What to Feed Degus?

According to scientific research, the degu’s natural diet consists of following:
42% different grasses
15% herbs
10% seeds
23% roots, leaves and flowers from bushes
2% tree bark
8% fresh food (veggies, etc.)

Obviously, it is not possible to provide domestic degus with the same food that they would get in their natural habitat.  The degu’s natural food is low in fat and starches, containing mostly grasses. The ideal diet should consist mainly of high quality hay, preferably Timothy or other grass hay like Orchard Grass, Brome or early cut Oat hay (a good source of high quality hay is www.oxbow.com)- A generous amount of hay should always be available.

Alfalfa hay should only be given as a treat, since it is high in protein, consequently not suitable for free-choice (always available) feeding.

Unfortunately, in the USA there is no commercial degu mix available in stores. The usual rodent mixes are too high in fat, starches and calories. However, chinchilla pellets and guinea pig food could be used as a base, provided that there is no fruit or sugar/cane molasses added.

Supreme brand, Gerty Guinea Pig food, is a good choice. It is important to pick out the big yellow banana cakes, which are made with glucose syrup. All the other ingredients can be used as treats as well as the regular food, my degus go crazy over them, especially the pea flakes.

To order degu food on-line, www.brisky.com offers specific degu pellets that are healthy and appealing to degus.

One tablespoon per day of dry mix is an appropriate amount for one degu. 

It is normal for degus to bury some of their food. This is natural behavior. They´ll eat it later. Degus are very territorial when it comes to food. They create a huge ruckus at feeding time. It is a good idea to spread the food on the bedding, providing them with something to do and not giving any degu the chance to protect "his" food bowl.

It is good to add herbs, non-toxic tree branches and veggies to your degus´ diet. Keep in mind that some herbs are high in aromatic oils and have a medicinal effect. Feed only small amounts. Start with small portions of fresh food, like veggies, since these can cause diarrhea,.

Some degus prefer dried veggies. You can dry your own carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, etc.

Here is a list of other possible foods:

Trees: Herbs: Veggies: Other:
Branches and leaves from:      
Willow Basil Romaine lettuce Strawberry leaves
Hazelnut (Filbert) Dill Endive Pea flakes or dried green peas
Apple Chamomile Fennel Grass (natural diet)
  Cress Cucumber Cat grass
  Lovage Carrots + greens Hops
  Peppermint Parsnip Dandelion leaves + flowers + roots
  Lemon balm Ruccola Spray millet
  Parsley (slightly diuretic) (cocktail) tomatoes Calendula
  Sage Chicoree Rose petals
  Thyme Bell pepper Sunflower seeds
      Yarrow
      Pumpkin seeds
      Stinging nettle (dried)

Thanks to Dunja for these information