Chinchilla Facts

Chinchillas are tiny exotic animals which require proper feeding to be healthy. Many mixed food packs contain high sugar and salt content, as well proteins. Veterinarians claim that all the foods rich in nutrient-dense ingredients are not suitable for chinchillas. These exotic pets are not able to digest them.

Check out Sugar Percentage in Chinchilla Food

Chinchillas absolutely like treats such as dried fruits. When purchasing food, pet owner have to keep an eye on the sugar percentage of the ingredients included. Opt for unsweetened apple pieces, banana chips, or raisins. Keep them to a minimum - one piece daily. Pineapple contains higher sugar percentage. It is followed by raisins with 70% sugar content and papaya (65%).

Bananas and apples are more suitable treats with only 25% and 35 % sugar. Take into account that chinchilla diet could contain no more than 4 % sugar daily.

Too Many Seeds = Too Much Fats

A high fat diet can be dangerous for chinchillas. In the wild nature these rodents eat mainly high fiber plants and cannot deal with oily ingredients. That is why seeds and nuts can cause obesity or liver disease. Keep these tasty but dangerous ingredients to a strict minimum. The possible level of fats in chinchilla`s daily menu is less than 4 percent.

Salty ingredients are also considered an inappropriate food.

Daily Food Amounts

The adult chinchilla needs about 2 tablespoons of hard pellets, and at least two handfuls of hay. You can add some dried plants and herbs. High fiber content is very important for chinchilla`s digestion system as well as their teeth. The recommended fiber content is at least 20 percent. The recommended daily intake of protein is 15% so keep an eye on the amounts of vegetables in the pet`s food.

Chinchillas need more food during the periods of growth, breeding and pregnancy.

Image Credits: Terriko

Related Content:

1. Chinchilla Facts and Care
2. Wild Chinchillas