Makes sense: small animals eat small food. That food usually comes in the form of pellets and seeds as a staple, and should also include plenty of legumes, grains, greens and grasses as side items. During your pet store browsing you may find that some small animal food is packaged as being suitable for more than one type of small animal. Depending on the quality and content of the food, it can be acceptable to feed such a nonspecific diet. In the long run, though, it is always best to provide a staple that is formulated precisely for the nutritional needs of one type of small animal. For example, guinea pigs need a food that is supercharged with extra Vitamin C. Other animals have different needs, so get specific when possible.

Aside from the main course, small animals benefit from supplementary diets that include fresh fruits, vegetables and treats. Fruit on the menu can include apples, oranges and bananas; vegetables can include carrots, lettuce and celery, among others. Fresh servings of oats, alfalfa and timothy hay are also suitable for most small animals.

For smaller animals, don’t over-emphasize the fruit and vegetable supplements. Make them a once- or twice-weekly addition to the menu. Larger animals like adult rabbits should receive more frequent portions of fresh fruit and veggies (it is "rabbit food" after all). Regardless of the animal, all fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed, cut up into bite-sized pieces and removed promptly from the habitat after a few hours or when the animal no longer seems interested in eating. Although fruits and vegetable supplements are available in prepackaged, dehydrated form at the pet store, they lack both the moisture content and some nutritional value in comparison to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Staple diets maintain the general health of small animals and promote healthy growth. Supplements should help strengthen their immune system, promote a healthy coat and appearance, stimulate appetite and even help prevent boredom. They should also help keep the small animal’s digestive system in good working order.

And don’t forget the water. Every small animal must have access to clean, fresh water at all times. A small animal eats small amounts but with a large variety and some help from you, their diet will provide exactly what their little bodies need.

This article was provided The Hartz Mountain Company