In their natural habitat gerbils eat a selection of wind blown seeds, grain and grasses. Gerbils are often mistaken as herbivores, but they are omnivores and do need a small amount of protein in their diet to keep them healthy. In the wild they would satisfy this need by eating grubs and insects.

They also have continuously-growing teeth so they need to gnaw to help wear them down.

What to feed your gerbil
Gerbils need feeding every day. A good quality, heavy, earthenware food bowl is essential to keep the food dry and clean, and prevent the gerbil from tipping the food on to the floor of the cage. Their bowls must be cleaned after every use.

Gerbils have traditionally been fed on hamster mixes. However, this is not ideal as their requirements are different and hamster mixes contain too much fat for a gerbil.

GERRI GERBIL FOOD
Gerri Gerbil is a complete diet specially formulated for gerbils. It is a mix of ingredients, including alfalfa, wheat, naked oats, carrots, peas with raisins and pumpkin seeds, as well as soy biscuits for a healthy, low fat source of protein. Gerri Gerbil does not contain any sunflower seeds because although gerbils love them, they are high in fat and should not be part of the main diet. However, the variety of ingredients included encourages foraging which is natural for gerbils and keeps them occupied and interested.

Treats
Treats are so called because thats just what they should be a treat. If fed correctly they are not detrimental to a gerbil and they will love to get them. However, treats are designed to be an extremely small element of the animals diet, and overfeeding may lead to health problems such as obesity, dental problems and heart disease. Specially prepared Treats will provide a tasty surprise for your pet.

Supreme Petfoods provide a range of Treats for your gerbil made from high quality ingredients.

Root n Fruit Treats
A really delicious Treat bar bursting with fruit flavours that your gerbil will love, including plump raisins, crispy carrot and tasty apple. Filled with natural goodness to provide loads of energy. Only give them a small piece at a time.

Harry's Yippee! Treats
A tasty mix of crunchy sticks, full of the flavors of carrot, apple and corn. Your gerbils will love this treat and it is wholesome and will help wear down their teeth.

Supreme Petfoods also provides a range of tempting Stickle Treats. Each stickle is a blend of delicious ingredients, baked on to a special holder for easy handling and full of flavor.

Popcorn n Carrot Stickle Treats
Sweetcorn n Honey Stickle Treats
Wild Fruit n Nut Stickle Treats
Banana n Honey Stickle Treats a favorite for gerbils and will provide hours of gnawing fun!
Apple n Cranberry Stickle Treats

Some natural Treats you can provide for your gerbil are parsley, carrot, apple, celery, broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, peas, and cucumber but remember to feed only sparingly (the water content can give them soft stool) and be sure to remove any uneaten portions promptly so it does not go bad.

Go on spoil your Gerbil (but not TOO much!).

Changing your gerbils diet
If you are not currently feeding Gerri Gerbil food would like to try it, you must introduce it gradually into your gerbils diet. Mix about one quarter of the new food with three quarters of the old food on the first day and then gradually increase the new food and decrease the old food over a 10-day period. This should make sure that your gerbil has no tummy upsets.

Selective feeding
You should try to ensure that your gerbil eats all his food from a very young age by calculating the correct daily requirement and dividing it into two meals, one fed in the morning and one in the evening. However, if you notice that your gerbil tends to leave some of the ingredients in coarse mixes, reduce the amount you give him until he is eating all of it. Then slowly increase the amount again to the recommended daily allowance.

Ensure there is fresh drinking water available at all times.

Drinking Bottle
The best way to provide fresh drinking water is to use a gravity-fed water bottle attached to the front of the cage. Use one of the large ballpoint bottles to prevent dripping and ensure a constant supply is available. Water bowls are not suitable as they are easily tipped over and can get contaminated.