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Gerbil food selection guide – how to build a strong, varied and practical feeding plan
Gerbils naturally enjoy energy-rich foods like seeds, but a good diet revolves around balance, structure, and variety. In this decision-making guide, we explain how to create a practical feeding plan with basic foods, hay/herbs, safe snacks, and (where appropriate) animal protein. DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011 and helps you choose without the marketing hype: what works in practice, what suits your gerbils?
Directly to food: Gerbil food · Hay, herbs & seeds · Fresh plants · Gerbil snacks
Useful tags: mealworms · animal proteins
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Checklist – gerbil feeding plan (simple and strong)
- ✓ Choose one basic food as a solid core.
- ✓ Add hay/herbs/seeds for structure and enrichment.
- ✓ Snacks: small and functional (reward/foraging), not “extra feeding”.
- ✓ Always keep fresh water and food hygienic (remove any leftovers).
- ✓ Monitor weight/condition; adjust step by step.
✓ Structure wins
A recognisable feeding plan provides peace of mind and prevents “random” additional feeding.
✓ Foraging works
Scatter food or use foraging toys to encourage natural behavior.
✓ Species differences
Fat-tailed gerbils may have different needs than Mongolian gerbils.
Basic food: what should you pay attention to?
A good basic diet is the "backbone." Look for variety in ingredients, good acceptance, and a composition that suits gerbils (who often prefer seed-rich ingredients). Want to add extra enrichment? Combine with controlled additions (herbs, small seed mixes) instead of constantly changing the base.
Shop: Gerbil food
Hay, herbs & structure
Many gerbils are seed lovers, but herbs and hay help with structure, variety, and foraging behavior. Fresh plants can also be suitable as enrichment (offer in small quantities and hygienically).
Shop: Hay, herbs & seeds · Fresh gerbil plants
Snacks: smart rewards (without overfeeding)
Treats are best used functionally: as a reward for taming, training, or foraging. Ideally, choose treats that are suitable for gerbils and keep portions small.
Shop: Gerbil Snacks · Enrichment: Play & Foraging
Animal proteins: when yes/no?
Some gerbils receive (limited) animal protein supplementation. Needs can vary by species and situation. When in doubt, choose small amounts, maintain good hygiene, and follow species-specific guidelines.
Tags: animal proteins mealworms
Feeding practice: how to stimulate foraging
Scatter some of the food, hide it in the enclosure, or use foraging toys. This aligns with their natural "search and work" behavior and makes many gerbils noticeably more active.
View foraging products: Gerbil Play & Foraging .
FAQ – Gerbil food selection guide
Do I have to change food every week?
Preferably not. Choose a good foundation and gradually increase variation. Changing too often can cause unrest.
What is the best way to feed?
Combine a solid core (basic food) with foraging: spreading/hiding often works very well.
Where can I find species information?
Gerbil species: Mongolian gerbil · Fat-tailed gerbil · Persian gerbil
Tip: Want personalized advice? Email us at customer service . For general background information, you can also consult the LICG .
✓ Clear feeding plan instead of “random” supplementary feeding
✓ More natural behavior through foraging
✓ Specialist since 2011 – range and selection assistance for well-being
