In the wild, chinchillas eat plants high in fiber. Commercial chinchilla pellets have important nutrients but can be high in carbohydrates and calories. Pellets also crumble easily and don’t help wear down chinchillas’ teeth, which are constantly growing.
Hay, especially hay from long-strand grasses like timothy, is very important in a chinchilla’s diet. It encourages the animal to chew and grind down its constantly growing teeth, and it provides fiber for proper digestion. Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated place, and feed chinchillas fresh hay every day.
Chinchillas can have occasional treats like a slice of fresh apple or pear, but fruits should make up less than 10% of their diet. Avoid dried fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts because they can upset a chinchilla’s stomach.
Chinchillas can have a handful of fresh, dark green lettuce (like romaine or green leaf lettuce) and some vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrot tops, and celery) every day. They should also have unlimited timothy hay and a small amount (1–2 tablespoons) of pellets each day.
Avoid high-calcium vegetables (kale, parsley, dandelion greens) and alfalfa hay because they can cause bladder stones in chinchillas. Carrots contain a lot of sugar, so you should give them to your chinchilla only rarely.
Throw away uneaten food daily to prevent mold growth.
It is normal for chinchillas to eat their own poop. Chinchillas have sensitive stomachs. Introduce new foods slowly over several days to avoid digestive problems. New foods introduced too quickly can cause wet or sticky droppings and gas.
Always provide fresh water for your chinchilla. Water bottles are better than bowls because they stay cleaner. Make sure your chinchilla drinks from the bottle if you use one. Not all chinchillas know how to use a water bottle, and for some with dental problems, drinking from a bottle can be more uncomfortable than drinking from a bowl. Clean the water bottle every day to prevent bacteria from growing.
