Hay and Small Pet Food: What Each Small Pet Eats

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas

These grazers need grass hay all day, making up most of their diet. Add:

• Leafy greens daily for rabbits and guinea pigs, introduced gradually.
• A small, measured portion of pellets made for the species. Uniform pellets stop picky eaters choosing only the sweet bits of a muesli-style mix.
• Guinea pigs need vitamin C from food every day: guinea pig pellets and vitamin C-rich vegetables. See guinea pig vitamin C.
• Chinchillas have sensitive guts: hay and pellets with very few treats.

See choosing hay for which hay to buy.

Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice and Rats

These omnivores do well on a complete food made for their species, plus small amounts of fresh vegetables and the odd treat. Rats do best on nuggets or blocks, because they pick out favorites from mixes. Scatter part of the food so they forage. Keep sugary, salty and fatty human food to a minimum.

Ferrets Are Carnivores

Ferrets can't digest plant fiber well. Feed a complete ferret food that is high in animal protein and fat and low in fiber, with plain cooked meat as treats. See ferrets as pets.

Treats and Foods to Avoid

• Keep treats small and occasional, and count them as part of the daily food.
• Many shop treats for small pets are high in sugar or seeds; fresh herbs or a piece of vegetable often go down just as well.
• Avoid chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, raw beans and rhubarb for all small pets, and ask your vet before feeding anything new.

Water and Feeders

Fresh water every day, in a bowl as well as a bottle for rabbits and guinea pigs, who often drink more from a bowl. Heavy ceramic bowls don't tip, and hay racks keep hay clean.