What Do Gerbils Eat

What Do Gerbils Eat?

What Do Gerbils Eat Gerbils are social, active and fun pocket pets. They have a medium lifespan of 3-5 years and can provide many years of companionship. It is important to understand that gerbils require a balanced diet to remain healthy, so it is essential to know what do gerbils eat.

Recommended Gerbil Diet

A healthy gerbil diet consists of:

• • Grains: Such as oats, barley and wheat

• • Seeds: Such as flax, sesame and sunflower

• • Vegetables: Many fresh vegetables – but no potatoes, leek or onions

• • Fruits: Small pieces of apple, melon and pears

• • Herbs: Such as parsley, dandelion, nettles and alfalfa

• • Protein: Small amounts of cooked lean meat, fish, egg or insect protein

Gerbils should have access to a variety of seeds and grains, particularly millet which is a great source of nutrition for them. However, it is important to feed them in moderation to avoid obesity. Fresh vegetables and fruits should also be fed daily to ensure a diet with a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

Treats for Gerbils

Gerbils love treats and so it can be beneficial to give them small amounts of treats such as:

• • Nuts: Such as unsalted peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts

• • Grains: Cooked grains such, quinoa, spelt, bulgur and oat groats

• • Legumes: Such as kidney beans, chickpeas, pinto beans and black-eyed peas

It is good to provide them with a variety of treats to keep their diet interesting. However, it is important to note that treats should only constitute a small percentage (5-10%) of their total daily diet.

Food to Avoid

In addition to understanding what do gerbils eat, it is important to also know what foods to avoid. The following foods should not be fed to gerbils as they can be dangerous for their health:

• • Raw beans

• • Dairy products

• • Salty and sugary snacks

• • Raw potatoes

• • Fried foods

Gerbils also have higher calcium needs than other rodents so it is important to supplement their diet with crickets, mealworms and other calcium-rich insect proteins.

Conclusion

Gerbils require a balanced diet in order to remain healthy and have a long, happy life. Their diet should consist of grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits, herbs and an occasional insect protein. Treats such as nuts, grains and legumes are fine to give in moderation. It is important to avoid foods such as raw beans, dairy products, salty snacks and fried foods. With the right diet and an appropriate habitat, a gerbil can make a wonderful addition to any family.