Introduction to the diet of your Mongolian gerbil

14.07.2023 · Matthias Leiss

In natural habitats such as dry grasslands and deserts, wild gerbils gather a variety of food, including seeds of various grasses, leaves, and herbs. They are also quite happy to find grasshoppers, worms, and beetles to eat.

You're probably wondering what gerbils can eat when kept as pets. These small omnivores require a good, balanced diet that includes specially formulated gerbil food.

A gerbil diet should contain protein and fiber to keep their digestion working properly, as well as all the essential nutrients and minerals they need for healthy bones, teeth, a healthy heart, and to support a healthy coat. Gerbils also enjoy small portions of gerbil-safe fruits and vegetables.

What should a gerbil's diet include?

A healthy gerbil diet should consist of the following components:

Nutrient-rich pellets – specially designed for gerbils to mimic their natural diet – turn away from "muesli-like" mixes, as gerbils may pick out the high-sugar parts. This can cause painful dental problems and lead to an unbalanced diet. Tasty, high-quality hay such as Timothy hay* is ideal for gnawing, along with some untreated softwood like hawthorn, hazelnut, pear, poplar, or apple wood for chewing. This helps keep their teeth healthy and prevents overgrowth. An occasional treat of gerbil-safe fresh food, like a small piece of fruit or vegetable, should be offered, but be aware that too much green food can cause diarrhea. Before giving your gerbil friends fresh food, make sure you know what is safe for them and what is not. Gerbils also need a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Choose a bottle with a valve-less sipper tube to make it easier for them to get a refreshing drink. Make sure the spout is placed at the correct height.

What fruits can gerbils eat?

Are you wondering if gerbils can eat blueberries? Yes, they can! Wild gerbils naturally eat any fruit they find (although that can be quite rare in the desert!). Therefore, small amounts of fresh fruit are enjoyed as a treat. However, note that fruit contains a lot of sugar, so too much can lead to obesity.

In addition to berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, the animal welfare organization PDSA advises that the following fruits are suitable for gerbils – but only give them a tiny portion:

Apple, pear, peach, melon

Can gerbils eat oranges?

No. NEVER feed citrus fruits, rhubarb, or grapes to your gerbils, as these are toxic to rodents.

What vegetables can gerbils eat?

When planning a gerbil diet, some fresh vegetables (think small slices or cubes) bring some welcome variety. Gerbils like to sit and hold pieces of food in their paws to nibble on.

PDSA advises that the following vegetables and herbs are suitable for gerbils:

Carrot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chicory, spinach, sweet pepper, cucumber, watercress, zucchini, fennel, pumpkin, basil, sage, parsley, and coriander.

What should gerbils avoid eating?

Wondering what human foods gerbils can eat? The answer might surprise you. Apart from safe fresh foods, gerbils should NEVER be given human food. Foods to avoid include:

Gerbil muesli – Muesli-based gerbil diets encourage selective feeding, where gerbils eat the starch/sugar-rich components of the muesli while rejecting the fiber-rich pellets. This means they miss out on essential nutrition. Sweet treats – Colorful gerbil treats are often very high in sugar and bad for your gerbils' teeth and stomach. Nuts and certain seeds – Gerbils do not naturally eat nuts, which are very high in fat, as are sunflower seeds. Pumpkin seeds* are a better choice as an occasional treat. Human food – Carbohydrate-rich bread, pasta, crackers, and biscuits can cause digestive problems. Chocolate and dairy products are particularly dangerous, and citrus fruits can upset their delicate stomachs. Potatoes, tomato leaves, onions, and garlic are also toxic to rodents. Ultimately, if you're unsure whether something is safe for your gerbils to eat, it's best to avoid it.

How often should you feed a gerbil?

Feed your gerbils once a day. As these small rodents are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, the best feeding time is in the morning. Feed only the amount of gerbil food they need daily – about one tablespoon of gerbil pellets daily.

In the wild, gerbils spend many hours a day foraging and digging for food. Instead of simply placing your gerbils' favorite food in a chew-proof ceramic bowl, scattering some of it encourages natural foraging behavior. Gerbils are incorrigible hoarders – so stay vigilant and remove any stale food pieces they may have hidden.

Chewing, gnawing, and shredding is natural gerbil behavior, so provide a variety of things for them to sink their teeth into, such as cardboard, coconut shells, hay bars, pumice stone, banana leaves, and seagrass toys.

Also note the following:

1. Drinking Water: Ensure your gerbils always have access to fresh, clean water. Water bottles are a great option as they keep the water clean and allow gerbils to drink comfortably.

2. Balanced Diet: A healthy diet for gerbils should be balanced and include a variety of foods, including proteins, fiber, vegetables, and occasional fruit treats. Be careful not to overfeed any one thing and avoid foods that could be harmful to gerbils.

3. Feeding Time: Try to feed your gerbils at a consistent time. They are diurnal animals, so their feeding time should be in the morning.

4. Dental Care: Gerbils have teeth that grow continuously, and they need things to gnaw on to keep them healthy. These include hard vegetables, suitable types of wood, and special chew toys.

5. Fresh Foods: When feeding fresh fruits and vegetables, it is important to ensure that these foods are clean and free of pesticides or other chemicals.

6. Beware of Dangerous Foods: Some foods are toxic to gerbils and should be avoided. These include citrus fruits, rhubarb, grapes, garlic, onions, and certain types of nuts and seeds. It is important to always ensure that the food you give your gerbils is safe for them to eat.

Reminder: The information above is a guideline and may vary depending on the individual gerbil. If you are ever unsure whether a particular food is safe for your gerbil, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

With proper care and nutrition, your gerbils can live long, healthy, and happy lives. They are fascinating, active animals that can bring a lot of joy.

Finally, we would like to point out that we have a wonderful selection of gerbil merchandise in our shop. Stop by and show your love for these adorable little creatures. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a gerbil lover or want to expand your own collection, we're sure to have something for you! Thanks for reading and see you next time!

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