FAQ: Food for small pets

No, straw contains very few nutrients, so it is only suitable for bedding or insulation. Herbivores always need hay as food.

Yes, hay is the basis of the chinchilla and degu diet, just as it is for rabbits and guinea pigs. It should be unlimited, with pellets given only in small amounts.

All pellets have the same composition, so every mouthful provides the same nutrients. A mix consists of seeds, flakes and various pieces, from which the animal often picks out only the tastiest ones.

Rabbits pick the sweet and starchy parts out of mixes, which is linked to dental disease, obesity and digestive problems. Vets recommend hay, greens and a small amount of pellets.

It is when a small pet picks only its favourite pieces out of a mix and leaves the rest, so it gets an unbalanced diet. Gradually switching to pellets and giving only a measured portion, without refilling the bowl before the rest is eaten, helps.

A rabbit needs only a few pellets – follow the pack's guidance by body weight. Too many pellets reduce hay intake and increase the risk of obesity and dental problems.

A small daily portion following the pack's guidance is enough for a guinea pig, as hay and vegetables are the basis of its diet. Adjust the portion to its weight and activity.

No, they differ in fibre and protein content, whether they contain alfalfa or grain, and whether vitamin C has been added. For herbivores, choose high-fibre pellets made for the specific species, without added sugar.

At least about 18% crude fibre is often recommended for rabbit pellets, and about 12–16% protein is enough for adult rabbits. You will find these figures in the analytical constituents on the pack.

For herbivores such as rabbits, guinea pigs or chinchillas, low-starch grain-free pellets are closer to a natural diet. For hamsters, rats and mice, grains are a normal part of the diet.

Coloured pieces are mostly meant to catch the buyer's eye rather than to benefit the animal, and they often contain sugar and colourings. Plain, uncoloured food is a better choice for a small pet.

Yes, if both suit your pet's species, but change gradually and keep a consistent ratio. Frequent food changes can upset herbivores' sensitive digestion.

Yes, in the wild hamsters gather seeds, so a good-quality mix with various seeds, grains and some protein suits them. A mix can be combined with pellets so the hamster does not pick out only the fattiest seeds.

Pellets or pressed blocks stop rats from picking out only the fatty seeds, so they help prevent obesity and dietary imbalance. A small amount of mix can be given as an extra, for example scattered for foraging.

Extruded pellets are made at high temperature and are lighter, airy and easily digestible, while pressed pellets are denser and harder. Both types are fine; what matters most is the composition and suitability for the species.

A complete feed, together with hay and water as stated on the pack, covers all the animal's needs. A complementary feed means treats or supplements that are not suitable as a diet on their own.

About 80–85% of the diet should be hay, with fresh leafy greens every day, a small amount of pellets and only occasional treats. Fresh water must always be available.

Lettuce or romaine, parsley, dill, celery leaves, carrot tops, pak choi, broccoli leaves and basil are suitable. Introduce new greens one at a time and in small amounts.

Carrots are high in sugar, so they suit a rabbit only as an occasional treat in small pieces. Carrot tops are a much better everyday choice.

A rabbit must not be given onions, garlic, leeks, potatoes and their leaves, avocado, rhubarb, raw legumes or most houseplants. Iceberg lettuce is best kept to a minimum, as it has few nutrients.