What Do Degus Eat?
7 Constituents of The Common Degu Diet
A common degu diet should have the following protein, fat and fibre percentages:
- Protein = 15 % or less
- Fat/oil = 4 % or less
- Fibre = 15 % or more
RSPCA stresses that a common degu needs access to plenty of water around the clock. If this is not done, you are risking illnesses. This means that you need to invest in a good water bottle and inspect it daily for clogging. Read this to learn important things about water bottles.
You can choose to feed your Common Degu either option 3 or 4 and omit the other; that is, Seed Mixes Or Commercial Pelleted Food.
You can also give both.
What you need to look out for is:
- Calcium: Phosphorous ratio= 2:1
- High sugar and molasses are bad, they can give your common degu diabetes
- Vitamin C is great
1. Timothy Hay, Meadow Hay or Readigrass (dried ryegrass)
This should always be available in your degus cage in the hay box. Hay keeps your degus stomachs healthy and also keeps their teeth worn down.
Note that you will come across terms like:
- 1st cut – thinner stems, more stems than leaves. Lighter colour with more yellow and brown parts. Has a high fiber content, low protein and fat content.
- 2nd cut – more leaves on the stems. Greener than the 1st cut. Higher protein and fat content and lower fiber content.
- 3rd cut – very soft and heavy leafy. High in protein and fat content and lowest in fiber content.
You want to go with the 1st cut because of the high fiber content.
Farmer Dave Pet Supply Hay in a Box
Where Do I Get Farmer Dave Hay in a box?
Etsy
3 lb ” Early 1st Cut ” Premium Rabbit and Bunny “HAY-IN-A-BOX”
5 lb ” Early 1st Cut ” Premium Rabbit and Bunny “HAY-IN-A-BOX”
10 lb ” Early 1st Cut ” Premium Rabbit and Bunny “HAY-IN-A-BOX”
15 lb ” Early 1st Cut ” Premium Rabbit and Bunny “HAY-IN-A-BOX”
35 lb ” Early 1st Cut ” Premium Rabbit and Bunny “HAY-IN-A-BOX”
Amazon
US: 35 lb Early 1st Cut Premium Rabbit and Bunny Hay
US: 15 lb Early 1st Cut Premium Rabbit and Bunny Hay
US: FarmerDavePetSupply 3 Lb Second Cut Timothy Hay, Bunny, Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Hay
US: 5 Lb Second Cut Timothy Hay, Bunny, Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Hay
US: 10 Lb Second Cut Timothy Hay, Bunny, Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Hay
Kaytee Timothy Hay
Where Do You Get Kaytee Timothy Hay?
US: Kaytee Timothy Hay 12 pounds
US: Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay Small Animal Food
US: Kaytee First Cut Timothy Hay Small Animal Food, 6.5-lb bag
2. Foraging Leaves, Flowers and Herbs
Hannseman SAB Degu Plant Mix has been praised by a majority.
3. Seed Mixes
- Ratrations degu seed mix (1 teaspoon)
4. Best Commercial Pelleted Food For Common Degu
Supreme Petfoods Science Selective Degu
Where Do You Get This?
Versele-Laga Chinchilla & Degu Complete
Where Do You Get This?
UK: Versele-Laga Chinchilla & Degu Complete
US: Versele-Laga All-In-One Complete Chinchilla & Degu Food, 3-lb bag, 3-lb bag
Sunseed Vita Exotics Degu
Where Do You Get This?
Sun Seed Company Sunscription Vita Exotics Prima Degu Formula, 28-Ounce
5. Common Degu Treats
Common Degus love the following:
- Dried dandelion roots
- Sunflowers seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
6. Vegetables
These are to be fed once or twice a week:
- Broccoli
- Fresh dandelion leaves
- Cauliflower
- Parsley
- Dried Rosehip
- Dried herbs (for example mint, plantain, nettle and fruit leaves)
- Butternut squash
- Beetroot
7. Clean Fresh Water
This should be available 24/7. You always need to make sure your degu has access to clean fresh drinking water in a clean water bottle. Some people have had some problems with various water bottles but these have been found to have the least or no problems at all.
Living World Eco + Water Bottle
Where Do You Get This?
US #1. Living World Eco + Water Bottle, 6-Ounce
UK: Living World Eco Plus Water Bottle, 177 ml
CANADA Living World Eco Plus Water Bottle, 12-Ounce
There is an important read about pet water bottles here that can be very beneficial, especially if you are encountering some problems.
Choco Nose H128 Patented No Drip Small Animal Water Bottle
Where Do You Get This?
In the US, you can get it at Choco Nose H128 Patented No Drip Small Animal Water Bottle. Best Water Bottle for Small Pet/Bunny/ Ferret/Hamster/ Critter. BPA Free. 11.2 Oz. Nozzle Diameter: 10mm (Blue)
What Is A Good Feeding Schedule For Your Degu Pet?
- Hay and fresh clean water should always be available in the common degu cage.
- You can give both Hay and the Hannseman SAB Degu Plant Mix to enhance foraging.
- A degu should consume 10g of pelleted food or seed mix per day.
What Options Do You Have?
Option 1
- Morning 6am to 8am: 10g of pelleted food or seed mix
- You can give treats weekly in a regulated manner
- Also give vegetables especially those rich in vitamin c weekly (for example broccoli and dried rosehip)
Option 2
- Early evening 5pm to 7 pm– 10g of pelleted food or seed mix
- You can give your degus treats (if it is sunflower seeds, 1,2 or 3 a degu) weekly
- Also give vegetables especially those rich in vitamin c weekly (for example broccoli and dried rosehip)
Option 3
- Morning 6am to 8am: 5g of pelleted food or seed mix
- Early evening 5pm to 7 pm– 5g of pelleted food or seed mix
- You can give treats (if it is sunflower seeds, 1,2 or 3 a degu) weekly
- Also give vegetables especially those rich in vitamin c weekly (for example broccoli and dried rosehip)
Examples of Good Common Degu Food Bowls
1. Marshall Snap ‘N Fit Small Animal Food Bowl 2 cups
2. Living World Ergonomic Dish
Where Do You Get This?
US #1. Living World Ergonomic Dish, Terracotta, Small
UK #3. RC Hagen 61685 Living World Ergonomic Dish, Pink Large
UK #4. Living World Ergonomic Dish, Blue, Small
UK #5. Living World Ergonomic Dish, Pink, Small by Living World
UK #6. RC Hagen 61685 Living World Ergonomic Dish, Pink Large
3. Petzilla Cat Ceramic Bowl for Food, Heavy Base Feeding Dish, Prevent Tipping or Spill Over
4. Kaytee Paw-Print PetWare Bowl, Colors Vary
