Chinchillas are designed to eat a dry, bland, basic diet. Anything you add in addition to what they need has the potential to cause dietary issues. In our experience, owners don’t understand restrictions and moderation and in turn don’t realize what damage they’re doing.

Our approach is less is more. Healthy treats for chinchillas should be given in moderation and should not comprise a significant portion of their diet. Chinchillas are smaller than you think under all that fur, and too much sugar in their little bodies can cause havoc on their health. Opt for small healthy treats. There are plenty of safe herbal treats for chinchillas, so there's no reason to default to highly processed, corn-based, sugary, pet-store treats that will harm your pet.

Rule 1: Treating is not usually a daily thing. 

Rule 2: Avoid seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

These items are common health risks. Seeds and nuts are oily and known to contribute to fatty liver disease. Fruits and vegetables contain sugars that are difficult for Chinchillas to process leaving them susceptible to blood sugar-related highs and lows. During the breakdown of these foods, gas fills the stomach and intestines. Since chinchillas are unable to release this gas (burp and fart), large gas bubbles form and cause bloat. This bloat can put your pet into gastroparesis (stasis). This can happen rapidly and is painful for your pet. When your pet’s gut stops working they will reduce or stop emptying their stomach (pooping), become prone to intestinal blockages, healthy gut flora ( bacteria ) will die, and the belly will swell. If caught early this condition responds well to an aggressive approach of probiotics, Metacam (pain/inflammation drug ), pro-motility agents, Infant gas drops, massage, and exercise. A veterinarian is usually needed.

Here’s a quick list of chinchilla-safe treats.

  1. Apple Blossoms

  2. Bee Pollen - Powder or Granules

  3. Blackberry Leaf

  4. Carnations

  5. Calendula( AKA Marigold )

  6. Chamomile

  7. Dandelion Flower

  8. Dandelion Leaf

  9. Dandelion Root

  10. Hibiscus

  11. Honey Suckle

  12. Jasmine

  13. Lavender

  14. Lemon Balm

  15. Marshmallow Root

  16. Mint

  17. Nettle

  18. Old Fashion Rolled Oats - NOT instant

  19. Papaya Leaf

  20. Parsley

  21. Peach Blossoms

  22. Peppermint

  23. Plain Cheerios

  24. Plain Shredded Wheat

  25. Raspberry Leaf

  26. Red Clover (AKA Gloves)

  27. Rosebuds - All colors

  28. Rose Hips - Crushed or whole

  29. Rose Petal - All colors

  30. Safflower

  31. Strawberry Leaf

It's important to remember that treats should only be given occasionally and in small amounts to prevent digestive issues and obesity. Animals 6 months old and under should not be given treats at all. Additionally, any new treats should be introduced gradually to monitor how your chinchilla responds.