0
0
Gerbils are popular all over the world because they are active and playful in nature. You must provide them a food that is nutritious and well-balanced. If you wanna be a responsible pet owner, you must do it. Although gerbils can eat various types of food, you should be conscious of their foods. Because all foods aren’t safe for them, some are toxic. In this article, we will discover the poisonous food items for gerbils, so that you can save your favorite pet from toxicity.
What are the poisonous food items for gerbils?
Gerbils are curious in nature. They can be tempted by various foods within their reach. So, it’s important to understand that all human foods aren’t safe for small animals like gerbils. Some toxic foods can cause serious health risks to your little rodents. By understanding what poisonous food items for gerbils are, you can take suitable steps to prevent them from eating these.
So, be conscious and prevent your rodents from eating these foods:
- Chocolate
Although people like to eat Chocolate most, it isn’t good for anyone. Chocolate contains an element like theobromine. This element is toxic to small animals like gerbils. This element can cause heart problems in your favorite rodents. So, keep your favorite rodents away from chocolate.
- Caffeine drinks
Coffee, tea, and beverage drinks contain a substance named caffeine. Although people take these drinks to boost energy, they are toxic for gerbils. Caffeine can cause multiple health problems like cardiac problems, restlessness, and even death.
- Onions and Garlic
Although onions and garlic are vegetables, these belong to allium family. People like to cook foods using these veggies. These foods contain a substance that can damage the red blood cells of your favorite rodents. Your gerbils also may suffer from anemia. So, avoid feeding any foods cooked with onions and garlic.
- Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, yuzu, orange, etc. are known as citrus fruits. Although people enjoy these tangy fruits, keep away your gerbils away from these citrus fruits. These fruits can cause acidity and digestive problems to your pets. Your small rodents’ teeth also may turn sour.
- Avocado
Avocado is suitable for humans, but not for small rodents. Avocado contains a substance called persin. This substance is toxic to many small animals like gerbils. If your gerbils consume avocado, your gerbils will suffer from cardiac problems. This substance also can cause digestive problems which will cause diarrhea and vomiting.
- Grapes and raisins
The amount of sugar is high in raisins and grapes. These can be highly toxic to gerbils. In gerbils, it might result in problems with their kidneys. So, it’s best to keep grapes and raisins away from your favorite rodents’ reach.
- Nuts and seeds
Although gerbils can consume various nuts and seeds naturally, some of them can be harmful. Almonds, peanuts, and cashews are high in fat. These nuts and seeds can cause digestive problems to your gerbils.
- Dairy products
Dairy products like milk, sweets, cheese, yogurt, etc. contain an acid named lactose. Gerbils can’t tolerate it because they don’t have the enzyme needed to digest these dairy products. Your gerbils may suffer from digestive problems or diarrhea.
- Sugary and salty foods
You should avoid feeding some foods that are high in sugar and salt. Although people can digest these foods such as candy, chips, and cookies, gerbils can’t digest these foods easily. Consuming these foods can lead to obesity, dental, and other health problems.
- Junk foods
Junk food is food that is prepared for its pungent taste, not for health value. Fast food, fried snacks, and sweets are examples of junk foods. These foods comprise a lot of salt or sugar. Although these foods don’t have any health value, it is wise to avoid feeding these food items to your gerbils.
- Alcohol
Alcohol isn’t safe for anyone. A small amount of alcohol can cause severe effects on your pet gerbils. So, avoid feeding alcoholic beverages to your favorite rodents.
- Raw potato
Raw potatoes contain a toxic compound named solanine. Cooked potato is ok for them. Raw potatoes can cause digestive problems to your gerbils.
- Rhubarb
Although green veggies are safe for gerbils, rhubarb is not safe for them. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid. This oxalic acid is toxic for rodents like gerbils. So, don’t feed any part of the rhubarb plant to your favorite rodents.
- Mushrooms
Although some mushrooms are safe and healthy, some wild mushrooms are toxic to them. It can be complicated to distinguish between edible and non-edible mushrooms. So, it’s wise to avoid feeding any type of mushrooms to your beloved gerbils.
- Toxic plants
Although lilies, daffodils, azaleas, and ivy are houseplants, they can be toxic to gerbils. So, keep your favorite rodents away from your gerbils’ reach.
Conclusion
Ensure the well-being of your pet gerbils by providing safe food and avoiding toxic foods. You can create a safe environment for your pet gerbils by becoming conscious of toxic and poisonous foods. For this, we are providing the list of poisonous food items for gerbils. A balanced is a must for the overall health of your rodents.
FAQs
- Can gerbils eat cheese?
No, because cheese contains lactose while gerbils can’t tolerate lactose.
- Are gerbils allowed to eat peanuts?
No.
- Can gerbils eat apples?
Yes. Ensure that you remove the seeds and core because they can be harmful.
- What should I do if my gerbil accidentally ingests a poisonous food?
Contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance.
- Are gerbils allowed to eat grapes?
No, grapes can be toxic to gerbils and these can cause kidney failure.
