Gerbils are omnivores, which means they eat a mixed diet of plants, seeds, vegetables and can also eat meat. Yet they prefer a vegetarian diet, and most gerbils eat plant-based diets made up of vegetables, fruit, seeds, bulbs, leaves, and herbs.
Your pet gerbil needs a quality, balanced diet that contains all the minerals, nutrients, and vitamins they need. You can purchase commercial food in dried mixes and pellets to feed your gerbil, which is rich in protein and specially formulated to meet their needs.
Here we will explore whether gerbils can eat rose petals and other types of flowers.
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Can Gerbils Eat Rose Petals?
Rose petals are one of the most popular types of flowers that gerbils can safely eat. They will enjoy eating the petals fresh or you can dry them so they last longer, and they can be mixed into a dry snack. Though it is fine to give gerbils the petals of roses you should be careful and avoid feeding them the leaves or stem, as roses have very sharp thorns.
You can also pick the rose hips, the red fruit just below the petals that contain the rose plant seeds, and feed these to your gerbil. Rose hips ripen in late summer and autumn and are a tasty snack for gerbils in the autumn and wintertime. Rose petals and hips are a great source of vitamins for your pet.
Not all roses are safe for gerbils to eat. Some contain toxins that are poisonous – check for those with pointed petals such as teacup roses, miniature roses, and spray roses. Check photos of the flower online and get advice to make sure it is safe for your gerbil and if you are unsure that the flower might not be safe, do not risk it or feed it to your gerbil.
Can gerbils eat roses?
Yes, safely grown roses are fine for gerbils. Many gerbil owners like to grow their own plants and herbs and use them as part of a natural multi-vitamin supplement. Just make sure to select rose species without any chemical sprays or pesticides.
These can be harmful to gerbils. you don’t want your gerbil to be eating roses that have been sprayed with chemicals. you can feed rose petals as a treat for your gerbil – but it’s best to remove the white fuzzy inside of the rose flower first.
This part contains cyanide and is not healthy for your gerbil to eat. Cyanide is a poison that is bad for your gerbil’s health.
What Flowers Can Gerbils Eat?
It is not just roses that gerbils can safely eat, there are many other common flowers and petals that they enjoy. These flowers are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins so are a great addition to your pet’s diet. These include:
- Sunflowers
- Daisies
- Lilies
- Carnations
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Alfalfa
- Cactus flowers
- Hawthorne blossoms
There are also many flowers that are toxic to rodents, and you should be sure to avoid having them anywhere near your pet gerbil. If they consume these plants they can become very ill and the side effects can be fatal. These plants contain substances that can cause seizures and organ failure. These include:
- Daffodils
- Lilies
- Lily of the Valley
- Foxgloves
- Ivy
- Delphiniums
- Oleander
As a responsible pet owner, you must make sure that the flower you are giving your gerbil is one that is safe to consume and will not make them sick. It’s also very important to make sure that any fresh flowers you have picked do not have pesticides or fertilizers sprayed on them, as these can also be toxic and poisonous to your gerbil and make them very unwell.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to add some variety to your gerbil’s diet, why not try giving them some fresh or dried rose petals? Rose petals are one of the most popular types of flowers that gerbils can safely eat.
They will enjoy eating the petals fresh or you can dry them so they last longer, and they can be mixed into a dry snack. So next time you’re picking out flowers for your home, consider grabbing a few extra roses to give to your furry friends too!
