by Jessy Hudson

Created on: September 24, 2009

Chinchillas can be beautiful and entertaining pets, but it is very important to pay close attention to what your pet chinchilla is eating. These animals tend to have very sensitive stomachs and their digestion can be easily upset. Chinchillas thrive best on a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. As chinchillas are lacking a gall bladder, they are unable to digest high levels of fat and too much fat in a chinchilla's diet can easily lead to liver disease.

The main component of your pet's diet should be a quality commercial chinchilla food. Foods in pellet form are usually preferred over mixed foods. This is because chinchillas will tend to pick out the parts of a mixed food that they like and leave the rest, resulting in an imbalanced diet. The best foods for chinchillas will be comprised of about 20% protein, 25% fiber and be very low in fat. If you are unable to locate a quality chinchilla food in your area, rabbit food may be substituted as long as it has comparable nutrient levels. Chinchillas should be fed one to two tablespoons of food per day. One tablespoon in the morning and one in the evening is best, as these are the natural times that chinchillas eat. Regardless of what time you choose to feed your pet, try to keep the times as consistent as possible. Chinchillas love routine and a consistent feeding schedule will help to keep them calm and alleviate stress.

Chinchillas should also be given a supplement of hay, which is high in fiber and aids in their digestion. There are a few different types of hay commonly available at pet stores, but Timothy hay tends to be best for chinchillas. Alfalfa can be provided occasionally as a treat but has been shown to cause urinary problems if offered in large amounts. Pressed cubes of hay are a good choice but should be supplemented with loose hay, as it tends to be higher in fiber and better for your pet's teeth. Be sure that any hay you give your pet is dry, free of dust and does not smell musty. Hay can be offered to your pet free choice, but should be changed frequently in order to avoid mold.

Your chinchilla will enjoy the occasional treat but these should only be given two to four times per week. Some good choices for treats are very small pieces of fruit, raisins, or rose hips. Rose hips can often be found at health food stores and are high in vitamin C. Try to stay away from treats that are high in fat, such as sunflower seeds or peanuts. Another option is to offer your pet a teaspoon of vitamin-enriched seed mix. Interestingly, chinchillas will often find small, dry twigs enjoyable. Apple twigs tend to be best, but any twig from a tree that is non-toxic and free of pesticides is fine. Twigs are also good for chewing, which your pet needs to do regularly to keep their teeth at a manageable length.

Don't be alarmed if you witness your chinchilla ingesting its own droppings. Chinchillas produce two types of droppings, hard and soft. The softer type is often re-ingested because it provides your pet's digestive system with useful bacteria.

When changing a chinchilla's diet, it is important to remember to go slowly. Since their digestion is so easily upset it is best to phase out the old food gradually, mixing it with the new food over time. Properly feeding your chinchilla can be a bit tricky at first, but with knowledge and careful planning you and your new friend can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship that will last for many years to come.

Resources:

www.cheekychinchillas.com

www.chinchillaplanet.com

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