Can degus eat grass?
Yes, but only a little: degus can eat grass. PDSA says fresh grass only once or twice a week in very small amounts, the Zürcher Tierschutz says daily. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) also says degus should get fresh greens, herbs, flowers and grasses every day in summer. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) includes fresh grasses in the fresh food it suggests 2 to 3 times a week in small pieces. PDSA says fresh grass can cause bloating, so we err on the side of caution.
How to serve it: fresh, a small amount (PDSA)
Good to know: The TVT says any switch to fresh food from meadows and woods in spring should always be gradual so the gut flora can adjust. The Zürcher Tierschutz lists cat grass for several times a week.
Sources
- Zürcher Tierschutz (Zurich animal welfare society) – Degus: Haltung
- TVT Merkblatt Nr. 154: Heimtiere – Degus (2023)
- Schweizer Tierschutz STS – Merkblatt Heimtiere: Gewöhnlicher Degu (2019)
- PDSA – Safe veg for degus (infographic on “Degus as pets”)
Last checked: November 2026