Gerbil Diet

Setting up a balanced diet for your gerbil is essential for ensuring their long-term health and vitality. In the wild, gerbils primarily eat seeds, grains, and the occasional insect, and their diet in captivity should closely mimic these natural habits. A good quality commercial gerbil food mix, available at most pet stores, provides the foundation of their diet, offering the right balance of seeds, grains, and pellets. This mix should be the main source of nutrition, but it’s also important to supplement with fresh foods to add variety and provide additional nutrients.

Gerbils can benefit from small amounts of fresh vegetables like carrots, spinach, and broccoli, as well as fruits like apples or pears, though these should be given in moderation due to their sugar content. Avoid feeding your gerbil citrus fruits, which can upset their stomach. It’s also important to provide occasional protein sources like small pieces of cooked egg or mealworms, especially for pregnant or nursing females. Always ensure that fresh, clean water is available, either in a bottle or a shallow dish that is changed daily.

When setting up their feeding routine, avoid overfeeding, as gerbils tend to hoard food in their bedding, which can lead to waste or spoilage. Monitor how much food is being consumed and adjust portions accordingly. Additionally, ensure that uneaten fresh food is removed from the cage after a few hours to prevent it from spoiling. By offering a balanced diet that includes both a commercial mix and fresh supplements, you can help keep your gerbil healthy, active, and happy for years to come.