FAQ: Treats for small pets

Guinea pigs quickly learn to link sounds with food, so a rustling bag or the fridge door sets off excited squeaking. This is normal, but do not let it become a reason to hand out treats all the time.

Yes, dried dandelion leaves and flowers are a popular natural treat for guinea pigs and rabbits. Dandelion is high in calcium, so give it in moderation, especially if the animal has had urinary problems.

Dried herbs, flowers (for example chamomile, calendula and rose petals), hay cubes and fruit-tree twigs suit a chinchilla. Its digestion is very sensitive to sugar and fat, so sweet treats should be avoided.

A chinchilla's digestion is adapted to dry, fibrous food, so fresh fruit and vegetables can cause bloating or diarrhoea. The usual advice is to replace them with dried herbs and hay.

Raisins are very sugary, so for a chinchilla they are at most a rare, tiny treat, and many vets advise not giving them at all. Dried flowers or hay cubes are a safer choice.

Dried rose hips are a traditional chinchilla treat, but they contain natural sugar, so give only one or two and not every day. On other days, choose herbs.

Nuts and sunflower seeds are high in fat, while a chinchilla's digestion is adapted to lean, fibrous food. Getting them regularly can upset digestion and liver function, so it is better not to give such treats.

No. Small pets, especially chinchillas, degus and rats, chew through plastic quickly, and swallowed sharp pieces can injure or block the digestive tract. For chewing, choose wood, twigs, hay, loofah or cardboard.

Dried herbs, flowers, hay cubes, fruit-tree twigs and small amounts of non-sweet vegetables suit a degu. Degus are prone to diabetes, so treats must not contain sugar, honey or fruit.

Degus handle sugar poorly, which makes them prone to diabetes and the cataracts associated with it. Even fruit, carrots or dried fruit are considered unsuitable, so look for ‘no added sugar’ on treat labels.

In very small amounts, such as a few seeds as a training reward, yes, but nuts and seeds are fatty, so they should not be given every day. Herbs and hay are a degu's main treats.

Read the ingredients: there should be no sugar, honey, molasses, syrups, fruit or dried fruit, and the first ingredients should be herbs, hay or vegetables. A ‘for all small pets’ label does not guarantee a treat suits degus.

Hamsters are omnivores, so small amounts of seeds, dried vegetables, herbs, pieces of boiled egg or dried mealworms suit them. Give sweet treats rarely, especially to dwarf hamsters.

Some dwarf hamster species, such as Campbell's and the winter white, are prone to diabetes. They do better with treats free of sugar, honey and fruit, and increased thirst or frequent urination should be discussed with a vet.

Yes, dried or live mealworms are a valuable source of protein and a favourite hamster treat. One or two a few times a week is enough, as they are fairly high in fat.

Hamsters naturally store food in their cheek pouches and hiding places. This is normal behaviour, but check the stores regularly and throw away any fresh food that is going off.

Sticky, gooey treats such as pieces of honey sticks or dried fruit can stick inside the cheek pouches and irritate them. Give them in very small amounts or choose dry treats instead.

A hamster can have small pieces of cucumber, carrot, broccoli, bell pepper, apple without seeds or pear. Avoid citrus, onions, garlic and raw beans, and remove fresh leftovers from the cage the same day.

Hamsters love them, but the sticks often contain honey or sugar and a lot of fatty seeds. Give them as an occasional treat, and for dwarf species choose sticks without added sugar.

Mostly yes, but dwarf hamsters need smaller portions and less sugar, as they are smaller and more prone to diabetes. Syrian hamsters can have slightly more seeds and protein treats.