Toxic food for rodents

Owning a domestic rodent requires a solid knowledge to take care of it in a very satisfactory way. It is important to realize that these small animals are their responsibility, but that adopting them is a responsibility. Feeding is the most important area because it is essential to provide the energy supply. The question of toxic food for each category of rodents arises because too many individuals tend to offer them an omnivorous diet when it can be detrimental to them.

A different diet depending on the rodent

There is a wide variety of rodents including hamster, dwarf rabbit (lagomorph), ferret, gerbil, mouse, rat, guinea pig, chinchilla and many others. While some are omnivorous like the hamster, this is not the case for all of them and the diet will have to be adapted according to the animal possessed so as not to provoke a risk situation that could have been avoided. The advice of the seller or the owner at the time of purchase, but also of the veterinarian will be valuable to be sure to develop the right behavior towards the animal.

Moreover, if the rat and the hamster can eat anything, this must never be done to the detriment of quality. It is obvious that the seeds and meats chosen must be subject to a rigorous selection because an unbalanced diet has consequences on the health of humans so on a small species the consequences can be important or even dramatic. Fruits and vegetables are therefore inevitably part of the equation while the fat content will be checked so as not to be too excessive. The choice of bread as a starchy reference can be a good idea in order to avoid choosing a product that has additives that can be dangerous.

Mistakes not to make

When it comes to toxic foods, it is possible to identify several habits on the part of the owners that should be avoided. Many of them offer their leftovers to these small animals. However, it is absolutely necessary to avoid refined products rich in fats and sugars because the consequences on a small organism are important. In the same way, the rodent is not allowed to eat fruit and vegetable peelings because it will be necessary to choose the quality in the vegetables and salads chosen. Some vegetables are preferable for certain types of rodents such as carrots for dwarf rabbits but under no circumstances should they ingest parts of food. This is especially true with peelings because these parts have been subjected to pesticides and can therefore be harmful.

Most rodent owners enjoy giving them treats. They take different kinds because some do not hesitate to offer chocolate to their animal without knowing the risks. As for chocolate, rodents are as sensitive as dogs and can die even in minute doses. When it comes to treats, it is important to be aware that the animal does not feel the intention that led to this gift of food. If the owner originally wanted to please, it is an energy intake that can be dangerous if it is not specially formulated for rodents. Excess of sugars, salt, allergenic or lethal components in some cases, the list of inconveniences and toxicity of these foods is long so it will be preferable to select a new type of seed by offering it to him on special occasions to keep the pleasure aspect.

Fragile species

It is essential to know that guinea pigs and chinchillas are particularly fragile rodents and that it will be necessary to completely adapt their food. The list of harmful foods for these two rodents is long with a certain number of herbs that are not recommended, as well as certain vegetables such as artichokes, squash or all types of beans. If cheese is recommended for mice or rats, it is absolutely forbidden for guinea pigs and chinchilla, so it is important to follow the recommendations made according to the animal you own. In the same way, rusks can be forgotten as well as bread and even meat. The best solution is to select an assortment of seeds that will bring them all the essential elements.

For its part, the ferret is a carnivore so it will be necessary to privilege the contribution of meat while always taking care to control the quality. Vegetables of all kinds can completely disrupt its intestinal transit in the same way as dairy products, so we must be particularly vigilant for this type of rodent which is becoming more and more popular among individuals. Seeds will complete its diet but you should never give in to the temptation to offer more because it has a poorly diversified diet. Fruits and salads will not be beneficial to him and it should be remembered that seeds are formulated to meet all needs so it is useless to add other foods that may be toxic.