Can chinchillas eat fruit?

Better not: chinchillas shouldn’t eat fruit. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) says chinchillas don’t tolerate fruit. Woodgreen and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) advise against it too; the RVC says it’s too sugary and lists fruit in the diet among causes of diarrhea and bloating. Merck, on the other hand, allows an occasional piece making up less than 10% of the diet, and NC State very small amounts, so we err on the side of caution.

Good to know: As an occasional treat, the TVT suggests dried rose hips instead.