Can chinchillas eat dandelions?

Why dandelion suits chinchillas

Dandelion is a wild plant much like the leafy forage chinchillas eat in nature, and it comes recommended by both UK charities that write in detail on chinchilla diet. The PDSA lists dried dandelions among suitable treats. Woodgreen includes dried dandelion flowers, dried dandelion herb and dried dandelion root in the forage it says should make up about 12.5% of a chinchilla's diet. Chewy's vet-reviewed sheet also lists dandelion leaves as a treat once or twice a week, and Burgess makes a feeding hay with dandelion in it.

Dried or fresh?

Dried. The PDSA says treats should ideally be dried, because moist treats can cause loose stools. Burgess notes chinchillas prefer dead, dry leaves to fresh ones. Fresh dandelion is not on the avoid list, but it is much wetter, so if you do try it, give one small leaf and watch the droppings the next day.

How much dandelion can a chinchilla have?

Woodgreen suggests about 4 tablespoons (30 g, 1 oz) of mixed dried forage per chinchilla a day, made up of small amounts of many plants. Dandelion is one part of that mix, so two or three dried leaves or one dried flower head, a few times a week, is plenty. If you only use dandelion as a treat rather than daily forage, keep it to once or twice a week, as Chewy suggests.

How to pick and dry dandelions

1. Pick from a clean spot. Avoid roadsides, sprayed lawns and places where dogs go. Chewy warns against anything treated with pesticides.
2. Check the plant. Choose healthy leaves and flowers with no damp growth or wilting.
3. Rinse and shake dry. A quick rinse removes grit and insects.
4. Dry them fully. Spread them out somewhere warm, dry and airy until they are crisp and snap. Store in a dry, airtight tub.
5. Start small. The RSPCA says never change a chinchilla's diet suddenly, so offer one leaf first and build up.

Leaves, flowers and roots

• Dried leaves: yes, per the PDSA and Woodgreen.
• Dried flowers: yes, listed by Woodgreen.
• Dried root: yes, in small amounts, listed by Woodgreen.
• Fresh leaves: a small leaf only, if at all.

Who should avoid dandelions?

Young chinchillas and those with a sensitive tummy should start with tiny amounts, or wait until settled on hay and pellets. A chinchilla with diarrhoea should have no extras until it is better.

What else to offer

Mix dandelion with other dried forage, such as nettle, plantain or chamomile, and the odd rose hip. Always keep plenty of hay on offer. Fresh salad greens are a different matter: see lettuce. For more, see what can chinchillas eat, our chinchilla diet guide and our chinchilla care guide.