The kittens get lots of attention and handling, so grooming and cleaning the eyes will be easy in the future. Overconsumption of pellets can also be fattening and can lead to obesity and diarrhea due to excess carbohydrate ingestion. Chinchillas in the wild tend to consume most of their food early in the morning and late at night. Food items that need to be provided to them continuously are hay and clean drinking water. Over time, your cat might get used to your chinchilla and stop attacking it altogether. Chinchillas will eat plenty of native plants in the wild to give them a good balance of minerals and vitamins essential for optimum health. Occasionally, they will eat insects and bird eggs. The diet of chinchillas should ideally be high in protein and fiber while containing low moisture and fat content. Made in USA; On Sale; Up to 25% Off: Select . Monitoring your chinchillas' diet. You should do this by giving your cat ample time to become used to the new smell while making sure your chinchilla remains in the cage. You can find out exactly which variety of Cheerios is safe to feed to your chinchilla right here(We researched all popular varieties and only recommend feeding your chinchilla these 2 varieties). Protein: should be between 16% and 20%. head over to our post that shares all you need to know. Following a healthy diet will maximize your chinchillas lifespan. On the other hand, the natural hamster diet is mainly . Reasons Why Theyre SmartContinue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Chinchillas also need their diets to be supplemented with pellets to round off and balance their nutritional needs. One of the questions we were asked recently was whether Chinchillas were territorial and we felt compelled to delve into this subject a bit deeper and provide you with some more useful information How Often Should Chinchillas Have Dust Baths? Feed them right, and youll have a happy, cuddly pet for many years. Lets look at some more information that is essential for chinchilla pet owners about pet food. Orchardgrass. There is, however, no harm in using this type of water providing they get enough minerals from elsewhere. You can either purchase wood sticks from a store or collect your own. However, if you are allergic to hay, this is a great option as it greatly reduces the hay dust in your house, which reduces the allergic reaction that you might have to the hay. Changing the brand of pellets . No fruits, seeds, nuts or vegetables. When they are let out of their cage, chinchillas Chinchillas come in a wide variety of colors. The good thing is that even though chinchillas dont eat a vast selection and variety of foods, they get most if not all of the nutrition they need from this basic diet. Fresh greens, such as dark green lettuces, should also be given to provide additional water and fiber. Dont discourage your pet from eating its own dropping, as it is natural for them to do so. Pics + 7 Signs Theyre Overweight, How Much Is A Chinchilla [Cost & Price Stats]. You can add a small amount of commercially available pelleted chinchilla food to your chinchilla's diet. Here Are Safe Wood Options For Chinchillas to Chew On: There is often a lot of confusion about if chinchillas actually need water. Some other healthy treats include rosehips and mountain ash berries. To be more precise, these furry animals are mainly folivores, preferring a diet made up of vegetation.Some of the food items that make up most of their diet are seeds, grass, grains, nuts, and leaves. The list below contains the fruits that chinchillas can eat in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. and how to get rid of it, The Best Chinchilla Toys (Review) in 2023, Are chinchillas Smart? This is especially vital in the first days when youll be able to closely supervise your cats behavior around the chinchillas cage.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'smallpetshq_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',186,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Here are some steps you need to take when introducing these two pets. A good quality pellet usually contains vitamins such as vitamins A, B12, D3 & E. In contrast to hay, where you should provide it in large quantities, pellets should be offered in smaller amounts and make up more of the remaining 10% of your chinchillas diet. our recommended food products for your chinchilla and the best place to purchase them from. It is important to remember the natural chinchilla diet is mainly made up of hay and grass, with some twigs and leaves in between. Its important to understand that this is a guide only. So what can chinchillas eat? On the flip side to this, if your chinchillas have more phosphorus than calcium in their diet then this can also cause health problems with muscle development, bones health and growth. If you have to leave your chin alone for up to 24 hours, ensure you leave out plenty of food and water to cover the time span. Dont make sudden changes in their diets as it can upset their stomach. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Providing greens in small amounts and not too often is something you will have to get used to as a chinchillas owner due to the fact that chinchillas have unusual nutritional needs. They love to play and interact with humans which makes them excellent pets. In this post, we have listed many of the safe fruits for chinchillas although this list isnt conclusive. Those products can be harmful to your digestive system in large quantities, so keep small portions in hand. Chinchillas could be temperate and might be picky eaters, and you should be careful about, Read More Can Chinchillas Eat Cucumbers And Is It Safe?Continue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. To be more specific, the diet should have 30% fiber, 16% protein, 35% carbohydrates, and the rest should be filled with fat, minerals, and sugar. This is all too situational and it depends on the character of the pet. We have two females & two males. Homeopathic and herbal remedies. We love merrick dog food, including dry and canned food, too! All Things Dog. Additionally, chinchillas can be fed a small amount (1-2 tbsp/day) of a commercial pelleted diet formulated for chinchillas. Guide + Chart. Rhubarb. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. So, what should you feed a chinchilla? You can find out exactly which variety of Cheerios is safe to feed to your chinchilla right here, then check our easy to follow guide here. Thank you for supporting us on our journey as we continue to publish content with the aim of helping owners care for their pets in the best way possible! Hamsters vs. Gerbils: Whats the Difference. Even though your chinchilla and cat might get along just fine, its advisable never to leave these two pets unsupervised or unattended when interacting with each other.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-portrait-2','ezslot_20',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-portrait-2-0'); With that said, for your cat and your chinchilla to get along are two different things you must consider before getting these two pets living in the same house. Limit fruits and sugary vegetables (e.g., carrots) to <1 teaspoon/day. Chinchillas have an extremely sensitive digestive system as we have already mentioned in this article. Even though greens are considered healthy or even vital for the majority of the animal kingdom, they are actually less important to the health of a chinchilla so they should only be offered in smaller quantities. Dried Cranberries. When it comes to pellets for chinchillas, its important that you purchase pellets that are specifically designed for chinchillas. Also, as with people, some chinchillas may not react well to all foods so give new items in small amounts. Adult chinchillas are recommended to eat timothy hay as this provides all the nutrients your chinchilla needs and in the correct quantities. In the wild, chins consume very small amounts of fat in their diet so offering them a high-fat diet that their gastrointestinal tract isnt used to can lead to more digestive problems. As wet cat food is so soft, itll have absolutely no effect on keeping your chinchillas teeth to a safe length. Yes, the chinchilla that you have been eyeing for quite some time now. Chinchillas in the wild tend to consume most of their food early in the morning and late at night. Chinchillas need hay between 14% and 16% plant protein. Grapes and raisins have shown to be toxic to dogs, ferrets and cats. 2.4 Certain Breakfast Cereals. As a general rule of thumb, chinchillas dont need fruit to be considered healthy and they dont need it in their diet. Cavies Know Their Body and Can Regulate Their Guinea Pig Food Intake. Its always best to check before you offer your chinchilla a new fruit just to make sure its safe and to see just how much you can offer them in one sitting. The answer to this question is no, Cat foods are not suitable for chinchillas and there are many reasons why you should avoid feeding it to them. We recommend that you stick to simple and researched greens and vegetables rather than experimenting with all sorts of different options that really arent needed, remember, a chinchilla only needs a simple diet to be both happy and healthy. There are so many different hay varieties to choose from and sometimes it can be hard to know which ones will serve your chinchillas nutritional needs the best. You can barely overlook the significance of animal intelligence. Shoot me an emailif you have a question! Approximately 75% to 80% of your chinchilla's diet should be made up of fresh hay. Apart from the fruits that we mentioned above, that can be offered in really small quantities, there are a handful of foods that are considered healthy enough to feed to your chinchilla as treats. Here are useful tips you should follow to ensure peaceful coexistence between these two: Whereas your cat and chinchilla might eventually learn to live with each other, dont expect them to be best friends. Having said this, both hay varieties will do a great job of keeping your chins teeth short and providing them with the nutrients they need to be healthy. Some owners are allergic to hay, so what should they do? The most important thing is to provide chinchillas with additional water, especially in summer, and monitor their daily water intake. Unlike cat food or dog food, this will contain many of the nutrients that a chinchilla needs to stay fit and healthy. A tablespoon or two each day is appropriate for most chinchillas. Arrives by Fri, Mar 31 Buy Auto Feeder Water Dispenser Set Rabbit Cat Dog Chinchilla Food Hanging Gravity at Walmart.com Hay and specially . Fat - 2-5%. It is not a suitable food for them to have, even in small amounts. Its role in highlighting their adaptability to new or specif environments is matchless. But can rabbits eat chinchilla food safely? Therefore, youll want to choose the hay wisely if you dont want, Read More Best Hay For Chinchillas 2023 Reviews and ComparisonContinue. Chinchillas are so cute and such intelligent animals that make great pets. Hamster food contains ingredients that are high in fats, including seeds and nuts, which could even be toxic to a chinchilla's system. Provide a steady supply of hay. Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters) whereas chinchillas are herbivores (plant-eaters). The best way to safeguard your chinchilla from your cat is by placing its cage far from the reach of your cat. However, they eat mostly vegetation and seeds. This only happens opportunistically, though. Indigestible bedding, such as wood shavings, also can cause obstructions. Answer (1 of 2): It is not so much that they are 'fragile', but have different habitat requirements than we are used to. Hamsters eat more carbohydrates than chinchillas do, but both species need food with plenty of protein and calcium. Loose mixes may be nutritionally balanced while in the bag but only if your chinchilla eats all of the parts of the mix. Chinchillas can easily get their head trapped in these toys and suffocate. If you feed them the correct diet, chinchillas generally keep themselves at the right weight. One of the Pocket Pets Forever is a website for lovers of pocket pets. such as elevated levels of calcium and in turn, cause health issues. What Owners Must Know! Hi, my namesElena Coolidge, and this is my site. Average Chinchilla Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? Yucca. Image 1 is the male father & Image 2 is the female mother.. I blog about their care, where to buy them, breeders, and more. For any new chinchillas owner, one of the very first questions you need to ask is what can chinchillas eat?. What is more, this intelligence defines how much they will learn about their, Read More Are chinchillas Smart? Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Using genetic screening, breeders are now working to try to eradicate the problem - always . Line the cage with a few inches of dye-free paper bedding. No, they cant as theyre herbivorous, meaning they eat plenty of grasses or plants. Plain Cheerios. This includes plenty of fresh green leaves and hay. Hey is extremely high in fibre which is important as the dietary tract of a chinchilla requires constant movement and large amounts of fibre are essential to help with this process. Look for a pelleted, formulated diet specifically for chinchillas that is 16-20 percent protein, low in fat (2- 4 percent), and high in fiber (15-20 . Feeding any type of cat food to your chinchilla is a bad idea, however, feeding them wet cat food is one of the worst things you can do. Even though this might sound really confusing, if you follow the feeding guide later in the post then you should have no issues with over or underfeeding greens to your chinchilla. The worry is that the chinchilla will refuse to eat unless being served the ingredient (even if a health condition requires them not to eat it anymore.) For this reason, we have chosen to list the most common greens and veggies that owners often choose to feed their chinchillas and that we can validate are safe using veterinary sources such as the. Its important to know how much food you need to offer your chinchilla each day in order for them to be considered healthy. Thankfully, nowadays, there is a variety of hay available so that you can choose the hay type that your chinchilla loves the most. So here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can feed your chinchillas. The foods below are considered unsafe or too unhealthy to feed to your chinchilla and therefore should be avoided. A few hamster owners were concerned that their buddies would have trouble eating it because of its size and shape . The chinchilla's pellets should be put in a food bowl, and they should be given fresh pellets every day. Eggshells are rich in calcium and, as such, theyre an excellent source of nutrition for your chinchilla! Actually, a good portion of their diet is already rabbit food. Treats such as dried fruit, grains, nuts and seeds should not be offered, as they are not easily digested and may lead to tooth damage. Both Chinchillas and Hamsters Are Small Rodents. Overfeeding of fresh greens also can lead to soft stool or diarrhea. Raisins. How to feed the chinchilla. Fruit is a food that can be offered to your chinchilla as a treat. Dried fruit (apple, banana, and papaya). List Of Safe Greens & Vegetables For Chinchillas: Fruits should only ever be offered as a treat to your chinchilla. These adorable kittens are loving , caring and very affectionate. If you want to know what age baby chinchillas are weaned then head over to our post that shares all you need to know. To be more specific, the diet should have 30% fiber, 16% protein, 35% carbohydrates, and the rest should be filled with fat, minerals, and sugar. This will be possible if your cat has a mellow and calm personality and isnt so much interested in hunting, meaning itll most likely ignore the chinchilla. As we mentioned earlier, hay is the most important part of a chinchillas diet. nuts and sunflower seeds need to be avoided. (Later in this post, we will share the exact brand of timothy hay we recommend you purchase as well as the cheapest place to get it from). Its quite possible that if you put cat food down on the floor, your chinchilla will try to eat it. 2.2 Dried Fruits And Herbs. In fact, the hamster food is likely to be harmful to them. Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters) whereas chinchillas are herbivores (plant-eaters). You must always do this even after these two pets are acclimatized to each other and coexist peacefully. In addition to that, if you have two or more chinchillas, they can become quite protective of the feeding bowl, which can cause fights between the chinchillas, and also, one might eat more than the other. Some common options for food items that every pet chinchilla owner needs to keep their chinchilla safe and healthy are listed below. Foods to Avoid What Owners Must Know! Chinchillas in the wild typically eat most of their food in . Some comments from a popular forum AGAINST giving raisins include: 1. Strong expertise in both dogs and cats. Chinchillas require large amounts of fibre in their diet for their digestive system to function correctly. While hay should be offered in unlimited quantities, feeding large amounts of high-calcium alfalfa hay to non-breeding, adult chinchillas has been associated with the development calcium-based bladder stones. Nonetheless, this can be achieved by only slowly introducing these two pets to each other. Dog food is not nutritionally balanced for chinchillas and can make them sick. Our main focus is helping owners to better understand and care for their pets with both straight forward and actionable advice. No, they can't as they're herbivorous, meaning they eat plenty of grasses or plants. Here is a breakdown of the nutrients your chinchilla needs in their diet and in what percentages. Chinchilla Diapers: What You Need To Know + Pics, 16+ Different Chinchilla Colors: Pictures + Pricing, How Fast Can Chinchillas Run? The most obvious reason why you shouldn't feed cat food to a chinchilla is because chinchillas are not cats! You may be tempted to buy cheap cat food from the supermarket. Fiber: should be at least 15%, preferably up to 35%. Cats with a chinchilla coat pattern have white undercoats and tipping on the back, tail, head, and flanks. Can chinchillas eat cat food safely without any issue? This might not sound that bad at first, however, the fact that a chinchillas digestional tract isnt adapted to processing large amounts of sugar means that it can be left to ferment and cause gas. The quality of the ingredients used by manufacturers to make cat food varies enormously. Hibiscus is known to be a healthy treat for chinchillas if offered in small quantities and is often used in commercial chinchilla treats. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Pumpkin? Hi, My name is Adam. They can also be found in mixed dried dandelion mixtures, which can include dandelion leaves, flower petals, and even roots. As such, its best to look for a reputable brand of dry food made specifically for chinchillas. Chinchillas can eat leaves and twigs in captivity, yet these types of food are more difficult to find when not in the wild. Fruit can cause problems to chinchillas such as. You should also consider designing hiding spots where your chinchilla can sleep or hide whenever its feeling tensed due to the cats presence.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smallpetshq_com-leader-3','ezslot_6',187,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smallpetshq_com-leader-3','ezslot_7',187,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-leader-3-0_1'); .leader-3-multi-187{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Chinchillas are herbivores and their diet consists mostly of hay, vegetables, and a small amount of fruit. 1 The deluxe chinchilla food is made from high-fiber alfalfa meal to promote gastrointestinal health, with added fiber, protein, and fat derived from soybeans. Provide hay in your chinchilla's cage at all times so it has something to graze on. Anu wood sticks you offer your chin needs to be from non-toxic trees and free from pesticides. After all, it wont cost much and it might even taste good. We will be constantly adding new dedicated posts where we spotlight popular fruits so you can see in detail if the fruit is safe as well as how often and how much to offer your chinchilla. Hay should be put in the hay rack in the chinchilla's cage. Either way, you need to be careful when offering your chin both fruit and dried fruit and always check to see if the fruit is recommended for chinchillas and what quantities it should be offered in. and how to get rid of itContinue. If your hamster has consumed any of these items then please seek veterinary advice. Most tap water is clean, however, dirty water can contain giardia and would not be suitable for use in your Chinchilla Water Bottle. As such, its impossible for chinchillas to eat the same diet as cats. However, its still possible for these two pets to get along, but this doesnt mean that youll find the chinchilla cuddling on the lap of your cat.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Yes, cats and chinchillas can live in one house. Answer (1 of 2): Why would you want to do that? This will ensure that they look for it, as they had to look for the food in the wild. Botanical hay. Chinchillas can consume a wide variety of human foods, most notably vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains. Dried Herbs. Instead, offer your adult chinchilla timothy hay or other low-calcium grass hays, such as orchard or meadow grass. Raisins and dried cranberries. Can Chinchillas Eat Hamster Food? Chinchillas only need to consume around 3-5% fat in their diet which is easily attainable from their base diet so foods such as. Both chinchillas and hamsters are small rodents, so it's not surprising that they have similar dietary needs. Instead, offer your cat leafy green vegetables like kale, bok choy, or arugula. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Rabbit Food? This can lead to blockages and other health issues. . It should be bright green and smell fresh, or else it can be harmful to your chinchilla. You may also spot tipping on the legs. Image Credit: Natalis.ph, Shutterstock. cute cat; Cat cartoon; cat eat; 1. Of course, there are some other food items that chinchillas cant eat as well, so it is best to ask a vet if you are unsure about the food item that you could feed your pet. The body of an average chinchilla grows to about 10 inches long, but it can range from 8 inches to 12 inches, and its tail will typically be about 5 inches in length. On the flip side to this, if your chinchillas have more phosphorus than calcium in their diet then this can also, cause health problems with muscle development, bones health and growth. So, what type of hay do chinchillas eat? The chinchilla should be given fresh hay every day. Yes, cats do attack chinchillas as their rodents, which they see as prey. C hoosing a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. The stomach, chest, and chin are pure white. , they get most if not all of the nutrition they need from this basic diet. Chinchillas are herbivorous and do not eat animal-based products. On top of this, wet cat food has a tendency to stick around in the digestive tract for long periods of time. Dried fruit is often preferred to regular fruit, this is down to the fact that dried fruit offers much less water (which is considered bad for chinchillas) as well as increased levels of other nutrients such as fibre. Give your chinchilla space from the cat, which sees it as a prey. Fruits and Veggies - Fresh fruits, fresh greens, and other veggies are a healthy part of your chinchilla's diet as well. Their mum is a chinchilla Persian Semi-long haired silky & soft coat and their Dad is a red . 2.1 Fresh Vegetables. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Strawberries? By contrast, cats require a diet high in both fat and carbohydrates. 2.6 No Sudden Dietary Changes. The most obvious reason why you shouldnt feed cat food to a chinchilla is because chinchillas are not cats! This means that chinchillas require a diet rich in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates. Chinchillas can eat a wide variety of natural food like hay, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, berries, dried plants, and herbs. Due to their opportunistic nature in the wild, most chinchillas will eat any leaves, seeds, fruits, and nonpoisonous insects that it can come across, and because they are endangered . (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Nuts? 3 Human Foods For Chinchillas: Final Thoughts. Water should be provided in the form of a water bottle rather than a bowl as this is much more hygienic for your chinchilla. If you want to give them something extra special, then you can include some fruit snacks, peanut butter, cheese, or eggshells into their food bowl every once in a while. Belmore, NSW. Read on for everything that you'll need to know. In addition, wet cat food is often too salty for chinchillas. Do make sure to feed them every day and check if their droppings are dry and normal. 2 Human Food Chinchillas Can Eat. Best Hay For Chinchillas 2023 Reviews and Comparison. It is an animal that will get you smitten instantly, and its elegance will keep swirling, Read More Can Chinchillas Get Fleas? Not only that, chinchillas are similar to other animals, such as cats or dogs. Avoid feeding dried fruits. Buy Merrick Dog Food online in Canada from Canadian Pet Connection. Hamster food is made largely of things that would be harmful for a chinchilla to eat. Basic nutrients such as sugar, fat and even calcium can all cause health problems to chinchillas if they are overfed. The treats that these exotic animals eat are dried rose hips, dandelion, and hibiscus leaves, basically dried fruits, and root vegetables should be given to them. Specialties: The Wishbone Pet Company has the largest selection of raw diets in Santa Cruz, CA with a strong emphasis on holistic natural care. Purebred Chinchilla's. $1,200. Chinchillas also require small amounts of fresh greens and can be fed occasional treats such as dried fruit from time to time. Note: Its important to understand that this is a guide only. Unfortunately, though, this doesnt mean that its going to provide your chinchilla with the nutrients they require. If you want to ensure that your chinchilla gets enough calcium, then you should add some eggshells to their diet. They eat Royal Canin special Persian cat food and the kittens are eating kitten food. Never change your chinchillas' diet suddenly, as this could upset their digestive system and make them very ill. Reasons Why Theyre Smart. There are some things that you should do to have a healthy chinchilla. Nonetheless, its still recommended never to leave these two pets alone as you never know when your cats natural hunting instincts might kick in and attack your chinchilla. Humans have food, and chinchillas have hay. Those leaves, while not as pretty as daisies, are a healthy and natural food source for your chinchillas. Guide + Chart. Once again, this boils down to the fact that chinchillas dont need the nutrition from fruits to be healthy so they are only a luxury.