Treats for your gerbils

A commercial gerbil seed mix should make up the basis of your pets' diet, but your little guys will delight in a bit of variety every now and then. Most gerbils aren't too particular when it comes to treats--but you, however, will need to be discerning about what, and what not, to dish out at snacktime.

Gerbil treats include fresh veggies

Every day, you should supplement your pets' diet with small amounts of fresh veggies. They'll especially love carrots, leaf lettuce, red peppers, cauliflower, turnips and cucumber, but you may need to experiment a bit to find your gerbils' favorites. No onions, potatoes or raw kidney beans, please. Every other day, you can offer bits of sweet fruit such as apples, bananas, pears and strawberries.

If you've never given your gerbils fresh foods before, it's a good idea to start out gradually. Too much, too soon can cause diarrhea. And keep in mind that a little goes a long way--your gerbils have tiny tummies, so the name of the game should be moderation. Half a handful of fresh foods is plenty.

Good and bad treats for gerbils

Your animal companions may also enjoy a few pieces of air-popped popcorn, small bits of whole-wheat bread and a nibble or two of scrambled egg every couple of days. We know that many caretakers treat their pets to sunflower seeds, but go easy on these, please. They're extremely high in fat, and can quickly lead to obesity. Topping the no-no list are alcohol, chocolate, sweets and sticky foods, such as toffee, that could cause your pets to choke.

What about treats that do double duty as interactive playthings? Chew on this! Small bits of dog biscuit and pieces of untreated tree branches will keep your gerbils' teeth worn down and give them something fun to do. Do not offer them wood from cedar, apricot, cherry and peach trees, as they are toxic to your little fellows.