FAQ: Treats for small pets

Nuts in the shell, such as hazelnuts, are both a treat and an activity for rats and larger hamsters, since they have to gnaw through. Shells must be clean and free of mould, and very hard shells may be too much for small rodents.

Cucumber is mostly water, so it is not very nutritious, but it makes a refreshing treat, especially on a hot day. A small piece can be given daily along with other vegetables.

Yes, celery stalks and leaves suit both, but cut the stalks into small pieces so the long strings do not get stuck between the teeth. Celery is fairly high in calcium, so do not give large amounts every day.

Shop-bought sticks are usually already cleaned, dried and cut to a handy length, with the species stated on the pack. Garden twigs are free, but you need to identify them accurately, prepare them and be sure the tree was not sprayed.

Some owners give pine cones to rats or degus as a toy, but they can contain resin, dirt and insects. If you want to use them, pick dry ones, wash them and dry them thoroughly, and prefer twigs from broadleaf trees.

Natural cork bark is soft and light and is often used as a hide or chew for hamsters, rats and degus. Choose untreated bark with no glue or paint, and watch that the animal does not swallow large pieces.

Yes, rats' front teeth also grow throughout life, so they need hard things to gnaw: plain wooden blocks, twigs, cardboard and hard dry food pellets. Overgrown or crooked teeth are a reason to see a vet.

Small plain wooden chews, fruit-tree twigs, cardboard tubes and millet sprays suit mice and gerbils. Gerbils love shredding cardboard and paper, which makes an easy, safe activity.

Lickable pastes and creams for small pets often contain sugar, dairy or oils, which makes them very high in calories. If you use them, give only a drop on a finger or spoon and check the ingredients.

Vegetable drops contain no dairy, but they often contain sugar, flour or fat to bind the vegetable powder. Read the ingredients: if vegetables make up only a small share, it is still a sweet treat.

Puffed snacks are light and crunchy, but they are essentially starch, sometimes with sugar or colourings. Omnivores can have them only occasionally, and rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus are better off without them.

Frozen vegetables or ice cubes are not recommended for small pets, as they can irritate the mouth and stomach. For heat, chilled but not icy juicy vegetables, shade and a cool ceramic tile in the cage work better.

Fresh herbs are high in water and vitamins but wilt quickly, while dried ones keep for a long time and are more concentrated. So a portion of dried herbs should be smaller, and fresh ones should be removed before they wilt.

Treats with herbs or fibre can add variety, but they do not treat digestive problems. If the animal is bloated, has diarrhoea or eats less, see a vet rather than trying to solve it with treats.

Dwarf rabbits weigh little, so a treat portion should be proportionally smaller: one thin slice of fruit or a pinch of herbs. They tend to gain weight and have dental problems, so hay must always be available.

Better not. After that date, fats can turn rancid, vitamins break down or mould can appear that is not always visible. A small animal's body is sensitive, so throw such treats away.

Yes, apple, pear, hazel or willow leaves are a natural, low-calorie treat that can be given fresh or dried. Avoid leaves from stone fruit trees and only pick unsprayed ones.

A chinchilla needs very little: a pinch of dried herbs or flowers or one hay cube a day. Sweeter treats such as a rose hip are only for a few times a week, and if the droppings change, cut back.

Yes, dried gammarus and small shrimp are a natural protein treat for hamsters, mice and gerbils. Choose ones without salt or additives and give a few at a time alongside the usual food.

Carrots and beetroot contain a fair amount of sugar, so for degus, which are prone to diabetes, the usual advice is not to give them or to give only a rare small piece. Greens such as parsley or grasses and dried herbs are a better choice.