Prairie Dogs: Feeding

What do prairie dogs eat?

In the wild, prairie dogs tend to eat grasses, plants, and leaves. As captive pets, it is essential to feed a diet that approximates what these animals eat in the wild, to prevent dietary-related diseases such as obesity, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal disorders. Diet-associated conditions are the most common health disorders in captive prairie dogs.

Like rabbits, prairie dogs require a diet that is high in fiber. Also, like rabbits, prairie dogs are “hindgut fermenters,” which means their food is digested by bacterial fermentation in the lower intestinal tract. Hindgut fermentation means that these pets require a large amount of dietary roughage for the bacteria in the intestinal tract to break down and then create nutrients that the body needs.

Obesity is a common problem in pet prairie dogs, due to improper diet and lack of exercise. It is essential to feed timothy hay or other grass hay. Avoid feeding large amounts of richer alfalfa hay, except in young, growing animals. Alfalfa should be eliminated after one year of age. 

Timothy-based rabbit pellets or rodent chow (one to two blocks per week) may be offered in small amounts to the young prairie dog. Offer a variety of dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, parsley, cilantro, collard greens, bok choy, clover, dandelion, and carrot tops as a treat.

How often should I feed my prairie dog?

Fresh food and water should be freely available all day and night. In the wild, prairie dogs obtain most of their water by consuming moist leafy green vegetation, so your pet prairie dog will drink less than most other small pets if they are offered green, leafy vegetables (but not iceberg lettuce).

Do I need to give my prairie dog any supplements?

Supplements have not been developed for prairie dogs. No general recommendation can be made regarding supplementing the diet of a normal, healthy prairie dog that is fed as directed above.

Can I offer my prairie dog treats?

Yes, you can offer treats, but they should constitute no more than 5% of the daily food intake. Acceptable treats include a variety of vegetables, and small amounts of various fruits can be offered one to two times a week. To avoid obesity, dental disease, and fatty liver disease, avoid feeding dog food, cat food, nuts, raisins, animal protein, additional carbohydrates, and table scraps.

What are the water requirements of prairie dogs?

Fresh water should always be available. Water containers must be cleaned thoroughly every day with soap and water. Most owners choose to offer water through a sipper bottle hung in the cage, as water bowls are easily soiled and often spilled. Wash and rinse the bottle whenever you change the water (at least daily), and check to make sure the sipper tube has not become clogged with food.

Make sure your veterinarian has experience treating exotic pets. Veterinarians belonging to the Association of Exotic Animal Veterinarians (AEMV) or the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) are generally more educated about prairie dog diseases and treatment.