About feeding a gerbil
Gerbils are desert rodents adapted to survive on very little — they're efficient water-conservers and can gain weight easily on rich pet foods. Their diet is simple, but portion discipline and low-fat feeding matter.
How much should a gerbil eat?
Calorie needs use the veterinary formula 70 × weight(kg)0.75 (the Resting Energy Requirement), multiplied by a lifestyle factor of ×1.4 for a typical gerbil at the life stage shown. Enter your own animal's details in the calculator for an exact figure.
| Body weight | Daily calories |
|---|---|
| 50 g | 10 kcal |
| 61 g | 12 kcal |
| 73 g | 14 kcal |
| 84 g | 15 kcal |
| 96 g | 17 kcal |
| 107 g | 18 kcal |
| 119 g | 20 kcal |
| 130 g | 21 kcal |
What to feed
A quality gerbil or hamster/gerbil mix forms the base, with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional protein. Avoid high-fat sunflower-seed-heavy mixes, which gerbils will gorge on at the expense of balanced nutrition.
How often to feed
Offer a measured daily portion — around a tablespoon of dry mix — and note that gerbils, like hamsters, hoard food, so a still-full bowl doesn't mean they're not eating.
Common feeding mistakes
- Fatty seed-heavy mixes that gerbils selectively over-eat.
- Overfilling the bowl and misreading hoarding as hunger.
- Too many sugary or fatty treats.
- Sudden diet changes upsetting the gut.
Weight & health
Obesity and fatty liver can develop on rich diets. Keep fat low, offer variety, and provide plenty of gnawing material and exercise. Gerbils are active and burn energy readily when given space to dig and run.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed a gerbil?
About one tablespoon of a quality gerbil mix per day, plus small amounts of fresh vegetables a few times a week. Gerbils hoard, so check stashes before topping up.
What do gerbils eat?
A balanced grain-and-seed gerbil mix as the base, with small amounts of vegetables and occasional protein. Limit fatty seeds like sunflower to prevent selective over-eating.
Do gerbils need vegetables?
Small amounts of gerbil-safe vegetables add variety and moisture, but they're a supplement, not a staple. Introduce new foods slowly and remove perishables before they spoil.
Can gerbils get fat?
Yes, on fatty seed-heavy diets. Keep the mix balanced and low-fat, offer plenty of digging and running space, and portion by the tablespoon.