Beginner Chinchilla Care Guide

Just brought home a chinchilla? Here’s the feeding basics, distilled.

Feeding basics recap

Unlimited fresh hay as the bulk of the diet, a small measured chinchilla-specific pellet portion, and treats kept genuinely minimal.

Week-one checklist

Unlimited fresh hay available from day one; a small measured pellet portion; hold off on treats and fresh produce until your chinchilla is settled, and even then keep them minimal; fresh water checked daily.

What NOT to feed

Fresh fruit and vegetables (best avoided, unlike for rabbits and guinea pigs), anything high in fat or sugar, and pellets made for other small animals.

General small-pet care information, not veterinary advice — if your pet has a specific health condition, is a picky eater, or you are changing their diet, it is worth checking with an exotic-animal-savvy vet for guidance tailored to them.

FAQs

Can I feed my new chinchilla the same as my rabbit?

No — chinchillas have notably more sensitive digestion, so their diet, especially around treats and fresh produce, needs its own approach.

When can I start giving treats?

Once your chinchilla is settled in, and even then, genuinely sparingly — a small piece occasionally, not a routine addition.

Shop the essentials

Browse chinchilla-safe food, or read the full Chinchilla Care Guide.