Before gerbils domesticated, they hailed from grasslands, shrubland, and deserts. Predominantly found in the semidesert and steppes of China, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation, they weren't known to scientists until the late 1860s. The gerbil diet in the wild consists of insects for protein and fresh veggies. They also will eat seeds if the former isn't readily available. So, what do gerbils prefer you serve them? Read on to find out.
Omnomomnivores
Unlike some of their rodent cousins, gerbils are omnivores. That means they eat both animal and plant material. So, when you, the gerbil servant, go grocery shopping, what should you get for them? Food that mimics their natural diet.
According to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), feed these items to ensure your gerbils are gregarious and in good shape:
- Commercial pelleted PLAIN gerbil food. Stay away from muesli-style mixes as gerbils only eat “dessert” and leave the healthy parts full of fiber.
- Tiny amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. Remember that fruits and carrots have lots of sugar, so keep minimal servings.
Fruits
- Apple
- Banana
- Blueberry
- Melon
- Orange
- Pear
- Strawberry
Veggies
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Fennel
- Parsnip
- Pumpkin
- Turnip
- Healthy proteins
- Beans
- Chickpeas/ garbanzo beans
- Egg (boiled or scrambled)
- Lean meat
- Lentils
- Mealworms
- Peas
- Healthy Snacks and Treats from Small Pet Select. We’ve got a plethora of gerbil treats…check out our collection. Of course, Belinda always recommends:
- UNSALTED and UNFLAVORED seeds and nuts are treats, so serve sparingly.
Seeds
- Pumpkin
- Sunflower (extremely high in fat; can make your gerbil gain weight)
Nuts
- Almond
- Brazil
- Macadamia
- Peanut
- Pecan
- Pistachio
Foraging Makes the Gerbil Diet Fun
Animals living at the zoo shouldn’t be the only recipients of enrichment activities. Your precious pets can keep themselves busy and get nourishment simultaneously. Here are some ideas:
Don't Forget the Water!
As my exotic vet always says, "A healthy GI system is a hydrated GI system." Make sure your gerbil has access to unlimited fresh, clean water.
What foods do your gerbils give 4 paws up? Do you have any other fun foraging ideas? Gerbil diet tips? We’d love to hear your comments. Please email us or comment on our socials.
DISCLAIMER: The links and information are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Small Pet Select of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual.
Want to learn more about gerbils, hamsters, and mice? Check these out!
IMPORTANT WARNING: Plan for Long Emergency Pet Medical Care Wait Times
