“Degus should eat unlimited grass hay, a small daily portion of plain degu pellets, and a few fresh greens or herbs. They must never have fruit, dried fruit, carrots in quantity, honey, molasses, or any sugary treats, because degus are prone to diabetes and diabetes-related cataracts. Healthy treats include rose hips, dried herbs, and occasional plain nuts.”
Degus are lively, social rodents from Chile, and feeding them correctly is the single most important part of their care. Unlike many small pets, degus can’t process sugar well. A diet that seems harmless for a hamster or rat can lead to diabetes, cataracts, and a shortened life in a degu. The good news is that the right diet is simple, affordable, and easy to follow once you know the rules.
The Ideal Degu Diet
| Food | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grass hay | Unlimited | Timothy, meadow, orchard grass |
| Degu pellets | About 1 to 2 tablespoons per degu daily | Plain, sugar-free, no molasses |
| Fresh greens and herbs | A small handful a few times a week | Leafy, low-sugar options |
| Treats | Very small, occasionally | Rose hips, dried herbs, a plain nut |
| Water | Always available | Fresh daily |
Why Sugar Is So Dangerous for Degus
In the wild, degus eat grasses, leaves, bark, seeds, and roots, all low in sugar. Their bodies are adapted to this sparse diet, and they’re prone to developing diabetes when given sugary foods. Diabetes in degus often leads to cataracts, which can cause blindness, as well as other health problems. Because of this, strict sugar avoidance is essential.
Sugar hides in many places:
- Fruit and dried fruit
- Sweet vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, and corn
- Honey, molasses, and syrup
- Seed mixes with dried fruit or sweetened pieces
- Commercial treats like yogurt drops and honey sticks
- Many “small animal” treats marketed for general rodents
Always read labels carefully.
Hay: The Foundation
Hay should be available at all times. It keeps the digestive system healthy and wears down degus’ continuously growing teeth, which are orange like chinchilla teeth. Timothy, meadow, orchard grass, and brome hays are good choices. Alfalfa is richer and best used sparingly for adults.
Pellets
Choose plain degu pellets without added sugar, molasses, or colorful pieces. If degu-specific pellets aren’t available, many owners use a plain, sugar-free chinchilla or guinea pig pellet on a vet’s advice. Guinea pig pellets contain added vitamin C, which degus don’t specifically need but isn’t harmful. Offer around 1 to 2 tablespoons per degu per day and adjust to maintain a healthy weight.
Safe Greens and Herbs
- Dandelion leaves and flowers
- Romaine lettuce
- Parsley and cilantro
- Basil and mint (small amounts)
- Plantain leaves (the weed, not the fruit)
- Chickweed
- Kale (small amounts)
Introduce fresh greens gradually, a little at a time, and watch for soft droppings. Avoid lawn clippings and plants that may have been sprayed with chemicals.
Healthy Treats
- Dried rose hips
- Dried herbs like chamomile and marigold petals
- A single unsalted sunflower seed or plain walnut piece occasionally
- Plain rolled oats in small amounts
- Unsweetened shredded wheat pieces
Keep treats tiny and infrequent. Use them for bonding and training rather than daily snacks.
Foods to Avoid
- All fruit, fresh or dried
- Sweet vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potato
- Corn and sweetcorn
- Honey, molasses, and sugary treats
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Onion, garlic, and leeks
- Bread, cereals with added sugar, and processed foods
- Large amounts of nuts and seeds, which are fatty
- Houseplants and garden plants unless confirmed safe
Water
Provide fresh water daily in a glass or metal bottle, since degus chew plastic. Check the spout for blockages. See water bottle vs bowl.
Signs of Diabetes in Degus
- Drinking much more water than usual
- Urinating more
- Cloudy eyes (cataracts)
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice these signs, see a vet experienced with degus. Early changes to diet can sometimes slow the progression. See signs your rodent is sick.
Sample Daily Menu for a Pair of Degus
- All day: unlimited timothy hay
- Morning: 2 to 4 tablespoons of plain degu pellets for the pair, scattered to encourage foraging
- Afternoon, a few times a week: a small handful of dandelion leaves and parsley
- Occasionally: one rose hip each during playtime
How the Degu Diet Compares
Degus share a hay-based diet with chinchillas and guinea pigs, their cavy-like cousins. Chinchillas also need low-sugar, low-fat diets, while guinea pigs need daily fresh vegetables and vitamin C. See what chinchillas eat and what guinea pigs can eat. For complete degu care, see our degu care guide.
What Wild Degus Eat
Wild degus live in the dry, shrubby hills of central Chile, where summers are hot and dry and food can be scarce. They feed mostly on grasses, leaves, bark, seeds, and the fibrous parts of shrubs, and they store food in their burrows for leaner times. This low-sugar, high-fiber diet shaped a digestive system and metabolism that can’t cope with sugary foods. Recreating that natural menu in captivity, with plenty of hay and limited extras, is the best way to keep pet degus healthy.
Wild degus also spend a lot of time foraging. Scatter-feeding pellets, hiding greens in hay piles, and offering safe branches to strip give pet degus the same satisfying work. See enrichment toys by rodent type.
Changing Your Degu’s Diet Safely
If you’re switching from a sugary seed mix to a healthy pellet, make the change gradually over one to two weeks, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. Some degus pick out favorite pieces at first, but most adapt. Keep hay available throughout, and weigh your degus weekly to be sure they’re eating enough. If a degu stops eating or its droppings change significantly, contact your vet.
Supplements and Vitamins
Most degus on a good hay and pellet diet don’t need supplements. Avoid adding vitamins to drinking water unless your vet recommends it, since it can discourage drinking. Mineral and salt licks are generally unnecessary and some contain added sugars or molasses. Always ask your vet before adding anything to a degu’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can degus eat fruit?
No. Fruit is too sugary and increases the risk of diabetes.
Can degus eat carrots?
Carrots are sweet and best avoided, or given only as a tiny occasional piece if your vet approves.
What treats are safe for degus?
Rose hips, dried herbs, and very small amounts of plain nuts or oats.
Can degus eat guinea pig food?
Plain, sugar-free guinea pig pellets are sometimes used when degu pellets aren’t available, on a vet’s advice.