Chinchillas are herbivorous rodents , so they feed only on plants, vegetables, and fruits . Unlike other rodents, chinchillas are not granivorous, that is, they do not eat seeds or grains .
In captivity, the diet of chinchillas should be based on:
- 5% vegetables and fruits .
- 75% hay .
- 20% feed or pellets .
The digestive system of chinchillas is very delicate , so every time a new food is introduced into their diet, it should be done little by little. The percentage of nutrients that the diet of chinchillas must have is:
- 30% fiber.
- 15% protein.
- 32% carbohydrates.
- 10% wet food.
- 3% healthy fats.
- 4% sugar.
- 6% minerals.
Of course, we must not forget that they need to have clean and fresh water 24 hours a day , in a very clean and well-kept cage in which they can live comfortably and in which they feel comfortable.
Chinchilla Food
As we have mentioned in the previous point, hay is the main food source for chinchillas. This food, composed mainly of fiber and cellulose , helps the proper functioning of its intestine and, in addition, it serves to wear down its teeth , which, like a good rodent, never stops growing.
There are different types of hay for chinchillas with which the diet should be varied and, if you see that your chinchilla has a little calcium deficit, it is ideal to leave a calcium stone hanging in its cage that it licks when it sees fit .
The feed or pellets are also basic in the feeding of chinchillas. The recommended amount of feed is 30 grams per day , although it will depend on the needs of the animal. Combining the feed with the hay, a healthy and balanced diet will be obtained for your pet.
Fruits and vegetables should also be part of the chinchillas’ diet, since they provide essential minerals and vitamins but, in this case, in a moderate way , since it can cause diarrhea or something more serious, especially with fruits.
What Vegetables Can Chinchillas Eat?
Among the vegetables that chinchillas can eat are any green leafy vegetables , especially cauliflower leaves, broccoli, spinach, chard, lamb’s lettuce, arugula, celery, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and carrot leaves.
These vegetables should be washed thoroughly so that they are as clean as possible, in addition to drying them well before feeding them to the chinchilla.
What Fruits Do Chinchillas Eat?
Chinchillas can eat many types of fruit, although the most recommended is the apple. They love!
Before feeding them fruit, make sure that no seeds or pits get in, as many of them contain cyanide and can be lethal to them. You also have to be careful with some fruit skins, berries and citrus fruits, as they can make your urine very acidic.
What Other Foods Can Chinchillas Eat?
Other foods that chinchillas can eat are nuts , but always as a treat or treat , never as a basic food, and they must be unsalted and unroasted. These nuts can be sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts.
We remind you that, when feeding a chinchilla a new or special food, it should be done gradually, little by little, so that its body gets used to it and to avoid any indigestion or digestive problem that the food may cause. that is being introduced.
What Should Chinchillas Not Eat? Forbidden food
On the other hand, there are foods that are strictly prohibited for chinchillas as they are toxic to them.
Like many animals, chocolate is totally prohibited for them, as well as cookies and sugar or other processed foods intended for human consumption.
Corn is also toxic to chinchillas, as are its derivatives, and any food with a high protein content does more harm than good. Finally, foods of animal origin must be completely avoided , since chinchillas are herbivorous.