Feeding Your Degu: Essential 2025 Diet Guide

Because degus are not common household pets, there is often a misconception that they are hard to look after or have special dietary needs. This could not be further from the truth; degus are very easy to care for and feed with a little knowledge and care.

One important consideration is their susceptibility to health problems related to high sugar foods. Degus cannot regulate sugar levels as effectively as some other rodents and small animals. However, with careful feeding, you can ensure they receive a healthy balance of nutrients for a long, happy life.

Key Components of a Healthy Degu Diet

A balanced degu diet is vital for their wellbeing. Here are the main components to include:

• High-Quality Hay: Hay should constitute at least 70% of their diet. Varieties like Timothy hay are excellent for digestive health and encourage natural chewing, which keeps their teeth healthy.
• Degu-Specific Dried Food Mixes or Pellets: Specially formulated degu pellets provide essential vitamins and minerals. Adult degus typically eat around 10g per day. You can also use guinea pig or chinchilla mixes as alternatives, but avoid rabbit food as it can be harmful.
• Fresh Leafy Greens: Offer daily servings of leafy vegetables such as dandelion greens to provide additional hydration and nutrients.
• Healthy Treats: Treats should be given sparingly. Avoid sugary fruits and dried fruit. Seeds and nuts like pumpkin or sunflower seeds can be offered in moderation, though be mindful of their high fat content to prevent obesity.
• Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water via a bottle attached to their enclosure. This helps prevent contamination and spillage.

Understanding Degus’ Nutritional Needs and Risks

Degus have a digestive capacity for about 85% of dietary protein. Feeding them excessive protein can increase their water intake, placing strain on their kidneys. It's best to avoid high-protein foods.

Unlike guinea pigs, which cannot synthesise vitamin C and require it in their diet, degus do produce their own vitamin C. However, supplementing their diet with vitamin C-rich foods can support overall health benefits.

Health issues such as diabetes and cataracts are often connected to inappropriate diets high in sugars. Avoid all sources of added sugars including molasses, honey, glucose, fructose, and syrups.

How Much and How Often to Feed Your Degu

An adult degu normally eats about 10g of a quality dried food mix daily. While precision measuring is not crucial, observe how much they consume and adjust accordingly to avoid leftover food which could encourage overeating of unhealthy items.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, a common cause of many health problems in degus. Do not leave large amounts of excess food in their cage as degus tend to pick at whatever they desire rather than what is healthy.

Introducing Dietary Changes

If you need to change your degu’s diet, do so gradually over at least a week. Sudden changes can stress degus, being creatures of habit. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their existing diet and progressively increase the new food while reducing the old until fully transitioned.

Fresh Vegetables and Treat Guidelines

Fresh vegetables are a healthy and enriching part of a degu’s diet, but should be given thoughtfully because of varying sugar content in some varieties.

Vegetables suitable for feeding once a week include:

• Pumpkin
• Dried herbs
• Green and red peppers
• Spring onion (use sparingly; some sources advise caution)
• Radish
• Beetroot

Vegetables to limit to once a month because of natural sugars include:

• Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Cherry tomato
• Cucumber
• Corn

Always wash vegetables thoroughly and remove any uneaten portions promptly to prevent spoilage.

Importance of Hay

Grass hay, particularly Timothy hay, should be available at all times. Hay supports proper digestion and helps grind down their continuously growing teeth. A small amount of alfalfa hay, rich in protein and calcium, can be added occasionally as a treat but used sparingly to avoid excess protein intake.

Water is Essential

Clean, fresh water must always be available. Provide this through a water bottle fixed to the cage to avoid spillage and contamination. Degus will naturally learn to use the bottle through their curiosity.

Promoting Responsible Feeding for Healthy Degus

Feeding your degu a balanced diet, avoiding excess sugar and protein, and providing a consistent schedule supports their health and happiness. Use specially formulated foods designed for degus or suitable rodent mixes. Introduce fresh vegetables gradually, maintain constant access to hay and water, and observe your pet’s eating habits regularly.

Feeding degus does not need to be complicated or costly. With around 10g of dry food per day, daily fresh hay, vegetables sparingly, and fresh water, you provide a fulfilling diet that helps prevent common ailments like diabetes and kidney stress.

By staying mindful of these guidelines, anyone can confidently care for degus and enjoy these charming, active pets for years to come.

For those considering acquiring degus, always seek them from reputable breeders who prioritise health and responsible breeding practices.