Gerbils are great pets that belong in the family of rodents and just like other pets, they need care. They blend well with families and children as they are very easy and fun to live with.

Gerbils have a lifespan of up to 4 years if cared for well. This is by ensuring that they don’t get sick often. 

Food plays a big role in the health of gerbils as what they consume matters. It is important that you be aware of what they eat and what they do not eat in order to provide them with a healthy diet, avoiding the assumption that they can eat everything because they are rodents. Read along to get tips on how and what to feed your gerbil. 

Can Gerbils eat carrots?

Yes, gerbils can eat carrots, but they should not be the main meal that they have.

This is because carrots have little nutritional value to the gerbils, and if eaten as the main meal, they will lack important nutrients in their bodies in the long run.

They lack carbohydrates which are energy giving, fats, or proteins which are body building. The lack of these essential components will hinder the development of your gerbil. 

Carrots should therefore be a snack for your gerbil as they love crunchy foods that they can gnaw on. 

If Carrots are okay, then what about carrot tops for your gerbils?

Just like carrots, carrot tops are also okay for your gerbils. They lack much nutritional value, but instead of throwing away the carrot toppings that you do not need, it is okay to give them to the gerbils. 

The carrot toppings are bitter to the gerbils because of the presence of alkaloids in them and therefore should be given in moderation to avoid your gerbil being poisoned by the alkaloids. 

How many carrots should a gerbil eat?

There is no limit to the number of carrots a gerbil should eat. However, as mentioned earlier, they should not be the main meal for the gerbil as they lack nutritional value. 

Also, it is important to note that any new diets that are being introduced to gerbils should be done steadily while monitoring reactions and changes in the gerbils’ normal behavior.  Factors such as stool passage and any uncomfortable postures and moods such as lack of sleep or activity should be given a keen eye, as perhaps the food changes are causing discomfort.

All gerbils are different and should be treated differently as the saying goes, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison”.

What are the benefits of carrots to gerbils?

Although carrots lack main nutritional value to the gerbils, they definitely have some benefits because of the presence of vitamins and minerals in them.

The 5 major benefits of carrots to gerbils are:

• Carrots have vitamin A and vitamin K- These vitamins are good for your gerbil’s eyesight.
• Carrots have a low content of magnesium, which aids the gerbil’s brain to develop. The magnesium also contributes to muscle movement.
• They are low in fats therefore you will not have to worry about the calories your gerbils eat. They will not gain much weight therefore won’t be highly susceptible to cholesterol diseases such as obesity or heart failure.
• Carrots major component is water. About 95% of a carrot comprises of water therefore your gerbils eating carrots will hydrate them, giving them ease to digest meals.
• They are good for the gerbil’s teeth, as they will prevent overgrowing of the teeth. Overgrown teeth are dangerous to gerbils as they can harm themselves and it may hinder their normal activities such as eating, drinking, or even simply just closing their mouth hence they will be uncomfortable.
• Give your gerbils carrots to gnaw on!

What is poisonous to gerbils?

Some foods are very harmful and poisonous to your gerbils and can lead to death if consumed. Noting what not to give your gerbil will give it a long life span as its health with is in check. 

 Some poisonous fruits are : 

Highly acidic fruits such as citrus fruits and grapes. Avocados are also not advisable for your gerbils because of the high fat in them that can cause cholesterol complications to the gerbil such as obesity and heart failure. 

Some poisonous vegetables are:

Zucchini, cucumber, and baby marrow as they have poisonous seeds. Onions, raw potatoes, kidney beans, and lettuce are also harmful vegetables to your gerbil’s kidneys and livers. 

Some poisonous seeds are: 

Strawberry seeds and apple seeds because of the cyanide in them, which are harmful and can cause cyanide poisoning. 

Some poisonous grasses and leaves are: 

Nightshade, hemlock, daffodils, ivy, and buttercups. 

Other useful gerbil feeding tips.

Wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly.

You should wash your gerbil’s fruits and vegetables thoroughly, just as you would if you were the one eating them. This is to prevent bacteria such as E.coli that may cause bacterial infections like leptospirosis.

Check on ingredients of purchased foods.

Some pet food sold in stores, especially those generalized for rodents, may not be good for your gerbil that is why it is important to check the ingredients of the food before giving it to your gerbil. 

Cut the gerbils’ food into small pieces.

Give your gerbil small manageable pieces of food, whether fruits, vegetables, nuts or seeds. Place the food on a clean surface where it will eat it from.

Did you know that gerbils should eat at least 3-4 times a day? 

Wash all bottles. 

Ensure the gerbil’s water bottle is clean up to the nozzle to avoid bacteria from compiling in the nozzle causing illnesses to your gerbil. 

Check the gerbil’s environment as often as possible. 

Gerbils being rodents love to store food. It is essential to check on where they store food or eat from and clean them to ensure that there are no spoiled foods that can lead to stomach upsets with symptoms such as diarrhea, which is deadly for gerbils.

Conclusion. 

Do not give your gerbil any cooked, salted or flavored food. They can cause your gerbil to be dehydrated, which will leads to diseases such as heart failure and strokes. 

Love and entertain your gerbils, they are very social beings!

Other Questions

What human food can gerbils eat?

Gerbils can eat human food as long as the foods are raw, unprocessed, and crunchy. The major food groups that gerbils feed on are fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. 

What fruits can gerbils eat?

Some fruits that gerbils can eat are pears, kiwi, melons, bananas, cherries, apples, blueberries. Fruit salads are such a delightful treat. 

Some vegetables that gerbils can eat are peas, pumpkins, fennels. 

Water- give your gerbil water in a clean bottle with a nozzle to keep it hydrated, therefore aiding in digestion of what they have eaten. 

Gerbils also eat seeds of grass, leaves, and herbs.

NOTE- Gerbils are lactose intolerant and should therefore not be given any type of dairy whether cheese or milk or any other, as they cannot easily digest lactose. 

Gerbils are also omnivores and therefore should not be given any kind of meat, whether lean meat or poultry

What nuts can gerbils eat?

Gerbils love nuts. Nuts are high in protein which will aid in growth of your gerbil, minerals such as magnesium which is good for brain development and potassium which is good for bone development, and vitamins.

 You should give your gerbils nuts that are raw and unprocessed. Most of the nuts bought in supermarkets are processed and are not advisable because of their ingredients, which have chemicals that are toxic to gerbils. 

Some nuts that gerbils can feed on are peanuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, macadamia nuts, and Brazil nuts. You should remove the shells and give them to gnaw on later.