FAQ: Food for small pets

Growing rats, up to about six months, need more protein, so junior food or extra boiled egg and other protein sources are suitable.

Mice do well on mouse pellets or a mix with grains and small seeds, a few vegetables and occasional protein. Mice are small, so their portions are very small too.

In terms of composition rat food often suits mice, but the pellets or blocks may be too big and hard for them. It is easier to choose food made for mice.

Yes, mice are omnivores, so they can occasionally have mealworms or a piece of boiled egg. This is especially useful for growing and pregnant mice.

Not as everyday food: it has too much protein and fat for rats. An occasional piece will do no harm, but the basis of the diet should be food made for rats.

Older animals are often advised slightly less protein to spare the kidneys, and softer or soaked food if they have dental problems. Watch their weight and discuss their diet with a vet.

A small piece of cooked lean meat can occasionally be given as a source of protein. Do not give cooked bones, as they splinter into sharp fragments.

Hay is not the basis of a rat's or mouse's diet, but it is good for nests, foraging and chewing. If the animals nibble some, it does no harm.

Degus process sugar poorly, so they are very prone to diabetes, which often leads to cataracts as well. They must not have fruit, molasses, honey or sweet treats.

Degus need unlimited hay, degu pellets without sugar or molasses, small amounts of fresh greens and dried herbs, and fresh water.

Read the ingredients: avoid sugar, molasses, honey, glucose syrup, fruit and dried carrot. Choose food made specifically for degus that contains none of these.

Carrot roots are high in sugar, so they are better avoided for degus, or given only as a tiny piece now and then. Carrot tops are more suitable.

Leafy greens, broccoli, cucumber, celery and culinary herbs in small pieces are suitable. Choose vegetables low in sugar and introduce new ones gradually.

Chinchilla pellets are the closest in composition, so they are sometimes used for degus, but you must check they contain no sugar or molasses. It is best to choose food made for degus.

Only very rarely and in small amounts, as a reward, because seeds and nuts are fatty. They should not be part of a degu's daily diet.

Increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, and clouding eyes. If you notice these signs, see a vet.

Dried dandelion or plantain leaves, chamomile, hay cubes and unsprayed tree twigs are suitable. Avoid treats containing fruit, honey or molasses.

Hay must always be available, and pellets are given once or twice a day. Degus are active during the day, so feeding them morning and evening works well.

Gerbils do well on a low-fat grain and seed mix made for them, a small amount of fresh vegetables and occasional animal protein. Water must always be available, even though they drink little.

No, sunflower seeds are fatty and gerbils tend to put on weight. Give them only in moderation as a treat, and choose a mix with few sunflower seeds.