Chinchilla's Diet

A Guide to Natural Nutrition

9/2/20251 min read

🌾 What Should Chinchilla's Eat? A Guide to Natural Nutrition

Chinchillas may look like plush toys, but their dietary needs are anything but soft and fluffy. These curious little herbivores hail from the dry Andes Mountains, where food is sparse and fibrous. To keep their teeth trim and tummies happy, chinchillas thrive on a simple, high-fibre diet that mirrors their wild habits. At Treats 4 Squeaks, we believe that feeding should be both nourishing and enriching—so here’s what your chinchilla really needs:

🥬 Daily Essentials

• Hay, hay, and more hay: This is the cornerstone of a chinchilla’s diet. Offer unlimited access to dust-extracted timothy or meadow hay. It keeps their digestive system moving and helps wear down constantly growing teeth.

• Pellets: Choose high-quality, grass-based chinchilla pellets.

• Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available.

🍃 Treats (In Tiny Doses)

Chinchillas love to forage, so treats can be a great way to encourage natural behaviour. But moderation is key:

• Dried herbs like chamomile, dandelion, nettle and plantain

• Rosehips or dried hibiscus as occasional treats

• Check the infographics below for more food suggestions!

Avoid moist treats, nuts, seeds, and sugary snacks—they can cause digestive upset and long-term health issues.