Chinchilla Diet

Chinchillas are herbivores. They are fed a pelleted grain product. Our suggested feed is Exotic Nutrition Chinchilla Diet with Rose Hips.

Since chinchillas are rodents, their teeth are continually growing. They need something to gnaw on to prevent their teeth from growing too long. A pine board, wooden toys, or a pumice stone should be kept in their cage for this purpose.

Chinchillas need fresh water daily. DO NOT USE distilled water on your animals. The nutrients which have been removed are important in maintaining a healthy animal.

There are many varieties of food available to your chinchilla. Whatever form you choose; try to keep your supply as fresh and consistent as possible. Feed should include only pellets, not treats. Large amounts of food are not required. You may feed either once or twice a day, but be consistent.

Shelf life is extremely important. Most chinchilla food only retains its vitamins and nutrients for about 6 months. Certain nutrients begin deteriorating immediately after milling. Contrary to what was previously thought, freezing the pellets does not increase its shelf life.

If you choose to change your feed, gradually introduce your animal to the new feed for a couple of weeks by increasing the percentage of new to old.

The Pellet diet should be supplemented with plenty Timothy Hay. Grains like oat groats, rolled oats, and wheat can also be given in limited amounts. Small quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, pears and bananas offer variety to the diet. A raisin or two once in a while is a great treat.



Supplementing their diet with a daily multi-vitamin in their food is recommended



Fresh water should always be available in a water bottle.