degu food variety

Question
I heard a lot about how degu are diabetic and shouldn't be given fruits, musli, etc. So I tried to play it safe and stick with Pets at Home degu pellets and hay. They seem to be happy with both, but I would really like to vary their diet and give them something more interesting to eat than crispy pellets and dried grass. What it safe to give them? and can I give them fresh flowers? I remember from childhood our hamsters absolutely adored dandelions...

Answer
They are not actually diabetic, but rather can develop it rather easily if given too many foods high in sugar.  You may give them fresh vegetables, but introduce them gradually as treats before making them a more substantial part of their diets.  You don't want them to have any intestinal issues.  Ensure the veggies are clean and free of pesticides...the same with any other plants you might think of giving them.  You mentioned dandelions; making sure there are no chemicals in the environment that might have gotten on the plant --windborne-- is something to consider.  To be safe, I just give mine washable veggies.  They seem to like leafy lettuce --not iceberg-- carrots, yams, and celery leaves the most.  Flowers might be safe, some might not...don't know exactly which ones are or not but more importantly are the chemicals again.  You might also give them dried corn #like you buy for squirrels and birds), an occasional nut and some dried legumes.

Good luck,
Carol