Gerbils are small rodents that originate from the deserts of Mongolia and Northern China. These little creatures are known for being very active and playful, and they make popular pets for children and adults alike. But what do gerbils eat?

While wild gerbils mainly subsist on a diet of plants, fruits, and seeds, pet gerbils have a slightly different diet. Most pet gerbils are fed a diet of specially formulated gerbil food pellets, which contain all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. In addition to pellets, pet gerbils can also enjoy the occasional treat of fresh vegetables or fruits.

Read on to learn more about what gerbils eat and what the best diet is for your pet gerbil?

What Do Gerbils Eat in the Wild?

As mentioned, a wild gerbil primarily eat plants, fruits, and seeds. In their natural habitat, these little rodents will eat just about anything they can find, including grasses, herbs, roots, and even insects.

While a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables is fine for pet gerbils, it’s important not to feed them too many sweets or sugary treats as this can cause health problems.

What does a pet gerbil eat?

A pet gerbil’s diet is not more different than a wild gerbil. They are both small animals with a big appetite. The difference is what is available to them.

A pet gerbil eat pellets, vegetables, fruits, and water. A wild gerbil has a diet that mainly consists of seeds, insects, and plants.

A pet gerbil’s diet should consist of:

Pellets:

Look for a high-quality pellet that is made specifically for gerbils. Avoid any pellet that contains corn or wheat as these can make your gerbil sick. You should also avoid any pellet that is brightly colored or has a lot of sugar as this is not good for your gerbil’s health.

Vegetables:

You can give your gerbil a variety of different vegetables. Some popular choices include broccoli, carrots, and spinach. Avoid giving your gerbil any vegetables that are high in sugar or salt as this can make them sick.

Fruits:

You can also give your gerbil a variety of different fruits. Some popular choices include apples, bananas, and grapes. Again, avoid giving your gerbil any fruit that is high in sugar or salt as this can make them sick.

Water:

It is important to provide your gerbil with fresh water at all times. Gerbils are very active and need a lot of water to stay hydrated. You can either use a water bottle or a bowl for your gerbil’s water. Just make sure to clean it out regularly and replace the water with fresh water.

The Best Diet for Pet Gerbils

When it comes to pet gerbils, the best diet is one that consists mostly of specially formulated gerbil food pellets. These pellets are nutritionally balanced and provide your gerbil with all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to stay healthy.

In addition to pellets, you can also feed your gerbil the occasional treat of fresh vegetables or fruits. Just be sure not to overdo it on the treats as too much sugar can cause health problems.

If you’re looking for a fun and playful pet, a gerbil might just be the perfect choice for you. But before you bring one home, it’s important to know what do gerbils eat so that you can provide them with the best possible diet.

With a diet of specially formulated food pellets and the occasional fresh fruit or vegetable treat, your gerbil will stay healthy and happy for years to come.

What can gerbils eat? Gerbil Food List

A gerbil can eat a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, and fruit.

Some common foods that are safe for gerbils to eat include:

-Sunflower seeds

-Oats

-Rice

-Wheat

-Corn

-Barley

-Potatoes

-Beans

-Peas

-Lentils

-Nuts (in moderation)

-Berries (in moderation)

Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms can also be fed to gerbils, but should only be given occasionally as treats. It’s important to make sure any insects you feed your gerbil are live and safe to eat.

You can usually purchase live insects at pet stores or online.

Can gerbils eat apples?

Gerbils can safely eat apples as part of a healthy diet. Apples provide many essential nutrients that are beneficial for gerbils, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and water.

When feeding apples to gerbils, be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides or other chemicals. Cut the apple into small pieces to prevent choking hazards. Offer a small piece of apple to your gerbil several times per week as a treat.

Can gerbils eat cucumbers?

Gerbils can eat cucumbers safely, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The skin of the cucumber can be tough for them to digest, so it’s best to remove it before feeding it to your gerbil.

You should also avoid giving them cucumbers that have been sprayed with pesticides. Otherwise, cucumbers make a healthy and refreshing treat for your gerbil!

Can gerbils eat grapes?

Grapes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for gerbils.

However, you should only give your gerbil a few grapes at a time because they are high in sugar. too many grapes can cause weight gain and other health problems for gerbils.

Can gerbils eat oranges?

Oranges contain a compound called limonene, which is toxic to gerbils. If your gerbil eats an orange, it could become very ill or even die. So, it’s best to avoid feeding your gerbil any citrus fruits.

Can gerbils eat cheese?

Cheese can be a good source of protein for gerbils. However, you should only give your gerbil a small piece of cheese as a treat, since too much cheese can cause gastrointestinal problems.

What do gerbils like to eat?

Gerbils are omnivores, which means that they enjoy eating both plant and animal material. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of plants like grasses and grains, but they will also eat small insects.

In captivity, gerbils can be fed a diet of commercial gerbil food pellets, supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as the occasional live insect treat.

Can gerbils eat pears?

Pears are a good source of vitamins and minerals for gerbils. They are also a good source of fiber. Pears should be given to gerbils in moderation, as they are high in sugar.

Can gerbils eat millet?

This healthy grain is a good source of carbohydrates and other nutrients that can help your pet stay active and healthy. Serve millet to your gerbil in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet to keep them happy and thriving.

Safe foods for gerbils

Gerbils are small, active rodents that make popular pets. They are relatively easy to care for and can provide hours of entertainment. A key part of keeping your gerbil healthy is providing them with a nutritious diet.

One important thing to remember is that gerbils are omnivores, which means they need both plant and animal-based foods in their diet. A good way to think about it is to give them a variety of different colors of foods.

Some safe vegetables and fruits for gerbils include carrots, celery, cucumber, green beans, peas, sweet potato, apples (without the seeds), bananas, blueberries, melon, and strawberries.

When it comes to protein, cooked eggs, lean meat, and tofu are all good options. You can also give them a small number of nuts and seeds as a treat. Just be sure to avoid giving them any foods that are high in sugar or fat.

Can you Give Pumpkin seeds to gerbils?

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and essential fatty acids, and they can help keep your gerbil’s coat healthy and shiny. Just be sure to give them only a small handful at a time, as too many  of them can lead to digestive problems.

Are Sunflower Seeds Good For Gerbils?

Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein, fat, and fiber for gerbils.

They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

However, sunflower seeds should be given in moderation because they contain a lot of calories. Gerbils who eat too many sunflower seeds may become overweight.

Gerbil food to avoid

While there are many different types of gerbil foods available on the market, there are a few that you should avoid feeding your pet. Some of these foods can be harmful to your gerbil’s health, while others simply do not provide the nutrients that your pet needs.

The first type of food to avoid is any kind of processed or sugary food. This includes things like candy, cookies, cake, and other sweet snacks. While these treats may seem harmless, they can cause serious health problems for your gerbil.

Processed foods are often high in sugar and fat, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Additionally, they may also contain harmful chemicals and preservatives that can be damaging to your gerbil’s health.

Another type of food to avoid is any kind of seed or nut that has been treated with chemicals or pesticides. These products can be very harmful to your gerbil, and can even cause death.

If you must feed your gerbil nuts or seeds, make sure that they are organic and have not been treated with any chemicals.

Finally, you should also avoid feeding your gerbil any kind of meat product. Meat products are often high in fat and cholesterol, which can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

Additionally, many meat products contain harmful bacteria that can make your gerbil sick. If you must feed your gerbil meat, make sure that it is cooked thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few different types of gerbil food that you should avoid feeding your pet. These include processed and sugary foods, treated nuts and seeds, and meat products. By avoiding these types of food, you can help keep your gerbil healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods are poisonous to gerbils?

There are a few foods that are poisonous to gerbils and can cause serious health problems. These include:

-Chocolate

-Caffeine

-Alcohol

-Grapes and raisins

-Onions

-Garlic

-Avocados

-Nuts and seeds

If you suspect your gerbil has ingested any of these items, it is important to seek professional medical help right away. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Can gerbils eat banana?

Banana is a good source of dietary potassium and fiber for gerbils. It is important to note, however, that bananas should only be given to gerbils in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.

Too much banana can cause gastrointestinal issues in gerbils. When feeding bananas to gerbils, it is best to cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.

Do gerbils need fresh food?

Yes, gerbils need fresh food to stay healthy. A diet of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide them with the nutrients they need to stay active and thrive. If you are not able to provide fresh food for your gerbil, many commercially available diets will meet their needs.

What are gerbils favorite food?

Gerbils enjoy a variety of foods, but their favorites typically include seeds, nuts, and fruits. Gerbils also like to eat greens, such as lettuce and spinach.

If you are feeding your gerbil a diet of commercially prepared food, be sure to supplement it with fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure your pet is getting all the nutrients it needs.

What foods can gerbils eat?

There are a variety of foods that gerbils can eat, which makes them relatively easy to care for. Some of the best food options for gerbils include:

-Grain mixes specifically designed for gerbils

-Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cabbage

-Fruits like apples and bananas

-Nuts and seeds

Of course, it’s important to offer your gerbil a balanced diet and not overfeed them on any one type of food. You should also avoid giving them sugary or salty foods, as these can be bad for their health.

How often do you feed gerbils?

You should feed your gerbils at least once a day, and more if they seem hungry.

Make sure to offer them a variety of foods, including pellets, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid giving them too many sugary treats, as this can lead to health problems.

Can Gerbils eat human food?

While gerbils are not typically fed human food, some items are safe for them to eat. fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and spinach, can be given to gerbils in moderation.

It is important to avoid giving them sugary or fatty foods, as these can lead to health problems. Gerbils should also have access to hay and fresh water at all times

Sources

The American Gerbil Society: “Food.”

Animal Humane Society: “gerbil care.”

New Hampshire SPCA: “Things to Consider Before Adopting a Gerbil.”

pdsa: “Your gerbil’s diet.”

Pet Gerbils .org: “Food & diet.”

Pet Nation: “Gerbil.”

RSPCA: “A healthy diet for gerbils.”