Chins don't need a lot of food treats. In fact, too many food treats are bad because they have sensitive digestive systems. In general this is what I've learned:
- Fruit: Always bad, including raisins, papaya, and other things you'll find in a pet store that are labeled chin safe. Fruit has way to much sugar for a chin's bland diet. Some people think it's okay to give your chin something like 1/2 a raisin occasionally (no more than once a week), or if they are constipated. Others say raisins are a NEVER item. The yogurt coated kind are even worse because they're pretty much all sugar.
- Vegetables: Always bad because of the high water content. This can lead to bloating (I think) and other digestive issues. Again, some people think it's okay to give some veggies (I think there's a thread on leafy greens being argued over somewhere).
- Oats: These are a good treat for chins. Make sure they are not instant oats. They absorb water too quickly and can lead to bloating. A pinch (like 5-10 oats) is more than plenty.
- Shredded wheat: Make sure they are plain (ingredients should be 100% wheat). I'm not sure how much to give. Maybe like the size of a pea? I would think a whole shredded wheat would be far too large.
- Rose hips, rose buds, hibiscus flowers, clovers: You can find these in specialty health stores/tea shops. Only give one. With hibiscus, I think you only give 1/4 cause they're so large.
With all of these food treats, they should not be given every day. Chinchillas are like kids. If you keep giving them "candy," they won't eat their veggies.
I know this probably sounds ridiculous, but if you want to give your chinchilla a treat every day, give him a stick. Seriously. There are several members who sell various chinchilla safe sticks to chew (apple, grape, manzanita, etc.). My chinchilla
loves apple sticks. She'll chew and chew until she's gotten all of the bark off. Not only does she have fun chewing, this helps keep their teeth healthy as well.
Finally, I'm still pretty new to the chin-owning world, so if I got something wrong, please someone correct me.
