What do pet gerbils eat? There are several options, including small creatures, Insects, Eggs, and Seed mixes. Gerbils also enjoy a large amount of water, so you should be sure to provide a sturdy water bowl for them. Jennifer Lynn has been writing for newspapers since 1991 and is currently a Gannett correspondent. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Ohio University, and studied journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
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Insects
If you’re wondering whether your pet gerbil should be allowed to eat insects, you’re not alone. Gerbils are omnivores that eat both meat and insects. Crickets, locusts, and mealworms are all excellent choices for your gerbil’s diet. These creatures jump around in their cages when they’re trying to escape. But before you feed your pet gerbil any insects, read up on a few things to consider first.
Eggs
Although gerbils can eat raw vegetables, they can also enjoy egg treats as a treat. Eggs are full of nutrients for gerbils, but they don’t need a lot of them. A single egg per day is enough to provide the nutrition your gerbil needs. However, too much egg can lead to obesity and a buildup of cholesterol. A teaspoonful of raw egg per day is sufficient for your gerbil.
Small creatures
Gerbils are omnivores and will eat most types of foods – but some are better for you than others. Fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, should be removed from the cage several hours after you place it. To remove pesticides or other harmful substances, wash and scrub produce thoroughly before serving it to your pet. Sesame seeds, melon seeds, and poppy seeds are also nutritious and suitable for your pet.
Seed mixes
Gerbils love variety. A commercial seed mix, also known as gerbil muesli, is ideal for this purpose. These mixes generally contain several varieties of seeds, as well as cereal to provide added nutrition. Gerbils tend to prefer the larger seeds, but they’ll also nibble on the smaller ones, too. The right seed mix will contain essential nutrients, like vitamin E and DHA, as well as healthy vegetables and fruits.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
You can provide fresh fruits and vegetables to your gerbil at regular intervals. Gerbils get bored eating the same old stuff every day, so a variety in its diet is good for its health and enjoyment. They should also be fed small amounts of mealworms to keep their teeth filed. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not as rich in protein and fat as dry pellets, so if your gerbil does not like them, switch to mealworms or superworms.
Pellets
While gerbils do like to eat, they tend to eat indiscriminately in captivity. This means that your gerbil will soon become obese, as he will enjoy fatty foods more than nutritious ones. Limit the amount of fattening foods your gerbil eats to encourage them to choose healthier alternatives. Avoid giving them hard dried beans or large pieces of hard vegetables, as these can cause choking hazards. Finally, avoid giving your pet gerbil junk food.
Lab Blocks
There are many reasons why lab blocks and pellets are better for gerbils. Pellets are small pieces of food and lab blocks are bigger chunks. Both types contain essential nutrients that gerbils need, but they may not be the best option for your pet. Lab blocks contain more variety and are more nutritious for your gerbil. Pellets also provide more variety and are easier to chew and are more fun for your pet to eat than lab blocks.
