The best homemade gerbil food is a dry seed and grain mix, with a small amount of fresh vegetables and the occasional treat. A good base is about 60 percent grains and seeds, with a protein source such as mealworms or plain cooked egg once or twice a week. Gerbils also need constant access to fresh water and something to gnaw.
Recipe 1: Basic Seed and Grain Mix
Gerbils are seed eaters, so the base of a homemade mix should look like their natural diet. Combine:
- Millet, canary seed and oat groats as the main ingredients.
- A smaller portion of flaxseed, hulled barley and a few pumpkin seeds.
- Only a few sunflower seeds, since they are high in fat and gerbils pick them out first.
Mix well and offer about one tablespoon per gerbil per day. Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. Check what gerbils can eat and what to avoid before adding anything new.
Recipe 2: Fresh Veggie Topper
Add a small piece of fresh vegetable a few times a week. Good choices include carrot, broccoli, dark leafy greens and cucumber. Wash well, cut into a thumbnail-sized piece, and remove leftovers after a few hours so they do not spoil. Fruit is sugary, so offer it only as a rare treat. See the full list of vegetables for gerbils.
Recipe 3: Simple Homemade Treats
- Plain puffed or air-popped popcorn. No salt, butter or flavoring, in small amounts.
- Whole wheat bread crust or plain oats. Small crumbs only.
- Dried mealworms or a pinch of plain scrambled egg. Protein treats once or twice a week.
For more ideas read homemade gerbil treats.
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate, candy and anything salty or sugary.
- Citrus, onion, garlic, rhubarb and raw potato.
- Apple seeds and avocado.
- Large amounts of peanut butter. It is sticky and can cause choking, so skip it.
Read what not to feed gerbils for the full list.
Bottom Line
A homemade mix of mostly seeds and grains, with small vegetable and protein extras, can keep gerbils healthy. If you prefer a ready-made food, pick a high-quality pellet or seed blend. If your gerbil stops eating or loses weight, see a veterinarian who treats small exotics.
