What Do Gerbils Eat?

Gerbils are omnivores with a taste for variety, and a well-balanced diet is key to keeping them healthy and happy. Here's a breakdown of what their ideal menu looks like:

🥣 Core Diet

• Commercial gerbil food: Opt for high-quality pellets or lab blocks formulated specifically for gerbils. Avoid muesli-style mixes—they tend to pick out the sugary bits and leave the nutritious ones behind.

• Seeds and grains: Include a mix of grass seeds and herbs. Pumpkin seeds are a great treat, but go easy on fatty ones like sunflower seeds.

🥕 Fruits & Veggies (in moderation)

• Safe options include:

• Fruits: Apple (no seeds), pear, melon, banana, strawberry, mango

• Veggies: Carrot, cucumber, fennel, pumpkin, broccoli, sweet potato

• Avoid grapes and rhubarb—they're toxic to rodents.

🍗 Protein Treats

• Occasional sources like:

• Boiled or scrambled egg

• Mealworms or crickets

• Lean cooked chicken

• Lentils, peas, chickpeas

💧 Hydration

• Always provide fresh, clean water in a bottle with a metal sipper tube. Check daily for leaks or blockages.

🧠 Enrichment Tip

Scatter food around their enclosure to encourage natural foraging behaviour. It’s great for mental stimulation and helps prevent food guarding.