So, you have to be extra careful when preparing foods for them. The slightest ingredient can mess their digestive system up, and before you know it, your gerbil is at the vet’s office. If you want to prevent all that, you should ensure that you don’t feed your gerbil anything they cannot handle.
So, what can a gerbil eat? Can they eat fruits such as pineapples? What other food can gerbils eat? Let’s find out.
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Can Gerbils Eat Pineapples?
No, gerbils can certainly not eat pineapples even though pineapple is a fruit, which should make it all right for a gerbil to consume. However, pineapples have plenty of water within them, which is why it isn’t good to feed your gerbil sufficient amounts of pineapple.
The excess water inside pineapples can increase the water content in a gerbil’s system, which won’t fare them quite well. You must never forget to ensure that you don’t feed your gerbil excessive water. The extra water retention can make your gerbil overhydrate, which you don’t want to do.
Another reason gerbils shouldn’t be fed pineapples is their highly acidic nature. Pineapples are full of nutrients. Still, we can’t deny that this fruit has high amounts of acid present in it, making it pretty sour for a gerbil to digest. Gerbils can’t have too much sugar, and they can’t have plenty of acidic foods too.
So, please ensure that fruits with too much water retention and high acidity aren’t involved whenever you feed your gerbil fruits. Such fruits include pineapple and oranges.
Can gerbils eat pineapple leaves?
yes, gerbils can eat pineapple leaves. Pineapple leaves are a good source of fiber and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. They also contain beneficial antioxidants that can help protect the body against disease.
There shouldn’t be any harm in giving your gerbil a few of those leaves, don’t overdo it stick with their main diet. Because the leaves are somewhat pointy, you might want to take away the tips.. better safe than sorry I would say.
Can gerbils eat pineapple juice?
You should not give your gerbil pineapple juice, just stick with water. Pineapple juice is high in sugar and could make your gerbil sick. Some people also believe that pineapple juice can give gerbils diarrhea. So, it is best to just stick with water. If you want to give your gerbil a treat, try feeding them some fresh fruit or vegetables instead. Carrots, cucumbers, and apples are all good options. Just make sure that whatever you give your gerbil is bite-sized so they don’t choke.
What Other Foods Can Gerbil Have?
Gerbils can have plenty of fruits. We know pineapple is a fruit too, but the reason they’re a big no is already mentioned above. Other than that, your gerbil can have pretty much any fruit. Fruits and vegetables are good foods for gerbils to have in their diets.
Other than fruits and vegetables, gerbils can have plenty of wheat. Raw and organic wheat is suitable for your gerbil’s health, and they also enjoy eating them. It doesn’t matter if you feed them natural grains or cook them; either way, your gerbil will consume all of it without fail.
The biggest concern of having a gerbil is not to get them sick. This becomes challenging for gerbil-parents, significantly if they’re raising a gerbil for the first time. People have to know that when they’re dealing with a gerbil, ingredients like acid, sugar, and water are off-limits.
As long as you’re mindful of the foods you’re feeding them, your gerbil should be in good shape. Also, always remember to provide your gerbil food in moderate amounts so that they have plenty of time and room to adjust it properly.F
Final words
While it is important to give your gerbils a variety of vegetables and fruits, make sure you avoid giving them pineapple. The leaves of the pineapple plant are safe for gerbils to eat, but you should not give them the juice. Gerbils love to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, so make sure to include some in their diet.
