Despite its juicy deliciousness, not everyone has tasted a mango.
They are considered exotic fruit for the most part and highly sought after.
Mangoes are a tropical fruit with a juicy, sweet flesh and are a true delight to the taste buds.
When ripe, they have bright orange color that’s sure to catch your attention.
You can add them to smoothies, and salads, or eat them as a dessert.
Did you know that mangoes are considered a symbol of love and prosperity in some countries?
I think that certainly adds to their uniqueness.
Can gerbils eat mango and is this decadent fruit safe for them?
While gerbils primarily consume seeds, grains, and hay, it is always tempting to share our human foods with them.
Today, we’ll discuss if mangoes are suitable for gerbils and the nutritional benefits and potential risks of feeding mango to gerbils.
Can Gerbils Eat Mango?
Gerbils can eat this yummy fruit in moderation.
That’s because gerbils have specific dietary requirements that must be met to keep them in good health.
You should limit your pet’s intake as it is high in sugar.
Despite the sugar high, mango is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and vitamin C.
If you decide to use mango as a treat for your furry friend, make sure that a balanced diet is still maintained.
Do Gerbils Enjoy Eating Mangoes?
Just as with us humans, this will be a matter of preference.
Some gerbils may enjoy the taste of mango as a treat, while others may not be interested in it.
If your pet doesn’t enjoy it, just feed him the fruits that he enjoys and try again another time.
Is Mango a Healthy Choice for Gerbils?
If you love to eat mangoes regularly and wouldn’t mind sharing some with your gerbil, be confident that it’s a healthy option for them.
This is of course when fed in moderation or as an occasional treat.
Here is a breakdown of 3.5 ounces of mango:
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Protein: 0.8 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
- Vitamin C: 36.4 m
- Vitamin A: 1262 IU
- Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.9 mg
- Potassium: 168 mg
- Copper: 0.1 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
Another plus is that mangoes are a good source of antioxidants, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, which have been linked to various health benefits.
How Many Mangoes Can Gerbils Eat?
Gerbils can eat mango, but it should be given in moderation as an occasional treat.
Mango, while delicious, is high in sugar content, so overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues.
As a general rule, a gerbil should not be given more than a few small pieces of mango per week.
To keep your gerbil in optimal health, feed them gerbil pellets regularly, along with small amounts of fresh fruit and veggies.
How to Feed Mango to Gerbils
If you want to feed mango to your gerbil, it is important to do so in a safe and appropriate manner. Here are some steps to follow:
Introduce Mango Gradually
Don’t just force all that deliciousness on your pet at once! As with any new food, it’s important to introduce mango to your gerbil gradually, giving them a small piece at a time. This will help to prevent any digestive upset.
Remove the Skin and Seed
For a more pleasant eating experience, remove the skin from the mango and cut the flesh into appropriately sized pieces and feed them to your gerbil.
Feed in Moderation
Because of the sugar content, it should only be given to gerbils in small amounts. Your gerbil may want more, but try to avoid feeding them too much of this yummy fruit.
Can Gerbils Have Dried Mango?
This may not surprise you, but gerbils can have dried or dehydrated mango. It’s nutritious, healthy, and tasty for gerbils. As a matter of fact, they might just enjoy the texture even more than fresh mangoes, but that’s a matter of preference of course!
You could try feeding dried mango twice a month, as the sugar content will be higher, with the water being removed and all.
If your pet seems to enjoy dried mango, try doing it at home as store-bought dried mango may contain additives, such as sugar or preservatives, which can be harmful to gerbils.
Can Gerbils Eat Frozen Mangoes?
Frozen mango is awesome as a nice treat for us humans and you can even turn it into ice cream! But what about gerbils? Can they eat this decadent snack?
Gerbils can definitely eat frozen mango, but it’s not something they should eat regularly. Cold foods can lower your pet’s temperature and he may not enjoy the texture as much as fresh mangoes.
It is better to feed gerbils fresh or dried mango as occasional treats, but they can eat frozen mango occasionally.
Can Gerbils Eat Mango Skin?
You should take care if feeding mango skin to gerbils as it does contain the compound urushiol which is also found in plants like Poison Ivy.
This can cause uncomfortable rashes if your pet is allergic. Also, the skin might be too chewy for them, but who knows? Your gerbil may enjoy it.
Despite this, mango skin does have some benefits such as:
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
- Immune system support
- Skin health
- Anti-inflammatory properties
To be on the safe side, check with your vet if mango skin is an ideal snack.
Other Tasty Fruits for Gerbils
Here is a list of other fruits your gerbil can enjoy:
Can Gerbils Eat Mango?
Yes, gerbils can eat mango as an occasional treat in their diet.
This yummy fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and fiber.
When feeding mango to your pet, do so from time to time, as it is high in sugar content, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues if overfed.
If you’re extra cautious, offer fresh, ripe mangoes, free of any additives, such as sugar or preservatives.