The rest of a gerbil's diet should be comprised of alfalfa hay and boxed food formulated especially for gerbils. It goes on to say that dandelions and clover can be offered as well. Make sure these are clean and have not been sprayed with pesticides. Remember to remove any perishable foods from the cage and replace them each day. The same article suggests the use of a water bottle with a drinking tube rather than a bowl.
Bowls are impractical because gerbils dig and they like to bury their food bowls.
Water bottles can easily be cleaned using hot, soapy water and a bottle brush. This should be done on a daily basis. Since gerbils like to chew, a heavy ceramic food dish is the most practical. The article recommends supplying a gerbil with either chew sticks for rodents, which are available in stores selling pet supplies, or providing untreated wood for gnawing. If a gerbil's teeth are allowed to become too long, it will not be able to eat or drink.