When you walk into a pet store, you may notice that rabbit pellets and guinea pig pellets are often displayed next to each other. This can lead to confusion regarding the differences between them.
Although both animals need vegetables and fruits, the needs of rabbits are quite different to those of guinea pigs. This is because rabbits can synthesize vitamin C in their bodies while guinea pigs cannot.
Contents
Hay
Guinea pigs can eat rabbit pellets for short periods of time, but it isn’t recommended to offer them long-term. The reason for this is that guinea pigs have a higher need for vitamin C, which can be depleted in the hay and pellets they consume.
Guinea pig diets should include a combination of hay, pellets and fresh vegetables. Ideally, a small amount of each should be offered daily.
Guinea pigs enjoy eating vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers and leafy greens. They can also be given watercress, red cabbage and turnip greens. However, these foods can be a little more fatty than other dietary choices for your pet, so be sure to check with a veterinarian before offering them.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs are true herbivores, so a diet containing pellets, hay and vegetables is ideal. Pellets can be a source of protein, but vegetables are also important for vitamin C, which is essential for their healthy immune system and digestion.
A guinea pig’s diet should include green vegetables that contain very low levels of starches and sugars. Vegetables are a good source of fiber, and they also help regulate their digestive tract.
Romaine lettuce is a popular choice for guinea pigs as it has plenty of vitamins and minerals. However, you should wash it before giving it to your pet so that pesticides don’t get in the food and cause health problems.
Vegetables and fruits should make up about 5% of a guinea pig’s daily dietary intake. It’s important to introduce new foods gradually to avoid diarrhea and bloat.
Fruits
Guinea pigs are naturally herbivores, so they eat grasses, leaves and shoots. Some fruits are also part of their diet, but they must be provided in moderation to keep them healthy.
In the wild, guinea pigs forage and graze in small herds. They need plenty of roughage to chew, and a diet high in fibre to prevent gastrointestinal problems.
They don’t have the GI tract equipment to digest meat, so it’s important not to give them any at all. If they eat any type of meat, including hay or pellets, it can make them sick.
Guinea pigs don’t have the ability to synthesize vitamin C, so they must get it from their food to avoid scurvy. It’s best to choose a pellet food that contains protected vitamin C, or to offer fruit in small amounts. You can also give your guinea pig liquid vitamin C.
Pellets
There are no problems feeding guinea pigs rabbit pellets, as long as they’re not mixed with any added antibiotics. The only difference is that rabbits require a different kind of pellet formula, and it must have high crude fiber and low crude protein.
Guinea pigs and rabbits need the same amount of fresh hay or grass each day, along with some green vegetables or herbs and small quantities of fruit. It’s a good idea to check the label on rabbit and guinea pig pellets before purchasing them so you know what ingredients they contain.
A quality rabbit pellet should have at least 22% crude fiber, no more than approximately 14% protein, about 1% fat and about 1.0% calcium. Most commercial rabbit pellets are alfalfa-based and are higher in calories and lower in fiber than timothy-based pellets.
