Why Different Types of Rodents Need Different Food

Rodents – may it be a chinchilla, a guinea pig or a hamster – are popular pets not only for children. And as high-quality food is essential for a happy and healthy animal of whatever kind (and for us, humans, as well), it is the right time to focus on these little companions.

There are types of food on the market which are for several kinds of rodents. However, if you want to give your pet the best food, rather focus on the products designed specifically for your rodent, at least when it comes to complete pet food. It’s not so problematic with treats and goodies. A guinea pig and a hamster have a completely different regimen and lifestyle and therefore they definitely need different nutritional values.

I vote for feeding with ready-made mixes. If it is a quality product, it is complete pet food which contains everything your pet needs and also in the right ratio. Therefore, you don’t have to make feeding difficult and mix everything by yourself.

Food for brown rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils should contain at least 16 % of proteins and roughly 4 % of fat, for example. With regard to daily dose, it isn’t only about the size of the animal but also about its activity. Some might find perfect to have food in a bowl at all times, others would lose interest in food and would stop eating sufficiently and others would spend all day within the reach reach of the bowl. When you wish to give your pet something special, these species will like special snacks or fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. However, be careful with seeds and nuts, they contain a lot of fat and therefore, they should only be served as an exception.

Rabbits (yes, we put them in this category even though they aren’t rodents:)) should also get around 16 % of proteins but they will be fine with 3 % of fat. They need significantly lower metabolizable energy (kcal) than the above-mentioned group. However, you shouldn’t forget about hay which shouldn’t be missed out in rabbits’ food so they stomach would work properly. Besides suitable kinds of fruits and vegetables, they will also like various types of herbs and grasses for variety. You can pick some dandelions, parsley or clover almost everywhere.

The main component of food for guinea pigs should be high-quality hay which will provide them a sufficient amount of necessary dietary fibre. They should also get some green food every day – some salad, grass or leaves, for example. On the contrary to other rodents, guinea pigs cannot generate vitamin C, therefore, they need to get it this way. However, a ready-made mix should already contain it as well. Keep it in a dark place, light destroys vitamin C. Guinea pigs are going to be well with around 12 % of proteins and less than 3 % of fats. Be careful about giving them fruits because of the sugar they contain.

Chinchillas, similarly to guinea pigs, need a lot of dietary fibres, therefore, hay needs to be also included in their diet and they should always have it within their reach. It is also included in dry food, together with herbs and other components. You can also give them some treat but don’t be too generous. For example, dried carrots, apples, hips or dandelions are good. Avoid giving them nuts because of the fats in them.

Regardless of the kind of rodent you have, don’t forget about the continuous supply of fresh water, may it be in a bowl (for the tidier creatures), in a sipper water bottle or in waterer with constant level of water.