There are so many vegetables to choose from when it comes to feeding your gerbils.
Are carrots a good choice for gerbils to eat?
Let’s find out from this article.
Here’s If Gerbils Can Eat Carrots
Gerbils can eat carrots but in moderation. Carrots of full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients which are beneficial for your gerbil’s health. Gerbils can eat raw carrots, cooked carrots, and carrot tops. You must feed your gerbils one or two bite-sized carrots once or twice a week as treat.
Carrots also come in different colors apart from the well-known orange color.
These are purple carrots, yellow carrots, white carrots, and atomic red carrots
Nutrition Facts About Carrots?
Carrots contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for your gerbils’ overall health.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one medium size of carrot(61g) has the following nutritional values:
- Calories – 25 kcal
- Water -53.9g
- Protein – 0.567g
- Carbohydrates -5.84g
- Fiber – 1.71g
- Sugars – 2.89g
- Calcium – 20.1mg
- Magnesium – 7.32mg
- Phosphorus – 21.4mg
- Potassium- 195 mg
- Sodium -42.1mg
- Vitamin A- 509 mcg
- Vitamin K- 8 mcg
Benefits Of Carrots For Gerbils
Your gerbils will derive enormous benefits from eating carrots in moderation. Carrots are a good source of Vitamins A, Vitamin K, potassium, fiber, and other nutrients.
Here are the benefits we found for you:
Good For Hydration
Carrot contains a high amount of water content which is good for your gerbil’s hydration needs,
Gerbils are known to drink less. They get their water from most of the food they eat,
That said you must always make sure your gerbils have fresh water available to them.
Feed your gerbil carrots in moderation.
Good For Their Teeth
Carrots are crunchy and will help your gerbils ever growing their teeth. Gerbils have things to gnaw on so they can keep their teeth from overgrowing.
In addition, cardboard, wooden toys, and healthy snacks like Excel gnaw sticks are other options you can explore for your gerbils’ teeth.
Fiber
Carrots contain a good amount of fibers that are beneficial for your gerbils.
Fiber is important for your gerbils’ digestion. It helps with elimination and with their gut health.
How Many Carrots Should You Feed Your Gerbils?
Gerbils shouldn’t eat carrots every day. Your gerbil should be given one or two cube-sized carrots once or twice a week.
If this is their first time eating carrots introduce them to them gradually. Give them a small piece and monitor them for a few days. If you observe issues such as diarrhea, you must stop feeding immediately and try again another time.
Can Gerbils Eat Cooked Carrots?
Yes, carrots are nutritious vegetables for your guinea pigs. Your gerbils can eat cooked carrots.
But remember not to feed too many. Cooked vegetables tend to lose some of their nutrients. So your gerbils should be fed fresh raw vegetables
Can Gerbils Eat Carrots Tops?
Gerbils can eat carrot tops. Carrot tops are not poisonous so your gerbils will be fine eating them.
Carrots tops are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for the overall health of your gerbils.
So go ahead and feed your gerbil carrots tops. But make sure you wash them properly and feed them in moderation.
Can Gerbils Eat Baby Carrots?
Gerbils can eat baby carrots. They are also full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients which can enhance the health of your gerbils.
You should feed your gerbil baby carrots in moderation.
Can Gerbils Eat frozen Carrots?
Gerbils can eat frozen carrots. But it is best t allow it to thaw before feeding your gerbils.
Some gerbils may not like frozen carrots.
If you can always feed your guinea pigs fresh carrots.
Can Gerbils Drink Carrot Juice?
Gerbils shouldn’t be given carrot juice. Carrot juice contains a high amount of sugar.
You don’t want to load your gerbils with sugar which can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea.
The best form of drink to give your gerbil is fresh drinking water.
Gerbils also derived most of their water from their food.
So gerbils don’t need carrot juice to meet their hydration needs.
Alternative Vegetables Your Gerbils Can Eat
Apart from carrots, there are other vegetable alternatives your gerbils can eat.
Here is a list of some of the vegetables your gerbils can eat:
- Bell Peppers
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Kale
- Cucumber
- Peas
Final Thoughts
Can gerbils eat carrots? Gerbils can eat carrots but in moderation. Carrots are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that contribute to your gerbil’s health.
You must wash your carrots properly to get rid of dirt and residual pesticides.
Gerbils can eat raw carrots, cooked carrots, and carrot tops. But feed these in moderation,
Gerbils can eat frozen carrots. Don’t give your gerbils carrot juice. It contains too much sugar that can cause stomach upset.
Remember to your gerbils a bite-sized carrot once or twice a week as a treat.