Safe and Unsafe Foods for Meerkats

✅ What Meerkats Can Eat

Meerkats are omnivorous, meaning they eat both animals and plants. Their diet should be high in protein, with limited carbohydrates and fats.

Insects (Main Part of Diet)

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Waxworms (high fat; occasional treat)
• Superworms
• Dubia roaches
• Grasshoppers
• Locusts
• Beetle larvae
• Silkworms

Live insects are ideal for enrichment and mimic wild hunting behavior.

Animal Protein

• Cooked lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef – no seasoning)
• Boiled eggs (occasional)
• Chicks (frozen/thawed, for calcium and enrichment)
• Canned cat food (high-protein, grain-free only – as supplement, not staple)

Fruits (Occasionally, small amounts)

• Apple (no seeds)
• Banana
• Blueberries
• Melon
• Pear
• Papaya
• Mango
• Grapes (sparingly)

Fruits are high in sugar; feed occasionally as treats.

Vegetables (Moderate amounts)

• Carrots (grated or small pieces)
• Cucumber
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Peas
• Sweet potato (cooked)
• Pumpkin
• Bell pepper
• Broccoli (small amounts)

Other Safe Foods

• Cooked rice or oats (tiny amount)
• Boiled chicken liver (infrequent)
• Calcium and vitamin supplements (important in captivity)

❌ What Meerkats Cannot Eat

Many foods are harmful or even fatal to meerkats due to their small size and sensitive digestive system.

Toxic or Dangerous Foods

• Chocolate
• Caffeine (tea, coffee, soda)
• Onions & garlic
• Avocado
• Alcohol
• Macadamia nuts
• Raisins & grapes (in large quantity)
• Mushrooms (wild or unknown varieties)
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candies)
• Raw potatoes or potato skins
• Raw beans (especially kidney beans)

Processed & Junk Foods (Avoid entirely)

• Bread
• Chips
• Cookies
• Sugary cereals
• Fried foods
• Fast food
• High-fat dairy (cheese, cream)

Spices & Seasonings

• Salted foods
• Foods with spices or sauces
• Seasoned meat or processed meats like sausages or ham

Human Beverages

• Soda
• Juice
• Milk (most meerkats are lactose intolerant)
• Energy drinks

Special Notes

• Water should always be available.
• Meerkats need calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, especially if not exposed to natural sunlight.
• Feeding live prey (insects) is essential for both physical and mental health.
• Avoid overfeeding fruits or fatty insects to prevent obesity and liver issues.