Small Animal Feeding Guide: What to Feed Your Small Pet, How Much & How Often

Feeding Your Small Animal Right

Small animals may be tiny, but their nutritional needs are surprisingly specific. Feeding the wrong foods — or the right foods in the wrong amounts — can lead to obesity, dental disease, digestive problems, and a shortened lifespan. This guide covers what to feed the most popular small pet species so your little companion thrives.

Feeding Guide by Species

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are herbivores with one critical dietary requirement: they cannot produce their own Vitamin C and must get it from food daily.

• Unlimited timothy hay: Should make up 70–80% of their diet — essential for digestion and dental health
• Fresh leafy greens daily: Romaine lettuce, bell peppers (excellent Vitamin C source), kale, cilantro, parsley
• High-quality guinea pig pellets: About ⅛ cup per pig per day — choose Vitamin C-fortified pellets
• Fruits as treats only: Small pieces of strawberry, apple (no seeds), or blueberry 2–3 times per week
• Avoid: Iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, dairy, and meat

Rabbits

Like guinea pigs, rabbits need unlimited hay as their dietary foundation.

• Unlimited timothy or orchard grass hay: Must be available 24/7 — critical for gut motility and teeth
• Fresh leafy greens: About 1 cup per 2 lbs of body weight daily — romaine, arugula, cilantro, basil, dill
• Pellets: ¼ cup per 5 lbs of body weight daily for adults (limit pellets for adults — more important for juveniles)
• Treats sparingly: Small pieces of fruit or commercial treats — no more than 1 teaspoon per day
• Avoid: Iceberg lettuce, avocado, onions, chocolate, starchy vegetables

Hamsters

• High-quality hamster seed mix or pellets: About 1–2 tablespoons per day
• Fresh vegetables: Small amounts of broccoli, carrot, cucumber, or leafy greens 3–4 times per week
• Protein: Small amounts of plain cooked chicken, mealworms, or boiled egg occasionally
• Fresh water: Always available via sipper bottle
• Avoid: Citrus, onion, garlic, almonds, chocolate, sugary treats

Gerbils

• Gerbil seed mix or pellets: About 1 tablespoon per gerbil per day
• Fresh vegetables: Small amounts of carrot, broccoli, or cucumber a few times per week
• Seeds and grains as enrichment: Scatter in bedding to encourage foraging
• Avoid overfeeding sunflower seeds — high in fat and can cause obesity

Chinchillas

Chinchillas have sensitive digestive systems and require a very low-sugar, high-fiber diet.

• Unlimited timothy hay: The cornerstone of their diet
• High-quality chinchilla pellets: About 1–2 tablespoons per day
• Treats very sparingly: A small piece of dried apple, rosehip, or a commercial chinchilla treat — no more than once or twice per week
• Avoid: Fresh fruits (too high in sugar and moisture), nuts, seeds, dairy, and any high-sugar foods

Rats

• High-quality rat lab blocks or pellets: Available at all times or offered twice daily
• Fresh foods daily: Cooked grains, vegetables (broccoli, peas, carrots), and small amounts of fruit
• Protein: Small amounts of cooked chicken, egg, or fish a few times per week
• Avoid: Raw beans, green bananas, carbonated drinks, blue cheese, and licorice

Ferrets

Ferrets are strict carnivores with a very fast metabolism.

• High-protein, high-fat ferret kibble: Available at all times — ferrets need to eat frequently
• Raw meat diet (optional): Whole prey or raw meaty bones can be offered if you're experienced with raw feeding
• Treats: Small pieces of cooked chicken or commercial ferret treats
• Avoid: Fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, and anything high in sugar or fiber — ferrets cannot digest plant matter

General Small Animal Feeding Tips

• Always transition to new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset
• Remove uneaten fresh food within a few hours to prevent spoilage
• Fresh, clean water must be available at all times — change daily
• Monitor weight regularly — obesity is common in small pets fed too many treats
• Hay is non-negotiable for herbivores — never let it run out

Browse our small animal food collection for high-quality pellets, hay, treats, and supplements for every small pet species.