Degus are closely related to chinchillas and are becoming increasingly popular as pets in this country. The fluffy small animals originate from Chile, where they live mainly in the mountainous heights of the Andes. It is therefore important to follow the natural preferences of the animal when feeding your degu. Some foods will need to be introduced gradually to prevent your degu from developing an intolerance.

Hay should definitely make up a significant part of the diet. It contains many vitamins and minerals and is rich in raw fibre, which ensures that the degus’ intestines are kept in good working order. It is also the best food for tooth abrasion. Be sure to provide your pet with plenty of hay at all times. A hay rack that you simply hang in the bars of the cage is ideal for this. Make sure the hay is fresh and of good quality. If it is damp or smells musty, you should not use it any more. Mountain meadow hay is of particularly high quality.
Dried grass is also suitable for degus – and very healthy too. Just like hay, it provides valuable fibre, vitamins and minerals. Various dried herbs and flowers such as dandelion, daisies, cornflower, chamomile are available at Maxi Zoo.

In addition to dried feed, your degu should be given fresh meadow green from time to time. Grasses, herbs, flowers and leaves are usually a favourite with small animals. You can also offer your pet carrot, kohlrabi, or fennel greens from time to time. Leaves can even be fed together with twigs. Degus love to nibble on the thin wood – which is very beneficial for their teeth, by the way.
Nevertheless, you should only gradually introduce your degu to fresh grass. Excessive consumption can initially result in diarrhoea and other health problems. You should always provide your degu with a sufficient amount of fresh water.
Would you like to buy feed for your degu? In the Maxi Zoo online shop you will find a wide selection of pellets, hay and dried herbs and flowers.