Can degus eat treat sticks?

Better not: degus shouldn’t eat treat sticks. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) says sugary food products are a serious health risk. That includes many rodent drops and treat sticks, and they don’t belong in a degu’s diet. The Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) lists sugary snacks among foods degus should never have, and Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) says pressed, processed treats are unsuitable. PDSA advises avoiding sugary rodent chews, the RSPCA says to be wary of store-bought treats because they can be too sugary, and Woodgreen counts chew bars among the sugary treats that make an unsuitable diet. Blue Cross, on the other hand, says many treats sold for chinchillas are fine for degus too, with hay-based ones being best. We still err on the side of caution.

Good to know: Woodgreen suggests healthy treats such as apple, pear or willow twigs, rose wood and dried herbs. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) says a degu that is visibly ill or not eating must be seen by a vet without delay. PDSA adds that you should contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual.