Orange is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C; however, gerbils shouldn’t eat this fruit. Oranges have a high acidic level which can harm your pet. Eating citrus fruit such as orange, lime, and grapefruit can cause serious digestive problems.
Also, your gerbils likely experience oral discomfort due to the acidic content. Besides, there is a high risk that your pet will likely develop obesity or diabetes in the long run.
Therefore, I highly recommended not feeding any citrus fruit to your little bud, instead opting for other treats like apples, bananas, berries etc.
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Table of Contents
What Do Gerbils Eat In The Wild?
Gerbils are omnivore rodents that can eat both plants and insects. However, primarily, they eat a plant-based diet of grasses, twigs, seeds or nuts. They also eat various vegetables and fruits.
Here is what gerbils should typically eat:
High-quality gerbil mix, seeds, and pellets should be a staple part of their diet.
- Gerbils can have 10% of their total diet as fruits or vegetables; they have a high nutritional value which helps them balance their diet.
- While gerbils do not drink much water, they should have access to fresh water 24/7 in their cage, preferably by a pet bottle.
- You can also sparingly give mealworms, crickets, and other insects a few times a week. They are a good source of protein.
Keep in mind that gerbils live in deserted areas and eat what is available. Usually, it’s a low-water-based food; they cannot handle high water in their diet and might experience digestive issues.
Can Gerbils Eat Oranges?
Oranges are highly nutritious, but gerbils shouldn’t eat them. In fact, gerbils shouldn’t eat any citrus fruit at all.
They are highly acidic, which is not good for your pet. Eating oranges will mess up their digestive system, and your gerbils may have symptoms of digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating or loose stool.
Also, it will seriously harm their tooth.
Moreover, oranges are high in natural sugar, and while a small amount won’t harm your gerbils, overfeeding will lead to obesity and diabetes.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding citrus fruits to your pet. Instead, opt for some safe and healthy choices like bananas, berries, apples or pears.
Are Oranges Safe For Gerbils?
Oranges contain no toxic compounds; however, they are still not recommended for gerbils. This is because; oranges and all other citrus fruit have high acidic content, which is not good for gerbils. Feeding fruit with high acidic content can mess with their sensitive digestive system, leading to diarrhea, and other similar problems.
Moreover, highly acidic fruit can cause oral problems as well. For example, rapid degradation of their teeth and irritation in their mouth and stomach. It may also lead to severe issues like mouth and stomach ulcers.
Lastly, orange has a high sugar content which can be problematic. Too much sugar is not good for gerbils as it increases the risk of obesity and an even more serious issue in the long run – diabetes.
Now, you know why oranges are not recommended for gerbils.
Do Gerbils Like Orange?
Not really!
I mean, gerbils can eat oranges, but most of the time, they don’t like citrus fruits because of their unpleasant taste. However, some gerbils may be adventurous and want to give it a try, but a high percentage of people would not like it.
Whether they like it or not, gerbils should not eat oranges. They are not good for gerbils. This fruit can upset their stomach leading to a tummy ache, diarrhea, loose stool or even more serious conditions.
Therefore, avoiding oranges is best and opting for other treats like healthy fruit or vegetables. They are safe and will provide a high nutrient value to your pets.
How Many Orange Can Gerbils Eat?
As I mentioned, gerbils do not need oranges or citrus fruit. They won’t be beneficial for them. In fact, oranges can be dangerous for your pet. They contain a high amount of citric acid, which is not safe for gerbils. It can cause severe digestive problems.
Even more, citric acid will likely cause oral discomfort like irritation in the mouth, tongue and stomach, which may lead to an ulcer.
Moreover, sugar is more dangerous; too much sugar is not good for gerbils. It can lead to obesity and diabetes if overfed.
Thus, it’s best to avoid offering oranges to your pet.
How Often Can Gerbils Eat Oranges?
Oranges are not recommended for gerbils. This means you should never feed this citrus fruit to your gerbils, not even a tiny bite. Gerbils have a sensitive digestive system; they can’t handle too much water, but orange is a juicy fruit, and feeding it can result in an upset stomach, diarrhea or loose stool.
The more frequent loose stool will lead to dehydration; it’s a serious condition for gerbils!
Another problem would be its high acidic content; gerbils shouldn’t have access to any citrus fruit, as they can cause oral issues such as discomfort in their mouth and stomach. Also, it can damage the internal lining of the stomach, increasing the risk of ulcers.
Lastly, sugar is no less; there is a high possibility of gaining unnecessary weight and a high risk of diabetes in future.
Can Gerbils Eat Orange Peels?
No, gerbils shouldn’t eat orange peels. The peel is even more dangerous as they contain more acid than oranges. Feeding orange peel can cause gastric issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea or irritable bowel.
So, you should never let your gerbils eat or even be near orange peels. It can make them seriously sick.
However, the dried orange peel may not be toxic. Gerbils can chew on dried orange peel but ensure it’s completely dried before they have it. Also, it’s good for their constantly growing teeth to maintain their length.
But if you are unsure, avoid giving it at all and opt for something safe and healthy chewing options like toys, banana leaves, cardboard etc.
Gerbil mix or some fruits and vegetables also help wear down their teeth.
Can Gerbils Have Mandarin Oranges?
Mandarin oranges are a citrus fruit that is not safe for gerbils. In short, gerbils shouldn’t eat any citrus fruit like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, lime etc.
Despite their nutrient value, gerbils cannot eat mandarin oranges. Similarly, they are highly acidic and not suitable for pets. Feeding it can result in digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea or loose stool. Also, gerbils likely put on some weight due to their high sugar, potentially leading to diabetes in the long run.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding mandarin oranges to your pet. Not even in small bites. It can make your gerbils sick.
If they had eaten some by mistake, immediately contact your vet.
What Other Fruits Can Gerbils Have?
Oranges are high in acidic content, which is not suitable for gerbils. Feeding oranges to your gerbils can upset their digestive system leading to diarrhea, loose stool and oral issue. Also, the sugar is much higher; too much sugar can cause dental problems and may develop diabetes in the long run.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding oranges to your gerbils, even in small quantities. However, there are many other safe and healthy fruits and vegetables that can be given to gerbils.
Here are some healthy options:
- Bananas
- Apples (seedless)
- Plum
- Berries
- Watermelon
While the above are safe for gerbils. It’s important to serve it in moderation. Most fruits are high in sugar, which can be problematic for gerbils if overfed. Therefore, offer fruit or vegetables occasionally, more likely 1-2 times a week.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, gerbils shouldn’t eat oranges and other citrus fruits. The reason is simple; firstly, they contain a high acidic content that can harm your gerbils. Most likely, a highly acidic fruit will cause oral issues; furthermore, it may lead to mouth or stomach ulcers.
Oranges are also high in sugar which is not good for gerbils. Too much sugar can cause unnecessary weight gain and diabetes in the long run.
Lastly, since oranges are water-dense fruit, it’s not suitable for gerbils. It can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and loose stool.
Thus, it’s best to avoid giving oranges to your pet. Instead, give them something natural like seeds, nuts and commercial treats (pellets, gerbil mix). You can consult with a local vet if you have doubts about any fruit or vegetable.
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