Chinchillas require a diet rich in hay, water and pellets as well as safe fruits, vegetables and treats for added nutrition.

Chinchillas in the wild typically feed twice each day-morning and evening-and may also eat seeds, insects and bird eggs as additional food sources. chinchillas.cyou

Hay

Chinchillas consume hay as the foundation of their diet, as well as fortified hay pellets packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Timothy-based hay is optimal; alfalfa hay may provide additional protein, calcium and fat-rich benefits.

Make sure that you purchase high-quality hay. Aim for something with bright green hue and fresh scent; and at least 90% leaves and no stems. Any brown or yellowish-toned varieties could have been baled when wet, which can be harmful to chinchillas.

Your chinchilla needs ample hay as chewing is the main way they maintain their ever-expanding teeth and aid their digestive systems. Be sure they have enough hay so they can play with and eat some daily; otherwise they could die of starvation!

Fruits

Chinchillas should be fed a diet that closely mimics their natural eating habits; this means hay should comprise most of their diet with some additional fruit or veggies added for additional vitamins.

Chinchillas should avoid food such as dairy, meat and other non-traditional sources like nuts that might upset their delicate digestive systems and lead to health complications. These items could potentially disrupt their delicate ecosystem and wreak havoc with health.

Finally, chinchillas should only receive small quantities of fruits like apples and berries - these contain lower sugar levels than most fruits, and could help improve overall health in your pet. When giving dried berries it's better than offering fresh ones as the former can contain higher levels of sugar that could harm chinchilla health as they can also harbor mold and bacteria that negatively impact pet health.

Vegetables

Chinchillas are herbivores in their natural environment, so vegetables play an integral role in their diet. Unfortunately, there are only certain kinds of veggies safe enough for chinchillas to consume in large quantities - and even then only 10% should make up their total daily food intake.

Chinchillas depend on leafy green vegetables for optimal health, providing essential vitamins not found in their food source such as hay. Examples include dandelion greens, lettuce, kale, cabbage and watercress as well as celery leaves.

Cucumbers are another safe food choice to provide to your chinchilla as they offer Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Make sure that any pieces cut are small to avoid choking hazards. Introduce new food items gradually in moderation so as to prevent stomach upset; Chinchillas have extremely delicate digestive tracts and could experience serious illnesses from sudden changes to their diets.

Treats

Your chinchillas will enjoy snacking on various healthy treats like rolled oats, dried fruit (such as apples, bananas and raisins) and vegetables in small doses.

Chinchillas also enjoy feeding on something called "hay pellets", made up of regular hay compressed into small chunks and often fortified with nutrients. You can choose either timothy hay pellets or mixes that include alfalfa hay as the basis of these treats.

Avoid feeding your chinchilla foods that may contain preservatives and artificial flavors that could potentially cause digestive issues or other health concerns.

Your chinchilla should only receive treats on occasion to prevent weight gain and serious health complications for this small rodent. Hay should form the core of their diet for both digestive purposes as well as to wear down their continually expanding teeth.