Can degus eat vegetables?

Yes, but only a little: degus can eat vegetables. PDSA suggests a small portion of leafy greens and vegetables once or twice a week. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) suggests 2 to 3 times a week in small pieces. The RSPCA allows a small measured portion of leafy greens every day. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) says winter fresh food should mainly be washed leafy lettuces, with vegetables only in small amounts. The RSPCA warns that some vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and parsnips, can be high in sugar, so we err on the side of caution.

How to serve it: a small, washed, varied portion (PDSA)

Good to know: PDSA says to introduce new foods slowly to avoid upsetting your degu’s stomach.