FAQ: Treats for small pets

On a journey, take the usual treats and hay the animal knows rather than new products, which can upset digestion in a stressful situation. Fresh vegetables such as cucumber can be given as a source of moisture.

In hot weather, juicy vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce or bell pepper provide moisture. Remove fresh treats from the cage sooner on hot days, as they spoil quickly and attract flies.

Yes, fresh grass is a natural food for rabbits and guinea pigs, but introduce it gradually, especially in spring. Pick it in unsprayed areas and do not give lawnmower clippings, which ferment quickly.

In winter, when fresh herbs are scarce, dried herbs, flowers, hay cubes, fruit-tree twigs and everyday vegetables work well. Rabbits kept outdoors need more energy, but hay and food should provide it, not sweets.

No. Christmas tree needles and resin, mistletoe, poinsettia and other festive plants can be harmful to small pets. Keep festive plants and decorations out of your pet's reach.

Contact a vet straight away and say what and how much the animal may have eaten; if possible, bring the packaging or a piece of the plant. Do not try to induce vomiting or treat it yourself.

A large pack is often cheaper per kilogram, but a small pet eats few treats and an opened pack slowly loses quality. Choose a size you will use up within a few weeks, unless you can split it into airtight containers.

Treats are sold in very different amounts, from a few dozen grams to kilograms, so compare the price per kilogram rather than per pack. Zookainos.lt shows the price per kilogram where it is known, which makes packs of different sizes easier to compare.

No. Zookainos.lt sells nothing; it only compares prices from Lithuanian online pet shops. Once you choose a product, you buy it on the shop's own website.

Prices are collected about daily, and each product shows when its price was last checked. Always confirm the final price on the shop's website before buying.

On zoogidas.lt, the product page shows the price history, so you can judge whether the current price is lower or higher than usual. This helps you decide whether to buy now or wait.

Small packs let you test whether your pet likes and tolerates a treat without buying a large amount. They are also used up faster, so the treat stays fresh, although the price per kilogram is often higher.

Check which species the treat is for, the order of ingredients, whether it contains sugar, honey or dairy, the recommended amount and the best-before date. It also helps to note the pack weight so you can compare the price per kilogram.

Yes, houses made of willow, hay or corn husks serve as both a hide and a chew. Over time the animal gnaws them down, so replace one when it becomes unstable or soiled.

Dried dandelion or chicory roots are a hard, fibrous chew that rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus enjoy. Give them in moderation as a treat rather than as everyday food.

Yes, hay mixed with herbs or flowers such as chamomile or calendula encourages fussy animals to eat more hay. It can replace part of the usual hay or be sprinkled on top as a treat.

Parsley, dill, coriander, basil, mint, rocket, romaine, carrot tops and celery leaves are suitable. Rotate the greens so the animal gets a range of nutrients and none in excess.

Spinach and beet greens are high in oxalates, which in large amounts can promote bladder stones. A small amount now and then will not harm a rabbit or guinea pig, but they should not be given daily.

Cabbage and other brassicas cause gas in some animals, so give them in small amounts and introduce them gradually. If you notice bloating or reduced appetite, drop these vegetables.

A small piece of ripe tomato flesh does not harm most small pets, but tomato leaves, stems and unripe fruit are poisonous. Tomatoes are acidic, so give them rarely.