Gerbils are animals that eat both plants and meat. They naturally enjoy a mix of seeds, fruits, veggies, and bugs.
When gerbils live with us as pets, we often feed them special pellets made for them, hay, and some fresh fruits and vegetables. But, there are some foods that might not be good for them, and some could even be dangerous. It’s really important to know which foods are safe for gerbils and which aren’t.
Table of Contents
- What Do Gerbils Need in Their Diet?
- Is it Okay for Gerbils to Eat Oranges?
- The Good Things About Oranges for Gerbils
- The Possible Dangers of Oranges for Gerbils
- How You Should Give Oranges to Gerbils
- Summing Up
- Common Questions About Gerbils and Oranges
- Can gerbils eat the peel of oranges?
- How much orange can I feed my gerbil?
- Could oranges be poisonous to gerbils?
- Is it safe to give my gerbil canned oranges?
- What if my gerbil has too many oranges?
What Do Gerbils Need in Their Diet?
Before we talk about oranges and gerbils, we should understand what gerbils need to eat to be healthy. Gerbils need food that gives them protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They also need water to drink every day.
Is it Okay for Gerbils to Eat Oranges?
Yes, gerbils can have oranges once in a while. Oranges aren’t poisonous to gerbils, but because they have a lot of sugar and acid, they might upset a gerbil’s stomach if it eats too many. It’s best to give gerbils just a little bit of orange once or twice every week as a special snack.
The Good Things About Oranges for Gerbils
Giving oranges to your gerbils can be good for them because oranges have vitamin C. This vitamin helps gerbils fight off sickness. Oranges also have fiber, which helps gerbils’ digestion and can keep them from getting constipated.
The Possible Dangers of Oranges for Gerbils
Even though oranges can be good for gerbils, there are some things to watch out for. Oranges have a lot of sugar which can make gerbils gain too much weight and hurt their teeth. They are also acidic, which means they can give gerbils tummy troubles like diarrhea and make them feel bloated.
How You Should Give Oranges to Gerbils
If you decide that you’d like to give your gerbil an orange, here’s how you should do it safely:
- Clean the orange well before giving it to your gerbil.
- Chop up a small piece of orange and take out any seeds.
- Give the orange to your gerbil as an occasional treat, not all the time.
- Watch how your gerbil reacts to the orange and stop giving it to them if you notice any digestive problems.
Summing Up
Gerbils can indeed eat oranges but in small amounts. While oranges offer some health benefits for gerbils, too much can lead to health issues because of the high levels of sugar and acid. When giving oranges to your gerbil, just be cautious and watch how they handle it.
Common Questions About Gerbils and Oranges
Can gerbils eat the peel of oranges?
No, it’s not a good idea to give gerbils orange peels because they can be tough to digest for them.
How much orange can I feed my gerbil?
A small piece of orange is enough for a gerbil, and you should only give this as a treat once or twice a week.
Could oranges be poisonous to gerbils?
No, oranges themselves aren’t poisonous to gerbils. However, they should not be given in large amounts.
Is it safe to give my gerbil canned oranges?
You should avoid giving canned oranges to gerbils because they often have added preservatives and other ingredients that aren’t good for gerbils.
What if my gerbil has too many oranges?
If your gerbil eats too many oranges and it upsets their stomach, stop giving them oranges and get in touch with a vet if needed.
