Can Gerbils Eat Dandelions? Any Benefits Or Risks Of Gerbils Eating Dandelions?
You probably already know that gerbils can eat nearly everything since they are omnivores. This includes herbs such as oregano, basil, coriander, lemon thyme, and parsley.
Gerbils can eat dandelions in moderation, including the stems, roots, flowers, and leaves. These herbs contain many vitamins and minerals that help keep your pet rodent healthy. The best part is that the dandelions are low in calories but rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
Can Gerbils Eat Dandelions?
Yes. Dandelions, also known as Taraxacum officinale, is a safe and nutritious herbs containing vitamins, minerals, and numerous nutrients. So, since gerbils are omnivores, they can eat this herb, whether fresh or dried. However, fresh dandelions are considered more nutrient-rich than their dried counterparts. They contain nutrients such as:
- Vitamins A, K, and C
- Dietary fiber and fat
- Folate
- Calcium and potassium
- Protein and carbohydrates
That said, while your gerbils can eat dandelions, they should do it in moderation. In other words, these herbs should not make up the primary part of your pet’s diet.
This is because gerbils require a balanced diet with many seed mixes, fresh fruits, and vegetables. And when it comes to proteins, they need at least 16% and 6% to 8% fat in their daily diet.
Unfortunately, dandelions are not the most nutritious for your rodents. These herbs contain minimal quantities of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and other essential nutrients that gerbils need. Here is a table showing the nutritional value of dandelions to help you understand what we mean.
| Name of Nutrient Available in Raw, Dandelion Greens (Leaves) | Amount Per Serving In 100 Grams |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
| Fat | 0.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Calcium | 187 mg |
| Potassium | 397 mg |
| Sodium | 76 mg |
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Can gerbils eat dandelion leaves?
The answer is yes; gerbils can safely eat dandelion leaves. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, plus minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Besides the leaves, your pet rodents can eat the flowers and stems of dandelions as an occasional treat.
Do Gerbils Like Dandelions?
Yes. Gerbils enjoy eating a variety of herbs. Dandelions are also herbs. Most gerbils love dandelion flowers because of their slightly sweet and honey-like flavor. This is not surprising because these rodents have a sweet tooth.
Image Source: Canva.com
On the other hand, gerbils eat the dandelion leaves despite their somewhat earthy and bitter flavor. But if your pet does not like the tangy taste, you could mix the leaves with other veggies to mask the taste.
Related Blog: Can Gerbils Eat Mango? [Read here]
Health Benefits of Gerbils Eating Dandelions?
There are several health benefits of gerbils eating dandelions but in small quantities. These include:
- Powerful diuretic
Thanks to their potent diuretic properties, dandelions can help clean out your gerbil’s urinary tract. The herbs simply help get rid of bacteria present in your gerbil’s bladder.
- Fighting inflammation
Additionally, dandelions contain polyphenol compounds known to reduce chronic inflammation in rodents. These compounds also help prevent blood clots.
- Boosting immune system
These herbs boast high antioxidants that help neutralize dangerous free radicals in your gerbil’s body. Consequently, this helps improve your pet’s immune system, protecting them against chronic diseases.
- Promotes liver health
According to various animal studies, dandelions may prevent liver damage in gerbils. It could also protect your pet rodents from liver diseases.
- Supporting healthy digestion
Dandelions can also help improve the digestive health of your gerbils. This is because the herbs are rich in dietary fiber, enabling smooth bowel movements.
- Promotes healthy bones
Dandelions are also rich in minerals such as calcium and potassium. These minerals help build and maintain strong bones in gerbils.
Risks Of Gerbils Eating Dandelions
So, are dandelions good for gerbils? The answer is yes. After all, dandelions are natural herbs containing no toxic substances. Even so, there are several risks of gerbils eating dandelions in large quantities. For instance, your gerbil may experience digestive issues like:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Stomach aches
Additionally, dandelions contain high levels of potassium and calcium. Therefore, if your gerbils consume this herb in excess amounts, they may suffer from conditions like:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Bone pain or muscle aches
- Lethargic and irritability
How Much Dandelion Can Gerbils Eat?
Gerbils should not eat more than two dandelion florets. You can let your pet rodent eat one or two dandelion flowers with the stem and root.
So then, how often can gerbils eat dandelions? Well, you can serve dandelions to your gerbils up to 1 or 2 times a week as a treat. This will help prevent any potential risks due to overfeeding on this herb.
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How To Prepare Dandelion for Gerbils?
Start by gathering fresh-looking dandelions. Then, wash the herbs with lots of water to remove any chemicals. For adult gerbils, you simply give them one full flower or leaf for them to eat.
However, for young gerbils, you must cut the dandelions into small pieces. Then, mix the parts with other veggies or food in a bowl.
Additionally, you can harvest and dry the dandelion leaves and flowers. Once correctly dried, simply toss the leaves and flowers in your blender until finely chopped or powdered. You can then sprinkle the powdered dandelion on your gerbil’s pellets or seed mixes to munch on.
FAQs
Can gerbils eat dandelion stems and roots?
Yes. Gerbils can eat every part of a dandelion plant, whether it’s the stems, roots, flowers, or leaves, but in moderation. The roots and stems are a good source of essential vitamins, fibers, and minerals. Also, the roots can help gerbils to wear growing teeth.
What other herbs can gerbils eat?
Besides dandelions, gerbils love to snack on various fresh herbs, including basil, parsley, and coriander. They will also eat lemon thyme, rose petals, oregano, lemon balm, strawberry leaves, and lavender. Of course, gerbils must eat these herbs in small quantities.
Are dandelions good for Mongolian gerbils?
Yes, all gerbil species, including the Mongolian, fat-tailed, pallid, Shaw’s Jird, and Great Gerbils, can safely eat dandelions. These herbs are a great, natural gerbil treat packed with many healthy nutrients.
Related Blog: Can Gerbils Eat Cauliflower? [Read here]
Wrapping Up
Gerbils can eat dandelion leaves, flowers, stems, and roots. Therefore, these herbs can be part of your gerbil’s healthy diet, including fresh veggies and fruits. After all, most gerbils like this herb, especially its flowers.
Unfortunately, while this herb offers many health benefits, it also has potential risks when gerbils consume it excessively. So, knowing how much dandelions can gerbils eat and how often is critical. In addition, we recommend learning how to prepare the herbs for your gerbils correctly.
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