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Why is my chinchilla bloated and gassy after a food change?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 22 days old | 1.02 lbs

My chinchilla is very active and is drinking and eating an abundant amount. The problem is I used to feed her pellets that contained treats which would make her eat only the treats first. I've been transitioning to oxbow which is a lot better for her, but she still forages for the treats from her old food. I hear a little gas, and her tummy is a little hard. I fear she has bloating. What should I do? (PS the only treats I give her for training are a tsp amount of oatmeal and rose petals)

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2017

I think you are doing fine with RoRo. I love Oxbow foods so I am glad you are switching her to that. Mazuri is also a good option for diets. https://www.chewy.com/mazuri-chinchilla-food-25-lb-bag/dp/124762 Just be sure you are switching the diet slowly - at least over 7-10 days time. Chinchillas are known for having sensitive stomachs. Each day decrease the amount of the old food you are feeding and put more of the Oxbow in. She will eventually learn there are no treats in there and will stop foraging for them. It will take time. You didn't mention that you are feeding hay. If not, you really need to. Hay provides the roughage your chinchilla needs and is a very important part of the daily diet. Timothy or Alfalfa hay is a good choice. Chinchillas love treats, but they should only be fed occasionally. I would recommend using nuts, seeds and dried fruit. They need to be considered treats and not a primary food since they are fattening. Unsalted nuts and sunflower seeds, dried fruits like bananas, cranberries, apples, and peaches, all make wonderful treats. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    RoRo is so cute! This is really common. They will eat whatever their favorite treat is. You may have to start taking out some of those treats so she doesn't get full on just that and she will start eating the oxbow. You are correct that oxbow is a better food for her. Continue to monitor her closely for changes in appetite and behavior. I hope this helps.

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