Degus (Octodon degus) are herbivorous rodents that feed extensively on leaves and other fibrous plant material. Their natural diet also includes roots, flowers and seeds, with the proportions varying by season.12 In captivity, they need a species-appropriate diet that provides sufficient fibre and a suitable mineral balance.
A calcium-to-phosphorus ratio around 2:1 is commonly used as a dietary target. Research has linked an inappropriate mineral balance, particularly a high-phosphorus diet, to dental disease and kidney mineralisation.3 This does not mean that a particular ratio guarantees freedom from dental disease: diet composition, chewing activity and other factors also matter.4 Offering a range of suitable fibrous foods supports natural food selection and chewing.5
Some foods must be avoided because they are toxic or unsuitable for degus. The list below is not exhaustive. Identify every plant accurately before offering it, and check the safety of the species and the plant part concerned.
Foods and plants to avoid
The poison-control resources cited here provide useful background, but their species coverage varies. An entry described as safe for dogs, cats or horses should not automatically be treated as safe for degus.67
Reading these tables: these are historical reference lists, not proof that every listed plant, plant part or commercial product is suitable for degus. Identify plants accurately and account for the part used, preparation, contamination and the individual animal. Entries with identified hazards have been moved to the avoid/verify list; that list also includes precautions where degu-specific safety is unknown. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio alone cannot establish safety or a balanced ration. Product formulations and hay analyses can vary.
| Common / scientific name | Scientific name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Prunus armeniaca | Prunus armeniaca | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. The original entry allows fruit only as a treat; other parts may contain cyanogenic compounds, depending on species. |
| Artemisia absinthium | Artemisia absinthium | |
| Acacia berlandieri | Acacia berlandieri | Digestive problems. |
| Celery | Apium graveolens | |
| Acokanthera sp. | Acokanthera sp. | Cardiac problems. |
| Aconitum sp. | Aconitum sp. | Cardiac problems. |
| Centaurea repens | Centaurea repens | |
| Actea sp. | Actea sp. | Toxic. |
| Adonis annua | Adonis annua | |
| Adonis aestivalis | Adonis aestivalis | |
| Adonis vernalis | Adonis vernalis | |
| Adonis flammea | Adonis flammea | |
| Aesculus sp. | Aesculus sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Agapanthus sp. | Agapanthus sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Agastache foeniculum | Agastache foeniculum | Essential oil is toxic; safety of small amounts of the plant is not established. |
| Agave sp. | Agave sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Ageratina altissima | Ageratina altissima | |
| Aglaonema modestum | Aglaonema modestum | |
| Allium sativum | Allium sativum | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. Digestive problems. |
| Alcohol | May cause severe digestive and neurological problems. | |
| Algae | Not suitable. | |
| Araceae sp | Araceae sp | Digestive problems. |
| Aloe barbadensis | Aloe barbadensis | |
| Aloe vera | Aloe vera | Digestive problems. The original entry distinguishes the inner gel; it does not establish that aloe products are suitable for degus. |
| Amaryllis sp. | Amaryllis sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Chenopodium botrys | Chenopodium botrys | Digestive problems. |
| Amianthium sp. | Amianthium sp. | Toxic. |
| Amianthium muscaetoxicum | Amianthium muscaetoxicum | |
| Ammi majus | Ammi majus | |
| Amsinckia spp. | Amsinckia spp. | |
| Anagyris foetida | Anagyris foetida | |
| Aquilegia sp. | Aquilegia sp. | Toxic. |
| Pieris japonica | Pieris japonica | Digestive and cardiovascular problems. |
| Anémone L. sp. | Anémone L. sp. | Toxic. |
| Araliaceae | Araliaceae | Digestive and skin problems. |
| Anthemis cotula | Anthemis cotula | |
| Apocynum sp. | Apocynum sp. | Toxic. |
| Apocynum androsaemifolium | Apocynum androsaemifolium | |
| Apocynum spp. | Apocynum spp. | |
| Polyscias guilfoylei | Polyscias guilfoylei | |
| Aralia spinosa | Aralia spinosa | |
| Crassula argentea | Crassula argentea | |
| Arisaema triphyllum | Arisaema triphyllum | Toxic. |
| Aristolochia rotunda | Aristolochia rotunda | |
| Aristolochia clematitis | Aristolochia clematitis | |
| Aristolochia pistolochia | Aristolochia pistolochia | |
| Aristolochia macrophylla | Aristolochia macrophylla | Toxic. |
| Artemisia vulgaris | Artemisia vulgaris | |
| Arnica montana | Arnica montana | |
| Araceae sp. | Araceae sp. | Toxic. |
| Arum sp. | Arum sp. | |
| Arum italicum | Arum italicum | |
| Arum palestinum | Arum palestinum | |
| Arum maculatum | Arum maculatum | |
| Arum alpinum | Arum alpinum | Toxic. |
| Asclepias sp. | Asclepias sp. | Toxic. |
| Asclepias | Asclepias | |
| Asparagus aethiopicus | Asparagus aethiopicus | Toxic. |
| Asparagus Sprengeri | Asparagus Sprengeri | |
| Asparagus densiflorus | Asparagus densiflorus | |
| Astragalus sp. | Astragalus sp. | Toxic. |
| Astragalus spp. | Astragalus spp. | |
| Astragalus monspessulanus | Astragalus monspessulanus | |
| Solanaceae | Solanaceae | Plant parts such as leaves and stems are toxic; the original warning excludes the fruit. |
| Avocado | May cause cardiovascular and digestive problems. | |
| Baccharis sp. | Baccharis sp. | Toxic. |
| Impatiens balsamina | Impatiens balsamina | Toxic. |
| Nandina domestica | Nandina domestica | Toxic. |
| Dacryodes macrophylla | Dacryodes macrophylla | Toxic. |
| Begonia sp. | Begonia sp. | Toxic. |
| Begonia semperflorens cultivar | Begonia semperflorens cultivar | |
| Begonia cleopatra | Begonia cleopatra | |
| Begonia masoniana | Begonia masoniana | |
| Begonia metallica | Begonia metallica | |
| Begonia rex 'peace' | Begonia rex 'peace' | |
| Begonia scharffii | Begonia scharffii | |
| Atropa belladonna | Atropa belladonna | Toxic. |
| Mirabilis jalapa | Mirabilis jalapa | Toxic. |
| Heracleum mantegazzianum | Heracleum mantegazzianum | |
| Heracleum maximum | Heracleum maximum | |
| Berteroa incana | Berteroa incana | |
| Citrus Aurantium | Citrus Aurantium | |
| Polygonum bistorta | Polygonum bistorta | |
| Daphne mezereum | Daphne mezereum | |
| Borage | Borago officinalis | May contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; not recommended for degu feeding. Adverse effects are reported at high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Celastrus scandens | Celastrus scandens | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Buttercup | Toxic. | |
| Brassaia actinophylla / Schefflera actinophylla | Brassaia actinophylla / Schefflera actinophylla | |
| Brugmansia sp. | Brugmansia sp. | Toxic. |
| Brunfelsia sp. | Brunfelsia sp. | |
| Bryonia dioica | Bryonia dioica | |
| Bryonia dioica | Bryonia dioica | |
| Buxus sempervirens | Buxus sempervirens | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Buxus sempervirens | Buxus sempervirens | |
| Pyracantha sp. | Pyracantha sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Buxus spp. | Buxus spp. | |
| Caesalpinia pulcherrima | Caesalpinia pulcherrima | |
| Coffee | Digestive or urinary problems. | |
| Caladium hortulanum | Caladium hortulanum | |
| Citrus mitis | Citrus mitis | |
| Zantedeschia aethiopica | Zantedeschia aethiopica | |
| Anthemis nobilis | Anthemis nobilis | Toxic at high intake or through external contact with sap. |
| Dieffenbachia sp. | Dieffenbachia sp. | Skin and digestive problems. |
| Caraway | Carum carvi | |
| Nepeta cataria | Nepeta cataria | |
| Centaurea solstitialis | Centaurea solstitialis | Neurological and digestive problems. |
| Prunus virginiana | Prunus virginiana | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. |
| Prunus serotina | Prunus serotina | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. |
| Caesalpinia sp. | Caesalpinia sp. | Toxic. |
| Poinciana gilliesii | Poinciana gilliesii | |
| Erythrostemon gilliesii | Erythrostemon gilliesii | |
| Cestrum nocturnum | Cestrum nocturnum | |
| Cannabis sativa | Cannabis sativa | |
| Crotalaria albida | Crotalaria albida | |
| Chamaeleon gummifer | Chamaeleon gummifer | |
| Chelidonium majus | Chelidonium majus | |
| Quercus coccifera | Quercus coccifera | Oak leaves and acorns can cause tannin-associated poisoning in animals. Species, plant part and dose matter; this list does not establish a safe degu feeding amount. |
| Quercus robur | Quercus robur | Oak leaves and acorns can cause tannin-associated poisoning in animals. Species, plant part and dose matter; this list does not establish a safe degu feeding amount. |
| Quercus pubescens | Quercus pubescens | Oak leaves and acorns can cause tannin-associated poisoning in animals. Species, plant part and dose matter; this list does not establish a safe degu feeding amount. |
| Quercus ilex | Quercus ilex | Oak leaves and acorns can cause tannin-associated poisoning in animals. Species, plant part and dose matter; this list does not establish a safe degu feeding amount. |
| Quercus suber | Quercus suber | Oak leaves and acorns can cause tannin-associated poisoning in animals. Species, plant part and dose matter; this list does not establish a safe degu feeding amount. |
| Chenopodium album | Chenopodium album | |
| Lonicera sp. | Lonicera sp. | |
| Cynodon dactylon | Cynodon dactylon | |
| Chocolate | Toxic. | |
| Symplocarpus foetidus | Symplocarpus foetidus | |
| Chrysanthemum spp. | Chrysanthemum spp. | |
| Chives | Allium schoenoprasum | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. Toxic at very high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Cicuta sp. | Cicuta sp. | |
| Cicuta maculata | Cicuta maculata | |
| Conium sp. / Cicuta sp. / Tsuga sp. | Conium sp. / Cicuta sp. / Tsuga sp. | |
| Pericallis hybrida / Cineraria hybrida | Pericallis hybrida / Cineraria hybrida | |
| Lemon / lemon tree | Digestive problems. | |
| Cymbopogon citratus | Cymbopogon citratus | |
| Citrus aurantifolia | Citrus aurantifolia | |
| Clematis sp. | Clematis sp. | |
| Clivia spp. | Clivia spp. | |
| Clivia minata | Clivia minata | |
| Lamprocapnos spectabilis | Lamprocapnos spectabilis | |
| Colchicum autumnale | Colchicum autumnale | |
| Coleus amboinicus | Coleus amboinicus | |
| Coleus amboinicus | Coleus amboinicus | |
| Coleus ampoinicus | Coleus ampoinicus | |
| Argemone sp. | Argemone sp. | |
| Cordyline australis | Cordyline australis | |
| Cordyline terminalis | Cordyline terminalis | |
| Cornus spp. | Cornus spp. | |
| Cotoneaster sp. | Cotoneaster sp. | |
| Karwinskia humboldtiana | Karwinskia humboldtiana | |
| Crassula arborescens | Crassula arborescens | |
| Crocus sp. | Crocus sp. | |
| Crossandra infundibuliformis | Crossandra infundibuliformis | |
| Crotalaria spp. | Crotalaria spp. | |
| Codiaeum sp. | Codiaeum sp. | |
| Cycas sp. | Cycas sp. | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Cycas revoluta | Cycas revoluta | |
| Cyclamen sp. | Cyclamen sp. | |
| Cymopterus watsonii | Cymopterus watsonii | |
| Cynoglossum amabile | Cynoglossum amabile | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Cynoglossum creticum | Cynoglossum creticum | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Cyperus Alternifolius | Cyperus Alternifolius | Toxic at high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Cupressus sp. | Cupressus sp. | |
| Cypripedium sp. | Cypripedium sp. | |
| Cytisus sp. | Cytisus sp. | |
| Laburnum anagyroides | Laburnum anagyroides | |
| Dahlia spp. | Dahlia spp. | |
| Daphne laureola | Daphne laureola | |
| Brugmansia sp. | Brugmansia sp. | |
| Datura ferox | Datura ferox | |
| Datura innoxia | Datura innoxia | |
| Datura stramonium | Datura stramonium | |
| Wild carrot | Daucus carota | |
| Delphinium sp. | Delphinium sp. | |
| Delphinium species | Delphinium species | |
| Dianthus sp. | Dianthus sp. | |
| Dicentra canadensis | Dicentra canadensis | |
| Dichelostemma ida-maia | Dichelostemma ida-maia | |
| Dieffenbachia sp. | Dieffenbachia sp. | Digestive and kidney problems. |
| Dieffenbachia amoena | Dieffenbachia amoena | |
| Dieffenbachia picta | Dieffenbachia picta | |
| Digitalis purpurea | Digitalis purpurea | |
| Digitalis purpurea | Digitalis purpurea | Digestive, kidney and cardiac problems. |
| Dionaea muscipula | Dionaea muscipula | |
| Diplotaxis erucoides | Diplotaxis erucoides | |
| Doronicum sp. | Doronicum sp. | Some species are toxic. |
| Solanum dulcamara | Solanum dulcamara | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. |
| Dracaena spp | Dracaena spp | |
| Dracaena fragrans | Dracaena fragrans | |
| Dracaena marginata | Dracaena marginata | |
| Dracaena sp. | Dracaena sp. | |
| Dracaena surculosa | Dracaena surculosa | |
| Dracaena deremensis | Dracaena deremensis | |
| Drymaria pachyphylla | Drymaria pachyphylla | |
| Dysphania ambrosioides | Dysphania ambrosioides | |
| Dog rose | Rosa canina | The original entry cites respiratory/neurological effects and cyanogenic glycosides. Species-specific provenance and a safe degu dose are not established. |
| Epilobium sp. | Epilobium sp. | |
| Epipremnum aureum | Epipremnum aureum | |
| Euphorbia lathyris | Euphorbia lathyris | |
| Acer rubrum | Acer rubrum | |
| Erigeron speciosus | Erigeron speciosus | |
| Artemisia dracunculus | Artemisia dracunculus | Toxic at very high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Euphorbia pulcherrima | Euphorbia pulcherrima | |
| Eucalyptus sp. | Eucalyptus sp. | |
| Euonymus sp. | Euonymus sp. | |
| Euonymus atropurpurea | Euonymus atropurpurea | |
| Euonymus occidentalis | Euonymus occidentalis | |
| Euphorbia characias | Euphorbia characias | |
| Euphorbia serrata | Euphorbia serrata | |
| Euphorbia cyparissias | Euphorbia cyparissias | |
| Euphorbia chamaesyce | Euphorbia chamaesyce | |
| Euphorbia helioscopia | Euphorbia helioscopia | |
| Euphorbe sp. | Euphorbe sp. | Highly toxic sap; digestive problems. |
| Fagopyrum spp. | Fagopyrum spp. | |
| Monstera deliciosa | Monstera deliciosa | |
| Ferula communis | Ferula communis | |
| Ferula communis | Ferula communis | |
| Ficus sp. | Ficus sp. | Digestive and kidney problems. |
| Ficus benjamina | Ficus benjamina | |
| Fig | Ficus carica L. | Toxic sap. |
| Ficus lyrata | Ficus lyrata | |
| Sesbania punicea | Sesbania punicea | |
| Spathiphyllum sp. | Spathiphyllum sp. | |
| Spathiphyllum sp. | Spathiphyllum sp. | |
| Pteridium aquilinum | Pteridium aquilinum | |
| Dryopteris filix-mas | Dryopteris filix-mas | |
| Pteridium aquilinum | Pteridium aquilinum | |
| Cheilanthes sp. | Cheilanthes sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Ruscus aculeatus | Ruscus aculeatus | |
| Butcher’s broom | Ruscus Aculaetus | Digestive problems. |
| Fumaria officinalis | Fumaria officinalis | Rich in alkaloids; avoid. |
| Euonymus europaeus | Euonymus europaeus | |
| Euonymus japonicus | Euonymus japonicus | |
| Galinsoga parviflora | Galinsoga parviflora | Avoid: potentially toxic. |
| Daphne gnidium | Daphne gnidium | |
| Gaultheria sp. | Gaultheria sp. | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Gelsemium sempervirens | Gelsemium sempervirens | |
| Cytisus scoparius | Cytisus scoparius | |
| Spartium junceum | Spartium junceum | |
| Juniperus communis | Juniperus communis | |
| Gentiana spp. | Gentiana spp. | |
| Petasite Roldana | Petasite Roldana | |
| Lathyrus japonicus | Lathyrus japonicus | |
| Giant Dracaena | Giant Dracaena | |
| Gladiolus spp. | Gladiolus spp. | |
| Glechoma hederacea | Glechoma hederacea | Toxic at high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Glechoma sp. | Glechoma sp. | |
| Gloriosa sp. | Gloriosa sp. | |
| Wisteria sp. | Wisteria sp. | |
| Bean seeds | Not recommended; may cause digestive problems. | |
| Heracleum sphondylium | Heracleum sphondylium | |
| Conium maculatum L. | Conium maculatum L. | |
| Conium maculatum | Conium maculatum | |
| Lithospermum sp. | Lithospermum sp. | |
| Viscum album | Viscum album | Digestive, neurological and cardiac problems. |
| Phoradendron flavescens | Phoradendron flavescens | |
| Gutierrezia microcephala | Gutierrezia microcephala | |
| Gypsophila elegans | Gypsophila elegans | |
| Halogeton sp. | Halogeton sp. | |
| Haplopappus heterophyllus | Haplopappus heterophyllus | |
| Phaseolus lunatus | Phaseolus lunatus | |
| Calia secundiflora | Calia secundiflora | Toxic. |
| Helenium sp. | Helenium sp. | |
| Heliotropium spp. | Heliotropium spp. | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Heliotropium europaeum | Heliotropium europaeum | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Helleborus sp. | Helleborus sp. | |
| Helleborus foetidus | Helleborus foetidus | |
| Helleborus niger | Helleborus niger | |
| Hemerocallis spp. | Hemerocallis spp. | |
| Hemerocallis graminea | Hemerocallis graminea | |
| Wintercress | Barbarea vulgaris | |
| Xerophyllum tenax | Xerophyllum tenax | |
| Datura stramonium | Datura stramonium | |
| Heteromeles arbutifolia | Heteromeles arbutifolia | |
| Hevea sp. | Hevea sp. | |
| Hippeastrum spp. | Hippeastrum spp. | |
| Hydrangeas sp. | Hydrangeas sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Hydrangea arborescens | Hydrangea arborescens | |
| Hosta plataginea | Hosta plataginea | |
| Hop | Humulus lupulus | |
| Ilex sp. | Ilex sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Ilex aquifolium | Ilex aquifolium | |
| Hymenoxys richardsonii | Hymenoxys richardsonii | |
| Taxus sp. | Taxus sp. | Toxic taxines. |
| Taxus brevifolia | Taxus brevifolia | |
| Dioscorea | Dioscorea | |
| Ilex glabra | Ilex glabra | |
| Ilex opaca | Ilex opaca | |
| Ilex opaca | Ilex opaca | |
| Helichrysum stoechas | Helichrysum stoechas | Avoid: potentially toxic; defensive plant chemicals may be involved. |
| Impatiens walleriana | Impatiens walleriana | |
| Indigofera sp. | Indigofera sp. | |
| Ipomoea spp | Ipomoea spp | |
| Iris sp. | Iris sp. | |
| Iris spuria | Iris spuria | |
| Hyacinthus orientalis | Hyacinthus orientalis | |
| Gardenia jasminoides | Gardenia jasminoides | |
| Jatropha sp. | Jatropha sp. | |
| Narcissus pseudonarcissus / Narcissus jonquilla / Narcissus spp. | Narcissus pseudonarcissus / Narcissus jonquilla / Narcissus spp. | |
| Sempervivum sp. | Sempervivum sp. | Toxic leaves. |
| Hyoscyamus niger | Hyoscyamus niger | |
| Kalanchoe spp. | Kalanchoe spp. | |
| Kalanchoe tubiflora | Kalanchoe tubiflora | |
| Kalmia polifolia | Kalmia polifolia | |
| Kalmia angustifolia | Kalmia angustifolia | |
| Kalmia augustifolia | Kalmia augustifolia | |
| Karwinskia humboldtiana | Karwinskia humboldtiana | |
| Kleinia spp. | Kleinia spp. | |
| Milk / dairy products | Digestive problems. | |
| Xanthium sp. | Xanthium sp. | |
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Sansevieria trifasciata | |
| Anthurium sp. | Anthurium sp. | Toxic. |
| Anthurium scherzeranum | Anthurium scherzeranum | |
| Lantana camara | Lantana camara | |
| Lantana camara | Lantana camara | |
| Kalmia latifolia | Kalmia latifolia | |
| Nerium oleander | Nerium oleander | Digestive, neurological and cardiac problems. |
| Laurus nobilis | Laurus nobilis | |
| Prunus laurocerasus | Prunus laurocerasus | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Neurological problems. |
| Lavendula angustifolia | Lavendula angustifolia | |
| Leucothoe spp. | Leucothoe spp. | |
| Hedera sp. | Hedera sp. | |
| Hedera helix | Hedera helix | |
| Hedera helix | Hedera helix | |
| Melia azedarach | Melia azedarach | |
| Lilium tigrinum | Lilium tigrinum | |
| Gloriosa superba | Gloriosa superba | |
| Lilium speciosum | Lilium speciosum | |
| Lobelia spp. | Lobelia spp. | |
| Lobelia cardinalis | Lobelia cardinalis | |
| Dracaena sanderiana | Dracaena sanderiana | |
| Lupinus spp. | Lupinus spp. | |
| Luzula sp. | Luzula sp. | Potentially toxic. |
| Lyonia sp. | Lyonia sp. | |
| Lyonia spp. | Lyonia spp. | |
| Lilium sp. / Hemerocallis sp . | Lilium sp. / Hemerocallis sp . | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Lilium asiatica | Lilium asiatica | |
| Easter lily | Lilium longiflorum | |
| Fire lily | Lilium umbellatum | |
| Wood lily | Lilium philadelphicum | |
| Tiger lily | Lilium lancifolium | |
| Loosestrife (species not identified) | ||
| Chrysanthemum frutescens | Chrysanthemum frutescens | |
| Aesculus hippocastaneum | Aesculus hippocastaneum | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Aesculus glabra | Aesculus glabra | |
| Menispermum | Menispermum | |
| Mentha sp | Mentha sp | Toxic at high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Mercurialis annua L. | Mercurialis annua L. | Digestive problems. |
| Hypericum perforatum | Hypericum perforatum | |
| Acacia dealbata | Acacia dealbata | |
| Tradescantia albiflora | Tradescantia albiflora | |
| Tradescantia spathacea | Tradescantia spathacea | |
| Tradescantia pallida | Tradescantia pallida | |
| Moulds / fungi | Digestive and neurological problems. | |
| Monarda didyma | Monarda didyma | Not listed as inherently toxic in the original entry, but may cause digestive problems. |
| Solanum elaeagnifolium | Solanum elaeagnifolium | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. |
| Solanum nigrum | Solanum nigrum | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. Digestive problems. |
| Sinapis arvensis | Sinapis arvensis | |
| Convallaria majalis | Convallaria majalis | Digestive and cardiac problems. |
| Narcissus spp. | Narcissus spp. | |
| Nicotiana sp. | Nicotiana sp. | |
| Agrostemma githago | Agrostemma githago | |
| Myristica fragrans | Myristica fragrans | |
| Macadamia integrifolia | Macadamia integrifolia | |
| Juglans nigra | Juglans nigra | |
| Tagetes patula | Tagetes patula | |
| Dianthus barbatus | Dianthus barbatus | Reported as mildly toxic; do not assume a safe degu dose. |
| Hemlock water-dropwort | Oenanthe crocata | Digestive and neurological problems. |
| Allium cepa | Allium cepa | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. |
| Strelitzia reginae / Casesalpinia gilliesii | Strelitzia reginae / Casesalpinia gilliesii | |
| Onions | Digestive problems. | |
| Citrus sinensis | Citrus sinensis | |
| Origanum vulgare hirtum | Origanum vulgare hirtum | |
| Ornithogalum umbellatum | Ornithogalum umbellatum | |
| Rumex scutatus | Rumex scutatus | |
| Oxalis sp. | Oxalis sp. | |
| Oxytenia acerosa | Oxytenia acerosa | |
| Oxytropis spp. | Oxytropis spp. | |
| Bread, cake batter and risen dough | Not suitable; may cause digestive or skin problems. | |
| Areca catechu | Areca catechu | |
| Citrus paradisii | Citrus paradisii | |
| Cyperus alternifolius | Cyperus alternifolius | |
| Bellis perennis | Bellis perennis | |
| Ipomoea batatas | Ipomoea batatas | |
| Pastries, desserts, prepared dishes and household meals | Not suitable. | |
| Papaver somniferum | Papaver somniferum | |
| Peach | Prunus persica | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. |
| Pelargonium sp. | Pelargonium sp. | |
| Pelargonium species | Pelargonium species | |
| Galanthus L. / Leucojum vernum L. | Galanthus L. / Leucojum vernum L. | |
| Perilla sp. | Perilla sp. | |
| Petroselinum crispum | Petroselinum crispum | Toxic at high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Vinca rosea | Vinca rosea | |
| Lophophora williamsii | Lophophora williamsii | |
| Philodendron spp. | Philodendron spp. | |
| Philodendron selloum | Philodendron selloum | |
| Philodendron bipennifolium | Philodendron bipennifolium | |
| Philodendron oxycardium | Philodendron oxycardium | |
| Mineral blocks / gnawing blocks / salt licks | Not suitable as dietary supplements. The original entry also mentions abrasive use for claws; this is not a recommendation to force contact or rely on mineral blocks for nail care. | |
| Chilli pepper | Not suitable. | |
| Podocarpus macrophylla | Podocarpus macrophylla | |
| Pinus ponderosa | Pinus ponderosa | |
| Ipomée violacea | Ipomée violacea | |
| Peony | Paeonia sp. | Peonies are listed as toxic for other domestic animals by ASPCA. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; retain as a precautionary avoid/verify entry. |
| Paeonia officinalis | Paeonia officinalis | Peonies are listed as toxic for other domestic animals by ASPCA. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; retain as a precautionary avoid/verify entry. |
| Senecio rowleyanus | Senecio rowleyanus | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Euphorbia tirucalli | Euphorbia tirucalli | |
| Mayapple | Podophyllum peltatum | |
| Mayapple | Podophyllum peltatum | |
| Podophyllum sp. | Podophyllum sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Euphorbia pulcherrima | Euphorbia pulcherrima | Digestive problems. |
| Allium ampeloprasum | Allium ampeloprasum | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. |
| Lathyrus odoratus | Lathyrus odoratus | |
| Abrus prThevetia peruvianaecatorius | Abrus prThevetia peruvianaecatorius | |
| Lathyrus latifolius | Lathyrus latifolius | |
| Potato | Digestive problems. | |
| Clusia major | Clusia major | |
| Jerusalem cherry | Solanum pseudocapsicum | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. Digestive problems. |
| Marsh marigold | Caltha palustris | |
| Cat’s-ear | Hypochaeris radicata | |
| Scindapsus aureus | Scindapsus aureus | |
| Scindapsus sp. | Scindapsus sp. | |
| Portulaca oleracea | Portulaca oleracea | |
| Equisetum arvense | Equisetum arvense | |
| Equisetum sp. | Equisetum sp. | |
| Primula sp. | Primula sp. | |
| Primula vulgaris | Primula vulgaris | |
| Primula officinalis | Primula officinalis | |
| Prosopis glandulosa | Prosopis glandulosa | |
| Plum | Prunus domestica | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Toxic at high intake; no safe degu dose is established here. |
| Psilostrophe sp. | Psilostrophe sp. | |
| Cornus canadensis | Cornus canadensis | |
| Vitis vinifera | Vitis vinifera | Digestive problems. |
| Citrus limonia | Citrus limonia | |
| Raphanus raphanistrum | Raphanus raphanistrum | |
| Ranunculus sp. | Ranunculus sp. | Toxic. |
| Ranunculus acris | Ranunculus acris | |
| Rhododendron sp. | Rhododendron sp. | Digestive, respiratory and neurological problems. |
| Rheum sp. | Rheum sp. | |
| Callistemon citrinus | Callistemon citrinus | |
| Castor bean | Ricinus communis | Digestive, neurological and cardiovascular problems. |
| Robinia spp. | Robinia spp. | |
| Robinia pseudoacacia | Robinia pseudoacacia | |
| Tagetes erecta | Tagetes erecta | Potentially toxic as an essential oil. |
| Ipomea tuberosa | Ipomea tuberosa | |
| Adenium obesum | Adenium obesum | |
| Ruta Graveolens | Ruta Graveolens | Digestive and skin problems. |
| Rumex sp. | Rumex sp. | Digestive and kidney problems; the original entry makes an exception for sorrel, which should still be limited. |
| Sanguinaria canadensis | Sanguinaria canadensis | |
| Saponaria officinalis | Saponaria officinalis | Digestive problems. |
| Sarcobatus vermiculatus | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | |
| Polygonatum multiflorum | Polygonatum multiflorum | Digestive problems. |
| Schefflera actinophylla | Schefflera actinophylla | Digestive problems. |
| Schefflera actinophylla | Schefflera actinophylla | |
| Brassaia actinophylla | Brassaia actinophylla | |
| Prospero autumnale | Prospero autumnale | |
| Scindapsus pictus | Scindapsus pictus | |
| Salt | Not suitable. | |
| Groundsel / ragwort species | Senecio sp. | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Sesbania drummondii | Sesbania drummondii | |
| Sesbania vesicaria | Sesbania vesicaria | |
| Solanum spp. | Solanum spp. | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. |
| Solanum carolinense | Solanum carolinense | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. |
| Solanum eleagnifolium | Solanum eleagnifolium | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. |
| Sorghum | Sorghum bicolor | Sorghum can present cyanogenic and other risks depending on growth stage and conditions; contamination is not the only concern. |
| Spathiphyllum sp. | Spathiphyllum sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Sphenosciadium capitellatum | Sphenosciadium capitellatum | |
| Sugar | Not suitable. | |
| Toxicodendron sp. | Toxicodendron sp. | |
| Toxicodendron vernix | Toxicodendron vernix | |
| Toxicodendron radicans | Toxicodendron radicans | |
| Sambucus canadensis | Sambucus canadensis | |
| Symphoricarpos orbiculatus | Symphoricarpos orbiculatus | |
| Symphoricarpos sp. | Symphoricarpos sp. | Digestive problems. |
| Syngonium podophyllum | Syngonium podophyllum | |
| Nicotiana sp. | Nicotiana sp. | |
| Nicotiana spp. | Nicotiana spp. | |
| Nicotiana glauca | Nicotiana glauca | |
| Thlaspi arvense | Thlaspi arvense | Contains glucosinolates. |
| Noccaea praecox | Noccaea praecox | Potentially toxic. Plants grown on contaminated sites may accumulate heavy metals. |
| Tanacetum vulgare | Tanacetum vulgare | |
| Colocasia esculenta / Xanthosoma sagittifolium / Amorphophallus paeoniifolius / Alocasia macrorrhizos / Cyrtosperma merkusii | Colocasia esculenta / Xanthosoma sagittifolium / Amorphophallus paeoniifolius / Alocasia macrorrhizos / Cyrtosperma merkusii | |
| Taxus spp. | Taxus spp. | |
| Tetradymia sp. | Tetradymia sp. | |
| Tea | Digestive or urinary problems. | |
| Thevetia peruviana | Thevetia peruviana | |
| Thlaspi arvense | Thlaspi arvense | |
| Solanum lycopersicum L. / Lycopersicon spp | Solanum lycopersicum L. / Lycopersicon spp | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. Toxic leaves. |
| Heteromeles arbutifolia | Heteromeles arbutifolia | |
| Tradescantia flumeninsis | Tradescantia flumeninsis | |
| Tradescantia multiflora | Tradescantia multiflora | |
| Ligustrum vulgare | Ligustrum vulgare | Digestive problems. |
| Ligustrum japonicum | Ligustrum japonicum | |
| Trollius europaeus | Trollius europaeus | Toxic rhizome; the plant is also listed as mildly poisonous. |
| Brugmansia arborea | Brugmansia arborea | |
| Tulipa sp. | Tulipa sp. | |
| Erysimum cheiranthoides | Erysimum cheiranthoides | |
| Veratrum album | Veratrum album | |
| Veratrum viride | Veratrum viride | |
| Solidago sp. | Solidago sp. | |
| Veronicastrum virginicum | Veronicastrum virginicum | |
| Aloysia triphylla | Aloysia triphylla | |
| Meat, eggs or bones | Not suitable; digestive problems. | |
| Victoria amazonica | Victoria amazonica | |
| Solandra grandiflora | Solandra grandiflora | |
| Parthenocissus sp. | Parthenocissus sp. | |
| Echium vulgare | Echium vulgare | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Echium plantagineum | Echium plantagineum | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. |
| Xylitol | Not suitable. | |
| Ilex vomitoria | Ilex vomitoria | |
| Yucca spp. | Yucca spp. | |
| Zamia spp. | Zamia spp. | |
| Zamia furfuracea | Zamia furfuracea | |
| Zamia pumila | Zamia pumila | |
| Zigadenus sp. | Zigadenus sp. | |
| Achillea millefolium | Achillea millefolium | |
| Borage | Borago officinalis | May contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; not recommended for degu feeding. Previous note: |
| Prunus sp. | Prunus sp. | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Wood is listed for chewing; do not offer the fruit. |
| Oak | Quercus | Oak leaves and acorns can cause tannin-associated poisoning in animals. Species, plant part and dose matter; this list does not establish a safe degu feeding amount. Previous note: Acorns can be toxic; the original warning names downy, pedunculate and sessile oaks. |
| Chives | Allium schoenoprasum | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. Previous note: Offer only a small amount. |
| Allium sp | Allium sp | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. Previous note: Offer only a small amount. |
| Comfrey | Symphytum | May contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; not recommended for degu feeding. Previous note: |
| Grass pea | Lathyrus sativus | Grass pea can contain the neurotoxin ODAP. Animal susceptibility and plant material vary; degu feeding safety is not established, so this is not a feeding recommendation. Previous note: |
| Pennyroyal | Mentha pulegium | Pennyroyal contains pulegone; do not treat it as an interchangeable culinary mint or feed it to degus. Previous note: |
| Wild cherry | Prunus avium | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: |
| Cherry plum | Prunus cerasifera | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: |
| Peach | Prunus persica | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Do not offer the fruit. Leaves and wood are the parts listed. |
| Leek | Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum | Allium plants contain oxidant compounds associated with haemolytic toxicity in animals. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; avoid. Previous note: Limit the amount. |
| Blackthorn | Prunus spinosa | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Do not offer the fruit. The original entry listed leaves and wood and warned that seeds are toxic. |
| Plum | Prunus domestica | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Do not offer the fruit. Leaves and wood are the parts listed. |
| Cherry plum | Prunus cerasifera | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Do not offer the fruit. |
| Groundsel / ragwort species | Senecio sp. | Pyrrolizidine-alkaloid risk; avoid. Drying does not establish safety. Previous note: |
| Nightshade species (originally listed as tomato) | Solanum sp | Do not feed tomato/nightshade leaves or stems. The old generic “all types” edible-leaf claim was unsafe; identify the species and plant part. Previous note: Do not offer the fruit. The original entry listed leaves. |
| Coltsfoot | Tussilago farfara | May contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; not recommended for degu feeding. Previous note: |
| Field bindweed | Convolvulus arvensis | Retained from the older English list, but absent from the newer French edible list. Degu feeding safety has not been established: keep as a precautionary avoid/verify entry, not as a feeding recommendation. Previous note: |
| Hedge bindweed | Calystegia sepium | Retained from the older English list, but absent from the newer French edible list. Degu feeding safety has not been established: keep as a precautionary avoid/verify entry, not as a feeding recommendation. Previous note: |
| Peony | Paeonia sp. | Peonies are listed as toxic for other domestic animals by ASPCA. Degu-specific safe intake is not established; retain as a precautionary avoid/verify entry. Previous note: |
| Bird cherry | Prunus padus | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Avoid the fruit; the original entry cites cyanogenic glycosides. |
| Wild cherry | Prunus avium | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Avoid the fruit; the original entry cites cyanogenic glycosides. |
| Cherry plum | Prunus cerasifera | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Avoid the fruit; the original entry cites cyanogenic glycosides. |
| Blackthorn | Prunus spinosa | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Avoid the fruit; the original entry cites cyanogenic glycosides. |
| Plum | Prunus domestica | Cyanogenic compounds may occur in leaves, bark and seeds; do not treat the historical listing as permission to feed or chew these parts. Previous note: Avoid the fruit; the original entry cites cyanogenic glycosides. |
Download the original table in French (PDF).
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