What Pets Are Herbivores?

If you're looking for a pet who eats only plant-related products, your choices run the gamut from huge to tiny. Although you can safely feed pet birds an herbivore diet, if given their druthers they'd happily consume insects and worms. With all herbivores, make dietary changes gradually, rather than suddenly giving them new types of feed or large amounts of new vegetables or fruits.

  1. Equines

    • Equines -- whether horse, pony, donkey or mule -- are strictly herbivores. Ideally, equines graze on pasture for most of the day, but that isn't always possible. Quality hay substitutes for grass, and can be much safer for equines prone to potentially deadly laminitis, or inflammation of the hoof's laminae. Donkeys and ponies don't usually require grain, but horses and mules in regular work likely need some grain or feed concentrates. Your vet can advise you on the right feeding program for your animals.

    Goats

    • While goats of any size can make good pets, pygmy or dwarf goats can live on larger suburban acreages, zoning permitting. Does or wethers -- castrated males -- are often friendly, if a bit mischievous. Intact males, known as bucks or billies, can be rambunctious and famously stink. Goats are ruminants, with a stomach comprising four distinct compartments. They like to browse, which makes goats good choices for cleaning up brushy areas. You can also feed them hay and keep them on pasture. Pregnant and lactating does and kids might require commercial goat feed for their extra nutritional needs. If you live in a cold climate, you might want to give your goats commercial feeds in the winter.

    Rabbits

    • Male and female rabbits are also known as does and bucks. Inexperienced rabbit owners can make the mistake of thinking that feeding commercial rabbit pellets takes care of their bunny's nutritional needs. That's not the case. Rabbits need a steady supply of grass or timothy hay. Avoid feeding your bunnies the "rabbit treats" sold in pet stores. They are too high in starch and fat for your pet's digestive health. Feed small amounts of leafy greens, such as lettuce, kale and spinach. Little pieces of carrot are also fine, but giving your bunny any but the tiniest pieces of fruit can result in diarrhea.

    Rodents

    • Some rodents, such as guinea pigs, chinchillas and hamsters, are strict herbivores. Others, such as rats and mice, are omnivores, consuming plant and animal material. While you should feed your guinea pig, chinchilla or hamster commercial foods specifically designed for their species, they also require constant access to timothy or grass hays. Like rabbits -- and equines -- their teeth grow continuously, so the fiber keeps their teeth worn down. Guinea pigs can't manufacture vitamin C on their own, so might require supplementation. You can give your rodent pet small amounts of fruit and veggie treats, but don't overdo it.