We all seem to be obsessed with offering our pets different types of foods, and the festive period is no exception. In all fairness, I am a pet owner who enjoys mixing up my pets treats every now and then. Sometimes, I’ll whip up a tasty “woofin” for my dog, a fishy snack for my cats or even go on the hunt for some new flowers for my tortoise.
However, for those of you out there who own small furries, such as gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs, are there any festive foods which they will enjoy?
Let’s have a look at what festive feasts can be offered to the vast array of small furry pets.
Table of contents
Obligatory disclaimer
When introducing any new foods, festive or not, it is important to do so slowly. A large amount of new foods can cause a gastro-intestinal upset. Foods such as parsnips and carrots can also contain high levels of natural sugars, so always offer as part of a wider, more varied diet.
If you are worried about your pet after they have eaten a new food type, contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible.
Christmas dinner
Okay, I’m not talking about offering your rabbit a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Avoid the gravy and the turkey – these are absolutely not ideal.
However, some common Christmas delicacies for hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, rats, mice, chinchillas and guinea pigs include:
Carrots
These are brilliant for our small furries as carrots are packed full of Vitamin A, as well as helping to keep their teeth in good working order.
Green beans
Brimming with Vitamins A, K and C, green beans are totally beneficial for our small furry friends. Green beans also offer plenty of dietary fibre to keep bowel movements formed and regular.
Cabbage
This can be classed as a superfood due to its nutrient dense nature. Similar to green beans, cabbage offers plenty of vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fibre.
Brussel sprouts
Humans love or hate sprouts (I can’t get enough!) but it’s fair to say that our small furry friends are bound to enjoy this tasty snack. Sprouts are also nutrient dense and provide good fibre within the diet.
Parsnips
This sweet, tasty root vegetable can offer our pets vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A to help boost their immune system. Parsnips also contain potassium, which is great for muscle and heart function.
Fruits & Nuts
Cranberries
This festive berry can make a great sweet treat for mice, hamsters, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs and bunnies. Due to high levels of natural sugars, these should only be offered in moderation.
Cranberry sauce should be avoided due to possible additives and high sugar levels. Fresh cranberries are best, but small amounts of dried cranberries could be considered.
Sultanas
Sultanas are a natural anti-oxidant which can help to protect the cells in an animal’s body from damage.
Technically, rabbits and guinea pigs can eat sultanas, but in very small quantities. Gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas and rats can also enjoy this tasty, dried fruit. But never offer them to dogs and cats, as they have the potentially to be severely toxic even in very small amounts.
Chestnuts
Hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats will all appreciate a nibble on a festive chestnut. Chestnuts can provide essential vitamins and minerals along with a good source of fibre.
It is not recommended to feed chestnuts to chinchilla’s, rabbits or guinea pigs.
Raisins
Whilst raisins aren’t toxic to rabbits and guinea pigs, it is not recommended to offer raisins to them. It’s also best not to offer raisins to rats.
Hamsters, gerbils and chinchillas can all enjoy a sweet raisin snack in small amounts and moderation.
Foods to avoid
It goes without saying that there are probably more foods to be avoided than to be enjoyed by our small furry friends during the festive period.
Foods including garlic, onions, stuffing, gravy, christmas pudding, pigs in blankets, rhubarb, deli meats, cheeses containing mould, salted crackers, chocolate and cake… the list goes on.
When in doubt, do not feed your small furry foods that you think may not suit them. As a good rule of thumb, naturally sourced vegetable foods are generally okay, but it’s always important to check before offering them to your furry friend.
Final thoughts on Christmas snacks
When offering our pets food over the festive period, always make sure to research whether they are safe or not. It’s also important to consider your pets’ natural diet. For example, rabbits and guinea pigs are naturally herbivores, so anything outside of this natural diet is unnecessary.
Most of all, enjoy the festive period with your small furries. Popular pet shops usually sell edible toys and treats with a festive theme which are suitable for hamsters and rabbits alike.
Ensure that you are aware of your veterinary practices opening times throughout the festive period and make sure that you know their out of hours protocol, just in case you need them!
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