For this reason chew toys, such as wooden blocks, are needed for grinding down their teeth. Large wheels can also be purchased and placed in the cage. Chinchillas need a constant supply of hay. This can be bought from most pet stores loose in the bag, or compressed in blocks. They also need chinchilla pellets and fresh water daily.
Chinchillas also love an occasional treat such as a raisin or small piece of apple.
Their digestive systems are very delicate, so a change in diet should be done gradually over a week or two. Sudden food changes can cause sickness and even death. Chinchillas have a lot of lanolin in their fur and need a dust bath regularly. Chinchilla dust can also be purchased in most pet stores and is very inexpensive. A container is filled with an inch of dust and placed in the cage about 3 times a week.