Can chinchillas eat grass?
Better not: chinchillas shouldn’t eat grass. The RSPCA says chinchillas need hay and grass for healthy digestion. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT), however, warns that fresh or wilted greens often cause diarrhea that can be fatal and says not to feed them, so we err on the side of caution.
Good to know: Dried grass is hay, and hay should always be available. If you suspect your chinchilla is in pain, ill or injured, the RSPCA says to see a vet immediately. NC State adds that a chinchilla not eating for more than 12 hours is always an emergency.
Better choices, for example
Sources
- RSPCA – What to feed a pet chinchilla
- TVT Merkblatt Nr. 153: Heimtiere – Chinchillas (2012)
- RSPCA – Chinchilla health and welfare
- NC State Veterinary Hospital – Caring for Your Pet Chinchilla
Last checked: November 2026