Becoming a good gerbil keeper is one of the dreams of many pet owners. However, to achieve this, there are many things you need to take care of, one of which is feeding it the right foods. This plays the golden role of keeping your gerbils healthy at all times.

The good news is that this article has compiled for you the right foods to feed your gerbils. They have the best nutrients needed for proper growth. Dive in and Read more here.

Bananas

Bananas are rich in many healthy minerals, including manganese, copper, and magnesium. These play vital roles in the body of your gerbils, especially magnesium. It is needed for brain health and helps in preventing seizures.

So bananas are a great addition to your pet’s diet. Green under-ripe, fresh, and black overripe are all safe for them. However, wild gerbils don’t like bananas, but many domestic ones love the taste. But you shouldn’t feed them as they cause water overload, leading to watery stools. Bananas also don’t have enough fat and protein for your gerbils, so they should be occasionally treated.

Apples

These fruits are excellent treats for your gerbils because they are also packed with lots of nutrients. Apples are rich in magnesium, potassium, fibre, and Vitamin A. Not only that, but it also has pectin, which is beneficial for gut health.

But you should feed your gerbils tiny amounts of the fruit. Wondering why? This is because apples have high water and sugar levels that can cause diarrhoea. They are also acidic. On top of that, you must remove the seeds as they are dangerous for your gerbil once it chews them. The seeds contain amygdalin, and, once digested, it turns into cyanide that can kill your pet.

Berries

Gerbils enjoy berries as a treat because they are tasty and sweet. The other good news is that even wild gerbils enjoy them, and the safest berries include:
  • Strawberries
  • Goji berries
  • Blackberries
You should include them in their diet because they are rich in essential minerals and natural water. Berries also provide gerbils with energy, good protein, fat levels, and fibre. Always wash the fruits before feeding them to your pet to remove pesticide residues that may be poisonous.

But you should also regulate the amounts you feed your pet. This is because the high sugar in the berries can stress the pancreas and increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Broccoli

Broccoli is among the best vegetables that your gerbil needs to stay healthy. The pets love its texture and taste. Best of all, the crunchiness of broccoli helps in filing down the teeth of your gerbils.

The vegetable is packed with many minerals, including
  • Fibre
  • Calcium
  • Protein
  • H2O
  • Vitamin K
  • Magnesium
Furthermore, all broccoli parts are safe for your gerbil, including the leaves, florets, and stems.