Bringing a degu as a pet into your home is both exciting and rewarding. These small South American rodents, known as Octodon degus, are intelligent, active, and social animals that thrive when given the right care. But caring for a degu is not just about food and water — their health and happiness depend on enrichment, safe places to hide, and a varied natural diet.
One of the best ways to support your degu’s wellbeing is by providing natural chews, hides, and herbs. These essentials mimic the wild environment degus would naturally live in, keeping them physically healthy and mentally stimulated. In this guide, we’ll explore why these items are so important, how they benefit your degu, and where you can find safe, natural options at Moony Paw.
🦷 Natural Chews: Protecting Your Degu’s Teeth
One of the most important aspects of caring for a degu as a pet is looking after their teeth. Unlike humans, a degu’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life — sometimes up to several millimeters per month. In the wild, degus manage this naturally by chewing on tree bark, branches, and fibrous plants. But in captivity, without the right chewing opportunities, their teeth can quickly become overgrown.
Why Overgrown Teeth Are Dangerous
If a degu cannot wear its teeth down properly, several serious problems can occur:
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Difficulty Eating & Weight Loss – Long teeth can make it painful or impossible to chew food.
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Painful Abscesses – Sharp or misaligned teeth may injure the mouth and gums.
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Malocclusion – A condition where the teeth grow at odd angles, often requiring veterinary intervention.
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Chronic Stress – Constant pain from dental issues reduces quality of life.
Because dental health is so central to a degu’s overall wellbeing, providing safe, natural chews is not optional — it’s essential.
The Benefits of Natural Chews
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Wear Down Teeth Naturally
Chews made from hard, fibrous woods act just like bark and twigs would in the wild. Options such as Apple Wood Sticks and Jerusalem Chew Sticks are not only tasty but perfect for filing teeth to the right length. -
Encourage Instinctive Chewing
Chewing is a natural, calming behavior for degus. It helps them stay occupied and reduces stress levels, which is especially important for pets living in indoor cages. -
Prevent Destructive Chewing
Without proper chew toys, degus may gnaw on unsafe materials like cage bars, plastic, or furniture. This can lead to broken teeth or ingestion of harmful materials. Providing dedicated chews keeps them healthy and out of trouble. -
Enrichment and Fun
Chews don’t just serve a functional purpose — they’re also a source of entertainment. Offering different textures and shapes keeps your degu curious and mentally engaged.
Safe Chew Options at Moony Paw
At Moony Paw, we’ve handpicked a variety of safe, natural chew toys designed for degus and other small pets. Some favorites include:
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Apple Wood Sticks – A classic must-have for everyday chewing.
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Jerusalem Chew Sticks – Long-lasting chews made from tough, fibrous stems.
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Beloved Bear Chews – Adorable shapes that make enrichment fun.
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Coconut Husk Butterflies – Unique texture and design for added stimulation.
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Chew-a-Tune Guitar – A playful option that doubles as entertainment and dental care.
By rotating different types of chews, you can keep your degu interested and prevent boredom while also ensuring excellent dental health.
👉 Explore the full Chews Collection to keep your degu’s teeth healthy and their mind engaged.
🏡 Hides and Shelter: Creating a Safe Haven
When keeping a degu as a pet, one of the most overlooked essentials is providing them with enough hides and shelters. Degus are naturally cautious because they are prey animals in the wild. In their native Chilean habitat, they live in complex underground burrows with multiple chambers. These burrows serve as nesting spots, escape routes, and places to rest safely away from predators.
In captivity, if a degu does not have similar opportunities to hide or retreat, they can feel constantly exposed and vulnerable. This stress can lead to nervous behaviors, aggression, or even health problems. That’s why hides are not just accessories — they’re a fundamental part of a degu’s wellbeing.
Why Hides Matter for Degus
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Security and Comfort
Every degu needs a safe, enclosed space where they can rest undisturbed. A hide functions as a personal den, allowing your degu to feel secure while sleeping or simply relaxing. This sense of safety reduces overall stress levels and contributes to a healthier, happier pet. -
Encourages Natural Behavior
Burrowing, nesting, and hiding are instinctive habits. By providing hides, you encourage your degus to express natural behaviors they would display in the wild. This not only keeps them active but also improves their mental health. -
Reduces Stress Hormones
Chronic stress in small pets can lead to weakened immunity and shorter lifespans. Having multiple hideouts within the enclosure helps your degu feel safe, lowering stress hormones and promoting calmness. -
Prevents Conflict in Groups
Since degus should always be kept in pairs or groups, having multiple hides prevents fighting over territory. Each degu can claim a spot when they need alone time, reducing squabbles.
Choosing the Right Hides
The best hides are made from natural, chewable, and non-toxic materials. Avoid plastic houses, which can splinter if chewed and cause digestive issues. Instead, opt for woven fibers, natural woods, or coconut-based hides. These not only provide shelter but also double up as safe chewing outlets.
Safe and Enriching Hides at Moony Paw
At Moony Paw, you’ll find a range of natural accessories that make perfect shelters:
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Banana Leaf Basket – A versatile piece that works both as a food holder and a cozy retreat. Degus love nibbling on its safe, woven texture.
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Vine Hearts – Chewable, decorative, and functional, they add enrichment while providing hideaway nooks when grouped together.
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Coconut Husk Flowers – Natural, eco-friendly accessories that bring the wild into your degu’s habitat. Perfect for chewing and hiding.
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Coconut Husk Mini Stars – Smaller enrichment hides and chewable decorations that keep the cage interesting.
By mixing different hides and shelters, you can create a multi-level habitat that encourages exploration and makes your degu feel truly at home.
👉 Discover more in our Accessories Collection.
🌿 Herbs and Forage: Supporting a Natural Diet
When caring for a degu as a pet, one of the most important responsibilities is providing the right diet. Unlike many other rodents, degus have a unique sensitivity to sugar. Their bodies cannot process sugary foods properly, which makes them highly prone to diabetes and related health issues. This means common treats like fruit, yogurt drops, or sweetened pellets are unsafe for degus.
Instead, degus thrive on a high-fiber, plant-based diet that mirrors what they would naturally eat in the wild. In Chile, where degus originate, they survive on a variety of grasses, herbs, bark, and leaves — foods that are fibrous, low in sugar, and packed with micronutrients. To recreate this in captivity, owners must prioritize hay, fresh herbs, and dried forage.
Why Herbs and Forage Are Essential
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Mimic the Wild Diet
Degus are healthiest when their diet reflects what nature intended. Feeding a wide range of dried herbs, flowers, and grasses ensures they receive both fiber and variety, keeping their digestive system strong. -
Promote Digestive Health
High-fiber plants help maintain a balanced gut, preventing obesity and digestive slowdowns. Herbs like birch leaves or marigold flowers are gentle on the stomach and encourage natural digestion. -
Encourage Natural Foraging
Scattering forage throughout the cage encourages your degu to search, dig, and nibble just as they would in the wild. This keeps them active and engaged, reducing boredom and stress. -
Provide Variety of Nutrients
Different herbs and botanicals contain beneficial compounds:-
Rose petals and buds – Rich in antioxidants.
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Cornflowers – Gentle digestive support.
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Amaranth and sorghum sprays – Nutrient-dense and fun to chew.
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Echinacea and burdock root – Support immune health.
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By mixing herbs and forage, you create a diverse diet that supports long-term wellbeing.
Safe and Nutritious Options at Moony Paw
At Moony Paw, we specialize in natural forage mixes and dried sprays tailored to small pets like degus. Some top choices include:
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Angel Flower Mix – A vibrant blend of petals and herbs that adds color, flavor, and nutrition.
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Flower & Herb Mix – Perfect for daily variety, ensuring your degus never get bored of their meals.
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Amaranth Forage – A nutritious staple that degus love to nibble on.
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Birch Leaves & Blue Cornflowers – Gentle herbs that promote digestion and add variety.
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Dried Sprays such as Flax Spray, Panicum Grass, and Broom Millet – Chewable stalks that combine nutrition with natural gnawing enrichment.
For even more variety, try seasonal bundles like the Sunshine Dried Sprays Bundle or botanical blends such as the Botanical Bloom Blend.
How to Serve Forage and Herbs
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Scatter Feeding – Sprinkle forage throughout the cage to encourage foraging.
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Mix with Hay – Combine dried herbs with hay to keep mealtime exciting.
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Rotate Weekly – Introduce different herbs and sprays each week to provide balance.
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Pair with Hides – Place forage inside hides or baskets like the Banana Leaf Basket to mimic natural searching behavior.
Build a Complete, Natural Diet
A complete degu diet should consist of:
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Unlimited hay (the base of their diet)
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Daily forage and herbs for variety and nutrients
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Sprays and chews for enrichment and dental health
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Occasional treats (unsweetened and safe options only, like dried pumpkin or freeze-dried strawberries in moderation)
By combining these elements, you’ll give your degu as a pet a diet that not only keeps them healthy but also satisfies their natural instincts.
👉 Discover more in our Forage Collection and Sprays Collection.
🎮 Enrichment Through Chewing, Hiding, and Foraging
A happy degu as a pet is one that always has something to do. Degus are naturally active, curious, and highly intelligent rodents. In the wild, they spend hours every day chewing, digging, foraging for food, and socializing with their group. These activities aren’t just fun for them — they’re essential for survival, mental stimulation, and overall health.
When living in captivity, however, degus rely entirely on us to provide similar opportunities. Without enough enrichment, they can quickly become bored, frustrated, or even develop negative behaviors such as cage chewing, over-grooming, or fighting with cage mates. Enrichment, therefore, is not optional — it is a vital part of caring for a degu.
The Role of Chewing in Enrichment
Chewing is more than dental care — it’s also stress relief and entertainment. By offering a variety of chews, from wooden sticks like Apple Wood Sticks to fun shapes like the Chew-a-Tune Guitar, you ensure your degu has something new to explore and enjoy. Switching out different chew types keeps the activity engaging.
The Role of Hiding in Enrichment
Hides give degus a sense of control and security in their environment. A stressed degu that feels exposed may avoid playing or foraging. By including cozy retreats like the Banana Leaf Basket or chewables such as Coconut Husk Flowers, you encourage them to feel safe enough to explore, play, and interact more confidently.
The Role of Foraging in Enrichment
Foraging is perhaps the most mentally stimulating activity for a degu. In the wild, they work hard to locate grasses, seeds, and herbs, and you can recreate this by scattering Forage Mixes and Sprays around their enclosure. Sprays like Flax Spray or Panicum Grass take time to nibble, helping your degu stay busy for hours.
How to Combine Chews, Hides, and Herbs for Maximum Stimulation
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Scatter Forage Inside Hides
Place dried herbs or flowers inside hides and baskets. This encourages natural searching behavior, making your degu work for their food just as they would in the wild. -
Offer Multiple Chews
Provide a selection of different chew textures — hard wood, fibrous stems, and softer woven items. This allows your degu to choose their favorite, preventing boredom and ensuring all teeth get proper wear. -
Rotate Toys and Sprays Weekly
Degus are smart, and they can lose interest in the same setup. By rotating chew toys and sprays like Broom Millet or Sunshine Dried Sprays Bundle, you keep their cage environment stimulating. -
Create Levels in the Cage
Use natural accessories such as the Vine Hearts or woven baskets to create different levels and textures. This encourages climbing, jumping, and exploration, helping your degu build muscle and coordination. -
Encourage Group Play
Since degus are social, enrichment should also be shared. Chews and sprays that can be enjoyed together promote bonding and reduce conflicts among cage mates.
The Benefits of a Well-Enriched Environment
By blending chews, hides, and herbs, you provide an engaging, multi-sensory environment that keeps your degus:
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Mentally sharp – Problem-solving through foraging and exploration.
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Physically active – Climbing, chewing, and digging support overall fitness.
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Emotionally balanced – Secure hides and social enrichment reduce stress.
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Healthier long-term – A natural lifestyle prevents obesity, dental issues, and boredom-related behaviors.
Enrichment is not about filling a cage with random toys — it’s about recreating the natural challenges and joys of the wild inside your pet’s home. With the right combination of natural chews, hides, and herbs, your degu’s enclosure becomes a thriving habitat rather than just a cage.
👉 Browse Moony Paw’s Accessories, Chews, and Forage Collections to start building the perfect enrichment setup.
🛒 Where to Find Safe Supplies for Your Degus
When it comes to keeping a degu as a pet, not all products on the market are safe or suitable. Many commercial items sold in pet shops are designed more for human appeal than animal health. Brightly colored chews may contain artificial dyes, flavored treats can include sugar or honey, and some wooden toys are made from unsafe or chemically treated woods. These products may look attractive on the shelf, but they can be harmful to your degu’s health.
That’s why it’s so important to choose trusted, natural products that are specifically designed for small animals like degus. Safe supplies not only prevent health risks but also enrich your degu’s daily life, supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.
Why Choose Natural and Safe Products?
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Dental Health First – Chews made from natural woods like Apple Wood Sticks or Jerusalem Chew Sticks help keep teeth at a safe length without the risks of plastic or unsafe materials.
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Digestive Safety – Forage and herbs should be free from sugar, additives, and preservatives, ensuring a diet that promotes gut health.
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Mental Stimulation – Sprays, hides, and enrichment accessories should encourage natural behaviors such as chewing, foraging, climbing, and nesting.
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Eco-Friendly and Sustainable – Natural products are safer for your pet and kinder to the environment.
Moony Paw’s Curated Supplies for Degus
At Moony Paw, we take the guesswork out of finding safe and enriching products. Our collections are carefully curated to ensure they are 100% natural, safe, and enjoyable for your pets. Here’s what you’ll find:
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Chews – Essential for dental health, with options ranging from simple wood sticks to fun shapes like Beloved Bear Chews and Coconut Husk Butterflies.
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Forage Mixes – Botanical blends like the Angel Flower Mix or Flower & Herb Mix bring variety, nutrition, and daily enrichment.
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Sprays – Natural stalks such as Flax Spray, Broom Millet, and Panicum Grass encourage chewing, gnawing, and foraging.
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Accessories – Hides, baskets, and chewable decorations like the Banana Leaf Basket or Vine Hearts create a safe, enriching habitat.
Shop With Confidence
Whether you’re new to keeping a degu as a pet or you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, Moony Paw offers everything you need to create a safe, natural, and stimulating environment. Each product is selected with your pet’s wellbeing in mind, so you can shop with peace of mind knowing you’re giving your degus the very best.
👉 Explore our full Degus Collection for species-specific items, or browse All Small Animal Supplies to find chews, forage, sprays, and accessories for a variety of pets.
❤️ Final Thoughts: A Natural Life for a Happy Degu
Caring for a degu as a pet goes far beyond the basics of food, water, and shelter. These intelligent, curious rodents thrive when their environment mirrors the challenges and comforts of life in the wild. By focusing on their natural instincts — chewing, hiding, and foraging — you create a lifestyle that not only keeps them healthy but also makes their lives truly fulfilling.
Natural chews protect their ever-growing teeth and satisfy their need to gnaw. Hides and shelters provide comfort and security, helping them feel safe while encouraging natural burrowing behaviors. Herbs and forage support their sensitive digestive systems, offering the variety, fiber, and enrichment that keep them both nourished and entertained.
When these three essentials come together, you aren’t just meeting the minimum requirements of pet care — you’re giving your degus the opportunity to live a life full of exploration, activity, and joy. And the reward for your efforts? The companionship of pets that are not only healthier but also more playful, social, and engaging. Degus that feel secure and enriched form stronger bonds with their owners, becoming active participants in your daily life.
Providing a natural life for your degus also means peace of mind for you. With safe, species-appropriate supplies, you’ll never have to worry about hidden sugars, unsafe woods, or artificial additives. Instead, every chew, herb, and accessory you give them becomes part of their wellbeing.
👉 If you’re ready to transform your degu’s environment into a space that nurtures both body and mind, explore Moony Paw’s collections today. From chews and forage mixes to sprays and accessories, you’ll find everything you need to give your small pets the safe, natural, and enriched life they deserve.
