerbils, so it’s best to avoid them.
Sugary foods: Gerbils should not be given sugary foods, such as candy or soda, as these can cause health problems and lead to obesity.
Processed foods: Processed foods, such as chips and crackers, are not good for gerbils as they are high in salt and fat.
Raw beans: Raw beans are toxic to gerbils and can cause digestive problems and even death.
How much should you feed your gerbil?
Gerbils should be given a small amount of food each day. A good rule of thumb is to give your gerbil one tablespoon of commercial gerbil food, a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of seeds or nuts each day. It’s important not to overfeed your gerbil, as this can lead to health problems and obesity.
It’s also important to keep your gerbil’s water bottle filled with fresh, clean water at all times. Change the water daily and clean the water bottle weekly to prevent bacteria from growing.
Conclusion
Gerbils are omnivores that require a balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Commercial gerbil food is a good base for their diet, but they also need fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts, protein, and hay. It’s important to avoid giving your gerbil foods that are toxic or can cause health problems, such as chocolate, citrus fruits, and sugary foods. Feed your gerbil a small amount of food each day and keep their water bottle filled with fresh, clean water. With the right diet and care, your gerbil will thrive and
