Celery is NOT RECOMMENDED for chinchillas. The reason is simple; celery contains a lot of water which is not suitable for chinchillas and can cause several digestive issues like gas, bloating and diarrhea.
They usually eat a plant-based diet consisting of grasses, seeds and root vegetables and don’t need a lot of water in their diet.
However, a small bite of celery won’t likely harm your chinchilla, but it can be dangerous if they have too much of it.
Read to know more.
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What Do Chinchilla Eat In The Wild?
Chinchillas are omnivores, and they can eat both plant and animal-based food. However, these adorable chins usually eat plant base food, primarily grasses, seeds and leaves.
But this is not the case with domesticated chinchillas.
So, as a feeder tries, it’s important to mimic their pet’s wild habits by offering them the foods they usually eat in the wild.
Chinchilla’s primarily diet should be high in fiber and moderate in protein; on the other hand, low in carbohydrates, fats and water content.
High-quality grass like timothy hay or orchard, pellets, dried fruits and occasional treats of herbs and root vegetables should be given to them.
They can have a small amount of dried fruits, root vegetables, twigs and herbs for treats. However, avoid high-fat and sugary treats as they can be harmful for your chinchilla.
Now, let’s look at whether chinchilla can have celery or not.
Can Chinchillas Eat Celery?
Chinchillas shouldn’t eat celery, even though they can. Celery isn’t poisonous for chins. However, it can seriously harm them.
This is because celery contains a ton of water and less fiber compared to what they usually eat; grasses.
This high water and low fiber combination could be dangerous for chinchillas and can lead to several health problems such as upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea since chins do not need a high amount of water in their diet.
I do not recommend giving celery to your chinchilla; even as a treat, it can have some serious side effects.
It’s best to serve them high-quality grasses such as timothy hay and commercial pellets specially made for chinchilla and seeds.
Do Chinchillas Like Celery?
Frankly, chinchilla loves the taste of celery because of its sweet and crunchy taste; however, it’s not something you should allow them to eat.
The reason is simple; the nutritional value is not appropriate for chinchillas. Celery is a water-dense vegetable and has a small amount of fiber.
And as you know, they must eat a fiber-rich diet for a healthy bowel movement and digestive health.
In fact, celery can harm your chinchilla; it can cause serious digestive discomfort like gas, eventually leading to bloating.
And I don’t have to tell you how painful bloating experience can be.
So, it’s important not to feed celery or anything that can harm your chins.
Is Celery Bad For Chinchillas?
Celery is not toxic; however, it can be really bad for your chinchillas.
The reason is simple; chinchillas are omnivores and usually eat a plant-based diet, majorly hay, seeds and fruits or vegetable in a very small quantity.
They need a specific diet high in fiber, low in fat and carbohydrates. Keep in mind that they eat grass and require a small amount of water through their food.
However, celery is the opposite of what a chinchilla needs.
They contain a good amount of water and a little bit of fiber which is not suitable for a healthy chinchilla. As a result, they may suffer from digestive problems like bloating or diarrhea, which can be dangerous if not treated shortly.
Why Chinchilla Shouldn’t Eat Celery?
Chinchilla shouldn’t eat celery for various reasons.
Celery is mostly water which is not suitable for chinchillas. They are used to eat dry plant-based food, primarily grasses, seeds and root vegetable.
Vegetable like celery is high in water, and low fiber content can be dangerous for a chinchilla.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t feed celery to your chinchillas.
Too Much Water:
Celery is high in water and less fibrous, which is an issue. Chinchilla usually eats a fiber-rich diet consisting of hay, seeds and root vegetables.
They do not need high water content in their diet. This is because, for ages, they have been eating dry food, and their digestive system is developed that way.
So, if your chinchilla eats water-based food, they likely experience digestive distress such as gas, bloating and constipation.
Another issue is fiber; celery contains about 1.6g, far behind what your chinchilla needs (30g a day).
This combination can be dangerous for your chinchilla.
Allergic Reactions:
Chinchillas are prone to allergies; however, the chance of triggering an allergic reaction from celery is relatively low.
But you can’t deny the fact that it can have some allergic reactions if they had enough of it or rubbed against your pet’s skin several times.
It usually happens when a chinchilla rolls over the celery leaves, so if you notice any allergic reaction in your chinchilla, such as skin irritation, redness, swelling etc.
You should consult immediately consult a professional veterinarian.
Other Problems:
Celery contains a decent amount of sugar; it doesn’t affect us much, but it can be harmful to your little chinchilla.
The fiber, carbohydrate and fat ratio of celery isn’t suitable either, chinchilla needs a fiber-dense food for a healthy digestive function, but celery fails to do so.
Lastly, celery contains a natural compound called saponins, which is an anti-inflammatory; however, ingesting it can cause intestinal blockage leading resulting in constipation, ulcers and other serious issues.
Can Baby Chinchillas Eat Celery?
Baby chinchilla should never have celery. This is because they are still growing, and their digestive system is much more sensitive than the adult one.
This is the time when they should feed high-quality hay.
The negative effect of celery would be a lot more on a baby chinchilla, and you might lose them too.
So, you should make sure that they never get to eat celery or anything that could harm your baby chinchilla.
How Much Celery Can a Chinchilla Eat?
I do not recommend feeding celery to your chinchilla, not even a bite. However, a small bite of celery won’t likely make you sick, but it can seriously harm your chinchilla if they have had enough of it.
Chinchilla has a sensitive digestive system that relies on a diet of grasses, seeds and root vegetables in small quantities.
On the other hand, celery is high in water content and contains a very low amount of fiber, which is not optimum for a chinchilla.
For your kind information, an inch of celery once a week shouldn’t cause any problems for your chins.
However, as I mentioned before, celery is not something they should eat; instead, opt for something safe and healthy that your chins will enjoy.
Can Chinchillas Eat Celery Leaves?
Yes, celery leaves are absolutely safe and can be given to chinchillas. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial for them; however, the risk is still there if your chins eat too much of it.
So, it’s fine if your chinchilla had a few leaves; however, I don’t recommend feeding it.
There are many more treat options available for chins that your chinchilla will love eating and will have no negative impact on their health as well.
Can Chinchillas Eat Celery Stems?
Celery stems are edible; however, it’s not recommended for chinchillas.
Celery or any part of this vegetable shouldn’t be given to chinchillas as they can be harmful to them.
It can cause several digestive issues such as an excessive build-up of gas, bloating and diarrhea.
For this reason, chins shouldn’t eat celery stems; however, if your chinchilla happens to eat a bite or two, it won’t likely make them sick but ensure they do not eat too much of it.
What Veggies Can Chinchillas Eat?
Chinchillas are omnivores, meaning they can eat both plant and animal-based food; however, they mostly prefer munching a plant base food consisting of hay, seeds, and root vegetables.
A variety of hay, like timothy hay and pellets, is the most suitable food for them, and they can munch it all day long.
But they do eat vegetables in small quantities.
However, not all veggies are safe for chins, so as a chinchilla parent, it’s important to know what your pet can eat and what they should never be allowed to eat.
Here is a quick list of vegetables for your chinchillas:
- Carrots
- Kale
- Alfalfa
- Potato
- Squash
- Lettuce
- Pumpkin
- Parsley
While these are safe for chinchillas, they shouldn’t be given too often. Keep in mind treats should be 10%-15% of their total diet.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, celery shouldn’t be given to chinchillas. They are not toxic for chinchilla; however, they can cause several tummy troubles like gas, bloating and diarrhea.
This is why we don’t recommend feeding celery to chinchillas. If you want to treat your chinchilla, there are many healthy and safe treats options available like rose hips, hay, dried herbs and seeds.
These are yummy and healthy, and the best part is that they won’t cause any trouble to their tummy as well.
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