Small mammals are particularly susceptible to dental problems due to their dental anatomy (continuously growing teeth). While small rodents such as rats, mice, hamsters, etc. only grow incisors throughout their lives, rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and chinchillas grow both incisors and molars. Regular weight checks by you, the pet owner, will help to identify early signs of problems such as weight loss.
Regular preventive dental check-ups (once or twice a year) should be carried out at our practice.
Proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining dental health. Below are feeding guidelines for the most commonly kept small pets:
Rabbits
– At least 80-90% structured greens, such as herbs, grasses, leafy vegetables (e.g., chicory, radicchio, dandelion greens, carrot tops, kohlrabi leaves), and wild plants (e.g., meadow forage).
– No more than 10-15% vegetables, such as carrots or cucumber.
– Fruit (e.g., apple, banana) should only be given as an occasional treat.
– Pellets, kibble, drybread, etc. have no place in a species-appropriate diet!
Guinea Pigs
– At least 70-80% structured greens, such as herbs, grasses, leafy vegetables (e.g., chicory, radicchio, dandelion greens, carrot tops, kohlrabi leaves), and wild plants (e.g., meadow forage).
– Around 20-30% vegetables, such as tomato, cucumber, or bell pepper.
– Fruit (e.g., apple, banana) should only be given as an occasional treat.
– Pellets, kibble, drybread, etc. have no place in a species-appropriate diet!
IMPORTANT! Like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and are dependent on dietary intake.
Degus & Chinchillas
– Main diet: Around 80% dried flowers, leaves, twigs, and fresh greens (grasses, wild plants, twigs, leafy greens).
– Seed mixes.
– No more than 10% vegetables and fruit.
– Pellets, kibble, drybread, etc. have no place in a species-appropriate diet!
Small Rodents (Rats, Hamsters, Mice, Mongolian Gerbils)
– Dietary spectrum: Seeds, grains, vegetables, herbs, fruit, and insects.
– Main food: Grain- and seed-rich dry mix (approx. 1 tbsp daily).
– Protein requirement (1-2x per week): Small amounts of live/dried insects (e.g., mealworms, crickets), cat kibble, or hard-boiled egg.
– Fresh food (daily, in small amounts, introduced gradually): e.g., cucumber, zucchini, meadow herbs – NO fruit!
– Oilseeds and nuts: Only occasionally in very small quantities.
– Treats such as yoghurt drops or snack sticks have no place in a species-appropriate diet!
Important! Always provide food in small portions (to prevent hoarding, selective feeding, and obesity).
Of course, all small mammals should have constant access to fresh water and hay. Fresh twigs provide enrichment and should be offered at least 2-3 times a week.
Important! Introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
For any questions, we’re happy to help.
English (UK) 
Deutsch