Gerbils are adorable small rodents with diverse fur colors and lively personalities, making them ideal pets. With an average lifespan of 2-4 years, providing suitable nutrition is crucial for ensuring the health and longevity of gerbils. Their diet should not only meet nutritional requirements but also avoid foods that could be harmful. So, what should gerbils not eat? This article will provide a detailed exploration of foods to avoid in a gerbil’s diet, along with fundamental principles and considerations for their healthy eating.
Foods to Avoid for Gerbils
Gerbils have a sensitive digestive system, and some foods that are harmless or tasty for humans can have severe consequences for them. Here are some foods gerbils should avoid, and it’s crucial to refrain from offering them these items:
High-Sugar Foods
High-sugar foods pose a significant threat to gerbils, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and an increased risk of diabetes. Diabetes is a severe condition affecting their body functions and, in extreme cases, jeopardizing their lives. When feeding gerbils, steer clear of the following high-sugar foods:
Potato Chips: Fried and sugary, potato chips are high in calories and carbohydrates, contributing to unhealthy weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes in gerbils.
Cake: Rich in sugar and fat, cakes are unsuitable for gerbils, causing spikes in blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, potentially leading to diabetes. Additives and spices in cakes can also irritate the gerbil’s digestive system.
Biscuits: Common snacks like biscuits, with high sugar and starch content, are disadvantageous for gerbils. They can elevate blood sugar levels and may contain artificial colors and preservatives that could harm their health.
Chocolate: Although delicious, chocolate is hazardous for gerbils. It contains caffeine, stimulating their nervous system and causing symptoms like excitement, nervousness, and seizures. The substance theobromine in chocolate is toxic for gerbils, affecting their heart function and possibly causing cardiac arrest.
Candy: Pure sugar products like candy are highly unsuitable for gerbils. They can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to diabetes. Additionally, artificial colors and flavors in candies may harm the gerbil’s health.
Unsuitable Vegetables
Certain vegetables, like cabbage, are unsuitable for gerbils due to their high water and fiber content, leading to gas, bloating, and digestive issues. Compounds in cabbage can also affect the thyroid function in gerbils.
Cabbage: A cruciferous vegetable, cabbage is unsuitable for gerbils, causing excess gas production in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Some compounds in cabbage may also affect the gerbil’s thyroid function, resulting in thyroid dysfunction.
Lettuce: Common in salads, lettuce has high water and nitrate content, unsuitable for gerbils. It can overly moisten their digestive system, leading to issues such as diarrhea or constipation. Nitrate in lettuce may also affect the gerbil’s blood, causing anemia or oxygen deficiency.
Forbidden Fruits
Gerbils should avoid certain fruits due to their acidity, potentially causing oral ulcers or gastritis. Some volatile oils in citrus fruits could irritate their skin.
Citrus Fruits: While rich in vitamin C for humans, citrus fruits are unsuitable for gerbils. Their high acidity can irritate the gerbil’s mouth and stomach, leading to problems like mouth ulcers or gastritis. Some volatile oils in citrus fruits may also cause skin irritation for gerbils.
Meat
While meat is a protein and iron-rich food for humans, it is unsuitable for gerbils due to its high fat and cholesterol content. It can contribute to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart and liver diseases. Parasites and bacteria in raw or inadequately cooked meat can pose threats to a gerbil’s health.
Basic Principles of a Healthy Gerbil Diet
Now that we know what gerbils should avoid, what should they eat? A gerbil’s diet should align with their natural habits and nutritional needs while controlling the quantity and quality of food. Here are some basic principles for a healthy gerbil diet:
Natural Gerbil Foods
Gerbils naturally consume various seeds, bulbs, leaves, and herbaceous plants in the wild. These foods provide essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while also satisfying their chewing instincts and maintaining dental health. You can purchase natural gerbil foods at pet stores or online, or cultivate gerbil-friendly plants at home.
Assorted Seeds: Seeds are the primary food source for gerbils, supplying necessary protein and fat. Offer a variety of seeds like wheat, oats, barley, millet, buckwheat, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Be cautious with high-fat seeds like sunflower and safflower seeds, limiting them to no more than a teaspoon per day.
Bulbs: Bulbs are carbohydrate-rich foods providing energy and hydration. Offer bulbs such as onions, garlic, chives, leeks, peanuts, and pine nuts in small, washed, and chopped portions to avoid choking hazards. Ensure bulbs are fed in moderation, not exceeding a teaspoon daily to prevent unpleasant breath in gerbils.
Leaves and Herbaceous Plants: Leaves and herbaceous plants contribute essential vitamins and minerals to a gerbil’s diet. Examples include spinach, kale, parsley, cilantro, dandelion leaves, plantain leaves, and basil. Fresh or dried, these leaves should be presented in moderation, with a daily serving not exceeding a teaspoon.
Controlled Portions
Gerbils have small bodies and high metabolic rates, requiring controlled portions of food to maintain optimal weight and health. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. It’s crucial to provide measured servings based on your gerbil’s age, weight, and activity level.
Regular Feeding Schedule: Establish a consistent feeding schedule to regulate your gerbil’s meals and prevent overeating. Feed them once or twice a day, providing fresh food and water in suitable containers. Remove any uneaten portions after a few hours to maintain cleanliness and prevent spoilage.
Avoid High-Calorie Treats: While treats can be enjoyable for gerbils, avoid high-calorie options that can contribute to obesity. Limit treats to occasional servings and choose healthy options like small pieces of fruits or vegetables.
Monitor Weight and Health: Keep an eye on your gerbil’s weight and overall health. Sudden weight loss or gain, changes in fur condition, and alterations in behavior can indicate underlying health issues. Consult a veterinarian if you observe any concerning signs.
Fresh Water Supply
Water is a vital component of a gerbil’s diet, ensuring proper hydration and supporting various physiological functions. It’s essential to provide clean and fresh water at all times. Use water bottles or bowls designed for small rodents, ensuring accessibility for your gerbil to drink comfortably.
Check Water Dispensers: Regularly inspect water bottles or bowls to ensure they are clean and free of contaminants. Clean water dispensers with mild soap and warm water, rinsing thoroughly to remove any soap residues. Refill with fresh water daily.
Avoid Water with Additives: Provide plain, untreated water without additives or flavorings. Gerbils do not require additional supplements in their water, and flavored water can contain substances harmful to them.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is vital for the well-being of gerbils. By understanding what gerbils should not eat and adhering to basic principles of a nutritious diet, you can ensure your pet gerbil leads a happy and healthy life. Always consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice based on your gerbil’s specific needs and any preexisting health conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for guidance on your gerbil’s diet and care.
