Overfeeding of fresh greens also can lead to soft stool or diarrhea. link to How Often Should Chinchillas Have Dust Baths? The most crucial behavior factors about cats you need to know about them is that they are: On the other hand, the personality traits of the chinchilla are: With such divergent personality traits, its now evident why your cat and chinchilla might struggle to get along just fine. Dog food is not nutritionally balanced for chinchillas and can make them sick. Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters) whereas chinchillas are herbivores (plant-eaters). What Owners Must Know! and how to get rid of it, The Best Chinchilla Toys (Review) in 2023, Are chinchillas Smart? Both Chinchillas and Hamsters Are Small Rodents. As well as knowing what foods chinchillas can eat, its also important to understand what common foods your chinchilla should be staying away from too. The best pet for you based on your zodiac sign - Stars Insider 1.1 Rabbit Food; 1.2 Hamster And Gerbil Food; 1.3 Sugary Foods; 1.4 Certain Vegetables; 1.5 Certain Fruits; 1.6 Processed Human Foods; 1.7 Chocolate; 2 What Foods Are Toxic To Chinchillas: Final Thoughts If your cat does this, theres a high likelihood of it ignoring the chinchilla, which in turn doesnt get so stressed by the cats presence.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smallpetshq_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); However, if you have an overly active cat, it might not be a good idea to have these two pets live in the same house. Here is a breakdown of the nutrients your chinchilla needs in their diet and in what percentages. Chinchillas are very friendly animals. Why are chinchillas so fragile? I heard they can't eat fruits - Quora 1.1 Understanding The Chinchilla Diet. One thing thats worth pointing out is that orchard grass hay is slightly more coarse than standard timothy hay and will do a better job of keeping your chinchillas teeth short if they are starting to look overgrown. Chinchillas with these signs should be examined immediately by a veterinarian to have the lodged material extracted. Hay which is sweeter and has more nutrients, should be mostly given to young chinchillas and only occasionally to adult chinchillas. Homeopathic and herbal remedies. 1. We have two females & two males. Because of the sensitive nature of a chinchillas digestive tract, sugar can be extremely harmful even if its fed in moderate quantities. The short answer is yes, chinchillas can eat rabbit food. The treats that these exotic animals eat are dried rose hips, dandelion, and hibiscus leaves, basically dried fruits, and root vegetables should be given to them. The 7 Best Deals on Chewy This March - AZ Animals What Fruits Can Chinchillas Eat? (Complete Chart) Can Chinchillas Eat Cat Food? - (Discover The Truth) Following this diet routine is to make sure your chinchilla doesnt turn into a malnourished animal. Auto Feeder Water Dispenser Set Rabbit Cat Dog Chinchilla Food Hanging A good quality pellet usually contains vitamins such as vitamins A, B12, D3 & E. In contrast to hay, where you should provide it in large quantities, pellets should be offered in smaller amounts and make up more of the remaining 10% of your chinchillas diet. Give your chinchilla space from the cat, which sees it as a prey. Can Chinchillas Eat Cat Food? If you can imagine for a moment what that would be like, it is much easier to see why they need dust baths instead of w. But can rabbits eat chinchilla food safely? Some common options for food items that every pet chinchilla owner needs to keep their chinchilla safe and healthy are listed below. Behavior & Training Food & Nutrition . Always check the quality of your tap water at home before choosing this option. Fat - 2-5%. Thank you for supporting us on our journey as we continue to publish content with the aim of helping owners care for their pets in the best way possible! However, this isnt something they enjoy doing. When they are let out of their cage, chinchillas Chinchillas come in a wide variety of colors. Chinchillas require large amounts of fibre in their diet for their digestive system to function correctly. Hamster food is made largely of things that would be harmful for a chinchilla to eat. (Benefits/Risks), Norwegian Lundehund: What You Need To Know. Chins have a high metabolism and can eat constantlyideally, they shouldn't go without food for more than 12 hours, but 24 hours is doable if absolutely necessary. You can repeat the process for a few days, gradually increasing the time frame. Chinchillas: What Can They Eat? - Munchkin Kitten Store Fibre - 30-35%. For a healthy domestic animal, you need proper food and a diet plan. The hamster food will not be nutritionally beneficial to them. A chinchilla that is fully grown typically weighs between 1 and 3 pounds. Just because a green on the list below is labelled safe doesnt mean that you can feed your chinchilla unlimited amounts of that green or vegetable. As for what kind of water chinchillas solid drink, you cant just give them any old water from the tap. If you're looking for a reasonably priced cage that comes with a variety of accessories, try the Habitrail Cristal Hamster Cage with Wheel. There are several reasons why you shouldnt feed your chinchillas cat food and, below, well explore each of these in more detail. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. This leads to severe pain as they chew, in addition to drooling and possible eye discharge from upper tooth root pressure on tear ducts. What Can Chinchillas Not Eat? - Cheerful Chinchilla Oxbow hay (low dust/hypoallergenic) Avoid using wooden toy balls. Feeding your chinchilla excessive amounts of pellets does not supply enough fiber for their gastrointestinal tracts (which require high fiber for fermentation of food) and doesnt provide the roughage to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Yucca. Oxbow Essentials Deluxe Chinchilla Food. It's important to offer your chinchillas an unlimited amount of fresh hay in their cage daily so they can continually consume the large amounts of fibre they need. An overweight chinchilla is susceptible to many illnesses like diabetes, diarrhea, and liver damage. The 5 Best Hamster Cages Of 2023 - We're All About Pets Yes, cats do attack chinchillas as their rodents, which they see as prey. We love merrick dog food, including dry and canned food, too! Chinchillas - Feeding | VCA Animal Hospital such as elevated levels of calcium and in turn, cause health issues. Hibiscus is known to be a healthy treat for chinchillas if offered in small quantities and is often used in commercial chinchilla treats. In the wild, chinchillas live in cold mountains, crevices of rocks, moving from rock to rock to escape from predators and to find food. If you want to bring a chinchilla into your home, you could be worried about their diet and general health. Created using the Newspaper Theme. It is a rich source of Malic acid that is not essential for your Chinchillas. You can barely overlook the significance of animal intelligence. In fact, the hamster food is likely to be harmful to them. Chinchilla Exotic Persian kittens for sale | Cats & Kittens | Gumtree Indigestible bedding, such as wood shavings, also can cause obstructions. Take a look at this guide that shares the types of water your chinchilla can drink, If you want to know everything you need to know about chinchilla water bottles in less than 3 minutes then check our easy to follow guide here. Commercial pelleted food is also available for chinchillas but should be offered in limited quantities of no more than one-to-two tablespoons per day for an adult chinchilla. Eggshells are rich in calcium and, as such, theyre an excellent source of nutrition for your chinchilla! This will be possible if your cat has a mellow and calm personality and isnt so much interested in hunting, meaning itll most likely ignore the chinchilla. So, what exactly do chinchillas eat? Offering too much or too little of one food group can cause your chin to have digestive and even health issues. We have created a list of common foods that chinchilla owners regularly contemplate feeding their chinchilla. ; The long-tailed chinchillas will feed on insects, such as moths and grasshoppers, and bird eggs if the opportunity presents itself. What Treats Are Safe For Chinchillas? - Pet Assure Over time, your cat might get used to your chinchilla and stop attacking it altogether. If a chinchilla were to eat dry cat food, it would likely experience digestive issues and may even die. While hay should be offered in unlimited quantities, feeding large amounts of high-calcium alfalfa hay to non-breeding, adult chinchillas has been associated with the development calcium-based bladder stones. Answer (1 of 2): Why would you want to do that? Its always best to check before you offer your chinchilla a new fruit just to make sure its safe and to see just how much you can offer them in one sitting. Furthermore, chinchillas might suffer from stress caused by your cat, which might trigger a sickness, thereby leading to its untimely demise. [What Owners Will Want To Know]Continue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Arrives by Fri, Mar 31 Buy Auto Feeder Water Dispenser Set Rabbit Cat Dog Chinchilla Food Hanging Gravity at Walmart.com Alfalfa hay (low dust/hypoallergenic) Blue Grass hay. By doing so, youll be giving your cat and chinchilla ample time to get used to each other behaviors and smells. Stay on top of the latest news about canine behavior, nutrition and health. Chinchillas require a diet that mainly consists of timothy hay with the addition of supplementary chinchilla pellets. Poison Ivy. For instance, chinchillas were observed eating " Puya berteroniana ", a type of succulent plants . This is a general rule for most small animals such as hedgehogs and even the majority of reptiles. Changing the brand of pellets . Chinchillas can consume a wide variety of human foods, most notably vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains. Yes, chinchillas can eat C heerios, . The brand that we would recommend using is Oxbow as their pellets are of a high quality and are fortified with vitamins such as vitamin D3. Fresh drinking water should be offered daily in a water bowl or bottle. Locust pods. While long term overfeeding of sugary foods can cause problems such as tooth decay and obesity, even overfeeding sugary food just once and cause diarrhoea and gas. They can be offered much variety of good quality and clean hay like timothy hay, orchard grass, alfalfa hay, oat hay, or meadow hay. The rest can be a mix of pellets, fruits and vegetables, herbs but it's different for each species, as . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They will consume stalks, stems, leaves, shoots, fruits, seeds and roots . You may also spot tipping on the legs. our recommended food products for your chinchilla and the best place to purchase them from. Can Chinchillas Eat Hamster Food - Passionate About Food In fact, when given the choice between dry cat food and fresh grass, chinchillas choose the latter every time! Purebred Chinchilla's. $1,200. If you want to give them something extra special, then you can include some fruit snacks, peanut butter, cheese, or eggshells into their food bowl every once in a while. You'll need to make sure you'll be sharing your home with an animal that suits your lifestyle, available space, and even your personality type. Yes, the chinchilla that you have been eyeing for quite some time now. Can Chinchillas Eat Cat Food? - Pet Food Fuss They eat Royal Canin special Persian cat food and the kittens are eating kitten food. | Learn More >> You are shopping: Livonia, MI Livonia. To try to mimic this rough vegetation, the mainstay of pet chinchillas diets should be hay offered in unlimited quantities. A few hamster owners were concerned that their buddies would have trouble eating it because of its size and shape . Provide a steady supply of hay. The chinchilla's pellets should be put in a food bowl, and they should be given fresh pellets every day. 2.6 No Sudden Dietary Changes. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Nuts? 3. You can find out exactly which variety of Cheerios is safe to feed to your chinchilla right here(We researched all popular varieties and only recommend feeding your chinchilla these 2 varieties). Timothy hay should be offered in unlimited quantities so your chinchilla can graze and feed on it continually throughout the day, again, more on the exact amounts of food to offer your chin each day later in the post. This is the case even if the chinchilla is caged as your cat might opt to stare down at the chinchilla or reach down the cage.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_15',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); This will be a traumatizing experience for the chinchilla, which your cat views as prey. It is also built with a speaker for remote interaction with pets. But if you want to own both of these pets, the question running in your mind right now is, do chinchillas get along with cats? While it depends on your cat's personality, many will seek out to hunt chinchillas. Chinchillas only need to consume around 3-5% fat in their diet which is easily attainable from their base diet so foods such as. Hard objects, such as branches from non-toxic fruit trees (like apple, pear, and peach trees), can be given to promote chewing and teeth wear, but toxic trees (like cherry, cedar, plum and redwood) should be avoided. Specific Substrate Needs. Cavies Know Their Body and Can Regulate Their Guinea Pig Food Intake. For example, you could offer them a few pieces of fruit, such as apples or pears. Too much calcium can have a negative effect on a chinchillas health as excessive amounts can cause calcium stones. This is important because your cat might terrorize your chinchilla even when its in the cage by either hissing at it or staying very close to the cage. The auto cat feeder has a 1080HD camera with automatic night vision as well as wide-angle view and supports 10-second voice message recording. Belmore, NSW. Yes, they can, as harmful bacteria can be crossed from your cat to your chinchilla, causing it a severe illness. Its quite possible that if you put cat food down on the floor, your chinchilla will try to eat it. Pelleted diets are better than a mixture of loose items. Dont give food that is meant for guinea pigs as they have different digestive systems. Make sure to cut these fruits and vegetables into small tiny pieces of cubes to feed them and know the proper quantity that they can handle through your pets vet. This is a question many pet owners ask themselves, and if you fall into this category, youre in luck.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smallpetshq_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-banner-1-0'); Heres a detailed article on the compatibility of chinchillas and cats to make you better informed on whether owning these two pets is a good idea. Raisins. A tablespoon or two each day is appropriate for most chinchillas. Always keep an eye on your cat even after your chinchilla and cat have started getting along. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. What Do Chinchillas Eat: Diet & Food Guide - Your Chinchilla Pet Care Following a healthy diet will maximize your chinchillas lifespan. The answer is that chinchillas do need fresh water daily and if they dont have access to water they will become dehydrated and eventually become ill and die. 1 What Foods Are Poisonous To Chinchillas? What Do Chinchillas Eat? | PetMD 2.4 Certain Breakfast Cereals. In addition to this, the chinchilla may choose to hide, seeking safety from the cat, thereby making it hard to locate. No, they can't as they're herbivorous, meaning they eat plenty of grasses or plants. Acidic foods can upset the pH balance of your chinchillas stomach and, as such, can cause stomach ulcers. How to Care for a Pet Chinchilla - The Spruce Pets Nonetheless, this can be achieved by only slowly introducing these two pets to each other. The diet of chinchillas should ideally be high in protein and fiber while containing low moisture and fat content. Foods You Can Feed to Your Chinchilla as Treats Include: Rope Hips are considered one of the healthiest treats you can offer your chinchilla. Some comments from a popular forum AGAINST giving raisins include: 1. Take a look at the guide below that details what foods your chinchilla should eat and in what quantities. Studying the plants that chinchillas eat on a regular basis was particularly interesting for those scientists. There are some great hay-based pellets out there on the market that complement your chinchillas hay-based diet and fill in the gaps in your chins nutrition really well. To make sure that your pet eats food properly, you need to make the feeding time fun. If this is a problem you were undergoing, reading this insightful article has enlightened you to understand better if cats and chinchillas can get along. Cat with can food. This is all too situational and it depends on the character of the pet. Limit fruits and sugary vegetables (e.g., carrots) to <1 teaspoon/day. 4. Consequently, this lowers the stress level of your chinchilla that wont now feel like a target, thereby leading to an environment where these two can live together in harmony.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-netboard-2','ezslot_18',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-netboard-2-0'); You need to be careful about how you introduce your chinchilla to your cat is you really want there to be any harmonious relationship between these two creatures. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (Benefits/Risks), Can Chinchillas Eat Strawberries? Theyve become the subject of fascination for many animal lovers who enjoy their antics. What Do Chinchillas Eat? - We're All About Pets Chinchillas enjoy dandelions because they have an interesting . Answer (1 of 2): It is not so much that they are 'fragile', but have different habitat requirements than we are used to. Provide hay in your chinchilla's cage at all times so it has something to graze on. For any new chinchillas owner, one of the very first questions you need to ask is what can chinchillas eat?. The hay should be dry and fresh-smelling with no trace of mold. 2.5 Dried Cranberry And Apple. It will keep them active and give them the appropriate amount of pellets per day, hay, and other food items per day as well. Nonetheless, its still recommended never to leave these two pets alone as you never know when your cats natural hunting instincts might kick in and attack your chinchilla. What Do Chinchillas Eat in the Wild and as Pets? | Pet Keen As a general rule of thumb, chinchillas dont need fruit to be considered healthy and they dont need it in their diet. Fresh greens, such as dark green lettuces, should also be given to provide additional water and fiber. head over to our post that shares all you need to know. From allergies to zoomies, we have dogs covered like fur on a sofa. What Do Chinchillas Eat? A Guide to Their Diet - AZ Animals Even though your chinchilla and cat might get along just fine, its advisable never to leave these two pets unsupervised or unattended when interacting with each other.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallpetshq_com-portrait-2','ezslot_20',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallpetshq_com-portrait-2-0'); With that said, for your cat and your chinchilla to get along are two different things you must consider before getting these two pets living in the same house. The most obvious reason why you shouldn't feed cat food to a chinchilla is because chinchillas are not cats! Pets are adorable, but having different species in your home might bring about some issues with some of them incompatible. So here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can feed your chinchillas. Hi, my namesElena Coolidge, and this is my site. What To Feed a Pet Chinchilla | RSPCA Never change your chinchillas' diet suddenly, as this could upset their digestive system and make them very ill. Chinchillas cant eat cat food. Dried Cranberries. Like. Reasons Why Theyre Smart. You can also feed them a mixture of all these hays. If your hamster has consumed any of these items then please seek veterinary advice. Plain Cheerios. This is because fatty foods are very harmful to their digestive system. Please remember that there are hundreds of greens and vegetables from around the world. Read on for everything that you'll need to know. Guide + Chart. Both critters should be eating a high quality hay as the majority of their diet. Chinchillas also dont like eating cat food. Some dos and donts for having chinchillas as pets are listed below. Fruits and Veggies - Fresh fruits, fresh greens, and other veggies are a healthy part of your chinchilla's diet as well. [What Owners Will Want To Know], Can Chinchillas Get Fleas? This is what your chinchillas diet should look like, Hay Unlimited amounts (80-90% of the diet), Pellets Limited amounts to complement hay diet, Fresh Greens Small amounts offered daily, Fruit Very small amounts offered on occasion, Lets now break down the different elements of a chinchillas diet and see exactly what they should be eating to keep them both happy and healthy. From their increased curiosity and affection to their unmatched affordability, chinchillas will always be amazing pets. Fresh vegetables and fruits can occasionally be fed to your chinchillas, but only some of the fruit and vegetables your chinchillas digestive system can bear. Purebred Chinchilla's | Cats & Kittens | Gumtree Australia Canterbury This is because rabbits require higher amounts of protein than chinchillas, which is reflected in the content of their food. Bread and Dairy Products. and how to get rid of itContinue. Water should be provided in the form of a water bottle rather than a bowl as this is much more hygienic for your chinchilla. Grapes and raisins have shown to be toxic to dogs, ferrets and cats. As you can see from everything weve discussed above, you should never feed cat food to a chinchilla. This means it should comprise 35% carbohydrates, 30% fiber, 15% protein, 4% protein, and less than 3.5% fat. Reasons Why Theyre SmartContinue, This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I blog about their care, where to buy them, breeders, and more. 10 Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Throwing up Yellow Liquid The chinchilla should be given fresh hay every day. Can Chinchillas Eat Hamster Food? (What to Do in a Pinch) In addition, wet cat food is often too salty for chinchillas. All of our pet experts are here to help you and . Similarly, pet chinchillas should be offered food twice a day but may consume food throughout the day, as they tend to eat more slowly than other small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. What Nutrients Are Important For Chinchillas? Health and welfare issues - other. Unlike cat food or dog food, this will contain many of the nutrients that a chinchilla needs to stay fit and healthy. So what should you do? Providing your chinchilla with safe wood for them to chew on is the best and most convenient option. Can Chinchillas Live With Cats? Tips for families who want to own both! Botanical hay. As such, its impossible for chinchillas to eat the same diet as cats. Whether you're looking for tips, tools, activities or advice, you've arrived at the consummate guide for everything related to caring for dogs. The best way to safeguard your chinchilla from your cat is by placing its cage far from the reach of your cat. Below we have listed the most common greens that your chinchillas can safely eat in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Their access to water and hay or grass should be maintained in a way that they never run out. Protein - 16-20%. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. As we mentioned earlier, hay is the most important part of a chinchillas diet. You can either purchase wood sticks from a store or collect your own, Wash The wood Thoroughly (remove all visible dirt), Ensure Sticks Are Totally Dry (should easily snap under pressure), Timothy or Orchard Grass Hay Always Available.