A Quick Guide to Chinchilla Food
Chinchilla food needs to be selected carefully as chinchillas have sensitive stomachs. These little creatures are generally vegetarian, and need good quality food to maintain their health. Their digestive system is sensitive and stomach upsets are common, especially if the diet is too rich or if there are sudden changes in the diet.
Best Foods for Chinchillas
A wild chinchilla eats a lot of vegetable and natural fibers, and for pet chinchillas, it is a good idea to try to create a similar eating program. Many of the pellets available in pet food stores provide a lot of the necessary nutrients, and are also easily digested. Chinchillas need hay or grass, especially loose hay, so serve some grass or hay daily with the pet food. Hay and grass help to maintain the digestion in good working order, and it is also good for the teeth. Always check that the hay is fresh and does not smell damp.
Pellets are generally the best option and the products on the market that are designed for chinchillas usually contain a good blend of fibers, proteins and fats.
The best feeding bowls for chinchillas are small ceramic bowls.Chinchilla cages with a food hopper on the outside will work, too. Remember to give small amounts at each feeding time to keep the food fresh.
Can Chinchillas Eat Treats?
All pets love treats, but too many treats are not good for the sensitive chinchilla stomachs. Many of the treats found in stores can cause stomach upsets for chinchillas, so it is better to come up with your own natural treats. Dried fruits are always popular, although they are very sweet and should be fed in small amounts. Many chinchilla owners have noticed that their pets love raisins, and a small raisin every now and then can be a much appreciated treat. Some owners also use them when training their pets.
Other suitable fruits include blueberries, cranberries and small pieces of apples or pears. Banana chips can also be given. Small pieces of vegetables, such as carrots, are good options as long as you do not choose gas-producing veggies such as cabbage. Many owners treat their pets with rolled oats and other grains, and these are a healthy choice as long as you remember to keep the amounts small.
Chinchillas also love chewing on twigs and playing with them. As long as you choose a safe and easily digested tree, such as an apple tree, you can feed some small twigs occasionally and watch your little pet enjoy the treats.
Other Feeding Tips
Always remember to keep fresh water available for drinking, and change the water often.
If you want to change the existing diet or try some new foods, even if you just want to change the brand of the pet food you are serving, it is important that you do it slowly over time. Surprising and sudden changes in the food can create stomach problems for chinchillas, so try giving a little bit of the new food together with the existing pellets at first, and add some more new foods every day until your pet is used to the change.
Sometimes chinchillas can be quite choosy with their foods and they do not always eat everything you serve them. Check if all the food has been eaten. Even if you have designed the most careful and balanced diet, if your pet hides half of it, it will not get the necessary nutrients.
Some reputable brands of chinchilla food that are popular with owners are the Mazuri’s Chinchilla Diet and the Oxbow’s Chinchilla Deluxe. With some careful food planning your chinchilla can remain in good health and avoid unnecessary stomach upsets.
