Gerbils

can gerbils eat bird food


Can Gerbils Eat Bird Food?

Gerbils are an increasingly popular pet for many households, but with their varied diet and specific tastes, it can be challenging to know the best food to feed them. Many pet owners wonder if their gerbil can chow down on bird food.

What Gerbils Eat

Gerbils are omnivorous which means they eat a variety of foods including:

  • Insects
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Grains
  • Seeds
  • Nuts

To keep your gerbils happy and healthy, it’s important to make sure they get a balanced diet full of these items. It’s also important to note that commercial gerbil food may be too full of processed ingredients, like sugars, flour, animal fat, preservatives and added vitamins, minerals and proteins. Under no circumstances should you feed your gerbil only one type of food.

Can Gerbils Eat Bird Food?

In theory, yes gerbils can eat bird food. Bird food comes in many shapes and sizes, and depending on its ingredients, provide an array of different vitamins and minerals they will need to stay healthy. A common bird food many people have at home is canary seed, which is usually made up of oat, wheat, and linseed, providing healthy amounts of fatty acids, proteins and carbs. Similarly, larger seeds like sunflower, are safe and healthy treats for gerbils.

However, it is also important to note that buying bird food specifically designed for canaries and other birds will not offer a well-rounded gerbil diet. Unlike birds, gerbils need an animal-based source of protein and too much bird food could lead to essential nutrients deficiency.

Conclusion

It is important to be mindful of what you feed your gerbil, as too much of one type of food may result in health problems. If you choose to offer bird food to your gerbil, you should look for a variety of bird food, including both seeds and pellets, to offer a balanced and healthy diet.

As always, be sure to speak to your vet if you have any further questions or concerns relating to your gerbil’s diet.

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