Degus have become increasingly popular pets over the last few years. Most of this popularity is recent, but there are actually many long-time owners who have kept these tiny creatures for decades. They originate from the Andee’s mountains in Chile and Argentina.

They’re sociable little creatures who, in the wild, tend to travel in packs. They are a pet who doesn’t do well on their own, so having a companion for them is always a good idea. They’re extremely low maintenance which also makes them an excellent pet to have, and this goes for their diet as well. They are also really that affectionate as known.

So, if you are wanting to give your degus some vegetables and are not sure which ones you can give them, then look no further! In this article, we will cover what vegetables degus can eat so that you know which veggies are safe to feed your happy little pocket pet.

Degus tend to be very picky with their quality of food, so it is essential to know that they prefer high-quality products. When picking your vegetables, make sure that they are the freshest on the market. Before we get into which vegetables a degu can eat, let’s take a deeper dive into the nutrition and diet of degus.

The degus diet

Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. Of course, you can’t force a degu to eat veggies. They need to be offered in the best suitable forms, at the correct times, and in the right amounts. If your little friend isn’t interested in eating vegetables, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to entice them over to the dark side!

In all actuality, it wouldn’t be hard to get your degus to eat vegetables because these little rodents take their diet very seriously. In the wild, they typically filter out the bad seeds from the good seeds so that they only eat the highest quality of food.

It is important to know that not all veggies are good to feed a degu too often. Vegetables are healthy, but too much of them can cause a degu to have stomach issues.

So what do degus eat exactly? Degus are herbivorous, so they mostly eat vegetation  and seeds. They usually take their foods from fields, so what they eat is mostly a combination of grains, grasses, some herbs and seeds. They need lots of fiber so finding the right vegetables that are high in fiber is also very important.

Degus are very small, usually about 4 to 5 inches long. They make great pets for people who live in the country since their habitat does not require a lot of space. They also like to dig and look for food, so if you have an area that needs to be cleaned up or a garden that needs tending to, degus are perfect! Be sure to know how to handle a male or female degus.

Degus have very strong teeth, so they need to eat foods that will help them keep those teeth healthy. Most of the time, they eat specially formulated degu food pellets. In addition, it is essential to note that degus can face some serious health issues like diabetes.

It is of utmost importance that you do not overfeed your degu. Some of the veggies on this list should not be given to them every day. This is to ensure that the degu is staying healthy and happy. Other veggies like cabbage should not be given to a degu as this could cause some serious stomach issues.

One thing to note that vets often tell concerned degus owners is that if you see them eating their own poop, it is no cause for concern. This is part of the degus getting their complete nutrients in order to keep their digestive system on track. Now that we have covered the diet and health of degus, here are 10 vegetables that you can feed your degus :

Butternut squash

Butternut squash is a tasty snack for your degu. You can cut the butternut squash into small pieces, but make sure your degu only has a small amount. This vegetable should only be given 1 – 2 times a week in order to ensure that their digestive system stays healthy. Similarly, you can also feed degus pumpkin which is cut into smaller pieces.

Broccoli

Broccoli, as everyone knows, is an extremely important source of fiber. You can give your degu small amounts of broccoli, which will be great for their digestion. Be sure to watch the amount they eat to prevent upset tummy and bloating. Broccoli should only be given to your degu as little as once a week.

Carrot tops

Degus should only be given the carrot tops as the main body of the carrot isn’t always good for them to have. However, carrots can be given as a small treat every once in a while. They should not be given in large amounts, this is because carrots can be high in sugar which can cause many health issues down the line. This is also why it is good to limit the amount of carrots you give them even if you do choose to give your degu carrots.

Celery

Celery is excellent for degu digestive health. It is debated whether you can give degu celery daily or if it should only be weekly. Speak with your vet if you are unsure how many times you can give your degu celery. You can always be sure that your degu will let you know how they’re feeling by their behavior so be sure to look out for unusual behavior. There is a good chance that any unusual behavior can be due to a poor diet.

Cucumber

Cucumber is another great snack for your degu and should only be given about 1 – 2 times per week. It’s a tasty way for your degu to have a healthy digestive system. Always be sure to wash and cut your vegetables according to the correct size for your little pet. One of the great things about cucumber is that they are great way to refresh your degu in the hotter months of the year.

Lettuce, romaine, and iceberg lettuce

Leafy greens are an excellent vegetable to give to your degu. After washing and cutting it, you can give lettuce to your degu daily. Obviously, it is vital to watch their portions so that they do not overeat. Still, nevertheless, lettuce is the perfect vegetable for your degu!

Peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas (English pea)

Peas and their variants are a favorite amongst degu owners. This is the perfect little snack for a degu who also happens to love peas as well. These are great in moderation and a refreshing snack in the summer, much like cucumber.

Spinach

Like the rest of the leafy greens, spinach should be washed before feeding them to your degu. This is an excellent source of fiber, and degus tend to love it! In order to prevent upset tummy, you can feed degus spinach about two times per week.

Zucchini

Zucchini is an excellent source of fiber and water, which is excellent for your degu’s skin and overall health. It’s also easy to digest, so your degu will be able to digest the nutrients even though they are mostly cellulose. You can give Zucchini to your degu about 1 – 2 times per week.

Beetroot

Beetroot is rich in all sorts of vitamins and minerals that are important for your degus’ health. `it is a root vegetable, so much of its nutrients are excellent for gut health. You can but the beetroot up into small pieces for your degu. Though it is a nutrient-rich vegetable, you should limit your feeding to your degu to about two times per week.

Conclusion

Remember not to overfeed your degu and to always wash vegetables before feeding them. These little guys have very delicate stomachs, so it is vital to watch their health very closely. Please immediately speak with your vet if you notice your degu acting strange, lethargic, or listless.

These vegetables are the perfect addition to any degus diet and make a great treat for them. They are also very easy to grow, which is excellent for degus who live in homes without yards or those that simply want to supplement their existing diets with fresh vegetables.

If you are careful with portions, you are sure to have a very happy and healthy little rodent friend. They love veggies. In fact, they love snacks in general. Treating them to a little something every now and then is a great way to connect with your pet.

Degus are amazing little animals that make excellent pets, especially if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option. They’re very sociable and adaptable to their environment, as long as they have plenty of stimulation. For more tips and pet care advice on how to take care of your little pocket pet, please visit our website!