The safest diet for a pet gerbil is a quality gerbil seed mix or pellet as the staple, with small portions of fresh vegetables and occasional treats. Avoid citrus, chocolate, onion, garlic and sugary human snacks.
Choose a food made for gerbils, or a high-quality hamster and gerbil mix. Pellets or lab blocks prevent picky eating of only the tastiest seeds. Offer about a tablespoon per gerbil per day and adjust to what is eaten. Gerbils also hoard, so check their stash before refilling.
Safe Vegetables
Carrot
Broccoli
Cucumber (small amounts, since it is watery)
Leafy greens in small pieces, such as romaine or kale
Bell pepper
Offer a piece about the size of a thumbnail a few times a week. Remove leftovers the next day so they do not rot.
Fruits and Treats in Moderation
Apple (no seeds or core)
Pear or banana in tiny pieces
Sunflower seeds, kept as a rare treat because they are high in fat
Plain, unsalted nuts occasionally
Mealworms or dried insects as an occasional protein snack
Fruit is high in sugar, so keep it to a small bite once or twice a week.
Foods to Avoid
Chocolate, candy and sweet or salty snacks
Onion, garlic and raw potato
Citrus fruit
Avocado and rhubarb
Apple seeds and fruit pits
Processed human food and anything moldy
Water and Chewing
Provide fresh water daily in a bottle, and give untreated wood or cardboard to chew so teeth stay worn down.
Stick to a quality gerbil mix, add a few safe vegetables, and keep treats rare. If your gerbil stops eating, loses weight or has diarrhea, call an exotic-pet vet.
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