Cabbages And Gerbils

Gerbils are from the rodent family and the Mongolian gerbils, which are usually used as pets are adapted to living in parched conditions.

Gerbils make great pets because they are low maintenance, small, so they can be carried around and they don't need to be walked like dogs. It's a good pet for kids in case you are wondering what pet your kid would love.

If you just got one of these lovelies as your pet and you are wondering if they like to eat cabbage or if they are even allowed to eat them, then this article is for you. Read on.

Cabbage is a cultivated plant eaten as a vegetable.

• It has thick crinkled or smooth leaves that come in a different variety of colours.
• It could be green, red, purple or white.
• It is highly nutritious and beneficial to health.
• It can help prevent heart diseases, aid digestion, and also improve brain function.
• It is low in calories, so there's no fear of becoming obese when you indulge in it.

Cooking it further reduces its calorie content. Is it then safe for your Gerbil to eat? Read on.

Will Gerbils eat cabbage?

Gerbils basically love to chew everything so they like vegetables. Cabbage is a vegetable that is highly chewable, so chances are your gerbils won't reject them.

Don't be in a haste to add it to your Gerbil's diet though. First, make sure it enjoys eating it. Cut a few slices and leave it in your Gerbil's cage, watch to see if it will eat it and how well it eats it. You will know if it likes it and decide if you would like to add it to its diet.

Is cabbage good for Gerbils?

Cabbage is a vegetable that is rich in fibre and protein, which are necessary for Gerbils to live healthy.

Though you must remember that cabbage is a treat for Gerbils. You should not give it to your pet as a substantial part of its diet.

Too much of cabbage eating could cause damage to your Gerbil. Remember, I said Mongolian Gerbils which pets and are adapted to living in parched conditions? Well, it means they don't need too much water in their diet. In fact, too much of water intake is not good for them. So make sure your pet isn't consuming too much water.

Cabbage's water quantity is high, which could cause your Gerbil to have diarrhea. I'm sure you don't want that for your pet.

Cabbage therefore should be given sparingly to your pet as a treat even if it loves it. You are not being mean. This is you caring for your pet because you love it.

What type of cabbage can Gerbils eat?

There are different cabbages apart from the popular green one we all know. We have Savoy cabbage, Purple cabbage, Napa cabbage, to mention a few.

In case one of these is more accessible to you and you are wondering if it is safe to give your Gerbil. The answer is yes. These cabbages vary in colour, sizes and shapes, but the nutrional values and properties are almost the same.

So when feeding your Gerbils any of the other cabbages, the same rule that applies to green cabbages also applies to them.

How often can I give my Gerbil cabbage?

I know your Gerbil loves to eat cabbage and you like to pamper it but since you know cabbage is high in water quantity, you want to reduce your Gerbil's intake of cabbage.

One or two slices of cabbage leaves per week is enough treat for your pet. It supplies it with enough fibre and protein without the risk of your pet getting diarrhea.

How should I give my Gerbil cabbage?

Gerbils are small, so they definitely do not have a big enough mouth to eat big chunks of food. Before giving your Gerbil cabbage leaves to eat, you may want to cut the leaves into chewable bits, so that your pet can eat it without stress or fear of choking.

Are Gerbils allowed to eat cooked cabbages?

This is a question Gerbil owners ask often, and in case that question is also on your mind, the answer is yes. Gerbils can definitely eat cooked cabbage. It is even preferable to raw ones, as cooking cabbage helps reduce its water content. Cooking cabbage helps reduce its water content while still maintaining its necessary nutrients, so it is good for your Gerbil.

You may want to avoid adding seasoning while cooking cabbage for your Gerbil though, as you do not know if the ingredients used in making that seasoning will sit well with your pet.

I know cabbage usually has a slightly bitter taste, but I'm sure your Gerbil loves it all the same.

Can Gerbils eat cabbage stems?

People tend to neglect cabbage stems in favour of the leaves when cooking or making salads, but for your Gerbil, it is okay.

Cabbage stems are more crunchy which Gerbils will love. They are also an excellent source of dietary fibre, calcium and iron. It is also highly proteinous, which is good for your Gerbil's well being.

You can give it to your pet fresh or cooked. But remember, it is just a treat, so give it sparingly to supplement its diet. You may also want to cook it first, to reduce its water content.

To be on the safe side though, you may want to skip cabbage altogether or give it to your pet once in a while if it loves it. The water content in cabbage does not make it a great choice for Gerbils.

What if my Gerbil is dehydrated?

Gerbils may get dehydrated. It could be a lack of enough fresh water supply for the Gerbil.

If your Gerbil is dehydrated, apart from giving it enough fresh water, you could feed it cabbages. Since you know cabbages' water content is high, it is advisable to give it to your pet so that it can regain its fluid loss quickly.

Other Questions

What foods are poisonous to Gerbils?

Gerbils have a different and unique digestive system, so many foods are not good for them. When feeding your Gerbil, here is a list of foods you should be wary of.

1. Apple seeds. Apple seeds contain a poisonous cyanide which could kill Gerbils. Gerbils can eat apples but make sure you remove the seeds first.

2.Tomato. Tomatoes should not be given to Gerbils as they are high in water content. However, a small portion can be given to a dehydrated Gerbil so it can regain its fluid loss.

Unripe tomatoes, tomato stem and tomato leaves should be avoided as they are poisonous to Gerbils.

 3.Fatty foods. Foods that contain a lot of fat can be dangerous to Gerbils as they are always at risk of becoming overweight. Example of fatty foods to be wary of are avocado and sunflower seeds.

Can Gerbils eat raisins?

Raisins are dried variations of grapes. They are rich in minerals vitamins and fibers. They have antibacterial properties and also aid digestion.

They are sweet and chewy so Gerbils enjoy eating them. They are highly nutritious for Gerbils because they are a wonderful source of dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins they need.

However, they should not be given to Gerbils often because of its high sugar levels. One raisin once or twice a week as a snack is safe enough.

Can Gerbils eat lettuce?

Lettuce is a vegetable rich in minerals and vitamins. It is also rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C. It has a lot of medicinal qualities. It helps moderate sleep, control anxiety and reduce inflammation.

Lettuce is not poisonous to Gerbils. It is low in fat, so there's no risk of your Gerbil becoming overweight if it eats it.

However, lettuce is high in water content, so you should be moderate when feeding it to your Gerbil. It should be used as a snack and not a substantial part of its food.