Unlike most other animals, chinchillas perform a special digestion process known as caecotrophy, which allows them to re-digest nutrients found in their food. They eat their droppings, but improperly-fed chinchillas may become obese, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Excess sugar, dry food, and treats are all bad choices when it comes to chinchilla food.
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Timothy hay
Timothy hay is an excellent choice for chinchilla food. It is low in fat and contains no added sugar. It is softer and has a pleasant smell. It is also grown in the United States, and is free of preservatives and additives. It is also available in pellet form. Timothy hay should be used only a small portion of the time.
Exotic Nutrition Dried Rose Hips
Dried rose hips are an ideal treat for your chinchilla. These fruits are high in Ascorbic Acid and dietary fiber, so they’re ideal for your little one’s diet. They also provide good exercise for the teeth and add a bit of behavioral enrichment to your pet’s diet. Not only will they give your chinchilla a taste of home, but they’ll also help you bond with your pet.
Mazuri Chinchilla Food
A chinchilla’s diet is similar to that of other animals, but there are a few differences to keep in mind. Although chinchillas prefer some foods over others, they usually like high-carbohydrate foods and fatty foods. Listed below are some common foods that chinchillas love to eat. You can try adding some of these foods to your chinchilla’s diet to increase its health and happiness.
Oxbow Orchard Grass Hay
Quality grass hay is an essential part of your chinchilla’s diet. It not only provides fiber but also supports digestive and dental health. You can choose from three different types of hay for your small pet. Oxbow hay has a long-standing reputation as a trusted brand among pet parents. Its quality is ensured by rigorous testing.
Mazuri Fruits & Vegetables
Chinchillas have a dietary requirement for appropriate amounts of fiber. Their diet consists primarily of grass and other plants. These living things are commonly available in the wild, but they need to be supplemented with foods that contain high levels of these nutrients. Mazuri Fruits & Vegetables for Chinchillas contains 18% fiber, and is also rich in essential macronutrients.
Calf manna
If you are looking for a great supplement for your chinchilla’s diet, you can try feeding calf manna. It is a protein-rich, pellet-like food that was designed to help animals put on weight. While it may seem like the perfect way to gain weight, this is a dangerous food for chinchillas. You must also remember that calf manna will cause them to lose all of that weight once they’re off of it.
Other hays
Although hay is usually universal, you can buy pellets or other types of hay that are specific for chinchillas. These pellets contain a specific blend of vitamins and minerals that chinchillas need, so it is important to select one that is specifically designed for these animals. Some pellets are designed for dogs or cats, but may not be sufficient for chinchillas.
Human-grade fruits and vegetables
The most common fruits and vegetables that chinchillas can eat are apples, carrots, broccoli, and kale. But if you’re concerned about choking hazards, don’t worry, there are many human-grade alternatives that can give your Chinchilla a tasty snack. Among these are rose hips, dandelion leaves, and hibiscus petals. Rose hips are also high in fiber, but don’t worry about the fat or protein content – they can eat dried or fresh petals. However, you must make sure that you buy organically grown products for your Chinchilla.
