Gerbils are small rodents that live in the desert sands. These tiny animals eat seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Gerbils eat whatever is in front of them but can gerbils eat honey?
It’s best not to feed them, honey, because they can’t digest it properly. Why does this happen?
Honey is made up of two sugars called glucose and fructose which gerbils cannot break down. This means that the sugar will sit inside their stomachs doing nothing but making them feel full for hours on end with no nutritional value whatsoever.
If you want to give your little buddy something sweet then try sticking to fruits instead – apples and berries are great.
1. Sugar Requirements of Gerbils:
Gerbils, like other rodents, have a high need for sugar. In the wild, they get most of their sugar from the seeds and fruits they eat. At home, you can provide your gerbil with a diet that includes:
- Commercial gerbil food pellets
- Fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, celery, basil, and cucumber
- Fruit such as apple, banana, grapes, melon, blackberries, and strawberries.
Note that watermelon should be avoided because it can contain too much water.
2. How Much Honey Can A Gerbil Eat?
Gerbils are not able to break down the sugar in honey so it’s best to refrain from feeding them this sweet treat. It can harm their teeth. Also, it can affect their blood sugar level.
3. What Are The Consequences of Feeding Honey To Gerbils?
Feeding honey to gerbils can have some serious consequences. The sugar in honey will not be digested and will just sit in the stomach, making the gerbil feel full for hours with no nutritional value.
In addition, honey can also get caught in the gerbil’s teeth or get infected with harmful bacteria. The last concern is that it can cause blood sugar levels to spike and drop very quickly, which will cause dizziness and tiredness.
4. What To Teed Your Gerbils Instead of Honey?
Gerbils should receive their sugar requirements from commercial gerbil food pellets or fresh vegetables and fruit. Avoid feeding them foods that contain too much sugar, such as bananas and watermelon.
5. Is Honey Too Sticky For A Gerbil To Lick Up?
Some gerbils may enjoy licking up honey from a surface. However, honey is very sticky and can be difficult to remove from fur or hair. If your gerbil does lick up some honey, be sure to clean them up well with a damp cloth.
6. Honey Is A Good Food Source For Humans But Not Gerbils:
Honey is very popular and loved by many for its sweet taste. However, gerbils cannot digest honey and it can lead to some serious issues such as an upset stomach.
If you want to give your little buddy something sweet then try sticking to fruits instead that provide much-needed vitamins and minerals such as bananas, apples, grapes, and melon.
7. Gerbils Should Never Eat Honey If They Are Diabetic:
If your gerbil is diabetic or has any other health issues that could affect their blood sugar levels, they should never eat honey.
The sugar in honey can cause blood sugar levels to spike and drop very quickly, which will cause dizziness and tiredness.
Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure whether or not honey is safe for your gerbil.
8. The Nutritional Value Found In Honey:
Honey is rich in carbohydrates, making it a sweet treat that many people enjoy. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose and fructose which are then absorbed by the body.
Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells while fructose is metabolized in the liver. Honey also contains some B vitamins, vitamin C, minerals such as potassium and calcium, and antioxidants.
9. Which Pellets Can Be Given To Gerbils Instead of Honey?
There are many gerbils’ food pellets available in the market today. Food pellets should be chosen based on your gerbils’ dietary needs and other factors such as convenience, price, and quality.
There are different types of gerbil food pellets, but there is no right or wrong type to choose from. It all depends on your preferences and what is available in your area.
Conclusion:
There is no doubt in saying that gerbil surely cannot eat honey at all. The nutritional value of honey isn’t good for their health and they just won’t digest. Try sticking to feeding them pellets, fruits, and vegetables instead.
If we have missed any information or opinion regarding “can gerbils eat honey”, let us know in the comment section. Thanks for reading.