When most owners ask what degus eat, they assume a standard rodent diet of seeds and nuts will suffice. This is a critical mistake. Degus are strict herbivores with a unique metabolism that requires a high-fiber, low-sugar, low-fat diet to prevent diabetes and dental disease. Their natural diet in the Chilean matorral consists of grasses, leaves, bark, and seeds, with very little fruit or sugary treats.
Our editorial team emphasizes that a degu’s diet must be built around unlimited grass hay, specifically timothy hay, as the foundation. Pellets should be specially formulated for degus or chinchillas, without added sugars or molasses. Fresh vegetables like leafy greens can be offered in small amounts, but fruits and sugary vegetables are strictly off limits. Understanding these specifics is key to keeping your degu healthy and thriving.
The Foundation: Grass Hay for Digestive and Dental Health
Unlimited access to high-quality grass hay, such as timothy, orchard, or meadow hay, is the most important component of a degu’s diet. Hay provides the necessary fiber for proper digestion and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth. Degus have open-rooted molars that can overgrow without constant abrasion, leading to painful dental disease. Hay should be available at all times and constitute at least 80 percent of their daily intake.
Alfalfa hay is too high in calcium and protein for adult degus and should be reserved for growing juveniles or pregnant females only, and even then in moderation. A good test of a healthy degu diet is that you see them eating hay regularly throughout the day.
Pellets: Choosing a Sugar Free Formula
Commercial pellets designed for degus or chinchillas are appropriate, but only if they contain no added sugars, molasses, honey, or dried fruit. Many small animal pellets are high in carbohydrates and can trigger diabetes in degus because they cannot regulate blood sugar effectively. A suitable pellet will have a high fiber content (over 20 percent) and minimal protein and fat.
Feed a measured amount daily, typically one to two tablespoons per degu, to prevent obesity. Avoid muesli style mixes with seeds and grains, as degus will selectively eat the sugary bits and leave the healthy pellets. A uniform pellet ensures balanced nutrition.
Fresh Vegetables: Safe Greens and Occasional Treats
Fresh vegetables can be offered daily in small amounts, but they must be low in sugar and high in fiber. Safe choices include dark leafy greens like kale, romaine lettuce, collard greens, and dandelion greens. Other options are bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber, and broccoli. Introduce new vegetables one at a time to monitor for digestive upset.
Fruits are not recommended because of their high sugar content. Even small amounts of apple, banana, or berries can spike blood glucose and contribute to diabetes. Carrots and sweet potatoes are also too sugary. Stick to a maximum of one tablespoon of vegetables per degu per day.
Forbidden Foods: What Degus Cannot Eat
Degus have several absolute dietary prohibitions that owners must know. Never feed any food containing sugar, including commercial treats labeled for small animals, yogurt drops, honey sticks, or fruit. Sugary foods can cause rapid onset of diabetes, cataracts, and obesity. Also avoid foods high in fat, such as nuts, seeds, and sunflower seeds, which can lead to liver problems.
Other dangerous items include foods with high calcium (like alfalfa or spinach for adults), which can cause bladder stones, and foods with oxalates (like rhubarb or beet greens) that bind calcium. Grains and breads are too high in starch. Always check ingredient lists for hidden sugars like molasses, dextrose, or corn syrup.
Water and Foraging: Encouraging Natural Behaviors
Fresh, clean water must be available at all times, preferably from a sipper bottle that can be checked daily for blockages. Degus drink relatively little but need constant access. Additionally, providing hay in different forms, such as hay racks, hay balls, or scattered on the cage floor, encourages natural foraging behavior and prevents boredom.
Small amounts of dried herbs like chamomile, rose hips (without sugar), or dandelion root can be offered as occasional enrichment. Chew sticks made from untreated apple or willow wood also satisfy their need to gnaw and help wear down incisors. A varied environment with opportunities to graze and explore supports both physical and mental health.