Feeding Gebrils
Gerbils are naturally curious, active pets that thrive on a varied and balanced diet. Providing the right foods helps support their energy levels, digestive health and overall wellbeing while encouraging natural foraging behaviours.
If you're wondering what gerbils should eat, this guide explains everything you need to know, from everyday essentials to healthy treats and foods to avoid.
What Should a Gerbil's Diet Consist Of?
A healthy gerbil diet should include a combination of:
- A high-quality gerbil food mix or pellets
- Fresh hay for nesting, enrichment and occasional nibbling
- Small amounts of fresh vegetables
- Healthy treats in moderation
- Fresh, clean drinking water available at all times
Gerbils are omnivores, meaning they enjoy a wide variety of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects. A balanced commercial gerbil food is the best foundation for their daily diet.
Do Gerbils Need Hay?
Yes. While hay isn't the main part of a gerbil's diet in the same way it is for rabbits or guinea pigs, it still provides important benefits.
Good-quality hay can be used for:
- Nest building
- Environmental enrichment
- Occasional grazing
- Encouraging natural behaviours
Timothy Hay and Meadow Hay are both excellent options, offering a clean, natural bedding and foraging material that many gerbils enjoy exploring.
Choose fresh, dust-extracted hay to help keep your gerbil's enclosure clean and comfortable.
What Fresh Vegetables Can Gerbils Eat?
Fresh vegetables can be offered a few times a week as a healthy supplement to their main diet.
Safe vegetables include:
- Carrot (small amounts)
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
- Courgette
- Peas
- Spinach (occasionally)
Introduce new foods gradually and remove any uneaten fresh food after a few hours to keep the enclosure hygienic.
Can Gerbils Eat Fruit?
Gerbils can enjoy small amounts of fruit as an occasional treat.
Suitable fruits include:
- Apple (without seeds)
-
Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Pear
- Oranges
Because fruit contains natural sugars, it should only be fed occasionally.
Healthy Treats for Gerbils
Treats should make up only a small part of your gerbil's diet.
Healthy options include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds (sparingly)
- Oats
- Dried herbs
- Dandelion leaves
- Millet sprays
Using treats during handling sessions can also help build trust with your gerbil.
Foods Gerbils Should Never Eat
Some foods can be harmful or even toxic to gerbils.
Avoid feeding:
- Chocolate
- Sweets
- Sugary cereals
- Onions
- Garlic
- Citrus fruits
- Avocado
- Raw potatoes
- Rhubarb
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks
It's also best to avoid processed human foods, which are often too high in salt, sugar or fat.
How Often Should You Feed a Gerbil?
Most adult gerbils should be fed once a day with a measured portion of high-quality gerbil food.
Fresh vegetables can be offered several times a week, while treats should be limited to occasional rewards.
Always check food stores within the enclosure before adding more, as gerbils naturally like to gather and stash food.
Do Gerbils Drink Water?
Yes. Fresh, clean water should always be available.
A water bottle is usually the easiest way to provide drinking water while helping to keep it clean. Check the bottle daily to make sure it's working properly and refill it with fresh water every day.
Signs Your Gerbil Has a Healthy Diet
A well-fed gerbil should:
- Be active and alert.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Have bright eyes and a clean coat.
- Show regular eating and drinking habits.
- Produce normal droppings.
If you notice sudden weight loss, changes in appetite or unusual behaviour, seek advice from a veterinarian experienced with small animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gerbils eat hay every day?
Yes. Hay can be left in your gerbil's enclosure every day for nesting, enrichment and occasional nibbling. While it isn't their primary food source, fresh hay provides a natural environment and encourages instinctive behaviours.
What is the best food for gerbils?
A high-quality commercial gerbil food mix or pellet should form the basis of your gerbil's diet, supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables, occasional fruit and healthy treats.
Can gerbils eat carrots?
Yes. Carrots are safe for gerbils when fed in small quantities as an occasional treat.
Can gerbils eat grass?
Clean, untreated grass can be offered occasionally if it hasn't been exposed to pesticides or chemicals. Introduce it gradually and ensure it's fresh.
Give Your Gerbils the Best Care
A balanced diet is one of the most important ways to keep your gerbils healthy and active. Alongside a nutritious food mix, providing fresh hay for nesting and enrichment helps create a stimulating environment where your pets can thrive.
Explore our range of premium Timothy Hay and Meadow Hay to give your gerbils fresh, natural forage and comfortable nesting material delivered straight to your door. Our hay is grown on our family farm in Yorkshire and baled within 48 hours of cutting to lock in its natural nutrition.