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Yes, gerbils can eat pumpkin seeds. The RSPCA calls them a healthy treat, and Burgess says they are a better choice than nuts or sunflower seeds, which are high in fat. Give them plain and unsalted, a seed or two at a time as an occasional treat. Roasted, salted or flavoured seeds are not suitable.
| Safe? | Yes, as a treat |
|---|---|
| How much | Very few; no source gives a number, so we give one or two |
| How often | A few times a week at most |
| Best served | Plain, raw or dry-roasted, unsalted |
| Watch out for | Salted, flavoured or oily seeds; overfeeding seeds |
Are pumpkin seeds good for gerbils?
Yes, as a treat. Wild gerbils eat seeds of grasses, bulbs, leaves and herbs, the RSPCA explains, and it names pumpkin seeds as a healthy treat. Burgess agrees: gerbils do not naturally eat nuts, which are very high in fat, as are sunflower seeds, so pumpkin seeds are a better choice as an occasional treat.
How many pumpkin seeds can a gerbil have?
Neither source gives a number for gerbils. Burgess suggests "a couple" of pumpkin or sunflower seeds for rats, a much bigger animal, so we would give a gerbil a seed or two at a time, a few times a week at most. The RSPCA warns against excessive amounts of fatty seeds, which can cause obesity.
Pumpkin seeds vs sunflower seeds
| Seed | Advice | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin seeds | A healthy treat; the better choice | RSPCA, Burgess |
| Sunflower seeds | High in fat; avoid excessive amounts | RSPCA, Burgess |
| Nuts | Very high in fat; gerbils do not naturally eat them | Burgess |
Which pumpkin seeds?
| Form | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain raw seeds from a fresh pumpkin, washed and dried | Yes | Rinse off the pulp and dry them |
| Plain shop pumpkin seeds, unsalted | Yes | Check the label for salt or oil |
| Salted, roasted in oil or flavoured seeds | No | Salt and fat |
| Seeds from a carved pumpkin left out | No | Spoiled or dirty |
Pumpkin seeds make a great hand-taming treat. Offer one from your fingertips each evening and your gerbils soon learn your hand brings good things.
How to give pumpkin seeds
- Use plain seeds. No salt, oil or seasoning.
- Give one or two. By hand, or scattered for foraging, which the RSPCA encourages.
- Count them in. Burgess suggests about a tablespoon of gerbil nuggets a day; treats sit on top in small amounts.
Who should go easy?
Overweight gerbils. Blue Cross says gerbils can become overweight if fed too much and it can be tricky to spot, so weigh yours now and then.
Other treats
For fresh food, try pumpkin flesh, apple or carrot. See our gerbil food list, the gerbil diet guide and the gerbil care hub.
Questions owners ask
Are pumpkin seeds better than sunflower seeds for gerbils?
Yes. Burgess says sunflower seeds are high in fat and pumpkin seeds are the better occasional treat. The RSPCA calls pumpkin seeds a healthy treat.
Can gerbils eat salted pumpkin seeds?
No. Use plain, unsalted seeds only. Salted or flavoured seeds are not suitable for gerbils.
Can gerbils eat pumpkin seeds every day?
Not as a daily habit. They are a treat, and the RSPCA warns that excessive amounts of fatty seeds can cause obesity.
Can gerbils eat seeds straight from a pumpkin?
Yes, from a fresh eating pumpkin. Rinse off the pulp and dry them first.
