Gerbils love bananas because of their flavor and texture. There are many ways to feed bananas to gerbils. It has many nutrients including vitamins, manganese, proteins, and potassium. Bananas are a highly nutritious food that you can cook or eat raw. But can gerbils, too, eat cooked and raw bananas as treats? Let’s find out.
It’s important that you feed gerbils only fresh bananas. And not bananas that look brownish or pale yellowish in shade. This refers to both the flesh and the skin part of the banana.
Since bananas are found everywhere, you might also find bananas in the form of dehydrated chips. This is when a banana is cut into smaller slices and are placed in a food dehydrated. This increases the nutritional value of bananas.
As you can see, there are so many ways to feed your gerbils bananas at home. But you have to make sure that your gerbil doesn’t fall sick after eating bananas.
This is where the following information should come in handy. Here’s all you need to know about feeding gerbils bananas.
How to feed your gerbils
Table of Contents
Gerbils Can Eat Bananas
But not every day. Moderation is key when it comes to feeding bananas to gerbils. And here’s the reason why:
They are high in sugar.
That’s right. Bananas contain a lot of sugar. And this could cause digestive distress, diabetes, and weight gain in gerbils. So excessive feeding is out of the question.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that a gerbil’s primary diet is seed mixture. A combination of seeds, nuts, grass, vegetables, and fruits. If you feed your gerbil only one kind of fruit or vegetable on a daily basis, it may slow down his or her digestion.
And since gerbils have a sensitive digestive system. It can lead to other severe health-related problems.
Now you must have different questions about feeding bananas to your gerbil. For starters:
Can I Feed Banana Peel?
This is the skin part of bananas that most humans do not eat. But the scientific truth is that humans can eat banana peels.
For gerbils, banana feels are not dangerous or toxic. So it’s probably okay to feed your gerbil banana peels. But before you do, it’s safe to consult with a vet.
As I’ve already mentioned before, gerbils have sensitive tummies. So it’s best to introduce a new type of food before adding it to your pet’s daily diet. This is the best way to avoid an upset tummy.
Is Banana Healthy for Gerbils?
Let’s keep the “banana is high in sugar” factor aside for a minute. Can bananas actually benefit your gerbil health-wise? Yes, they can!
Bananas are low in fats and carbs. They are amazing sources of dietary fiber. And they also contain sufficient amounts of vitamin B6 and C. And manganese and potassium are not that far behind.
So for general health and proper development, bananas can do no harm. They keep the body healthy and strong and satisfy a gerbil’s appetite. And since they are high in fiber, they also regulate better digestion and bowel movement.
Can I Feed Bananas to My Gerbil Daily?
You should not feed bananas daily to your gerbil. But the ideal number of times you can is 2 – 3 times per week. And each time no more than 1 – 2 teaspoons of banana.
If you’re feeding your gerbil banana peel, not more than a single banana peel in total spread across the week. You must chop the banana peel into small pieces. And feeding a few pieces once or twice per week.
This is enough to keep your gerbil satisfied and happy. Always make sure you feed fresh bananas and banana peel. If you have any leftovers, which you will, then discard them away immediately.
Stale banana peel or the spoiled fleshy part may cause digestive problems.
Can Gerbils Eat Green Bananas?
Green bananas are bananas that aren’t ripe yet. They have a stronger taste and are chunkier. While it’s okay to feed gerbils green bananas. Chances are they are not going to like it.
But if they happen to, then sticking to a few pieces 2 – 3 times per week is sufficient.
Can Gerbils Eat Black Bananas?
Black bananas are bananas that are extra-ripe. They are bananas that have in a way become old and mushier and stinkier. By now you must have guessed that black bananas are not good for gerbils.
Once bananas develop a lot of black spots on them, it’s best to keep away from them. However, if you still want to feed your gerbil black bananas, a few pieces once or twice in a week is fine. Black bananas are not poisonous or harmful in any way.
What Not to Feed Gerbils?
In relation to bananas, you cannot feed your gerbil fried banana chips, banana bread, and banana candy. Dehydrated bananas that are homemade are good. Homemade dehydrated chips do not contain any preservatives, sugar, or other coatings.
As long as you add nothing to the banana slices before dehydrating them. They are okay to give to your gerbil. Any other recipe such as banana chips, banana bread, banana jam should not be given to gerbils.
Final Thoughts
Bananas are completely safe for your gerbil. They are not harmful or poisonous or toxic. And contrary to popular belief, bananas do not cause potassium poisoning in gerbils. You can feed your gerbil banana slices 1 – 3 times per week.
This is the only way bananas won’t affect your gerbil’s digestion. When you feed them fresh banana slices or banana peels in moderation. Since they are full of nutrients and fiber, they cause no distress. And your pet gerbil will love the banana’s sweet and chewy texture.
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