Feeding your pet degu⁚ Key points for a balanced diet

When it comes to feeding your pet degu, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs․ Degus are small rodents native to Chile and they have specific dietary requirements that should be met to ensure their health and well-being․ Here are some key points to consider when feeding your pet degu⁚

1․ Hay as the main component

Hay should make up the majority of your degu’s diet․ High-quality hay, such as Timothy hay, is essential for their digestive health․ Hay provides the necessary fiber that helps keep their teeth worn down and their digestive system functioning properly․ Make sure to provide fresh hay daily and remove any soiled or moldy hay․

2; Pellets for essential nutrients

In addition to hay, your degu’s diet should include high-quality pellets specifically formulated for degus․ These pellets are a concentrated source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that may not be fully obtained through hay alone․ Pellets should make up a small portion of their diet, typically around 1-2 tablespoons per day․

3․ Fresh fruits and vegetables

Degus can also enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their diet․ These should be given in small amounts and as occasional treats, as degus are prone to developing diabetes․ Some safe options include apples, carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens․ Avoid feeding them sugary or starchy foods, as well as citrus fruits․

4․ Limited treats

While treats can be a fun way to bond with your degu, it’s important to offer them in moderation․ Commercial degu treats are available, but they often contain high amounts of sugar and should be given sparingly․ Instead, opt for small pieces of safe fruits or vegetables as occasional treats․

5․ Fresh water

Always provide your degu with fresh, clean water․ Use a water bottle with a sipper tube to ensure they have constant access to water․ Check the water bottle regularly to ensure it is functioning properly and refill it as needed․

6․ Avoid certain foods

There are certain foods that should be avoided when feeding your degu․ These include chocolate, caffeine, dairy products, onions, garlic, and high-fat foods․ These can be toxic or harmful to degus and should be kept out of their diet․

Remember, every degu is unique, and their dietary needs may vary slightly․ It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in small animals to ensure you are providing the best diet for your pet degu․