Human Foods Gerbils Can Eat
Gerbils are small rodents that are incredibly popular as pets. Not only are they fun to watch, but they can also eat many of the same human foods that you do. Here are some safe, healthy snacks that you can share with your gerbil.
Fruits and Vegetables
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- Fruit: Apples, Bananas, Pears, Oranges, Strawberries, etc.
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- Vegetables: Lettuce, Carrots, Green Beans, Corn, Broccoli, etc.
Fruits and vegetables should be told apart from the gerret’s daily diet. They can be feed every once in a while to vary the menu. Since it is only a snack, opt for small and bite-sized portions. Moreover, it is important to wash fruits and veggies prior to feeding them to your pet, as they can carry harmful bacteria and pesticides.
Grains and Legumes
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- Grains: Rice, Oats, Barley, Bread, etc.
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- Legumes: Soybeans, Navy Beans, Chickpeas, etc.
Same as before, grains and legumes should be feed sparingly as a snack. Avoid oily and salty snacks since they are not beneficial for your little friend’s health. On the other hand, grains and legumes should be cooked, as gerbils digest better cooked food.
Seeds and Nuts
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- Seeds: Sunflower, Pumpkin, Sesame, etc.
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- Nuts: Peanuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds, etc.
Seeds and nuts are filled with healthy proteins, omega fatty acids and fibers. However, the downside is that they can make the gerbil overweight if feed too often. Therefore, make sure to give your pet one or two nut/seed per day. Also, make sure they are raw and unsalted.
Conclusion
Now you know what human foods you can share with your gerbil. Keep in mind that they should only comprise a small part of your gerbil’s diet, as their diet should primarily consist of special gerbil food. Moreover, make sure to offer a variety of foods in moderation.
