The Gerbil Diet

Feeding a gerbil is fun and filled with variety. There are so many things for gerbils to eat and they love trying almost anything. But, because of this, it's especially important that you only feed your pet foods that are good for them. Because they'll eat anything, they'll often eat things that aren't good for them. So what are the perfect pieces to a healthy gerbil diet?


Photo credit to Gerbil and Rodent Rescue UK.
Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!


Seeds: Seeds are an important part of any gerbil's diet. A variety of seeds is the perfect way to give your gerbil plenty of motivation to eat. Sunflowers are fatty- so they are one seed that should be used sparingly. We suggest only using them as a treat and only letting them munch on them once a week. On the other hand millet, safflower, flax seed, canary grass seed, oat groats, and barley are all great seeds that make a perfect part of a gerbil's diet.

Nuts: There is nothing cuter than watching your little rodent munch down an almond or cashew. And nuts are a great source of protein that your gerbil needs. Feeding them peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and pecans two to three times a week is a good idea.

Vegetables: You should add dried vegetables to your gerbils food every day- peas, corn, alfalfa, timothy hay and carrots are all perfect things to add. But you should also give your gerbil fresh green vegetables (such as loose leaf lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower) two to three times a week.

Fruits: Fruits are high in sugar, so they should only be given to your gerbil once or twice a week. Berries are always a very popular choice, but you can also let them eat apple, pear, banana, papaya, and pineapple. Dried or fresh fruit are both good. But with dried fruit make sure they do not have salt or sugar preservatives.