Nutritional requirements for gerbils are quite easy to satisfy. A good gerbil staple food and water are really all that is required for a normal healthy life span. I recommend the packaged staple food or one of the recipes that will be in the next email. The loose food sold in pet supply stores generally is either stale or inhabited by insects from being open all of the time - and who knows how many hands have touched this food either. Plus their manufacturer generally washes smaller bags of foods, while large loose foods are generally not washed. Gerbils can be allowed to manage their own weights concerning staple foods.

Their food dish (which should either be stainless steel or glass or ceramic) should be kept with an ample supply of food, but not so much that it would never be eaten. Although gerbil should have enough food to last them at least 2 days. you shouldn't need to re-fill the bowl everyday, but around 2-3 times a week. I like to use a bowl and keep it on the floor of the cage. The gerbils will kick shavings on top of the food when they have finished eating. To them this keeps the food safe and fresh and it very well may.

 In hopes of extending my gerbils lives I also include other food items. If you give your gerbil hay, please use Timothy and not Alfalfa. Recent research and veterinarian advice is pointing to alfalfa grasses in hay as a concern for inducing crystallization in the urinary tract of small animals - especially those animals used to living in regions of higher elevations. I also give them small amounts of fresh veggies( apple slices, Cucumber slices, Broccoli tops, cauliflower tops, and banana slices are favored by mine) weekly. A small piece of cheese can be given once a month or every 2 months. If you are feeding primarily Guinea Pig Pellets, then it should be once every 2 weeks. I will give you the recipe to a great hand mixed diet that covers the diet needs of gerbils to a tee. I have come up with it myself and it is fairly inexpensive.  

 Your gerbil has to have a fresh supply of water at all times.

Treats, such as sunflower seeds and nuts should be given in moderation. These are the foods that are going to make your gerbil fat and unhealthy. Offer each gerbil a couple of sunflower seeds as a treat or half of a peanut each week. This is more than enough of a treat! They will live happier, healthier, and longer lives with your discretion in the treat department.