You can barely overlook the significance of animal intelligence. If you do this, your chins diet should easily fall into this low calcium and even lower phosphorus model providing you stick to safe and recommended greens and veggies. Basic nutrients such as sugar, fat and even calcium can all cause health problems to chinchillas if they are overfed. Those products can be harmful to your digestive system in large quantities, so keep small portions in hand. However, this isnt something they enjoy doing. If you want to get a pet chinchilla, you should take into consideration some important things before buying them. Both critters should be eating a high quality hay as the majority of their diet. How can chinchilla food be replaced with rabbit food? - Quora 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. Some use only meat products while others include vegetables and grains. Ideally, you want to offer your chinchillas a low to moderate calcium diet that on the whole contains more calcium than phosphorus. By doing this, you can be confident that your chinchilla doesnt suffer any physical harm plus is safe from any stress. In fact, the hamster food is likely to be harmful to them. Answer (1 of 2): Why would you want to do that? Chinchillas should be given 1-2 tablespoons of pellets per day, and Bunk-Hatch recommends Oxbow Essentials. Most customers said their chinchillas can't get enough of these treats. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Pecans? 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. Please remember that there are hundreds of greens and vegetables from around the world. Safe and Unsafe Food for Chinchillas | Infolific They eat Royal Canin special Persian cat food and the kittens are eating kitten food. Chinchillas: What Can They Eat? - Munchkin Kitten Store Fibre - 30-35%. So, excessive feeding can lead to diarrhea and urinary problems. So, what exactly do chinchillas eat? Oxbow Essentials Deluxe Chinchilla Food. However, in many cases, this is easier said than done. Good hays include alfalfa hay, timothy hay, orchard grass, and blue grass. Chinchillas also dont like eating cat food. [Top Speeds], Is My Chinchilla Fat? Image 1 is the male father & Image 2 is the female mother.. A . Customer: Hi my name is***** and my granddaughter has a chinchilla and I'm taking care of her her name is ***** ***** her chest got wet because her water bottle was leaking and now her hair is kind of clumped a little bit but she's trying to pull it out what can I do to help her and she is so mad at me because I'm trying to take care of it and she's not happy can you give me some good ideas . So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. The only downside to dried fruit is that as nutrients such as fibre increase so does the sugar content and this can elevate the amounts of sugar into alarming levels. The PDSA also recommends that you bake any wood you offer to your chinchilla for an hour and also give it a thorough wash to ensure its safe and clean. 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. Fresh vegetables and fruits can occasionally be fed to your chinchillas, but only some of the fruit and vegetables your chinchillas digestive system can bear. This is usually the case for cats and chinchillas, which can be stressful for you as a pet owner. Here is a breakdown of the nutrients your chinchilla needs in their diet and in what percentages. Raisins and dried cranberries. What Greens & Vegetables Can Chinchillas Eat? Foods to Avoid If you want to ensure that your chinchilla gets enough calcium, then you should add some eggshells to their diet. Chinchillas are also known to love flowers. 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. Here is a breakdown of the nutrients your chinchilla needs in their diet and in what percentages. Chinchillas are herbivorous and do not eat animal-based products. Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters) whereas chinchillas are herbivores (plant-eaters). They can also be found in mixed dried dandelion mixtures, which can include dandelion leaves, flower petals, and even roots. Hamsters vs. Gerbils: Whats the Difference. and always check to see if the fruit is recommended for chinchillas and what quantities it should be offered in. Cats with a chinchilla coat pattern have white undercoats and tipping on the back, tail, head, and flanks. Feeding adult chinchillas too much alfalfa hay can cause obesity and even calcium stones as the level of calcium and other nutrients is too high and out of balance. What Treats Can I Give My Chinchilla? Healthiest Treats for Chinchillas As rodents, their standard diet tends to follow a more opportunistic model, with chinchillas eating plants, seeds, fruits, and insects that it can get its paws on. 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. Persians (the Chinchilla is in the Persian or Longhair cat family) can carry a gene that leads to kidney failure (called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) through the development of cysts in the kidney. Plain Shredded Wheat. If you want to bring a chinchilla into your home, you could be worried about their diet and general health. Overconsumption of pellets can also be fattening and can lead to obesity and diarrhea due to excess carbohydrate ingestion. Consequently, this lowers the stress level of your chinchilla that wont now feel like a target, thereby leading to an environment where these two can live together in harmony.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-netboard-2','ezslot_18',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-netboard-2-0'); You need to be careful about how you introduce your chinchilla to your cat is you really want there to be any harmonious relationship between these two creatures. Tomato Leaves. They need to have variety in the boring food they eat while also getting all the nutritional requirements met. On top of this, wet cat food has a tendency to stick around in the digestive tract for long periods of time. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Romaine Lettuce? Using genetic screening, breeders are now working to try to eradicate the problem - always . Greens especially leafy greens are a food group that you can and should offer to your chinchilla on a regular basis. This means that chinchillas require a diet rich in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates. They also need to have access to fresh water at all times. [What Owners Will Want To Know], Can Chinchillas Get Fleas? Theyve become the subject of fascination for many animal lovers who enjoy their antics. Just because a green on the list below is labelled safe doesnt mean that you can feed your chinchilla unlimited amounts of that green or vegetable. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Therefore, you need to make sure your chinchilla is safe in the cage placed in a different room your cat cant go into. 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. For example, you could offer them a few pieces of fruit, such as apples or pears. Chinchilla | International Cat Care The chinchilla will be stressed out by calm cats too. This ensures its overall wellbeing is guaranteed, meaning your chinchilla gets to enjoy a peaceful life. What Do Chinchillas Eat in the Wild? + Other Facts - Petsvills You can just grab little bits of a few things and make a little sampler jar! My granddaughter has a chinchilla and I'm taking care of her her name Hamster food contains ingredients that are high in fats, including seeds and nuts, which could even be toxic to a chinchilla's system. Dont give food that is meant for guinea pigs as they have different digestive systems. So the treats that you choose to feed them should be given only occasionally. This is important because these two pets have brains that are programmed to act differently. Remember that treats are only supposed to be offered sparingly and not in large amounts daily. You should also provide them with a dry food that has been specifically designed with chinchillas in mind. By Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian Practice). 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. This is because cats have an innate hunting instinct. Commercial pelleted food is also available for chinchillas but should be offered in limited quantities of no more than one-to-two tablespoons per day for an adult chinchilla. Chinchillas in the wild tend to consume most of their food early in the morning and late at night. Get the Best Price and Selection of Dry Dog Food at Pet Supplies Plus. Its quite possible that if you put cat food down on the floor, your chinchilla will try to eat it. Make sure to cut these fruits and vegetables into small tiny pieces of cubes to feed them and know the proper quantity that they can handle through your pets vet. First, rabbit food is not a complete diet for a chinchilla. By contrast, cats require a diet high in both fat and carbohydrates. Read More The Best Chinchilla Toys (Review) in 2023Continue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Although it is made from flour, bread has very few nutrients for chinchillas. All cats drink filtered water from the water fountain. Just make sure that they are safe. Find & Download the most popular Chinchilla Animal Vectors on Freepik Free for commercial use High Quality Images Made for Creative Projects. This cage features a plastic and wire mesh construction with a built-in wheel and hideout. In this post, we will share the foods your chinchilla should be eating on a daily basis, how much they should be eating as well as what foods they need to stay away from. Like most animals in the world, chinchillas require a variety of nutrients to be considered healthy and for their organs to work correctly. Chinchillas enjoy dandelions because they have an interesting . You may also be able to give your chinchilla treats like rose petals, rolled oats, or even non-frosted shredded wheat. 1.1 Understanding The Chinchilla Diet. Hay which is sweeter and has more nutrients, should be mostly given to young chinchillas and only occasionally to adult chinchillas. Those leaves, while not as pretty as daisies, are a healthy and natural food source for your chinchillas. Naturally aloof people might not want to be constantly hounded for canine kisses, just as cuddly types might be affronted by some cat breeds . Some other healthy treats include rosehips and mountain ash berries. No, Apples should not be given on regular basis to Chinchillas but Chinchillas can eat Apples but only in moderation. Their mum is a chinchilla Persian Semi-long haired silky & soft coat and their Dad is a red . Once this condition occurs, there is nothing that can be done other than to provide pain medication and soft foods. 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. It's important to offer your chinchillas an unlimited amount of fresh hay in their cage daily so they can continually consume the large amounts of fibre they need. In the wild, chinchillas are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat. The pets need chinchilla vitamins and nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamin C, natural vitamin E, and many more through adequate nutritional content. Hamsters eat more carbohydrates than chinchillas do, but both species need food with plenty of protein and calcium. Bread and Dairy Products. The food has to be given in a timely fashion and should have wholesome nutrition that can fulfill your pet chinchillas required dietary requirements. Whether you're looking for tips, tools, activities or advice, you've arrived at the consummate guide for everything related to caring for dogs. The stomach, chest, and chin are pure white. The chinchilla's digestive system is incompatible with these foods due to their high water content, high acidity, high vitamin C content, high fructose content, and low fiber content, as well as their . This acrobatic animal eats food with a sweet smell as they are very picky. Therefore, if you own these two pets, its crucial to have them slowly introduced to each other or else risk your cat attacking the chinchilla. Can Chinchillas Eat Cat Food? - (Discover The Truth) Merrick Dog Food - Canadian Pet Connection All you need to hope for is that your cat ignores the chinchilla. While long term overfeeding of sugary foods can cause problems such as tooth decay and obesity, even overfeeding sugary food just once and cause diarrhoea and gas. Additionally, chinchillas can be fed a small amount (1-2 tbsp/day) of a commercial pelleted diet formulated for chinchillas. As we mentioned earlier, hay is the most important part of a chinchillas diet. Dried Herbs. It should be bright green and smell fresh, or else it can be harmful to your chinchilla. 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). 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. The popular cereal Cheerios are also seen as a treat that chinchillas can eat due to their dried nature and high amounts of fibre. If you decide to collect your own wood then you need to make sure you do a few things before handing it over to your chinchilla. This can lead to blockages and other health issues. This is because cats instinctive desire is to hunt down rodents while chinchillas tend to be more reserved and usually love hiding.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Therefore, before you can even test whether your cat and chinchilla can get along, the first thing to do is establish each of these species personality traits. Many gastrointestinal disorders can result in yellow throw up. Hay should be put in the hay rack in the chinchilla's cage. Chinchillas with these signs should be examined immediately by a veterinarian to have the lodged material extracted. Its important to offer your chinchillas an unlimited amount of fresh hay in their cage daily so they can continually consume the large amounts of fibre they need. 10 Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Throwing up Yellow Liquid Unfortunately, yes. The diet that you choose to feed your chinchilla should mostly contain hay. Its advisable to have a big enough cage for your chinchilla to jump around should they ever feel threatened by your cat. Please do not leave them alone at any moment as our pets security is our topmost priority. The foods below are considered unsafe or too unhealthy to feed to your chinchilla and therefore should be avoided. For example, if you have horses then you know they're prone to overeating. With this being said, as an owner, there is one nutrient that you will notice your chinchilla seems to need more than anything elseand thats fibre. Package Include: PStarDMoon pet automatic feeder set contains 1 food feeder and 1 water feeder and 1 hay feeder bag, a complete set with large capacity, which can satisfy pets' drinking and eating at the same ; Size: The food feeder can hold 1400ml of food and the water feeder can hold 500ml of water, which can meet the supply of food . 2.3 Raisins. Chinchillas have a rounded ears, plump furry bodies, short legs, and long tails. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Chinchillas only need to consume around 3-5% fat in their diet which is easily attainable from their base diet so foods such as nuts and sunflower seeds need to be avoided. So what can chinchillas eat? If a chinchilla were to eat dry cat food, it would likely experience digestive issues and may even die. They love to play and interact with humans which makes them excellent pets. 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. What Do Chinchillas Eat: Diet & Food Guide - Your Chinchilla Pet Care They are high in sugar, however, so give sparingly. No, they can't as they're herbivorous, meaning they eat plenty of grasses or plants. Can Rabbits Eat Chinchilla Food? [Can You Feed It Instead?] - Pet Educate 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. But here is a pretty extensive list of what is safe for chins and most can be found in the bulk section of a health food store for cheap. There are some great hay-based pellets out there on the market that complement your chinchillas hay-based diet and fill in the gaps in your chins nutrition really well. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Strawberries? The recommended ratio for calcium to phosphorus is 2:1 so thats two parts calcium to every one part phosphorus. As a general rule of thumb, chinchillas dont need fruit to be considered healthy and they dont need it in their diet. Learning Center - Dog | Pet Supplies Plus What Owners Must Know! Chinchillas also require small amounts of fresh greens and can be fed occasional treats such as dried fruit from time to time. It's safe to give your chin a raisin-size amount 2-3 times per week. 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. If they are fed certain foods together frequently, they will become accustomed to them always being served together. Some common options for food items that every pet chinchilla owner needs to keep their chinchilla safe and healthy are listed below. You should never feed a chinchilla hamster food, as it is one of the worst blends of ingredients for chinchillas to consume. Here Are Safe Wood Options For Chinchillas to Chew On: There is often a lot of confusion about if chinchillas actually need water. What do Chinchillas Eat? Chinchilla Diet 101 - The Pet Savvy Hi, My name is Adam. Dried dandelions. Alfalfa hay (low dust/hypoallergenic) Blue Grass hay. 3. These tend to be expensive but, over time, theyre worth the investment. They are extremely high in fibre while offering low amounts of sugar. Raisins. [4] You can buy hay at most pet stores or online. As you know, chinchillas are very active, so they run around a lot. Purebred Chinchilla's. $1,200. Actually, a good portion of their diet is already rabbit food. From their increased curiosity and affection to their unmatched affordability, chinchillas will always be amazing pets. After all, it wont cost much and it might even taste good. The 8 Best Chinchilla Foods of 2023 - The Spruce Pets Guide + Chart. Can Chinchillas Eat Carrots? Are Carrots Healthy For Chinchillas? djvstock. As such, its best to look for a reputable brand of dry food made specifically for chinchillas. What Can Chinchillas Eat? - Pet Food Guide This is the case even if the chinchilla is caged as your cat might opt to stare down at the chinchilla or reach down the cage.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_15',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); This will be a traumatizing experience for the chinchilla, which your cat views as prey. Unfortunately, though, this doesnt mean that its going to provide your chinchilla with the nutrients they require. Dont discourage your pet from eating its own dropping, as it is natural for them to do so. What Do Chinchillas Eat? A Guide to Their Diet - AZ Animals What Nutrients Are Unhealthy If Overfed to Your Chinchilla? Can Chinchillas Eat Cheerios? What You Need to Know! Or, you could hand out small amounts of peanut butter or cheese. hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets should still make up the majority of their diet. Most importantly, you need to know what they can and cant eat! Dont give rabbit pellets as, again, these two animals are quite different. It comes with a water bottle and food dish as well, all priced under $20. How Long Can Chinchillas Go Without Food and Water? (How to Care for The hay should be dry and fresh-smelling with no trace of mold. These exotic animals need chinchilla food pellets every day, a well but in a much more controlled quantity. Hay should account for anywhere between 80-90% of your chinchillas food intake so from these numbers alone its clear to see that good quality hay is undoubtedly the most vital part of your chinchillas diet.