Trick or Treat! The Best Snacks for Small Animals

Halloween's almost here, so you might be busy thinking about your favorite kinds of Halloween candy. Your furry friend loves treats, too, so now's a great time to figure out what to put in their “candy” basket this season and all year long.

Remember, your pets have small stomachs, so it's important to feed treats in moderation. Check with your veterinarian before introducing any human food to your pet's diet.

Chinchillas

Inquisitive, cute, and crazy fluffy – there are so many reasons why people love having chinchillas as pets. They're into treats as sweet as they are, like dried fruit, yogurt, and carrots.

Try These

Dried rose hips
Hibiscus
Dandelion Leaves
Timothy Biscuits Baked with Apples
Healthy Toppings with Papaya
Superfood Treat Stick with Flax and Strawberry

Avoid These

Anything with animal
Chocolate
Corn

Ferrets

Lovingly referred to by owners as “cat snakes,” ferrets are long, skinny pets with energetic, fun personalities. Did you know they've been domesticated for 2,500 years? We've had a long time to figure out what they love to eat.

Try These

Bits of cooked chicken, turkey, or lamb
Eggs

Avoid These

Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy
Chocolate

Gerbils

Once known as desert rats, gerbils have become highly popular family pets thanks to their active, social, and curious nature. They're also very small and friendly, so they're great for beginner pet owners.

Try These

Fresh fruits and veggies like carrots, broccoli, apples, and berries
Nuts
Sunflower and pumpkin seeds (only sparingly)
Unsweetened breakfast cereal
Dried fruits like raisins and currants
Small pieces of cheese
Healthy Bits
Food From The Wild Natural Treat

Avoid These

Raw foods like kidney beans, potatoes, onions, and rhubarb leaves
Chips
Chocolate
Citrus Fruits

Guinea Pigs

Gentle, lively, and playful, the guinea pig or “cavie” is the most popular first pet for American kids. But, which foods will make your piggy “wheek” with joy? Try these treats and understand the noises they make with this helpful guide. Learn how to decode your guinea pig noises.

Try These

Lettuce (Butterhead, Boston, Bibb, Romaine, or Red Leaf)
Radicchio
Raspberry leaves
Zucchini
Food From The Wild Natural Snack

Avoid These

Avocado
Coconut
Dairy
Garlic
Meat
Potatoes

Hamsters

With 24 species, you're likely to find the right hamster to love. Here's what to feed them and what to avoid at all costs.

Try These

Carrots
Squash
Broccoli
Cucumbers
Apples
Pears
Berries
Fiesta Krunch-A-Rounds
Food From The Wild Natural Snack

Avoid These

Almonds
Celery
Chocolate
Garlic
Lettuce
Onions
Peanuts
Potatoes

Mice

When you see a pet mouse, it's hard not to fall in love. They're tiny with bright eyes, dainty paws, and a cute twitchy nose. Keep their nose twitching with these treats!

Try These

Cauliflower
Apples
Blueberries

Avoid These

Citrus fruits
Dairy
Cucumbers
Melons
Lettuce

Rabbits

Whether big or small, floppy ears or not, rabbits are icons of cuteness. They love to live with other bunnies, making them perfect companions for pet lovers who want a house full of fluff.

Try These

Basil
Broccoli leaves
Celery
Food From The Wild Natural Snack
Timothy Biscuits

Avoid These

Chocolate
Avocados
Bread

Rats

If you've seen Cinderella or Stuart Little, you probably love mice and rats. We love rats' tiny, expressive faces and affectionate, intelligent personalities.

Try These