Safe Treats for Chinchillas: What is Good, and What to Avoid

Chinchillas are herbivores. Therefore, their natural diet in the wild includes mostly roots, grass, and plants, but not fats and sugars. If you have a pet chinchilla, the most important things you can provide are good quality grass hay (Timothy hay), pellets explicitly formulated for chinchillas, and fresh water every day.

Usually, however, people who have chinchillas don't just give them hay, water, and pellets. Chinchillas love to beg for treats, and most really enjoy sweets. However, remember that their digestive systems are extremely sensitive and cannot handle the fats, sweets, and oils in some foods. Also, most commercial chinchilla "treats" sold in stores should be avoided. Seed stick treats and "yogurt" drops, and grains are very high in fats and sugars. Too many of these treats can cause health issues such as diarrhea, seizures, gastrointestinal impactions, tooth decay, malocclusion, pancreatitis, liver disease, and bloating, leading to death.

As an example, I’d like to share Zyphr’s story. Zyphr was an eight-year-old chinchilla surrendered to an area animal shelter. I happened to see him when I went to visit the shelter and was immediately concerned because he didn’t look well. He was lethargic, didn’t appear to be eating or drinking, had evidence of teeth issues, and very few cecals (poops) in his house. The shelter told me he would be available for release in a few days. I returned to get Zyphr and took him to my exotic veterinarian immediately. Under anesthesia, my vet removed six spurs on his molars, cutting into his cheeks and tongue. We hoped he would resume eating once the spurs were removed, but sadly, he did not.

Upon examining the food and treats that his former human caretakers sent with him, we realized he most likely was suffering from bloat. He had been fed a diet of seed stick treats, yogurt drops, and other “junk food” sold for chinchillas in pet stores. His poor diet, including non-healthy chinchilla treats led to molar spurs. The molar spurs prevented him from eating hay, which is essential to keep the digestive system healthy. He passed away in my arms the following day.

Treats to Avoid

• Most chinchilla treats sold in pet stores. These treats are high in sugar, fats, and oils and also contain preservatives.
• Citrus fruit (lemons, grapefruit, oranges, etc.). Citrus has high acid levels, and chinchillas may have problems tolerating high acid-foods.
• Fruits with high water content (watermelon). These fruits can give chins diarrhea.
• Corn. Do not feed corn to your chin as it is toxic. In addition to being prone to mold and fungus in the manufacturing and storing process, it also causes fatal bloat.
• Chocolate. Unfortunately, due to the high fat and sugar in chocolate, it is dangerous for most animals. Chocolate causes damage to the digestive and nervous systems.
• Dairy. Any food containing dairy animal ingredients such as milk, cheese, ice cream, etc., is dangerous for a chinchilla. Dairy can cause a fatal upset in their digestive system.
• Nuts and seeds. Seeds and nuts are incredibly high in fat, protein, and oils, leading to a calcium deficiency and possibly liver damage.
• Vitamin and mineral “supplements” for chinchillas. If you are feeding an excellent pelleted food made for chinchillas, these supplements shouldn't be necessary. Adding additional supplements to the diet should only be given under the supervision of an exotic veterinarian.