Small Mammal Nutrition

Small mammals as addressed in this paper refer to guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils). For information on rabbits or ferrets, please refer to the appropriate nutrition sheets for them. Small mammals, in general, are fed very similarly. It is important to note the differences and potential problems for each group. In spite of the fact many of these animals have been studied extensively in laboratory settings, not much research has been done investigating exact nutritional requirements for the groups.

Guinea Pigs are wonderful pets that are often kept by children. Like children, guinea pig eating patterns and taste preferences are developed early on in their life. In the wild, guinea pigs eat a variety of vegetation. In captivity, if allowed access to a limited number or types of food, guinea pigs may resist any change in the diet to the extreme, even showing brand pellet preferences. The recommended diet for guinea pigs consists of guinea pig pellets (18%-20% crude protein, 10%-16% fiber), alfalfa or grass hays, fresh vegetables such as greens, and fruits. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium and some guinea pigs have urinary problems with high calcium intake. Timothy hays are usually easy to acquire if your pet has had problems with urinary stones. Probably the most common and easiest dietary deficiency seen in the guinea pig is hypovitaminosis C, known as scurvy. This disease arises when insufficient vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is in the diet. Guinea pigs lack an enzyme, L-gulonolactone oxidase, to make vitamin C from glucose. Humans also have an inability to make vitamin C from their diet and also must have it supplied in the diet. Vitamin C breaks down over time and does so more quickly when exposed to light, air, and moisture. Under optimum storage conditions, vitamin C only lasts 90 days. So, even when added to a pelleted diet, there is no guarantee that the food has only taken 90 days or less to arrive from manufacturing to your guinea pig's cells. Therefore, vitamin C must be supplied in the form of fresh foods or supplements. Adult guinea pigs that are not being used for breeding purposes need 5 mg per kg (body weight) per day of vitamin C. Guinea pigs that are pregnant or growing need 30 mg per kg per day of vitamin C. Lack of adequate vitamin C in the diet can result in skeletal problems, poor coats, illness, seizures, and death.


Chinchillas, like guinea pigs, eat a variety of vegetation available in the wild. They eat mostly in the morning and evening hours. Chinchilla diets should be high in fiber from grasses and hays. They will eat pellets, grains, and some vegetables. Feeding a pellet only diet to a chinchilla provides insufficient roughage and can lead to gastrointestinal problems for your pet. When feeding pellets, use chinchilla pellets with 16%-20% protein, 2%-5% fat, and 15%-35% bulk fiber. When choosing grass hay for your pet, choose hay that has a green tint and smells very fresh. Avoid hay that has a musty or wet smell or is stiff and very yellow. Treats for chinchillas should be limited to 1 teaspoon per day. Treat foods can include grains, dried apples, raisins, or figs.

Rats/Mice/Hamsters/Gerbils are often fed seed mixes as the staple of their diets. This practice can lead to many nutritional deficiencies. Rodents will develop preferences and eat only certain types of seed from the mixes. Even if eating all the seed in the mixes, these diets represent high fat and low calcium foods. Rodent pellets or blocks are available for feeding these pets. When selecting pellets look for 16% protein for nonbreeding animals, 20% protein for reproductively active animals, and 4%-5% fat content. When selecting treat foods, choose high protein and low to no fat treats. If you are converting your pet from one diet to another (ex: from seed to pellets), monitor closely to be sure he/she is eating. Most rodents will accept new diets readily, but rats often do not want to try new foods. If you are unsure if your pet is eating or not, you can monitor their weight and droppings. If necessary, you can slow the transition from one diet to another.

Each pet is an individual and will react to changes as an individual. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet and his/her unique situation, please do not hesitate to call for help.
 

ÓTammy Parker, 2002