Snacks for small pets

Natural behaviour

In the wild, small animals spend their time looking for food and they nibble on whatever they find. In captivity, rabbits and small rodents enjoy doing the same. Snacking on small, varied treats stimulates their appetite and brightens their daily lives. Thanks to the pet industry, these snacks exist in many shapes and flavours, to please all species and match their needs.

Grain-free formulas for herbivores

Natural snacks are the best for rabbits and herbivorous rodents like guinea pigs and chinchillas. These vegetarians cannot digest starch or other additives, and should eat only vegetal food. Dandelion roots or leaves are a must, and often even a favourite. For instance, Bunny Nature offers this with its Botanical line.

Herb mixes are also highly appreciated. With its Grainless Snack Plus Combi Pack, the brand JR Farm offers a good combination of 100% vegetal and grain-free snacks: chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, strawflower, sage and caraway. The French brand Hamiform has an impressive range of natural snacks, divided into three lines: Crunchy, Gourmet Treats and Nature Breaks. From rosebuds or plantain to blackcurrant or banana, there are lots of very tasty flavours and shapes to choose from.

Insect formulas for omnivores

When it comes to omnivorous rodents such as hamsters, mice and rats, proteins are extremely important. With its Little One line, the Mealberry brand produces boxes of mealworms and mixed insects. If consumers do not like the sight of dried mealworms, they are also available as little heart-shaped biscuits from Bunny Nature’s My Little Sweetheart product range. For selective rodents, biscuits or baked snacks are often a good way to give treats, such as JR Farm’s Oat Bites: little baked oat and malt pillows that are protein-rich, low in fat and free from added sugar.

Healthy sweets for the smallest pets

Added sugar is actually something owners of small pets have to be especially aware of, as many smaller species might suffer from diabetes or obesity when they are not fed correctly. The best way to offer a sugary treat is in the form of dried fruits or berries.

Many brands offer dried banana, apples, grapes, papaya, cranberries or coconut in their product lines. For instance, Versele Laga offers packs of its product range Nature Snacks Berries/Fruities. Thanks to the premium brand Oxbow Animal Health, pampered hamsters or guinea pigs can nibble baked treats or dried ingredients from the Simple Rewards line: Bell Pepper, Carrot and Dill, Strawberry and Veggie Treats.

There are now many options for healthy treats with added value to keep even the smallest animal companions happy.