Can Gerbils Eat Cheerios? Quick Answer

Cam has had gerbils for a number of years and enjoys supplementing her pets’ diets with the occasional healthy treat.

Gerbils love healthy snacks, but what fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts are safe to eat? My name via Unsplash

What foods are healthy for gerbils?

Like most rodents, gerbils will eat almost anything we consider food, but what’s healthy for our pets is another story entirely. Their diet should consist primarily of formulated gerbil mixes and pellets. Some common types of food that gerbil owners use as healthy treats for their pets are:

Nuts Seeds Fruits Vegetables

Within these categories, there are many specific foods that are healthy for gerbils. However, there are some foods that fall into these categories that should be avoided at all costs as they can be harmful to your gerbils’ health. Some “good” and “bad” foods from each of these categories are listed below.

Nuts are a great treat for gerbils, but avoid nuts that are prepared with salt or flavoring. Robert Owen Wahl via Pixabay

1. What nuts can gerbils eat?

Nuts are tasty for gerbils, but you need to be careful when choosing what types to give them. While nuts are a safe food overall, there are differences between the types of nuts that humans can eat and the types of nuts that gerbils can eat.

Healthy Nuts

peanuts

almonds

pistachios

pecans

macadamia nuts

brazil nut

The above nuts are all very healthy for gerbils in small amounts. However, many packaged nuts sold in regular grocery stores are prepared in a way that makes them unhealthy for gerbils.

Nuts that gerbils should not eat

Salted Nuts

Boiled Nuts

Flavored Nuts

Cooked, salted, or flavored nuts are often toxic and sometimes fatal to gerbils. Cooked nuts are the least offensive of the above, but they’re still unhealthy for pet gerbils. Salted is the second worst on the list. Flavored nuts are the worst kind of nut to feed a gerbil.

Gerbils can eat many types of seeds, but fruit seeds should be avoided as some are difficult to digest and many are toxic. Maniago, public domain via Wikimedia Commons

2. What seeds can gerbils eat?

Seeds are another healthy food that gerbils enjoy. Seeds with soft shells can be given to gerbils with shells still intact. Gerbils will chew through them, wearing down their ever-growing teeth in the process, much like they would if consuming seeds in their natural environment.

Healthy seed

pumpkin

sesame

Sunflower (in moderation – sunflower seeds are high in fat)

Seeds of grasses, bulbs and herbs

The above seeds are all very healthy for gerbils. However, like nuts, many packaged seeds sold in stores are prepared in a way that makes them unhealthy for gerbils.

Seeds that gerbils should not eat

Salted Seeds

Flavored Seeds

Boiled Seeds

Fruit seeds (many fruit seeds can be poisonous to gerbils)

If you’re feeding your gerbils store-bought seeds or nuts, it’s always a good idea to read the packaging and ingredient list to make sure the nuts are plain, raw, and free of cooking, salt, and flavoring.

Gerbils love apples, but be careful to keep the seeds out of their reach as they contain toxic cyanide. Robert Owen Wahl via Pixabay

3. What fruits can gerbils eat?

Like humans, gerbils find most fruits delicious. However, due to the sugar content, the fruits should only be fed occasionally and in small amounts to bred gerbils.

Healthy Fruits

Apple

banana

cherry

kiwi

blueberry

strawberry

plum

All of the above make great treats. Gerbils have a sweet tooth and fruits can help them keep their fur clean and shiny. Fruits can also keep your mind and body active.

Fruits that gerbils should not eat

Avocados (these can cause poisoning and death in gerbils)

Grapes (some sources report that grapes can be poisonous to rodents)

Apple seeds (apples are fine, but their seeds contain cyanide and are toxic to gerbils)

Other fruit seeds (many other fruit seeds also contain cyanide, and almost all are very difficult to digest)

Fresh vegetables like carrots are healthy and tasty snacks for gerbils. Frankieleon, CC BY 2.0 via Flickr

4. What vegetables can gerbils eat?

Vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals to humans and can benefit gerbils in the same way.

Healthy vegetable

cucumber

zucchini

paprika

Green bean

pea

carrot

corn (in small amounts)

Cabbage (in moderation, the high water content can have a laxative effect)

Lettuce (in moderation, the high water content can have a laxative effect)

The above are all very healthy for gerbils in small amounts. In addition to providing important vitamins and nutrients, vegetables can help keep gerbils’ teeth clean and free from decay and disease.

Vegetables that gerbils should not eat

Rhubarb (some sources report that rhubarb can be poisonous to rodents)

Garlic and onion (these can cause blood abnormalities in some rodents)

raw potato

Product Safety Remove fresh fruit or vegetables 4-5 hours after placing them in the cage to prevent your gerbils from eating rotten produce.

food preparation

Fruits and vegetables need to be washed to remove pollutants or pesticides from their surfaces. Wash the products in warm, clean water, then scrub to remove dirt.

Nuts, seeds, and store-bought feed mixes should be placed in the freezer for at least five hours (ideally overnight) before feeding them to your gerbil. These can sometimes contain small insects or insect eggs. Putting the food in the freezer will kill any bugs or eggs that may or may not be there. When your gerbils come into contact with certain bugs, they can experience discomfort, illness, and in extreme cases, even death. Please be careful and freeze your food.

Store-bought gerbil foods

Store-bought mixes make fantastic food for gerbils. These should make up the majority of your pet’s diet. Ideally, look for gerbil mixes that contain a large quantity and variety of nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.

references

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

Silvia on 08/07/2020:

I have 4 gerbils (14) weeks old. You eat no fruit or vegetables. Is that in order? Many Thanks

Lucy on February 13, 2020:

Thanks

Evelyn on 09/05/2018:

It’s really helpful and easy to set up. One question… Why do food manufacturers allow bugs into their products?

Many Thanks

Evelyn

Rena from Ohio, USA on February 04, 2017:

I started feeding my gerbil some pumpkin seeds. They have been roasted but not salted. My gerbil was usually friendly and I was able to hold and pet it every day. If I can catch her now, she’ll be scared, fighting like a banshee to get away, and that includes biting me. I can’t hold her at all. It doesn’t seem logical that this behavior is related to diet, but both happened at almost the same time. Does anyone know why my gerbil went nuts on me?

Archieb3 on June 14, 2012:

Thank you for this information! Having gerbils when I was 12 and having them now in my 50’s is challenging. Anyway enjoy, gift for my nephews, we started with 2 males, 2 females and 15 in total! The boy’s interest is lost, so uncle has the last four!

I will continue to refer to this page in the future!

Kiren on May 01, 2012:

My 9 year old Michah just got 2 gerbils from the neighbors today and it was lovely to come onto this website and find out what she eats until we get to a pet shop. Thanks.

Ally on April 20, 2012:

I’m so excited to get a gerbil and this website really helped me prepare! TTTHHAAANNNKKK YYYOOOUUU SSSSOOOOO MMMUUUUUCCCCHHHHHHH!!

Vanessa on 04/07/2012:

Thank you very much! I just got a new black gerbil and wanted to give him several things. Thank you for your effort in creating this website. 🙂

nina on January 31, 2012:

I have 2 VERY VERY VVEEEEAAAARRRRYYYY FAT gerbils and my babies like that even though I’m only 9 but they look in shape now but I’ve also heard that you shouldn’t just use sunflower seeds for your gerbils but thanks a lot! !!! !Thanks to HubPages!!!!!

Aspen on January 24, 2012:

Wow thanks, I’ll be using a lot of this information

Emily on June 15, 2009:

Thank you very much!! I had to find this because I’m getting two new gerbils and I need to be prepared! Thank you Hubpages!!

Gerbils love to eat, although in the wild they don’t have unlimited access to food. Because they tend to eat indiscriminately in captivity, certain foods should be restricted to prevent these small rodents from becoming overweight or even obese. Give treats like sunflower seeds, peanuts, commercial cereals, and even fruit in moderation, as these foods can make you fat. Gerbils also prefer these tasty morsels over other more nutritious grains, so limiting these small pets will encourage these small pets to eat what is best for them. Never give food that presents a choking hazard, such as B. hard, dried beans or large pieces of hard vegetables. Also, always avoid junk foods like candy, chocolate, cakes and cookies. Finally, some vegetables such as onions, cabbage, and potatoes pose a hazard for gerbil stomach problems, so do not give these to your small pets.

Hamsters, like humans, are omnivores.

What can hamsters eat? In the wild, they eat a wide variety of foods including seeds, grains, nuts, corn grits, insects, frogs, lizards and other small animals, as well as fruits and vegetables. Quite a variety, I’m sure you’ll agree.

In captivity, most people will feed commercial hamster pellets and provided you buy these from a reputable pet store or online source, they should be fine. I’m not sure about you, but I would get bored of eating the exact same thing over and over again, so we would also recommend feeding some of the foods listed below.

We would not recommend feeding your hamster a muesli style feed mix. You’ll leave out the high-fiber parts and eat the high-sugar parts. This can cause painful problems with your teeth and also lead to weight gain.

While hamsters don’t mind the seed-filled hamster food with corn chips and some dry bits to add protein, they also love greens! You can find several lists of safe vegetables and fruits for your hamster online. A good example would be:

vegetables

broccoli

cauliflower

Kale

cucumbers

celery

Bok choy

Sweet potatoes (the skin should be removed before feeding as mold thrives in the skin and can cause indigestion and other ailments)

Radish (a big favorite with my hamster but don’t feed the leaves)

fruit

apples

Blueberries – sparingly. Very, very economical. These berries are very high in sugar and as such I would avoid giving them more than 1 per week

cherries

strawberries

raspberries

peaches

mango

Cantaloupe melon

We would strongly recommend avoiding lettuce as it can harm your hamster to the death if given more than a few very small pieces each week.

Some other foods to avoid would be:

apple cores and skins

grape seeds

fruit stones

almonds

peanuts

garlic

onions

Aubergine (eggplant)

Chocolate (or other sugary candy)

So back to the original question, what can hamsters eat? Other foods you can feed your hamster could include:

Dried dog food (croquettes) isn’t good for a hamster, but it’s fine in small amounts. For small quantities, we recommend one piece of high-quality dry dog ​​food per month. Poor quality dog ​​food contains too many substitutes, making it unhealthy. We strongly recommend feeding only the best quality croquettes.

Next, you can feed them cooked and unseasoned beef and chicken. Quite a shock I’m sure, but yes these are fine to feed to your hamster. This tip came from a few of my various friends who have owned healthy hamsters for years. However, do not overfeed them. You may only start by eating a small amount of meat. Not too fat as we don’t want your hamster to have to go on a diet! A few pieces of chicken or beef will do.

Next, canned dog food. But please no sauce! Gravy is high in unhealthy ingredients, so only go for the dog food that doesn’t contain gravy. Cut it very small and give the hamster something to nibble on. I would only do this once or twice a month as otherwise they won’t want to eat anything else.

Dog biscuits are also very good, but hamsters may prefer them over more nutritious foods and since they cannot get the vitamins they need from dog biscuits it is best to use them primarily for teething. If they don’t touch their food while they’re in the cage, remove them for a while.

I’ve noticed that my hamster likes sweet treats. These foods are the top choices for many rodent moms:

Fruit Loops – Our kids passed this love on to the hamsters. Hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, ferrets and rats can all enjoy 1 fruit loop per week. I give mine every weekend. My guinea pig, being a lot bigger, gets three.

Skinned Green Grapes – These are very popular. Divide them into quarters and offer one to a hamster. Mind you. – These should also be given sparingly but can be used more than Fruit Loops. I recommend a whole bunch of grapes every three or four days. (don’t forget they must be seedless).

Timothy Heu. This is a special type of hay that is high in fiber and is ideal for small pets. You can buy it at pet stores and online.

Occasional treats like nuts, boiled eggs, or mealworms.

Newspaper Ball – The crumpled paper is just so tempting! It is not only a good chew and play toy, but also an excellent bedding. You can watch an interested hamster grab the paper and chew it up. If they eat it, don’t worry. Many rodents, especially wild mice and rats, eat worse and will live long to tell the tale.

As mentioned in the veg list, they love broccoli and a single sprig will keep a hamster active for a few days (or maybe a few hours for the most active hamsters).

In addition to food, your hamster also needs constant access to clean, fresh water. It should be in a water bottle with a metal spout.

I hope this article on what hamsters can eat was helpful, but you can look up your question and find dozens of articles on the web. Look at what information seems consistent and take it from there.

Please keep in mind that all the above advice and recommendations also apply to other rodents such as gerbils, mice, rats and guinea pigs.

If you need advice on how to stop your hamster from biting, please read our post here.

For information on what is the best hamster cage to buy, please click here.

You can find a lot more information about hamsters and other small pets on our website.

If you have additional questions or need advice on what hamsters are allowed to eat, please leave a comment in the box below.

Cheese is a food made from milk. It doesn’t occur in a gerbil’s natural habitat, so it’s not something a wild gerbil would ever encounter. But that doesn’t mean your pet can’t eat it.

Gerbils can eat cheese but only in small amounts as they are lactose intolerant. It has too much fat and protein and not enough carbohydrates. Cheese contains nutrients like vitamins A, B2 and B12, calcium, phosphorus and zinc that provide health benefits.

Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea, gas and discomfort. So provide your gerbil with snacks that are more nutritious and will not cause digestive problems.

Can gerbils eat cheese?

The problem is that gerbils are lactose intolerant after weaning. Weaning is the process all mammalian babies go through in which they stop drinking their mother’s milk. In gerbils, this happens after about four to five weeks.

Once a gerbil is weaned, it will regularly eat solid foods like adult gerbils do. It will then never drink milk again for the rest of its life. This is partly an evolutionary choice and partly a physical necessity. The gut stops processing lactose, a type of sugar found in milk.

Cheese isn’t as bad as milk for an adult gerbil. Aged cheese, like cheddar, has gone through a process where bacteria eat lactose and replace it with lactic acid. Lactic acid can also be digested by animals with lactose intolerance.

Do gerbils like cheese?

Like most rodents, gerbils will eat almost anything. Gerbils live in a wild part of the world that doesn’t have much food. So they must eat what they can if they can find it.

They are particularly attracted to foods that contain a lot of calories in a small bite. Cheese is high in fat and protein, which means eating just a little can fill your pet up. So gerbils like to eat it.

Can gerbils eat cheddar cheese?

Cheddar cheese is the most common type of cheese. You can find it in almost every store, and you may already have some in the fridge. It’s an aged cheese, which means it has to mature for a long time.

Cheddar is one of the better cheeses gerbils can eat. The aging process allows bacteria to process the lactose in cheddar. It’s converted into something your pet can digest instead (lactic acid). Also, much of the whey is drained off before the cheese is made. Whey contains most of the lactose.

Other types of cheese are also low in lactose. These include Parmesan and Swiss cheeses, as well as cottage cheese and ricotta. If you’re unsure whether a certain type of cheese is high in lactose, check the ingredients. The less lactose, the better.

Can Gerbils Eat Cheese Puffs?

Cheese Puffs do not contain real cheese, so lactose intolerance is not a problem.

One problem is that cheese puffs are empty calories. They are high in carbohydrates, which is not a problem for gerbils. They also contain no vitamins or minerals.

So they cause no side effects, but they are not suitable for gerbils at all. It is advisable to feed your pet something else. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are all better choices.

Can gerbils eat cheese and onion chips/chips?

Cheese and onion crisps/crisps and any similar variety are identical to cheese puffs. They are high in calories but lack the nutrients that gerbils need. They don’t have enough protein or the minerals and vitamins that gerbils need.

Another disadvantage is that chips contain the wrong amount of fat for a gerbil. Gerbils need between 5 and 10% fat, which is much less. So chips can make your gerbil fat.

Chips contain far too much salt for a healthy diet. This is made worse by the fact that gerbils don’t drink much water and salt is drying.

Nutritional value of cheese for gerbils

Cheese is nutritionally different from a gerbil’s normal diet. Milk is formulated to be baby-friendly, which means it contains a lot of protein and fat, but hardly any carbohydrates. Animals do need protein and fat, but not as much as milk.

This problem applies to cheese, which has roughly the same nutritional composition as milk. According to nutritional information, the following nutrients are found in cheddar cheese:

Amount of nutrients per 100g Carbohydrate 3.1g Protein 23g Fat (and saturated fat) 33g (19g) Fiber 0g Water 37g

These numbers mean that cheddar cheese is 3% carbohydrate, 23% protein, and 33% fat. These ratios are far from what a gerbil needs. A gerbil needs a maximum of 15% protein and 5-10% fat in its diet. The rest of its energy should come from carbohydrates, which cheese almost doesn’t have.

So feeding your gerbil a lot of cheese would be unhealthy. If you feed it as part of your pet’s regular diet, they would quickly become overweight. You shouldn’t feed it often, if at all.

Vitamins and minerals in cheese

One area where cheese excels is in the vitamins and minerals it contains. Dairy products are high in minerals and vitamins because babies need them and cannot get them anywhere else unless they are in milk. But the same vitamins and minerals are good for adults too. Cheese contains the following:

Amount of vitamins/minerals per 100 g Vitamin A 1242.00 IU Vitamin B2 0.428 mg Vitamin B12 1.10 mcg Calcium 710 mg Phosphorus 455 mg Selenium 28.5 mcg Sodium 653 mg Zinc 3.64 mg

The physical amounts of each of these nutrients are tiny. But cheese contains a lot more of it than many other foods. It also contains traces of other vitamins and minerals, such as:

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B6

Vitamin D

vitamin E

vitamin k

copper

magnesium

Cheese has many minerals and vitamins that are good for an animal. It contains far more than other gerbil snacks, e.g. B. Fruits and vegetables. So cheese isn’t the worst snack you can feed your pet.

Health Benefits of Cheese for Gerbils

Cheese does not have any particular health benefits that other foods do not have. It does contain protein and fat, both of which gerbils need, but it contains way too much. If your gerbil ate nothing but cheese, it would become unhealthy.

In addition, gerbils seem to get all the vitamins and minerals they need from regular food. They don’t need “superfoods” or supplements like humans do.

The only mineral gerbils need is magnesium. This mineral is crucial for brain health. Gerbils can have seizures, especially when they are young. But magnesium can help prevent this.

Side effects of cheese for gerbils

Cheese isn’t toxic to gerbils, so it won’t kill or hurt your pet. But it can cause digestive issues that are uncomfortable and painful.

These digestive problems are caused by lactose intolerance. At the root of the problem is the body’s inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found primarily in milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

According to Nutrients magazine, the body has enzymes called “lactase” present in the gut. Lactase is needed to break down lactose into two other sugars called glucose and galactose. These enzymes are produced in an infant’s body, but the body stops producing them when it stops eating dairy products.

When a gerbil weans (stops drinking its mother’s milk), it also stops producing lactase. This means that lactase travels through the intestines undigested. This causes problems including:

flatulence

Diarrhea

bloating and cramps

A feeling of nausea

This is as true for gerbils as it is for humans, since the underlying mechanism of intolerance is the same. These side effects will not kill your gerbil, but they are not pleasant. Diarrhea can also cause infection, which is another problem.

How much cheese can you feed a gerbil?

If you’re familiar with lactose intolerance, you know it’s variable. This depends on the intolerance, which depends on how much lactase the body produces. This can range from none at all to enough to fully digest dairy products (complete tolerance).

Your gerbil is probably completely intolerant because it hasn’t eaten dairy since weaning. His gut probably doesn’t contain any lactase at all. If that’s the case, then even a small amount of cheese will cause the side effects listed above.

But some cheeses don’t have much lactose. Aged cheese doesn’t, because the bacteria that make it eat the lactose. The lactose is converted into lactic acid, which can be digested without any problems.

Even people with lactose intolerance can eat these specific types of dairy products. Quark, for example, is a type of cheese that is not aged at all. It is formed by curdling cheese and draining the whey and then pressing the curds. Since the lactose is in the whey (the liquid), this cheese contains almost no lactose.

If you fed your gerbil a low-lactose dairy product, the above problems would not occur. But even then, cheese should only be fed as a snack, as it has the wrong nutrient composition. Gerbils need more carbohydrates. So don’t feed your gerbil more than half a teaspoon of cheese/half of their food in one sitting.

How Often Should You Feed a Gerbil Cheese?

So, can gerbils eat cheese? Because it’s not the healthiest food, you should only feed it to your pet once a week. You can feed your gerbil some cheese as a snack along with their regular diet.

If you fed your gerbil cheese more frequently, it would gain weight. Because the high fat and protein content in cheese can quickly make your pet heavier. But if you rarely feed cheese, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Ideally, do not feed your gerbil any dairy products at all. The problem of lactose intolerance and the high fat content of cheese make it an unsuitable food for gerbils.

Gerbils need to wear down their teeth to keep them from growing too long. So if you don’t give your gerbil anything to chew on, it will start chewing on its cage.

Gerbils like to chew on wood and other natural materials. Household items like toilet paper, egg cartons, and corrugated cardboard are also good options. Gerbil mix food and vegetables are part of your pet’s natural diet and also contribute to wearing down your gerbil’s teeth.

Plastic, if swallowed, will make your gerbil sick. Also, pine and cedar contain oils that are toxic to gerbils. Anything that is printed, like newspapers and cereal boxes, is harmful due to the use of ink.

What do gerbils chew on?

Gerbils and all rodents like to chew. This is a behavior you will see frequently, both in the wild and in captivity. In the wild, gerbils and other rodents need to chew through things like roots.

Many rodents eat roots and vegetables. They may also have to chew through a tree root when digging a burrow, which gerbils are known for. This is why rodents chew on wires in your house, instinctively mistaking them for roots in their burrow.

Your gerbil will chew on any solid material it can find in its cage. This natural behavior does not stop when the gerbil is no longer in the wild.

It’s your job to stop your gerbil from chewing something bad for it. Certain types of wood are toxic, as are plastics. That’s because your gerbil, either accidentally or on purpose, will ingest some of what it’s chewing on.

Why do gerbils chew on everything?

Gerbils chew on things because it helps wear down their teeth. Rodents have different teeth than other animals. The term rodent even comes from Latin and means “to gnaw,” showing how important their teeth are.

Rodent teeth are incisors like the ones we have in the front of our mouths. But according to Cell Reports, rodent teeth have no roots and grow continuously.

This presents a unique problem: if a gerbil doesn’t wear down its teeth, its teeth will continue to grow. According to Nature, this has been a problem for two hundred million years.

This can make eating difficult and even lead to serious injury. Finally, the lower teeth can pierce the upper jaw, or the upper teeth could pierce the lower jaw. This can be deadly, so they have to grind their teeth.

Some rodents do this by grinding their teeth like humans. This keeps the tips of their teeth sharp and flat, perfect for gnawing. Another tactic is for the rodent to chew on hard things to gradually wear down its teeth. For this reason, a gerbil will sometimes bite the bars of its cage.

The problem is that rodent teeth are as solid as rock. They’re tougher than iron, which is why rodents can chew through unlikely things like metal pipes. That’s why rodent bites hurt so much, even though the animals are quite small.

Are there safe things for gerbils to chew on?

If you don’t give a gerbil something to chew, it will chew things it shouldn’t. Examples of things a gerbil will chew on that it shouldn’t contain:

The bars of his cage

The plastic walls of his cage (although gerbils should not be kept in plastic enclosures)

Electrical cords throughout the house if your gerbil is allowed out of its enclosure

Plastic makes gerbils sick. The problem is that gerbils ingest some of the things they chew. Plastic should not be ingested by any animal.

You must also avoid chewing on things that are too hard. They don’t want to break their teeth just to wear them down. So things like solid rocks would be way too hard for your gerbil to chew on.

What can I give my gerbil to chew?

Your gerbil, of course, won’t have much in its enclosure to chew on. It will have its food, which is good for gnawing but will not suffice on its own. The substrate you have provided is not suitable for chewing. Other things might be too hard, like metal and glass.

If you don’t provide anything, your gerbils will start chewing on the bars or walls of their enclosure. You can even escape if you don’t, which shows how important this is. So what’s good for gerbils to chew on? The following things are a good place to start.

Food for gerbils to chew on

Gerbil food is specially formulated to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. But it is also perfect for chewing. Gerbil feed mixes usually contain:

Solid hay pellets

Sunflower seeds that need to be broken open to be eaten

Soybean hulls and similar fibrous materials that can be chewed and gnawed

Different types of nuts

The fruits and vegetables that gerbils can eat are also good for gnawing. Take carrots and pumpkin, for example. Carrots are quite firm when fresh. Pumpkin has a soft inner part that is tasty. It also has a tougher skin, which is also suitable for gnawing.

You don’t have to drastically change your gerbil’s diet to achieve this. Gerbil mix mixes are what you should be feeding your gerbils anyway, and vegetables make a tasty treat.

Can gerbils chew their food bowl?

Most people give their gerbils a food bowl, although it’s better to spread the food out. If the food bowl is plastic, he will chew and gnaw on it regularly. You can mistake this behavior for eating if you don’t look carefully.

This is something to avoid as plastic is not safe to digest. According to EFSA, the absorption of plastic through the intestine is almost impossible. Even microplastics are ingested by rodents at only 0.04% to 0.3%.

If you must provide a feeding bowl, get one made of ceramic or glass. Ceramic and glass are two materials that a gerbil cannot destroy, no matter how hard it chews them.

What natural wood can gerbils chew on?

Wood is neither too hard nor too soft. If it were too hard, your gerbil’s teeth would break completely instead of wearing down. If it was too soft, their teeth wouldn’t sharpen at all. Wood is in the middle.

However, not all types of wood are suitable for rodents. Some can be toxic. It’s easy to confuse different species of wood, which means you shouldn’t give your gerbil species of wood unless you can confirm which species it is.

Avoid giving your gerbil any wood that has been processed or treated in any way. You may have been sprayed with something that may not match your gerbil. Any wood used for building or eating may have been sprayed with something like this.

This type of wood can also contain glue. Any home decor or tiny wooden toys were likely glued. If they weren’t glued, they would contain nails or screws. These could also harm your gerbil, so you should avoid them.

You should also avoid certain types of wood (pine and cedar). These contain aromatic oils that have a distinctive taste and smell. When ingested in large amounts, these oils are toxic to animals, including us.

Popsicle sticks for gerbils to chew

Popsicle sticks work well for gerbils to chew on, although there are three caveats to keep in mind.

Sticks used for popsicles, corn dogs and the like are usually made from birch. This material is safe for gerbils to chew on. However, there is no guarantee that this is the material used. So you can’t be sure.

Also, popsicle sticks have sticky residue from your popsicle. Before offering it to your gerbil, you should wash the stick. This will prevent your gerbil from eating something it shouldn’t, such as something too sugary.

In addition, popsicle sticks can splinter. If you’ve ever chewed on one yourself, you know that for sure. Because it’s so dry, these splinters are pretty sharp. You shouldn’t let your gerbil chew on these splinters for too long, as they could injure their gums.

But other than that, popsicle sticks are good for gerbils to chew on. Something similar you could use are unused coffee stirrers. These are less likely to splinter and injure your gerbil because the wood is thinner.

You can even buy popsicle sticks online. This is the better idea as you can check that they haven’t been treated with chemicals. You can also check what type of wood they are made of.

Twigs and sticks for gerbils to chew on

If you want safe wood for gerbils to chew on, branches and sticks are usually fine. In the wild, they would certainly chew any wood they could find in their habitat.

However, there are some things you need to watch out for. Some types of wood can be toxic to gerbils, so it’s best to avoid them.

Another problem that can arise is that the twig may contain fungus, lichen, parasites or bacteria. You should avoid introducing any of these things into your gerbil’s environment.

By keeping your gerbil in captivity in an enclosure, you protect it from parasites. For example, it cannot catch any of prepared food. And there are no animals around to catch parasites from. And with antibacterial spray, kill bacteria and fungi before they make the enclosure uninhabitable.

But if you introduce a stick into your gerbil’s environment, you could be introducing these things unknowingly. To avoid this, bake the stick in the oven at medium temperature. This will kill anything that might be inside. Alternatively, you can freeze the stick.

You can then keep the stick and only break off parts when your gerbil needs them.

Pine wood for gerbils to chew on

You must avoid giving your gerbil pine wood to chew on.

Pine contains various chemical compounds that are not suitable for gerbils or other animals. For example, turpentine is extracted from pine. Pine essential oils are, too. Both have a distinctive wintergreen odor and can cause rashes when applied to the skin.

These substances are dangerous if ingested. If you chewed jaws, you would ingest small amounts of these substances, which would be bad for you. If you were the size of a gerbil, the consequences of eating anything would be worse and you could become seriously ill.

Pine is not the only wood that has these properties. There are other woods that do this to a lesser or similar degree. Cedar is one of them. You want to avoid wood from trees in the Pinaceae (pine) family.

This is of course easier said than done. Unless you’re an expert, you won’t be able to tell what type of wood it is just by looking at it. That means it might be wise not to give your gerbil wood unless you know exactly what it is.

Pine cones for gerbils to chew on

Pine cones come from pine trees, but they don’t contain the same aromatic compounds as the conifers they come from. They are therefore safe for gerbils to chew on.

Are pine cones a good chew toy for gerbils? They definitely do because they have lots of individual scales/seeds on them for your gerbils to chew on. Your pet will scrape each of these off by chewing them one at a time.

Pine cones make a suitable chew toy and are also nice to look at in a gerbilarium. But before you put one in your gerbil’s enclosure, make sure it’s free of pests and bacteria. Freeze or bake it before offering it to your gerbil.

Household items for gerbils to chew on

If you don’t want to bring anything from nature into your gerbil’s enclosure, that’s fine. There are good reasons why you should avoid it. But that leaves you with fewer options.

There are still household items you could offer them. Most are healthy and natural, but some are more processed than others. The less processed something is, the easier it is for a gerbil to chew.

Toilet paper rolls for gerbils to chew on

Toilet paper rolls are an excellent choice for a gerbil chew toy. They are made of a material that is not hard enough to damage your teeth. They are also fibrous, which gerbils enjoy chewing.

Toilet paper rolls are also untreated, meaning it’s safe for your gerbil to chew on. If something is swallowed by the reel, it will not harm your gerbil in any way.

The only problem with toilet paper rolls is that they are too soft. Your gerbil can’t grind his teeth enough on toilet paper. It takes something sturdier, like a solid wooden stick, to grind your teeth.

Cereal boxes for gerbils to chew on

Cereal boxes are more of a gray area than other types of cardboard. Although they are made from the same type of card as other things, the card has been treated in different ways:

The box has been coated in a glossy protective coating that contains chemicals your gerbil probably shouldn’t be eating

The box was printed with ink, which in turn was not intended to be ingested

It may have been glued together and dried glue is still stuck to the card.

Aside from that, people have reported allowing their gerbils to chew on cereal boxes with no ill effects. It’s probably best to play it safe.

This is especially true when you consider that there are so many better, more natural things to offer your gerbil to chew on. Even if you only choose from household items, you don’t have a choice.

Corrugated cardboard for gerbils to chew on

Corrugated cardboard is better for gerbils than other types of cardboard. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, corrugated cardboard is the type that has two outer sheets of cardboard with a corrugated sandwich layer between them. You can tell by cutting it and looking at its cross section. In any case, corrugated cardboard is a good choice because it:

Usually not bleached or inked

Freely available and you will often have some laying around

Stiffer than other options like toilet paper rolls

The only problem is if you use recycled corrugated cardboard. This usually contains leftover inks from the recycling process, as newspapers are often recycled. However, there is nothing to say that this would harm your gerbil.

Can gerbils chew freezer boxes?

Cardboard freezer boxes are similar to cereal boxes. They are printed with inks that should not be ingested, which will happen if your gerbils chew on them.

Also, they are coated to prevent the card from falling apart in the freezer. This waterproof coating is similar to that of cereal boxes. They are not suitable for your gerbils.

Egg cartons for gerbils to chew on

You should not offer your gerbil plastic egg cartons. Plastic is a material that should be avoided altogether. Instead, consider offering your pet the lightweight carton that some eggs are packaged in.

These are typically made from the same type of recycled cardboard as corrugated cardboard. But they have a different nature. They’re good for chewing, but not the best, although your gerbil will still enjoy them.

Overall, they’re a good option, but your gerbil will also need something a little more robust from time to time.

Newspaper for gerbils to chew on

Newspaper is not suitable for gerbils. The main reason is the ink. Ink should not be ingested as it can cause poisoning. Since gerbils are small, they are more susceptible to this than a human if they ingest the same amount.

An additional problem is that the ink in newspapers tends to rub off. The ink in cereal boxes is contained under a protective layer. And even with that layer removed, the card that the ink is sprayed onto is thick enough to hold on to.

With newspapers, the paper is so thin that this is not the case. You can see this in action by smearing the letters printed on newspaper. If you do this, a swab will be left on your thumb.

This will make it easier for your gerbils to pick up. It will also stain their coat or casing, especially if it gets wet. Therefore, as a rule, avoid giving your gerbil newspaper to chew.

Don’t offer your gerbil anything to chew on other than the items listed above. Stick to what you know is safe for you. There is no need to give them a lot of variety, because the gerbils don’t care. As long as your pet can grind their teeth, there is no problem.

Chocolate is delicious and one of the most popular snacks. So you may be wondering if you can feed gerbils chocolate as a treat. Unfortunately, chocolate is toxic to gerbils.

Gerbils cannot eat chocolate because it contains theobromine, which a gerbil’s body cannot metabolize. Even small amounts of chocolate can lead to seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and even death. White chocolate contains only tiny amounts of theobromine, but it’s high in fat and sugar.

Despite its toxicity, gerbils like chocolate for its sweet taste. It’s important to keep all chocolate and chocolate-flavored foods out of your gerbil’s reach. Simply feed your gerbil nuts, seeds, or dried fruits as rewards.

Can gerbils eat chocolate?

People have been eating chocolate for thousands of years. Ancient societies domesticated cocoa beans about 4,000 years ago. To date, chocolate remains one of the most popular sweet foods consumed as a snack or treat.

Gerbils are omnivores, which means they can digest both animal and plant food. Gerbils can eat a number of “human foods” including fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and small pieces of egg and cheese. But unfortunately, chocolate is one food that you cannot share with your gerbil.

Chocolate made from roasted and ground cocoa beans contains a chemical called theobromine. Theobromine is not harmful to us, but is toxic to gerbils and other animals. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which can be dangerous for small animals, especially when consumed in large quantities.

But do gerbils like chocolate? Although chocolate is poisonous to gerbils, it does not taste bitter or unpleasant to them. It tastes just as sweet and delicious to a gerbil as it does to us. Chocolate is full of fat and sugar and very high in calories.

Gerbils are forced to eat high-calorie foods as a survival mechanism. So gerbils eat chocolate when they get the chance. Never give chocolate to your gerbil or leave chocolate within reach of your gerbil.

Can gerbils eat dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine of any chocolate product (aside from pure cocoa powder). It contains 8 to 10 times as much theobromine per gram as milk chocolate. The higher the cocoa content, the more dangerous it becomes.

To be classified as “dark”, the chocolate must contain at least 70% pure cocoa solids. This means that most types of dark chocolate contain around 7mg of theobromine per gram. This could be a deadly potential amount for a tiny animal like a gerbil.

Never give a gerbil dark chocolate. Just 1 gram could poison your gerbil. That’s less than ¼ of a square of standard-sized dark chocolate. No matter how much your gerbil likes the taste, it’s not worth the risk.

Dark chocolate also contains a significant amount of caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. According to pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, low doses of caffeine increase wheel running activity in gerbils. Caffeine also increases blood pressure and can cause an irregular heartbeat.

Can gerbils eat milk chocolate?

Gerbils also cannot eat milk chocolate. Although milk chocolate is lighter and less bitter than dark chocolate, it still contains cocoa solids and therefore theobromine.

Milk chocolate, by comparison, has much less theobromine than dark chocolate. It has about 1.5mg of theobromine per gram of chocolate. However, this is still a high enough concentration to make it unsafe. Even a small piece of milk chocolate the size of your gerbil’s paw could make them sick.

Milk chocolate also contains caffeine, although less than dark chocolate. There is about 0.2 mg of caffeine per gram of milk chocolate.

As the name suggests, milk chocolate is made from milk. According to the FDA, it must contain at least 12% milk solids to be labeled “milk chocolate” in the US. This means it also contains lactose, which most gerbils cannot digest.

Can gerbils eat white chocolate?

White chocolate, recognizable by its creamy, off-white color, is the least problematic type of chocolate for gerbils. It lacks any cocoa solids and is made solely from cocoa butter, sugar and milk.

Cocoa butter, the only part of the cocoa bean used in white chocolate, does not contain theobromine. So, according to Molecules, white chocolate contains only trace amounts of theobromine (less than 0.05 mg per gram). It’s also caffeine free.

This means that white chocolate is not toxic to gerbils. It’s still not healthy. White chocolate consists almost entirely of fat and sugar and has no nutritional value for gerbils.

Although white chocolate is not toxic, it is still not a suitable food for a gerbil’s diet. Eating white chocolate can cause digestive problems, tooth decay and obesity in gerbils. The same goes for all other chocolate-flavored treats, like chocolate cake, ice cream, and baked goods.

Not to mention that white chocolate contains at least 14% milk. Most gerbils are lactose intolerant, which could make them ill. You may notice symptoms such as diarrhea and lethargy.

Why is chocolate bad for gerbils?

It seems odd that a food that we can eat with no problem could be so bad for a gerbil. You may be wondering: why is chocolate toxic to gerbils but not to humans?

In sufficient quantities, theobromine has a toxic effect on the body. It can cause tremors, sweating, headaches, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. But a human’s body can metabolize theobromine much faster than a gerbil’s body.

Because of this, we can process the chemical before any harmful effects are felt. But gerbils can’t do that. They metabolize theobromine so slowly that it can build up in their system. The more they eat, the more damage it does. The same goes for dogs and cats.

Rats and mice seem to process theobromine better than dogs and cats. However, no studies have been conducted specifically on theobromine poisoning in gerbils. We don’t know the “safe limit” yet, so it’s best to avoid feeding gerbils chocolate altogether.

Aside from theobromine, chocolate also contains caffeine, which can also poison a gerbil. It’s also high in fat and sugar, which are unhealthy for gerbils in large amounts.

Chocolate has very little nutritional value for gerbils, and even white chocolate (which is non-toxic) can cause problems.

What happens when gerbils eat chocolate?

If your gerbil eats a tiny piece of milk chocolate, it may not be enough to cause problems. But if your gerbil eats dark chocolate or more than a square of milk chocolate, they are likely to be poisoned. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in gerbils can include:

restlessness

seizures

trembling (shaking)

Rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing

Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

High blood pressure

Diarrhea

Drinking and/or urinating more than usual

Sudden death

Many of the above symptoms are also associated with caffeine intoxication. Because chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, symptoms will be more pronounced.

According to the Journal of Biological Sciences, theobromine can also cause infertility problems in mice, including the risk of miscarriage. Although no studies have been conducted on gerbils, there is a possibility that it could have a similar effect.

In dogs and other animals, vomiting is a telltale sign of theobromine poisoning. However, according to PLOS One, rodents (including gerbils) cannot vomit. They lack the necessary neurological structures for this.

This means that a vet cannot induce vomiting in a poisoned gerbil. When a gerbil has chocolate poisoning, there isn’t much that can be done. Treating the symptoms and waiting for them to pass is the only course of action.

A gerbil will not get theobromine poisoning from eating white chocolate. However, white chocolate still contains a lot of sugar and fat. If a gerbil eats white chocolate on a regular basis, it can lead to obesity, tooth decay and digestive problems.

Can gerbils die from eating chocolate?

Gerbils can die from eating chocolate if they consume enough. It all depends on how much theobromine the chocolate contained and how much was ingested.

To measure how deadly a toxic substance is, scientists use a measurement called LD50. This refers to the amount of toxin that would have a 50/50 chance of killing the animal.

Scientists have not yet tested the LD50 of theobromine in gerbils. However, studies have been conducted in mice, which are similar to rodents. This gives us an idea of ​​theobromine’s toxicity to gerbils, although we cannot assume it is the same.

The LD50 for theobromine in mice is about 1,000 mg per kg body weight. So for a 40g mouse, 40mg of theobromine would be a lethal dose. This equates to approximately 5-6g of dark chocolate or 26.6g of milk chocolate.

On average, a typical piece of chocolate from a candy bar weighs 11g. That means half a square of dark chocolate or 2.5 squares of milk chocolate could kill a mouse. White chocolate does not contain theobromine and does not pose a hazard.

A similar amount could kill a 40g gerbil if its tolerance to theobromine matches that of mice. However, it is possible that gerbils metabolize theobromine even more slowly than a mouse. In this case, a smaller amount can be fatal.

If you are concerned that your gerbil may have eaten chocolate, contact a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, monitor your gerbil and make note of any symptoms you notice.

Can you get chocolate drops for gerbils?

Some pet food manufacturers make rodent-friendly “chocolate drops” that are safe for our furry friends. Not surprisingly, these aren’t made out of real chocolate. They are a chocolate flavored alternative that is non-toxic to animals.

You may notice that the pack calls them “chocolate”, “chocolate” or “chocolate”. These are all indications that the ingredients do not contain real cocoa. The same goes for “chocolate” drops for dogs.

Chocolate drops for rodents are usually made from carob. This is a similar plant to cacao (which is used to make chocolate) and has a chocolate-like taste. However, carob contains no theobromine and no caffeine.

In addition to being non-toxic, rodent chocolate chips are designed to melt at a higher temperature. This will ensure that they don’t soften and soil your gerbil’s entire cage.

You can find rodent chocolate chips in the small animal section of some pet stores. They are usually marketed for hamsters but are also suitable for gerbils, mice and rats.

Are Rodent Chocolate Chips Safe for Gerbils?

Since rodent chocolate candies contain no theobromine or caffeine, they are non-toxic. Gerbils can easily eat one to two rodent chocolate chips a week. You will not be poisoned or experience any other adverse side effects.

Unfortunately, rodent chocolate candies are still not healthy. Look at the ingredients and you’ll see that it’s mostly oil, sugar and dairy. They contain no real nutritional value and are just empty calories.

Too many rodent chocolate chips can cause your gerbil to become overweight or obese. Such treats can also have a negative effect on your gerbil’s digestive system. And because treats are so tasty, your gerbil may prefer them over regular food, leading to nutritional deficiencies.

Avoid giving your gerbil too many treats. If you want to give your gerbil a snack, healthier options include seeds, nuts, and pieces of dried fruit. One or two a week would be enough. Offer treats alongside a varied diet, including dry food, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruit.

Wild gerbils are amazing creatures, getting almost all of the moisture they need from the vegetation, seeds, and small insects they eat. This is an adaptation to life in arid areas. They even eat carrion on occasion. This non-vegetarian lifestyle is another adaptation, as the meat has good moisture levels in an environment where fresh water is extremely scarce.

However, gerbils still need fresh water and properly formulated gerbil food to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. There’s no point exposing them to the extremes of life in the wild – they may be adapted to a bit of harshness, but they don’t enjoy it!

Gerbils like to try fruits and vegetables to supplement their dry food diet

Gerbils, being omnivores by nature, will taste most foods you offer them, but they will thrive on a diet largely based on mixed pet store gerbil chow. However, small portions of extras like veggies and apple slices will keep them and their taste buds stimulated.

Gerbils tend to prefer dry or crunchy foods. Oilseeds like sunflower and flaxseed are favorites, and they love millet; However, these should be fed sparingly, as gerbils do not need as much fatty food as hamsters, for example. Sunflower seeds, for example, are a firm favorite, but the gerbils eat them at the expense of other foods and can then become overweight.

You can offer non-veg foods like mealworms and bugs, but not all gerbils will take on the taste, and from a nutritional standpoint, you don’t have to as long as you feed them a proper gerbil kibble mix.

Gerbil Treats

Gerbils will like small amounts of dried bananas, pumpkin seeds, nuts, millet (the kind sold for budgies and other birds), crunchy vegetables like raw broccoli and carrots, small amounts of fruits like apples and grapes (but break the skin) with them gerbil can easily see the damp interior), alfalfa and hay.

Only feed these treats in small amounts and remove fresh food as soon as the gerbils lose interest. Uneaten food is stashed by the gerbils, rots and can potentially pose a health risk to the animals.

to avoid foods

Toxic vegetables include:

aubergine

citrus fruits

garlic

Leek

rhubarb

onions

Wildflowers, weeds, foliage and houseplants unless told they are suitable by an expert

All unripe fresh foods

All overripe fresh foods

This bread and cheese house looks like a good idea – but neither should be fed to gerbils!

Other foods not suitable for hamsters

Any processed “human food”

Cookies

bread

crisps

Chocolate (unless made specifically for hamsters)

Dairy products, including cheese (too salty and greasy)

jams and preserves

pasta

Sweets

gerbil water

Although gerbils drink little fresh water in the wild and very little in captivity, and get most of the water they need from their diet, they should have access to water at all times. A fresh supply is as important as fresh food. Older, pregnant or nursing gerbils need a lot. Use a water bottle as gerbils tend to bury their water bowls!

Popcorn is a healthy snack. Because it’s plant-based and whole grain, you can also feed popcorn to gerbils. But you must prepare it properly and offer it sparingly.

Popcorn is safe for gerbils. However, gerbils should only eat plain popcorn made with no butter, oil, salt, sugar, or flavorings. Popcorn has little nutritional value for gerbils, so it should only be given occasionally. Gerbils can also eat unpopped corn kernels, but be warned they can pose a choking hazard.

Let’s take a closer look at whether popcorn is good for gerbils. We explain how to make popcorn for gerbils at home and how much to give them. You will also learn if gerbils can eat uncooked kernels and corn on the cob.

Is popcorn safe for gerbils?

Popcorn is a puffy, starchy snack made from corn kernels. The variety used to make popcorn is called Zea mays everta. The kernels must be dried before popping.

When popcorn kernels are heated, pressure begins to build up inside. Eventually the outer shell tears and the soft interior bursts out. The resulting popcorn chunks are over 20 times larger than before.

Gerbils can eat popcorn as long as it is completely clear. You will often find corn-based products marketed to gerbils and even in gerbil feed mixes. However, most types of popcorn contain additives, such as:

butter

oil

Salt

sugar

artificial sweeteners

Herbs, spices and flavors

These spices are bad for gerbils. Butter and oil are high in fat. Along with sugar, excess fat can cause your gerbil to become overweight.

Gerbils should also avoid too much salt in their diet. According to the International Journal of Cancer, gerbils fed a high-salt diet are more likely to develop stomach cancer. To be on the safe side, you should buy plain, unseasoned popcorn kernels and pop them yourself.

Popcorn can pose a choking hazard to humans, but it is not dangerous to gerbils. They nibble their food thoroughly before swallowing it. But avoid giving them hard or burned bits, just in case.

What is the nutritional value of popcorn for gerbils?

According to research from the University of Scranton, popcorn is a good source of fiber and high in antioxidants. It also contains small amounts of micronutrients such as:

iron

magnesium

potassium

Vitamins B1, B3 and B6

zinc

potassium

These are all important nutrients for gerbils. However, because popcorn expands so much as it cooks, it reduces its nutrient density. In other words, a gerbil would need to eat a lot of popcorn to get any nutritional benefit.

And when a gerbil eats too much popcorn, it no longer has an appetite for other foods. This would increase the risk of developing malnutrition. Popcorn is low in protein and lacks important nutrients like vitamin C and calcium.

Plain popcorn isn’t unhealthy, and it’s okay to give your gerbils some occasionally. But it should be offered as a treat and not as an essential part of your gerbils’ diet.

How to make popcorn for gerbils

If you’re giving popcorn to gerbils, it’s best to make your own. Pre-made popcorn and microwave popcorn bags usually contain flavorings, salt, sugar, and oil or butter.

Luckily, it’s easy to make gerbil-friendly popcorn at home. You can cook it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you have leftovers, you can season and eat them yourself.

The stovetop method

To make popcorn for gerbils on the stovetop, you need a non-stick pot. This is crucial as you won’t be using any oil or butter to keep the popcorn from sticking. The pot must have a tight-fitting lid to keep the popcorn from spilling out. How to cook it:

Preheat the pot over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels and close the lid. Stay close to the pot and listen for the popping sound. At some point it will slow down. When there’s a one-second break between each pop, turn off the stove. Wait for the popcorn to cool completely

Select only the fully popped pieces to feed to your gerbils. Discard any unpopped or partially popped kernels.

The microwave method

To make gerbil popcorn in the microwave, you’ll need a clean brown paper bag. How to prepare it:

Place two tablespoons of popcorn kernels in the paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice. Microwave on high heat for about one to two and a half minutes. Stop the microwave when the popping has slowed to a one-second pause between each pop. Wait a minute for the popcorn to cool. Remove the pouch from the microwave and open it with the opening facing away from you. Pour the popcorn onto a plate and let it cool completely before feeding it to your gerbils.

Store leftover popcorn in an airtight ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Store in a cool, dry place such as B. in the pantry. It can be kept for up to two weeks.

How Often Should I Feed Gerbils Popcorn?

Popcorn should not be a significant part of a gerbil’s diet. It makes a good treat as gerbils love the taste. It’s high in carbohydrates but relatively low in all the nutrients gerbils need to stay healthy.

But like us, gerbils often overeat treats. Most gerbils will gorge themselves on popcorn if given the chance. It fills them up and avoids their “boring” healthy food.

This could lead to a nutrient deficiency that could be harmful. According to Diabetologia, gerbils with free access to food can also become obese and develop diabetes. While popcorn isn’t bad in small batches, you should limit the amount you offer.

A small handful of popcorn a week is more than enough for a gerbil. You can also give your gerbil other treats, like small pieces of fruit, vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Gerbils benefit from a varied diet that provides them with many different nutrients.

Can gerbils eat popcorn kernels (unpopped)?

Unpopped corn kernels are unsuitable for humans because they are too hard. But small animals, like gerbils, love to chew on them.

Gerbils’ teeth are constantly growing. You have to hold them by chewing on hard things like wood. Unpopped corn kernels are a fun change from regular gerbil chews.

Some gerbils prefer popcorn when it’s popped, others are more interested in unpopped kernels. Try offering your gerbils a mix to see what they prefer.

You can buy dried corn on the cob treats that are safe for gerbils. You can give them to your gerbil as is or you can microwave them. Gerbils love to tear off the grains one by one. The leftover corn on the cob is also great for chewing.

However, there is a potential choking hazard if you give your gerbils small, hard objects. If your gerbil accidentally swallows a whole kernel, it could get stuck and cause an obstruction. Be sure to carefully supervise your gerbil when offering unpopped corn kernels.

Can gerbils eat fresh corn on the cob?

Fresh corn on the cob is also suitable for gerbils. But like popcorn, fresh corn should only be offered as a treat. This is for two reasons.

The sugar content of fresh corn is quite high. Too much sugar can cause gerbils to gain weight or develop diabetes.

Fresh corn on the cob also has a high water content. Gerbils are desert animals, so they don’t need a lot of water. They conserve most of the water they consume through food and drink. If a gerbil’s diet contains too much water, it can lead to health problems such as diarrhea.

A study in Experimental Neurology also found that gerbils are particularly susceptible to water intoxication. This occurs when the body’s electrolyte balance is disrupted and the brain is unable to function as it should.

Don’t feed your gerbil a whole ear of corn at a time. Instead, cut off some chunks of corn and give them sparingly as a reward. A few pieces once or twice a week is perfectly safe for gerbils.

Gerbils like both raw and cooked corn. To cook corn for gerbils, you can steam or boil it until tender. Wait for it to cool completely before placing it in your gerbil’s cage.

Avoid canned sweetcorn. This is often packaged in salt water or has other additives that make it unsuitable for gerbils.

Gerbils are fun little creatures that love to play and interact with their human family members. If handled from a young age, they’ll happily perch in your bag or hang from your shoulder while you’re lounging around the house. Gerbils also love to eat anything they can get their hands on, which could be anything you offer them to go with the cracker crumbs they find between the couch.

But just because your gerbils will eat anything they happen to find doesn’t mean they should. So can gerbils eat crackers? The short answer is yes, although there are a few caveats to be aware of. Follow the information below to learn more.

Can gerbils eat crackers?

Yes, gerbils are omnivores, just like humans. You can eat fruits, vegetables, grains, grasses and even meat. You can also enjoy cracker pieces at snack time! Crackers are made from wheat, which gerbils can easily digest. Gerbils can benefit from the protein, fiber and minerals found in crackers. Although crackers should not be the main food source for gerbils, they can be offered once or twice a week.

guidelines

While there’s no harm in occasionally feeding your gerbil crackers as a snack, there are a few guidelines that should be followed to ensure their snacking doesn’t lead to problems like obesity and diabetes. First and foremost, gerbils should not be fed more than about a postage stamp-sized piece of cracker at a time. Most store-bought crackers are loaded with sodium and ingredients that gerbils wouldn’t typically eat, like artificial flavors and colors.

Gerbils should not be fed crackers more than a few times a week to allow room for a proper diet of fruits and vegetables. It’s also important that gerbils are fed only whole grain or whole grain crackers and not soda crackers filled with simple carbohydrates. Whole grain crackers provide some nutrients and are full of fiber, which helps keep a gerbil’s digestion healthy and blood sugar levels normal. Also, plenty of fresh water should be available while feeding a gerbil cracker pieces to encourage proper hydration.

Make homemade crackers for gerbils

Instead of feeding your gerbil crackers from the store, consider making a special batch just for them right in your own kitchen. All you have to do is use either a blender or food processor with the following ingredients:

½ cup cooked brown rice

¼ cup shredded carrots

¼ cup mango or banana chunks

Once well mixed and smooth, spread the mixture out onto a greased baking sheet so it’s about 1 inch thick.

Bake the mixture in your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until the mixture crisps up.

After cooling, break the mixture into small pieces and store the pieces in a sealable container.

You can pull out a piece of cracker for a guilt-free snack your gerbil can enjoy on a regular basis. These crackers are also additive-free and packed with nutrients, so they can be offered to your gerbil more often than store-bought crackers.

Can Gerbils Eat Saltine Crackers?

No, gerbils should not be fed salt crackers as they simply cannot tolerate the salt in them. Gerbils just can’t handle the amount of salt in their bodies like humans.

Conclusion

Gerbils enjoy crackers just like us humans. However, they do not tolerate as much salt as we do. Gerbils do far better on a whole foods diet, with crackers being an occasional treat. Have you ever shared crackers with your gerbil? If so, what kind seems to be your favorite?

Hamsters, like humans, are omnivores.

What can hamsters eat? In the wild, they eat a wide variety of foods including seeds, grains, nuts, corn grits, insects, frogs, lizards and other small animals, as well as fruits and vegetables. Quite a variety, I’m sure you’ll agree.

In captivity, most people will feed commercial hamster pellets and provided you buy these from a reputable pet store or online source, they should be fine. I’m not sure about you, but I would get bored of eating the exact same thing over and over again, so we would also recommend feeding some of the foods listed below.

We would not recommend feeding your hamster a muesli style feed mix. You’ll leave out the high-fiber parts and eat the high-sugar parts. This can cause painful problems with your teeth and also lead to weight gain.

While hamsters don’t mind the seed-filled hamster food with corn chips and some dry bits to add protein, they also love greens! You can find several lists of safe vegetables and fruits for your hamster online. A good example would be:

vegetables

broccoli

cauliflower

Kale

cucumbers

celery

Bok choy

Sweet potatoes (the skin should be removed before feeding as mold thrives in the skin and can cause indigestion and other ailments)

Radish (a big favorite with my hamster but don’t feed the leaves)

fruit

apples

Blueberries – sparingly. Very, very economical. These berries are very high in sugar and as such I would avoid giving them more than 1 per week

cherries

strawberries

raspberries

peaches

mango

Cantaloupe melon

We would strongly recommend avoiding lettuce as it can harm your hamster to the death if given more than a few very small pieces each week.

Some other foods to avoid would be:

apple cores and skins

grape seeds

fruit stones

almonds

peanuts

garlic

onions

Aubergine (eggplant)

Chocolate (or other sugary candy)

So back to the original question, what can hamsters eat? Other foods you can feed your hamster could include:

Dried dog food (croquettes) isn’t good for a hamster, but it’s fine in small amounts. For small quantities, we recommend one piece of high-quality dry dog ​​food per month. Poor quality dog ​​food contains too many substitutes, making it unhealthy. We strongly recommend feeding only the best quality croquettes.

Next, you can feed them cooked and unseasoned beef and chicken. Quite a shock I’m sure, but yes these are fine to feed to your hamster. This tip came from a few of my various friends who have owned healthy hamsters for years. However, do not overfeed them. You may only start by eating a small amount of meat. Not too fat as we don’t want your hamster to have to go on a diet! A few pieces of chicken or beef will do.

Next, canned dog food. But please no sauce! Gravy is high in unhealthy ingredients, so only go for the dog food that doesn’t contain gravy. Cut it very small and give the hamster something to nibble on. I would only do this once or twice a month as otherwise they won’t want to eat anything else.

Dog biscuits are also very good, but hamsters may prefer them over more nutritious foods and since they cannot get the vitamins they need from dog biscuits it is best to use them primarily for teething. If they don’t touch their food while they’re in the cage, remove them for a while.

I’ve noticed that my hamster likes sweet treats. These foods are the top choices for many rodent moms:

Fruit Loops – Our kids passed this love on to the hamsters. Hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, ferrets and rats can all enjoy 1 fruit loop per week. I give mine every weekend. My guinea pig, being a lot bigger, gets three.

Skinned Green Grapes – These are very popular. Divide them into quarters and offer one to a hamster. Mind you. – These should also be given sparingly but can be used more than Fruit Loops. I recommend a whole bunch of grapes every three or four days. (don’t forget they must be seedless).

Timothy Heu. This is a special type of hay that is high in fiber and is ideal for small pets. You can buy it at pet stores and online.

Occasional treats like nuts, boiled eggs, or mealworms.

Newspaper Ball – The crumpled paper is just so tempting! It is not only a good chew and play toy, but also an excellent bedding. You can watch an interested hamster grab the paper and chew it up. If they eat it, don’t worry. Many rodents, especially wild mice and rats, eat worse and will live long to tell the tale.

As mentioned in the veg list, they love broccoli and a single sprig will keep a hamster active for a few days (or maybe a few hours for the most active hamsters).

In addition to food, your hamster also needs constant access to clean, fresh water. It should be in a water bottle with a metal spout.

I hope this article on what hamsters can eat was helpful, but you can look up your question and find dozens of articles on the web. Look at what information seems consistent and take it from there.

Please keep in mind that all the above advice and recommendations also apply to other rodents such as gerbils, mice, rats and guinea pigs.

If you need advice on how to stop your hamster from biting, please read our post here.

For information on what is the best hamster cage to buy, please click here.

You can find a lot more information about hamsters and other small pets on our website.

If you have additional questions or need advice on what hamsters are allowed to eat, please leave a comment in the box below.

Popcorn is a healthy snack. Because it’s plant-based and whole grain, you can also feed popcorn to gerbils. But you must prepare it properly and offer it sparingly.

Popcorn is safe for gerbils. However, gerbils should only eat plain popcorn made with no butter, oil, salt, sugar, or flavorings. Popcorn has little nutritional value for gerbils, so it should only be given occasionally. Gerbils can also eat unpopped corn kernels, but be warned they can pose a choking hazard.

Let’s take a closer look at whether popcorn is good for gerbils. We explain how to make popcorn for gerbils at home and how much to give them. You will also learn if gerbils can eat uncooked kernels and corn on the cob.

Is popcorn safe for gerbils?

Popcorn is a puffy, starchy snack made from corn kernels. The variety used to make popcorn is called Zea mays everta. The kernels must be dried before popping.

When popcorn kernels are heated, pressure begins to build up inside. Eventually the outer shell tears and the soft interior bursts out. The resulting popcorn chunks are over 20 times larger than before.

Gerbils can eat popcorn as long as it is completely clear. You will often find corn-based products marketed to gerbils and even in gerbil feed mixes. However, most types of popcorn contain additives, such as:

butter

oil

Salt

sugar

artificial sweeteners

Herbs, spices and flavors

These spices are bad for gerbils. Butter and oil are high in fat. Along with sugar, excess fat can cause your gerbil to become overweight.

Gerbils should also avoid too much salt in their diet. According to the International Journal of Cancer, gerbils fed a high-salt diet are more likely to develop stomach cancer. To be on the safe side, you should buy plain, unseasoned popcorn kernels and pop them yourself.

Popcorn can pose a choking hazard to humans, but it is not dangerous to gerbils. They nibble their food thoroughly before swallowing it. But avoid giving them hard or burned bits, just in case.

What is the nutritional value of popcorn for gerbils?

According to research from the University of Scranton, popcorn is a good source of fiber and high in antioxidants. It also contains small amounts of micronutrients such as:

iron

magnesium

potassium

Vitamins B1, B3 and B6

zinc

potassium

These are all important nutrients for gerbils. However, because popcorn expands so much as it cooks, it reduces its nutrient density. In other words, a gerbil would need to eat a lot of popcorn to get any nutritional benefit.

And when a gerbil eats too much popcorn, it no longer has an appetite for other foods. This would increase the risk of developing malnutrition. Popcorn is low in protein and lacks important nutrients like vitamin C and calcium.

Plain popcorn isn’t unhealthy, and it’s okay to give your gerbils some occasionally. But it should be offered as a treat and not as an essential part of your gerbils’ diet.

How to make popcorn for gerbils

If you’re giving popcorn to gerbils, it’s best to make your own. Pre-made popcorn and microwave popcorn bags usually contain flavorings, salt, sugar, and oil or butter.

Luckily, it’s easy to make gerbil-friendly popcorn at home. You can cook it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you have leftovers, you can season and eat them yourself.

The stovetop method

To make popcorn for gerbils on the stovetop, you need a non-stick pot. This is crucial as you won’t be using any oil or butter to keep the popcorn from sticking. The pot must have a tight-fitting lid to keep the popcorn from spilling out. How to cook it:

Preheat the pot over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels and close the lid. Stay close to the pot and listen for the popping sound. At some point it will slow down. When there’s a one-second break between each pop, turn off the stove. Wait for the popcorn to cool completely

Select only the fully popped pieces to feed to your gerbils. Discard any unpopped or partially popped kernels.

The microwave method

To make gerbil popcorn in the microwave, you’ll need a clean brown paper bag. How to prepare it:

Place two tablespoons of popcorn kernels in the paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice. Microwave on high heat for about one to two and a half minutes. Stop the microwave when the popping has slowed to a one-second pause between each pop. Wait a minute for the popcorn to cool. Remove the pouch from the microwave and open it with the opening facing away from you. Pour the popcorn onto a plate and let it cool completely before feeding it to your gerbils.

Store leftover popcorn in an airtight ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Store in a cool, dry place such as B. in the pantry. It can be kept for up to two weeks.

How Often Should I Feed Gerbils Popcorn?

Popcorn should not be a significant part of a gerbil’s diet. It makes a good treat as gerbils love the taste. It’s high in carbohydrates but relatively low in all the nutrients gerbils need to stay healthy.

But like us, gerbils often overeat treats. Most gerbils will gorge themselves on popcorn if given the chance. It fills them up and avoids their “boring” healthy food.

This could lead to a nutrient deficiency that could be harmful. According to Diabetologia, gerbils with free access to food can also become obese and develop diabetes. While popcorn isn’t bad in small batches, you should limit the amount you offer.

A small handful of popcorn a week is more than enough for a gerbil. You can also give your gerbil other treats, like small pieces of fruit, vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Gerbils benefit from a varied diet that provides them with many different nutrients.

Can gerbils eat popcorn kernels (unpopped)?

Unpopped corn kernels are unsuitable for humans because they are too hard. But small animals, like gerbils, love to chew on them.

Gerbils’ teeth are constantly growing. You have to hold them by chewing on hard things like wood. Unpopped corn kernels are a fun change from regular gerbil chews.

Some gerbils prefer popcorn when it’s popped, others are more interested in unpopped kernels. Try offering your gerbils a mix to see what they prefer.

You can buy dried corn on the cob treats that are safe for gerbils. You can give them to your gerbil as is or you can microwave them. Gerbils love to tear off the grains one by one. The leftover corn on the cob is also great for chewing.

However, there is a potential choking hazard if you give your gerbils small, hard objects. If your gerbil accidentally swallows a whole kernel, it could get stuck and cause an obstruction. Be sure to carefully supervise your gerbil when offering unpopped corn kernels.

Can gerbils eat fresh corn on the cob?

Fresh corn on the cob is also suitable for gerbils. But like popcorn, fresh corn should only be offered as a treat. This is for two reasons.

The sugar content of fresh corn is quite high. Too much sugar can cause gerbils to gain weight or develop diabetes.

Fresh corn on the cob also has a high water content. Gerbils are desert animals, so they don’t need a lot of water. They conserve most of the water they consume through food and drink. If a gerbil’s diet contains too much water, it can lead to health problems such as diarrhea.

A study in Experimental Neurology also found that gerbils are particularly susceptible to water intoxication. This occurs when the body’s electrolyte balance is disrupted and the brain is unable to function as it should.

Don’t feed your gerbil a whole ear of corn at a time. Instead, cut off some chunks of corn and give them sparingly as a reward. A few pieces once or twice a week is perfectly safe for gerbils.

Gerbils like both raw and cooked corn. To cook corn for gerbils, you can steam or boil it until tender. Wait for it to cool completely before placing it in your gerbil’s cage.

Avoid canned sweetcorn. This is often packaged in salt water or has other additives that make it unsuitable for gerbils.

Gerbils need to wear down their teeth to keep them from growing too long. So if you don’t give your gerbil anything to chew on, it will start chewing on its cage.

Gerbils like to chew on wood and other natural materials. Household items like toilet paper, egg cartons, and corrugated cardboard are also good options. Gerbil mix food and vegetables are part of your pet’s natural diet and also contribute to wearing down your gerbil’s teeth.

Plastic, if swallowed, will make your gerbil sick. Also, pine and cedar contain oils that are toxic to gerbils. Anything that is printed, like newspapers and cereal boxes, is harmful due to the use of ink.

What do gerbils chew on?

Gerbils and all rodents like to chew. This is a behavior you will see frequently, both in the wild and in captivity. In the wild, gerbils and other rodents need to chew through things like roots.

Many rodents eat roots and vegetables. They may also have to chew through a tree root when digging a burrow, which gerbils are known for. This is why rodents chew on wires in your house, instinctively mistaking them for roots in their burrow.

Your gerbil will chew on any solid material it can find in its cage. This natural behavior does not stop when the gerbil is no longer in the wild.

It’s your job to stop your gerbil from chewing something bad for it. Certain types of wood are toxic, as are plastics. That’s because your gerbil, either accidentally or on purpose, will ingest some of what it’s chewing on.

Why do gerbils chew on everything?

Gerbils chew on things because it helps wear down their teeth. Rodents have different teeth than other animals. The term rodent even comes from Latin and means “to gnaw,” showing how important their teeth are.

Rodent teeth are incisors like the ones we have in the front of our mouths. But according to Cell Reports, rodent teeth have no roots and grow continuously.

This presents a unique problem: if a gerbil doesn’t wear down its teeth, its teeth will continue to grow. According to Nature, this has been a problem for two hundred million years.

This can make eating difficult and even lead to serious injury. Finally, the lower teeth can pierce the upper jaw, or the upper teeth could pierce the lower jaw. This can be deadly, so they have to grind their teeth.

Some rodents do this by grinding their teeth like humans. This keeps the tips of their teeth sharp and flat, perfect for gnawing. Another tactic is for the rodent to chew on hard things to gradually wear down its teeth. For this reason, a gerbil will sometimes bite the bars of its cage.

The problem is that rodent teeth are as solid as rock. They’re tougher than iron, which is why rodents can chew through unlikely things like metal pipes. That’s why rodent bites hurt so much, even though the animals are quite small.

Are there safe things for gerbils to chew on?

If you don’t give a gerbil something to chew, it will chew things it shouldn’t. Examples of things a gerbil will chew on that it shouldn’t contain:

The bars of his cage

The plastic walls of his cage (although gerbils should not be kept in plastic enclosures)

Electrical cords throughout the house if your gerbil is allowed out of its enclosure

Plastic makes gerbils sick. The problem is that gerbils ingest some of the things they chew. Plastic should not be ingested by any animal.

You must also avoid chewing on things that are too hard. They don’t want to break their teeth just to wear them down. So things like solid rocks would be way too hard for your gerbil to chew on.

What can I give my gerbil to chew?

Your gerbil, of course, won’t have much in its enclosure to chew on. It will have its food, which is good for gnawing but will not suffice on its own. The substrate you have provided is not suitable for chewing. Other things might be too hard, like metal and glass.

If you don’t provide anything, your gerbils will start chewing on the bars or walls of their enclosure. You can even escape if you don’t, which shows how important this is. So what’s good for gerbils to chew on? The following things are a good place to start.

Food for gerbils to chew on

Gerbil food is specially formulated to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. But it is also perfect for chewing. Gerbil feed mixes usually contain:

Solid hay pellets

Sunflower seeds that need to be broken open to be eaten

Soybean hulls and similar fibrous materials that can be chewed and gnawed

Different types of nuts

The fruits and vegetables that gerbils can eat are also good for gnawing. Take carrots and pumpkin, for example. Carrots are quite firm when fresh. Pumpkin has a soft inner part that is tasty. It also has a tougher skin, which is also suitable for gnawing.

You don’t have to drastically change your gerbil’s diet to achieve this. Gerbil mix mixes are what you should be feeding your gerbils anyway, and vegetables make a tasty treat.

Can gerbils chew their food bowl?

Most people give their gerbils a food bowl, although it’s better to spread the food out. If the food bowl is plastic, he will chew and gnaw on it regularly. You can mistake this behavior for eating if you don’t look carefully.

This is something to avoid as plastic is not safe to digest. According to EFSA, the absorption of plastic through the intestine is almost impossible. Even microplastics are ingested by rodents at only 0.04% to 0.3%.

If you must provide a feeding bowl, get one made of ceramic or glass. Ceramic and glass are two materials that a gerbil cannot destroy, no matter how hard it chews them.

What natural wood can gerbils chew on?

Wood is neither too hard nor too soft. If it were too hard, your gerbil’s teeth would break completely instead of wearing down. If it was too soft, their teeth wouldn’t sharpen at all. Wood is in the middle.

However, not all types of wood are suitable for rodents. Some can be toxic. It’s easy to confuse different species of wood, which means you shouldn’t give your gerbil species of wood unless you can confirm which species it is.

Avoid giving your gerbil any wood that has been processed or treated in any way. You may have been sprayed with something that may not match your gerbil. Any wood used for building or eating may have been sprayed with something like this.

This type of wood can also contain glue. Any home decor or tiny wooden toys were likely glued. If they weren’t glued, they would contain nails or screws. These could also harm your gerbil, so you should avoid them.

You should also avoid certain types of wood (pine and cedar). These contain aromatic oils that have a distinctive taste and smell. When ingested in large amounts, these oils are toxic to animals, including us.

Popsicle sticks for gerbils to chew

Popsicle sticks work well for gerbils to chew on, although there are three caveats to keep in mind.

Sticks used for popsicles, corn dogs and the like are usually made from birch. This material is safe for gerbils to chew on. However, there is no guarantee that this is the material used. So you can’t be sure.

Also, popsicle sticks have sticky residue from your popsicle. Before offering it to your gerbil, you should wash the stick. This will prevent your gerbil from eating something it shouldn’t, such as something too sugary.

In addition, popsicle sticks can splinter. If you’ve ever chewed on one yourself, you know that for sure. Because it’s so dry, these splinters are pretty sharp. You shouldn’t let your gerbil chew on these splinters for too long, as they could injure their gums.

But other than that, popsicle sticks are good for gerbils to chew on. Something similar you could use are unused coffee stirrers. These are less likely to splinter and injure your gerbil because the wood is thinner.

You can even buy popsicle sticks online. This is the better idea as you can check that they haven’t been treated with chemicals. You can also check what type of wood they are made of.

Twigs and sticks for gerbils to chew on

If you want safe wood for gerbils to chew on, branches and sticks are usually fine. In the wild, they would certainly chew any wood they could find in their habitat.

However, there are some things you need to watch out for. Some types of wood can be toxic to gerbils, so it’s best to avoid them.

Another problem that can arise is that the twig may contain fungus, lichen, parasites or bacteria. You should avoid introducing any of these things into your gerbil’s environment.

By keeping your gerbil in captivity in an enclosure, you protect it from parasites. For example, it cannot catch any of prepared food. And there are no animals around to catch parasites from. And with antibacterial spray, kill bacteria and fungi before they make the enclosure uninhabitable.

But if you introduce a stick into your gerbil’s environment, you could be introducing these things unknowingly. To avoid this, bake the stick in the oven at medium temperature. This will kill anything that might be inside. Alternatively, you can freeze the stick.

You can then keep the stick and only break off parts when your gerbil needs them.

Pine wood for gerbils to chew on

You must avoid giving your gerbil pine wood to chew on.

Pine contains various chemical compounds that are not suitable for gerbils or other animals. For example, turpentine is extracted from pine. Pine essential oils are, too. Both have a distinctive wintergreen odor and can cause rashes when applied to the skin.

These substances are dangerous if ingested. If you chewed jaws, you would ingest small amounts of these substances, which would be bad for you. If you were the size of a gerbil, the consequences of eating anything would be worse and you could become seriously ill.

Pine is not the only wood that has these properties. There are other woods that do this to a lesser or similar degree. Cedar is one of them. You want to avoid wood from trees in the Pinaceae (pine) family.

This is of course easier said than done. Unless you’re an expert, you won’t be able to tell what type of wood it is just by looking at it. That means it might be wise not to give your gerbil wood unless you know exactly what it is.

Pine cones for gerbils to chew on

Pine cones come from pine trees, but they don’t contain the same aromatic compounds as the conifers they come from. They are therefore safe for gerbils to chew on.

Are pine cones a good chew toy for gerbils? They definitely do because they have lots of individual scales/seeds on them for your gerbils to chew on. Your pet will scrape each of these off by chewing them one at a time.

Pine cones make a suitable chew toy and are also nice to look at in a gerbilarium. But before you put one in your gerbil’s enclosure, make sure it’s free of pests and bacteria. Freeze or bake it before offering it to your gerbil.

Household items for gerbils to chew on

If you don’t want to bring anything from nature into your gerbil’s enclosure, that’s fine. There are good reasons why you should avoid it. But that leaves you with fewer options.

There are still household items you could offer them. Most are healthy and natural, but some are more processed than others. The less processed something is, the easier it is for a gerbil to chew.

Toilet paper rolls for gerbils to chew on

Toilet paper rolls are an excellent choice for a gerbil chew toy. They are made of a material that is not hard enough to damage your teeth. They are also fibrous, which gerbils enjoy chewing.

Toilet paper rolls are also untreated, meaning it’s safe for your gerbil to chew on. If something is swallowed by the reel, it will not harm your gerbil in any way.

The only problem with toilet paper rolls is that they are too soft. Your gerbil can’t grind his teeth enough on toilet paper. It takes something sturdier, like a solid wooden stick, to grind your teeth.

Cereal boxes for gerbils to chew on

Cereal boxes are more of a gray area than other types of cardboard. Although they are made from the same type of card as other things, the card has been treated in different ways:

The box has been coated in a glossy protective coating that contains chemicals your gerbil probably shouldn’t be eating

The box was printed with ink, which in turn was not intended to be ingested

It may have been glued together and dried glue is still stuck to the card.

Aside from that, people have reported allowing their gerbils to chew on cereal boxes with no ill effects. It’s probably best to play it safe.

This is especially true when you consider that there are so many better, more natural things to offer your gerbil to chew on. Even if you only choose from household items, you don’t have a choice.

Corrugated cardboard for gerbils to chew on

Corrugated cardboard is better for gerbils than other types of cardboard. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, corrugated cardboard is the type that has two outer sheets of cardboard with a corrugated sandwich layer between them. You can tell by cutting it and looking at its cross section. In any case, corrugated cardboard is a good choice because it:

Usually not bleached or inked

Freely available and you will often have some laying around

Stiffer than other options like toilet paper rolls

The only problem is if you use recycled corrugated cardboard. This usually contains leftover inks from the recycling process, as newspapers are often recycled. However, there is nothing to say that this would harm your gerbil.

Can gerbils chew freezer boxes?

Cardboard freezer boxes are similar to cereal boxes. They are printed with inks that should not be ingested, which will happen if your gerbils chew on them.

Also, they are coated to prevent the card from falling apart in the freezer. This waterproof coating is similar to that of cereal boxes. They are not suitable for your gerbils.

Egg cartons for gerbils to chew on

You should not offer your gerbil plastic egg cartons. Plastic is a material that should be avoided altogether. Instead, consider offering your pet the lightweight carton that some eggs are packaged in.

These are typically made from the same type of recycled cardboard as corrugated cardboard. But they have a different nature. They’re good for chewing, but not the best, although your gerbil will still enjoy them.

Overall, they’re a good option, but your gerbil will also need something a little more robust from time to time.

Newspaper for gerbils to chew on

Newspaper is not suitable for gerbils. The main reason is the ink. Ink should not be ingested as it can cause poisoning. Since gerbils are small, they are more susceptible to this than a human if they ingest the same amount.

An additional problem is that the ink in newspapers tends to rub off. The ink in cereal boxes is contained under a protective layer. And even with that layer removed, the card that the ink is sprayed onto is thick enough to hold on to.

With newspapers, the paper is so thin that this is not the case. You can see this in action by smearing the letters printed on newspaper. If you do this, a swab will be left on your thumb.

This will make it easier for your gerbils to pick up. It will also stain their coat or casing, especially if it gets wet. Therefore, as a rule, avoid giving your gerbil newspaper to chew.

Don’t offer your gerbil anything to chew on other than the items listed above. Stick to what you know is safe for you. There is no need to give them a lot of variety, because the gerbils don’t care. As long as your pet can grind their teeth, there is no problem.