Are you contemplating feeding your gerbil cucumber? If that is the case, you are not alone. It is a question on the minds of many gerbil owners.
This article will help you find the answers you are looking for.
Can Gerbils Eat Cucumber?
Gerbils can eat cucumber but in moderation. Cucumber is safe but contains a high account of water. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your gerbils. Giving your gerbils too many leads to diarrhea. Give your gerbils a small amount of cucumber as an occasional treat.
Nutrition Facts About Cucumber
Cucumbers contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are beneficial for your gerbils’ health.
Here’s the list of the nutritional values of 100g of cucumber according to the United State Department of Agriculture:
- Calories – 15kcal
- Water – 95.2g
- Carbohydrate – 3.63g
- Fibre – 0.5g
- Sugar – 1.67g
- Calcium – 16mg
- Magnesium – 13mg
- Phosphorus – 24mg
- Potassium – 147 mg
- Sodium – 2mg
- Vitamin C – 2.8mg
- Vitamin A – 5mcg
- Vitamin K -16.4mcg
Benefits of Cucumber For Gerbils
There are benefits your gerbils can get from cucumber if fed in moderation.
Here are some of the benefits.
Good Hydration
Cucumber has about 96% water content. Gerbils get most of the water from the food they eat.
So feeding them cucumber should contribute to their daily water intake. However, overfeeding your gerbil cucumber will impact their digestive health.
Your gerbils should not depend solely on their food for their water need. Provide them with fresh water in a water bottle every day.
Good Source Of Fiber
Cucumber contains a good amount of fiber. Fiber is essential in the diet of gerbils.
It helps keep their digestive health in good health. Fiber also prevents your gerbils from overeating.
Risks Feeding Gerbils Cucumber
Despite the benefits of cucumber, there are some risks it poses to your gerbils.
Here are some of the risks if you overfeed your gerbil cucumber.
Digestive Issues
Cucumber’s high water content and sugar can impact the health of your gerbils.
Your gerbil digestive system can too much water and sugar. This leads to digestive issues such as diarrhea
So to prevent this from happening feed your gerbils cucumber in moderation.
Choking Risk
Cucumbers can pose a choking risk to your gerbils. When feeding your gerbils, make sure you cut them into smaller pieces.
This is to help your gerbils eat without choking.
Do Gerbils Like Cucumbers?
Gerbils like vegetables. So your gerbils may like cucumber. However, some gerbils will not like cucumber.
A number of gerbil owners have reported their gerbils don’t like cucumber.
So if your gerbil doesn’t like cucumber, you can try other vegetables.
How Much Cucumber Can Gerbils Eat?
Gerbils shouldn’t eat cucumber every day. You should give your gerbils a small amount of cucumber as an occasional treat.
Giving your gerbil too much cucumber leads to diarrhea.
So keep it to moderation.
Can Gerbils Eat Cooked Cucumber?
Gerbils can eat cooked cucumber. Cooking will reduce the nutritional value content of cucumber.
You shouldn’t add any salt, or spices to the cooked cucumber. These can harm your gerbils’ health.
If it is possible, only feed your gerbils fresh cucumber as a treat.
Can Gerbils Eat Cucumber Seeds?
Gerbils can eat cucumber seeds. Cucumber seeds are safe for your gerbils.
But only feed a small amount. This prevents any stomach upset.
Can Gerbils Eat Cucumber Skin?
Gerbils can eat the cucumber skin but in moderation. The skin contains fiber, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for your gerbils.
The skin of the cucumber can harbor residual pesticides so care must be taken when feeding your gerbils the skin.
Buy organic cucumber if you can afford it.
Can Gerbils Eat Pickles?
Gerbils can’t eat pickles. Pickles are cucumbers that have been washed and soaked in a solution made with water, salt, vinegar, and spices.
Salt, Vinegar, and spices are ingredients you shouldn’t allow near your gerbils.
These can harm the digestive systems of your gerbils.
Alternatives Foods To Cucumber Gerbils Can Eat
If your gerbils don’t like cucumber, then look for alternative foods.
Here is a list of some foods we found for you:
Final Thoughts
So, can gerbils eat cucumber? Yes, Gerbils can eat cucumber but in moderation. Cumber contains a high amount of water. It is estimated to contain about 96% water.
So you must take care when you are feeding your gerbils fruit high in water. This can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Cumber on the hand has a good amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are good for your gerbils’ health.
Feed your gerbils, a small amount of cucumber as an occasional treat.
Remove any leftover cucumber from their cage to prevent the cumber from going stale and attracting bacteria.