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Post by musical912 on Apr 11, 2021 4:04:04 GMT -8
Is plain yogurt safe for gerbils? Thanks!
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Post by betty on Apr 11, 2021 6:44:24 GMT -8
I have never given it to mine - but I know rats eat yoghurt all the time (and there used to be yoghurt treats (which I am sure were full of added sugar so infact worse?)).
I would say in teeny gerbil-sized drops - I wouldn't imagine this to be a problem. Natural yoghurt is low in sugar, but dairy is always in the 'watch out' list I think. So moderation for sure.
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Post by PipSqueak on Apr 11, 2021 8:25:24 GMT -8
I have read online that gerbils are lactose intolerant so you don't want to give them much dairy if any. I'm sure it would be fine to give them a little bit of yogurt but I wouldn't give it to my gerbils.
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Post by musical912 on Apr 11, 2021 8:41:21 GMT -8
Thanks. I was wondering because I’ve heard that it can be good when your hamster is on antibiotics (because it has probiotics). My gerbil is on antibiotics for URI so I thought I’d ask.  |
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Post by Markpd on Apr 11, 2021 9:33:25 GMT -8
I have read online that gerbils are lactose intolerant so you don't want to give them much dairy if any. I'm sure it would be fine to give them a little bit of yogurt but I wouldn't give it to my gerbils. Not all diary products, the way that hard cheese is made converts or destroys (can't remember which) the lactose, so no problem their (aside from the fat level if fed too much of course).
Not sure what the score is with yoghurt though.
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Post by betty on Apr 11, 2021 14:12:23 GMT -8
Also, puppy and kitten replacement milk has lactose in it - and many breeders use this for poorly gerbils. I know I have been using it for years for older poorly critters. Have a tub of it on hand - always (Lactol).
So although always in moderation - especially the first few times you offer any new dairy product to them - I am not sure they will all react badly to the lactose (although - as with humans - there is always the exception).
If feeding it (the lactose formula) to adult and sickly older gerbils doesn't have a noticeble effect - then perhaps they aren't as intolerant as we suspect?
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), late 70s