FAQ: Food for small pets

Hay is not essential for a hamster, but a small amount provides fibre and is good for nesting and foraging. Choose clean, low-dust hay.

Older hamsters' teeth can wear down or hurt, so softer food or soaked pellets sometimes help. Watch its weight and, if it is dropping, consult a vet.

A chinchilla's diet consists of unlimited good-quality hay, a small amount of chinchilla pellets and fresh water. Its digestion is sensitive, so it needs very few treats.

Sugar and fat upset a chinchilla's sensitive digestion and can cause diarrhoea, bloating and dental problems. Nuts, raisins and other dried fruit are better avoided, or given only as a tiny piece now and then.

Chinchillas are usually given very few fresh greens or none at all, as watery food can upset their digestion. Dried herbs are a better alternative.

Dried dandelion, plantain, chamomile, mint or raspberry leaves are suitable in small amounts. They add variety to the diet and are a natural treat with no added sugar.

An adult chinchilla usually needs about one or two tablespoons of pellets a day, more precisely as stated on the pack. The key thing is unlimited hay.

It is not recommended, as these animals' nutritional needs differ in fibre, protein and additives. Choose pellets made specifically for chinchillas.

Like rabbits, chinchillas eat some of their soft droppings to absorb more nutrients from their food. This is normal behaviour that should not be stopped.

Very slowly, over 2–3 weeks, increasing the share of new pellets in the old food a little each day. Watch the droppings and appetite throughout.

Healthy chinchilla droppings are dry, firm, elongated and of even size. Small or sparse droppings show it is eating too little, and soft ones a dietary problem; if the change does not go away, see a vet.

Usually not, if it gets good-quality pellets and hay. An excess of supplements can do harm, so give them only on a vet's advice.

Yes, unsprayed apple, willow or hazel twigs are a good chew and help wear down the teeth. Wash and dry them before giving.

A dried rose hip can occasionally be given as a treat. Raisins are very high in sugar, so they are best avoided for a chinchilla, or given only very rarely.

The basis is good-quality rat blocks or pellets, plus fresh vegetables, a little fruit and occasional protein. Fatty and salty human food should be avoided.

Broccoli, peas, carrots, kale, apples without seeds, berries and bananas are suitable. Give them in moderation and remove uneaten fresh food from the cage.

Rats must not be given raw beans, raw or green potatoes, raw onions, chocolate, sweets, salty snacks, fizzy or alcoholic drinks. Sticky foods such as nut butter should only be given in a thin layer.

Small amounts of plain cooked vegetables, rice or pasta are fine. Salty, spicy, fatty or sweet leftovers should not be given to rats.

Mostly because of fatty seed-rich mixes, lots of treats and too little exercise. Give a measured portion of blocks, more vegetables, and let the rats run outside the cage every day.

Rats are usually fed once or twice a day, ideally in the evening when they are most active. Give a measured amount and remove uneaten fresh food.