No, chinchillas can’t eat watermelon as it’s high in sugar and water content, and is bad for their health.
With that being said, they can eat the seeds of watermelons as it is a good source of protein and very low in sugar content.
Why high sugar content is bad for chinchillas?
Chinchillas and other rodents do not possess the enzymes required to metabolize sucrose or lactose. That means that the sugar in these foods passes through their system without being absorbed, which can lead to serious health problems like diabetes and obesity.
Even if they eat small amounts of table scraps containing high levels of sugar, it can have serious consequences.
Why high water content is bad for chinchillas?
Since chinchillas are so small, they can easily become dehydrated if they consume too much water. This can cause health problems like urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
Can a chinchilla die of eating watermelon?
Yes, this is actually possible. The water content in watermelon can cause urinary calculi (stones) or other problems because of excess hydration. Chinchillas should not be fed any part of the watermelon plant; seeds are the only exception to this rule.
If your chinchilla eats too much fruit, particularly melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, they can get seriously ill. Fruit is very high in sugar and can lead to dangerous conditions like obesity, diabetes, bladder stones, or kidney problems.
If the fruit has a high water content then this can also lead to dangerous cases of bloat or diarrhea that are difficult for vets to treat.
Some chinchillas can also choose to eat the entire watermelon and can end up with a stomach ache or they may even die. It is very important that anything that your chinchilla eats has been approved by you as it might be poisonous.
Can chinchillas eat watermelon in small quantities?
Yes, they can, but only the seeds of watermelon are considered safe for chinchillas to eat. Chinchilla pellets contain all the necessary nutrients that your pet would need so feeding them small amounts of fruit or vegetables is not recommended.
What to do if my chinchilla has eaten watermelon?
If your chinchilla has eaten any part of a watermelon, try to limit the number of fluids they drink to prevent bloat.
The symptoms are similar to those caused by changes in diet or temperature, so watch for symptoms like diarrhea and lethargy. If these symptoms appear, contact your vet immediately because prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.
Do not feed your chinchillas any more watermelon at all, whether it’s the fruit or the plant itself. The flesh has a lot of water content that can cause serious diarrhea or bladder issues.
If your chinchilla has eaten watermelon in large quantity, contact your vet immediately because prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.
How to stop my chinchilla from eating our watermelons?
If your chinchillas eat watermelon, you should remove it from their living area. This way they won’t be able to get a taste for the fruit and will stay away from what you have set out for them. You can also take steps to make sure that they cannot reach any of your food while you are not looking.
