Rodents: Feeding

What should I feed my pet rodent?

There are many species of pet rodents. From pet gerbils, rats and mice to chinchillas, guinea pigs, and prairie dogs, they all have slightly different nutritional requirements. All pet rodents must be fed a good, high quality rodent chow (nutritionally balanced pelleted food) available from your veterinary office, online, or at pet stores.

Many veterinarians also recommend offering hay and fresh vegetables to rodents to encourage chewing and wearing down their continuously growing teeth. Check with your veterinarian about your pet’s requirements.

Most diets sold as “Premium,” “Deluxe,” or “Fully Balanced” are not ideal for your pet rodent. For chinchillas, guinea pigs, and rats, species-specific pelleted diets are the best and most nutritionally complete diet. Diets containing seeds and nuts are never recommended for guinea pigs, rats, or chinchillas, as they are high in fat and low in nutrition. Many rodents will eat these tasty seeds and nuts instead of healthy, formulated pellets, leading to a nutritionally unbalanced diet.

How often should I feed my pet rodent?

Fresh food should always be available. Many owners offer the food in heavy, spill-proof ceramic crocks, although feeders can be purchased and attached to the side of the cage.

Does my rodent need vitamins?

When pet rodents are fed a proper diet, extra vitamins are not required. A nutritionally complete, pelleted rodent food contains all the vitamins a pet rodent requires for a balanced diet. An exception is guinea pigs, which may require a vitamin C supplement in certain situations.

For specific medical cases, certain nutritional supplements are beneficial, such as a urinary support supplement for urinary tract diseases and a digestive support supplement for intestinal problems in rabbits and rodents. Ask your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs.

Can I give my rodent treats?

You can offer occasional treats (one to two times a week) to mice, rats, and hamsters. Treats may include seeds, nuts, pasta, unsalted popcorn, or a whole grain cracker. The total amount of treats offered should be less than 5% to 10% of the total daily diet.

You can also feed your rodent fresh, well-cleaned, preferably organic vegetables daily, and occasionally offer a small amount of fruit. Leafy green vegetables are acceptable, as are yellow and orange vegetables. The total daily amount of these foods should not be more than 10% of the diet. Do not give your rodent iceberg lettuce or celery, as these vegetables are composed mostly of water and provide little to no nutritional value.

Pet rodents should eat mainly pellets (90% of the diet), 5% to 10% vegetables and fruits, and occasionally a few treats. Hay, such as timothy, clover, meadow or orchard grass, may also be offered free-choice as a source of fiber, as long as your veterinarian has not recommended a specific diet for your pet.

Do guinea pigs require their own special food?

Unlike most pets, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, and they develop scurvy when fed a diet deficient in vitamin C. Guinea pigs should be fed a commercial, high fiber, guinea pig pellet diet formulated with stabilized vitamin C. However, because this vitamin breaks down or oxidizes rapidly, the pellets must be used up or replaced within 90 days of the manufacturing date.

In addition to vitamin C in their pellets, guinea pigs may benefit from a daily supplemental vitamin C tablet made for guinea pigs. Do not add vitamin C to their drinking water, since the vitamin quickly breaks down in water and loses its potency.

Vitamin C supplements or treats are not necessary if vitamin C is formulated in the guinea pig pellets and if fresh vegetables containing vitamin C are offered and consumed daily. Fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, can also be offered to supply supplemental vitamin C.

How much water does my rodent need?

Fresh, clean water should be available 24 hours a day. You can offer water in a sipper bottle or a heavy crockery bowl that will not easily tip over. Clean all food bowls, water bowls, and water sippers every day with soap and hot water and rinse well. Check to ensure the sipper tube is not clogged with food or algae. A bottle brush should be used to thoroughly clean the sipper bottle tube, as it is a great place for bacteria to grow. Change the water at least daily, even if there is still water available, as bacteria and yeast can accumulate if water is not changed.

Is there anything else I should know about feeding my rodent?

Rodents need to maintain their teeth by chewing on things. Speak to your veterinarian about suitable toys for your pet rodent.

• Chew toys made from hard wood are commercially available in pet stores for rodents and should be offered to help prevent overgrowth of the front teeth (incisors).
• Applewood sticks help chinchillas to help keep their teeth trimmed and provide a beneficial activity.
• Rats, hamsters, gerbils, and pet mice love to tear up paper and cardboard, so these types of products may be placed in the cage for enjoyment.