Safe homemade gerbil treats are simple: a few pumpkin seeds, plain rolled oats, small pieces of fresh vegetable, or a couple of dried mealworms. Treats should stay under about 10% of the diet, because a good gerbil seed mix is the real meal.
Treat ideas gerbils usually like
- Seeds: a few hulled pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. They are high in fat, so offer only one or two at a time.
- Rolled oats: plain, uncooked, a pinch.
- Dried mealworms: a good protein treat, two or three a week.
- Vegetables: small pieces of carrot, broccoli or cucumber. Remove leftovers after a few hours.
- Whole grain pasta, cooked plain: a tiny piece now and then.
- Timothy hay or untreated twigs: for chewing.
Simple no-bake oat treat
- Mix 2 tablespoons plain rolled oats with 1 teaspoon hulled pumpkin seeds.
- Add a few drops of water until the mix just holds together.
- Press a pea-sized amount into a ball and let it air dry for several hours.
- Offer one ball as a treat and store the rest in a sealed container for up to a few days.
Avoid adding sugar, salt, honey or flavorings.
Foods to avoid
- Chocolate, candy and sugary snacks
- Onions, garlic and avocado
- Citrus in large amounts, which can upset the stomach
- Sticky foods such as peanut butter, which can be a choking risk
- Salty or seasoned human snacks, including flavored popcorn
- Raw beans and dried fruit with added sugar
Treat tips
- Introduce one new treat at a time and watch for loose stools.
- Scatter treats in the cage so your gerbil can forage.
- Keep cardboard tubes for chewing and tunneling. They are enrichment, not food.
- Always provide fresh water.
For more ideas, see our guides to DIY gerbil treats, gerbil treats, safe foods for gerbils and vegetables for gerbils.
If your gerbil stops eating or has diarrhea, call an exotic-pet vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
Bottom Line
Use a quality gerbil mix as the main food, and offer tiny, plain treats such as seeds, oats and dried mealworms. Skip sugar, salt and sticky foods.
