Chinchillas enjoy a variety of seeds and nuts as part of a balanced diet. These foods provide fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids that support a chinchilla’s health. When offering seeds or nuts, be sure to follow a few guidelines.
- Variety – Chinchillas benefit from a diverse mix of seeds and nuts. Good options include oats, wheat, flax, chia, quinoa, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. Rotate different seeds/nuts to keep their diet interesting.
- Limited quantities – Seeds and nuts are high in fat so only give a small amount each day. As a treat, offer 1-2 teaspoons per chinchilla. Too many can lead to obesity.
- No salt or seasoning – Purchase raw, unsalted nuts with no additional flavorings. Salt and seasonings are harmful to chinchillas. Check ingredients to ensure purity.
- Proper storage – To preserve freshness after opening, store seeds/nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Discard any that smell rancid or are moldy.
- No choking hazards – To prevent choking, avoid whole nuts. Opt for shelled nut pieces, nut butter, or chop larger items. Supervise your chinchilla when eating.
With proper portions of quality seeds and nuts, you can safely enrich your chinchilla’s meals. A diverse mix provides essential nutrition to support their health and happiness. Monitor their weight and adjust amounts as needed.
