Gerbils are small, active rodents that require a varied diet to keep them healthy. Being omnivores, you need to feed your gerbil with both plants and meat. A typical diet for gerbils includes seeds, fresh vegetables and fruit, and specially made gerbil food pellets. There are many different types of gerbil food pellets on the market, and some are designed specifically for gerbils.
What can gerbils eat?
Gerbils are omnivorous animals that enjoy a wide variety of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects. Commercial pellet mixes provide your gerbils with the nutrients they need, but it is important to make sure you select the right one for your pet. A proper selection of natural products will provide your gerbil with the vitamins and minerals they need.
Seed mixes are a great way to provide your gerbil with a variety of different types of seeds and other nutritional goodies. Most seed mixes are nutritionally balanced, but it is always best to check the ingredients list before giving them to your gerbil. Some good seed mix brands include Hagen and Kaytee.
Pellets and lab blocks are two types of diet that are popular with gerbils. Pellets are the small pellets and lab blocks are the larger chunks of food that resemble small biscuits. Pellets and lab blocks are nutritionally balanced, which makes them a good option for gerbils.
What to avoid feeding your gerbil
There are a few things you should avoid feeding your gerbil. Gerbils are rodents and as such cannot properly digest certain types of food. These include raw onions, rhubarb, chocolate, beans, citrus fruits, apple seeds, and other similarly high-pulp content items. These items can be dangerous or toxic if fed to a gerbil, so it is important to be aware of what they cannot eat.
What Gerbil Food Is Best?
If you’re looking to give your gerbil some variety alongside their normal commercial mix, an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and small insects can be a great way to go. On occasion, you can even feed your gerbil pasta.
Here is a list of the best food you can feed your gerbil:
- Vegetables: hay, spinach, broccoli, peas, carrots;
- Fruits: pears, oranges, melon, blueberries and strawberries;
- Grains and seeds: dry pasta, millet, regular oats;
- For extra mix: mealworms, crickets or scrambled eggs;
Keep in mind that gerbils tend to hide food for later. Unfortunately, if these foods are not regularly cleaned out, they can become rotten and harmful to the gerbil. Gerbils need access to fresh food to stay healthy and active, so regular spot cleaning is important to keep them happy and healthy.
How often should I feed my gerbils?
When caring for a gerbil, it is important to have a feeding routine that they are familiar with. This will help to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need and keep them healthy. You can expect to feed your gerbil about once a day. But you also need to keep an eye on their behaviour.
If your gerbil starts digging in order to search for food, it means he is hungry and you need to feed him. In the wild, gerbils like to hunt for their food. So you can make it fun for them by spreading some food on the floor of the cage and let them find it.
What is a gerbils favorite treat?
Gerbils are one small pets that especially love treats. But be careful with how many treats you give your gerbil, as too many can actually lead to obesity. Gerbils have a sweet tooth and love to eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits may help keep their fur coat clean and shiny, and they may also keep their minds and bodies active.
Nuts can be a great treat for your gerbils, but keep in mind that they are high in fat and you have to give it in small quantities. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are in the same category. Some of the best treats you can give to your gerbil include:
- Small bits of cheese;
- Scrambled or boiled eggs in small quantities;
- Raisins;
- Unsweetened breakfast cereal;
Remember that most treats are high in fat, and can lead to obesity. So use this list for special occasions and not as a daily routine.
The gerbil is a small rodent that is known for its energetic and playful nature. These animals need to be engaged and have things to chew on in order to be happy. Along with plenty of climbing features, they need things to gnaw on in order to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Some of the best things to give your gerbil to chew and gnaw are:
- banana leaves;
- hay cubes;
- coconut shells;
- cardboard (packaging from food products);
- seagrass
Can gerbils eat banana?
Gerbils can eat both green (under-ripe) and black (over-ripe) bananas, but they are high in carbohydrates and low in protein and fat. Bananas have rich minerals and are high in magnesium, copper, potassium, and vitamin C.
Do gerbils eat cheese?
Small bits of cheese can be given to your gerbil but only as a treat on very rare occasions. This is because gerbils are lactose intolerant and cheese is very low in carbs and high in fat.
Can gerbils eat cheerios?
Cheerios are a staple for many gerbils, and I have found that they are fine to eat. They aren’t likely to make your gerbil fat, and they are a good source of fiber.
Can gerbils have peanut butter?
Peanut butter can also be given to gerbils as a treat, since it has a lot of sugar. You can get a little bit on your finger and hold it into the cage to let your pet lick it.
Can gerbils eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, gerbils like to eat scrambled or boiled eggs. Most people even include scrambled eggs in their daily feeding routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gerbils make great pets and are easy to take care of as long as you feed them the right things. They love seed mixes, vegetables, fruits, and grains and seeds. Make sure to give your gerbils a special treat every once in a while, like a small piece of apple or carrot.
