Diet and Nutrition
In the wild chinchillas eat mainly leaves, bark and grass, sometimes even cactus, so their gut is very specialised. Because of this, they have very temperamental digestive systems and can quickly become seriously ill if fed the wrong kinds of food. As their owners it is our responsibility to learn about what they can and cannot eat, and make sure they have the best possible diet, not just for their gut, but for their ever-growing teeth too.
Fibre
At least 80% of a chinchillas daily diet should be fresh, dry hay. They require a constant supply of meadow or timothy hay to help keep their guts active and healthy. Breeding females also need alfalfa hay for added vitamins, and alfalfa blocks or biscuits can make a nice treat for other chinchillas. Make sure to watch out for hay that is wet or mouldy, especially if you buy in bulk.
Vitamins and Minerals
Specially formulated pellet foods such as 'Supreme Science Selective' and 'Beaphar care+' provide all the additional nutrients that chinchillas don't get from their hay, in order to stay healthy. Alternative mueslie foods such as 'charlie chinchilla' should be avoided as they include ingredients that can be harmful, and promote picky eating and food waste.
Fruit and Veg
Chinchillas are not like rabbits or guinea pigs and should not be fed fruit or veg as they can cause diarrhea, or leathal bloating.
Water
Like most pets, chinchilla's need fresh water daily. It should be provided in a glass or plastic pet bottle, not in a bowl, as chinchillas may accidentally jump in or spill open water, and being wet can be harmful to their health. Always make sure your chin can get water out of the bottle and clean it properly to prevent algae and harmful bacteria.
Sugars and Protein
Chinchillas cannot handle sugars or proteins in their diet, and can very quickly become ill if given anything containing too much of either.
