Are you planning to feed your Gerbils with carrots? Do you want to know how well your Gerbils will eat carrots? This article offers the valuable information you need to know about Gerbils eating carrots. So can gerbils eat carrots?
Gerbils can eat carrots, Carrot is a great snack for Gerbils because it is fresh and crunchy. Likewise, it is highly nutritious, and its texture is great for Gerbils’ teeth.
Gerbils can eat all types of carrots, including orange, purple, and white carrots. They all contain vitamins and minerals that are great for Gerbils. No side effect comes with feeding Gerbils with carrots as snacks, once or twice a week.
Do Gerbils Like Carrots?
Like most other rodents, Gerbils will eat almost anything you give to them. Hence, it is difficult to tell the foods they like from those they don’t like. Nonetheless, there are certain foods Gerbils show a preference for, and carrots are one of them.
One of the reasons Gerbils like carrots is because they are crunchy. Gerbils like to gnaw on crunchy foods to exercise their teeth. They often feed on this type of food in the wild.
Another reason why Gerbils show a slight preference for carrots is because they like raw vegetables. There is no way they get to eat cooked food in the wild; hence, there is little or no chance that they will love it in captivity.
You can feed carrots to Gerbils in sliced pieces or cubes. Feeding it to them as a whole piece will make it slightly difficult for them to do it.
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Can Gerbils Eat Carrot Tops?
Again, the answer is YES! Gerbils will definitely eat carrot tops if you feed them to them. Carrot tops are full of nutrients, which are also beneficial to your Gerbils.
However, there is a common myth that carrot tops are poisonous to Gerbils. This concept is not true. The major reason behind this myth is because carrot tops are bitter compared to other parts.
The bitter taste of carrot tops is not a result of poison or toxins. It is due to the presence of alkaloids and other dense nutrients. Carrot tops won’t harm Gerbils even if they eat them raw.
In fact, Gerbils might show a slight preference for carrot tops compared to other parts. This preference is because carrot tops are not as crunchy as other parts. Instead, they are springy and tough; hence, giving the Gerbils something to gnaw on.
Also, carrot tops contain a lot of nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, and Iron.
Carrot Nutrition Facts
You can expect 100g of a carrot to contain the following nutrition
- Calories: 41
- Water: 88%
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Carbs: 9.6 grams
- Sugar: 4.7 grams
- Fiber: 2.8 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
Can Gerbils Eat Raw Carrots?
Yes! Gerbils will happily eat raw carrots. Aside from the fact that it is the best and easiest way to feed it to them, it is also the healthiest form. It preserves the nutrient in the fruit and prevents any form of nutrient distortion.
All you need to do in this case is to break or slice the carrot for the Gerbils. However, don’t forget to thoroughly wash the carrot and make sure it is clean enough for the Gerbils to eat. Ensure to inspect the parts of the carrots properly and remove damaged or infected ones.
Also importantly, keep the carrot fresh if you are feeding it raw to your Gerbils. Fresh carrots retain all the essential nutrients the Gerbils will need in the vegetable. Leaving it to stand for too long will cause some of the nutrients to oxidize, which is not in the best interest of your Gerbils.
A fresh carrot can grow black and moldy at room temperature. If you are keeping the carrots for later, ensure that you properly preserve them.
Can Gerbils Eat Cooked Carrots?
Gerbils, like most other rodents, will eat anything you offer them. Gerbils can eat cooked carrots. They will eat it, not because it is the best way they love it, but because they find it edible.
Most people that cook carrots before giving Gerbils are possibly looking for alternatives for potatoes, which Gerbils shouldn’t eat. Some even bake carrots. Although these preparations are not poisonous for Gerbils, it will only prevent them from getting the best nutritional value.
If you are buying a commercially packed carrot, check if the ingredients are safe for your Gerbils. It is noteworthy that Gerbils prefer fresh and raw vegetables. This preference is because that’s their best food option in the wild; hence, they will love it in captivity.
Are Gerbils Allergic To Carrots?
No evidence shows or claims that Gerbils are allergic to carrots. There are no observable side effects of occasionally feeding carrots to Gerbils as snacks. Neither carrot tops nor other major carrot parts contain toxins that can trigger an allergic reaction in Gerbils.
The uncommon issue is when the Gerbils are not used to carrots. Like humans and other animals, Gerbils might find it hard to cope with carrots on the first contact. This condition is usually common with adult Gerbils.
The guts might encounter slight problems if it is digesting carrots for the first time. However, it is nothing serious to worry about. But it is best to introduce carrots to your Gerbils at the early development stages.
Are Carrots Good For Gerbils?
Carrot is a great addition to your Gerbils’ diet. Aside from the fact that they offer Gerbils something to gnaw on with their crunchy texture, they also have high nutritional benefits.
Carrots have enough water to help your Gerbils avoid dehydration. Likewise, it has vitamin A, which is very beneficial to Gerbils. It helps to promote healthy liver functioning in Gerbils.
Other beneficial carrots include carbohydrate, dietary fiber, protein, sugars, riboflavin, Vitamin C, E, and K, minerals, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, etc.
Conclusion
Gerbils are not usually picky when it comes to fruit and vegetable options. Gerbils will eat carrots because they are crunchy, edible, and offer high nutritional value. They will also eat carrot tops even though it tastes slightly bitter.
However, the best way to feed carrots to Gerbils is fresh and raw. Only feed carrots to Gerbils occasionally as snacks and ensure that you thoroughly wash them clean.
