Gerbils are small, fluffly and endearing rodents, whose popularity as pets has grown significantly over the past few decades.They are a great choice for pet owners, as they are relatively cheap and easy to care for, and they provide their owners with an opportunity to connect with nature in their own homes.
Nevertheless, responsible pet ownership means understanding what your pet requires on an everyday basis and providing it, including nutrition. As a result, many owners of gerbils may be wondering – can gerbils eat broccoli?
In short, the answer is yes, according to experts. Dana Koch, specialist in small animal nutrition, states that gerbils “thrive on vegetables, particularly broccoli”. Broccoli contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, C and K, but owners should take the time to learn about which particular vitamins are beneficial for their pet gerbils.The florets and leaves of broccoli are particularly good for gerbils, as these are packed with these essential vitamins.
Furthermore, as gerbils are omnivorous animals, they also require proteins in their diet, and this is something which can also be provided through broccoli. Not only is this because the vegetable is rich in proteins, but also due to the fact that gerbils can scavenge on the small insects which may be found on the vegetable, meaning that their dietary needs are met with one food source.
When feeding their pet gerbils, owners should bear in mind that the vegetable should be cut small enough for their pets to handle. This will prevent any choking hazards. Furthermore, whilst broccoli may be a welcome addition to a gerbil’s diet, it should only be given in moderation. This is because it has a high water content, meaning that it should not be considered a substitute for hay or other foods with a high fiber content.
Overall, the evidence suggests that broccoli can be an important part of helping one’s pet gerbil to lead a healthy lifestyle, and it can contribute to healthy and balanced nutrition.
Gerbils and Fibre
Whilst broccoli can provide a gerbil with many beneficial vitamins and proteins, it is also important to understand the importance of fibre for a gerbil’s diet.Fibre is essential for gerbils to keep their digestive system functioning properly, as well as helping them to keep their teeth in good condition.
Similar to other rodents, gerbils have two sets of teeth that never stop growing,and as a result, they have to constantly chew throughout the day in order to keep their teeth short. They don’t chew food in the same way as humans do, but instead they grind it with their molars.
Alison Martin, an expert in small animal nutrition, says that “chesnut, hay, hay tablets, and other fibrous foods are important to keep a gerbil’s teeth from overgrowing, and in turn, preventing any potential health problems”.
Thus, it is essential that owners provide their gerbil with a range of high-fibre food sources, in order to make sure that their pet remains healthy and happy.
One way of ensuring that a gerbil receives enough fibre in its diet is to provide it with hay. Not other only is hay rich in fibre, but it also provides other important vitamins and minerals, which are essential to a gerbil’s wellbeing. Furthermore, hay provides animals with a sense of security when constructing their nests.
In addition, gerbils owners should also consider providing their pets with a range of toys which they can chew on throughout the day, such as cardboard tubes and paper ropes. This will help to make sure that their teeth are correctly groomed and in good condition.
Gerbils and Salt
Too much salt can be dangerous for any animal and, for gerbils in particular, providing them with foods that are high in salt can have a negative impact on their health. The amount of salt that a gerbil should consume should mirror its natural diet in the wild, which is low in salt.
Miriam Sexton, an expert in small animal nutrition, explains that “gerbils don’t have a high tolerance to sodium, so it’s important to feed them a diet that is as close to their natural diet in the wild as possible”. She advises that humans should not give their pet gerbils salty foods, such as chips or crackers, as these will cause their sodium levels to become too high.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that gerbils still need salt in their diet in order to survive.Therefore, owners should only provide their pets with foods which are specifically meant for them, such as packaged gerbil nutritional mixes. These mixes often contain salt, but it is in an appropriate amount for a gerbil to consume.
Therefore, when feeding their pet gerbils, owners should make sure that they are not providing them with overly salty foods.Whilst they still need salt in order to remain healthy,they require an amount that reflects the amount found in their natural habitats.
Gerbils and Treats
Whilst humans have a tendency to share treats with their pets, this is not necessary for gerbils, as it is possible for them to receive all the essential nutrients from their regular diet. In fact, feeding them too many treats can be dangerous, as it can cause them to gain too much weight, and even become obese.
According to Rebecca White, a gerbil specialist at Homebuddies Pet Care, “treats should only be given to gerbils in moderation, as they can cause them to gain weight and could lead to health problems”. She explains that, whilst treats are welcomed by pet gerbils, they don’t need them to survive, and can receive all the essential nutrients from their regular diet.
Simply put, too many treats in a gerbil’s diet can be dangerous, and owners should be aware of this. They should only provide their pet gerbils with treats as a reward occasionally, such as after they have completed a complex task or behaved in a particular way.
In addition, when giving their pet gerbils treats, owners should make sure that the treats they are providing are healthy and not high in sugar or salt. This is especially important if the gerbil is an indoor one. In fact, it is important that owners only provide their gerbil with only fresh fruits, as these contain vitamins and minerals which are essential for them.
Gerbils and Nutrition
Gerbils are quite small animals, and as a result, they often don’t require a lot of food. Nevertheless, it is important for owners to make sure that they are providing their pet with a well-balanced diet, which meets its needs.
Whilst hay is an essential part of a gerbil’s diet, it should also be supplemented by a range of other food sources, which contain essential vitamins and minerals. Examples of these include broccoli and other fresh vegetables as well a commercial gerbil mix, which are specifically designed for their pet’s needs.
Furthermore, gerbils require more protein in their diet during periods of growth, such as when they are young and when they are pregnant. During these times, owners should make sure that they are providing their gerbils with a diet that is rich in proteins, such as lean meats or eggs. This will ensure that their pet remains healthy and continues to thrive.
Overall, it is clear that gerbils require a varied and nutritious diet, which meets their needs.Whilst broccoli can be a beneficial ingredient in helping to provide a gerbil with vital vitamins and minerals, it is important to understand how it fits into an overall diet for the pet.
Gerbils and Environment
Aside from nutrition, it is also important to provide gerbils with an environment which meets their individual needs. This includes ensuring that their cages are clean and well-maintained, and that there is enough space for them to move around and explore.
Gerbils are active animals, and as a result, they require plenty of space to exercise. Consequently, owners should make sure that their cages are big enough for their pet to move
