Dandelions - a Natural Chinchilla Treat

"The glorious gifts of the gods are not to be cast aside." -Homer, The Iliad

Chinchillas genuinely love dandelions; the bright yellow flowers, the stems, and the tender green leaves. The evolutionarily successful dandelion, broadly regarded as a common weed, is a delicacy for many animals.

Dandelions are nutritionally dense. They are a natural source of vitamins A, C, K, and the minerals calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium. The micronutrient composition of dandelions lends itself to better wound healing, eyesight, and immune support. Additionally, dandelions provide fiber and antioxidants, and are rich in inulin. Inulin is a natural prebiotic which feeds the good microbes in your chinchillas's digestive system. Dandelions are low in calories, and high in both nutritional and mental enrichment value. Summarily, dandelions help your chinchilla stay healthy and relieve boredom at the same time!

If you are contemplating picking dandelions for your chinchillas, know your source. First, be certain that you are picking dandelions, not another plant that looks similar. Make sure the dandelions, and the area where the dandelions are growing, are free from chemicals. Dandelions are frequently sprayed with herbicides, pesticides, or lawn chemicals, and spray can also drift from nearby areas. Don't harvest dandelions unless you are sure that the growing environment is clean and safe. Organically grown dandelions are also an advantage. Before feeding, wash the fresh leaves and flowers, and pat dry with a paper towel. It is best to discard any parts of the plant you do not feed, or that is not consumed by the chinchilla right away. Don't leave any pieces of the plant in the cage to decay.

As with any new food, introduce dandelions slowly, in limited amounts, to avoid any digestive disturbance. Monitor your chinchilla closely after introducing the new food, as each chinchilla is different. As a point of reference, a common serving for chinchillas already accustomed to dandelions is one flower with stem intact, and one medium leaf. It may be wise to start with just a small leaf, and increase the amount slowly if the chinchilla appears to tolerate it well. Some people also feed the roots of dandelions, but again, start conservatively and don't overfeed. It may also be important to avoid feeding fresh dandelions to young kits. Dandelions should not significantly displace a good quality complete feed. They should only supplement.

At the Chinchillas.com facility in northeast Kansas, dandelions are organically grown in a 70'x70' patch, supplying the chinchillas with fresh dandelions in the spring and summer. The chinchillas are given dandelions approximately once or twice a week.

Consult a nutritionist who is well trained in exotics if you have any reservations, or questions about your chinchilla's diet.

(pictured this page: Homozygous Pink White Royal Persian Angora chinchilla, top; juvenile Brevi-type TOV Homo Beige chinchilla, bottom right; organic dandelion field, bottom)