When your guinea pig won’t eat, it’s a serious indication of an issue. These animals cannot survive long without food so it’s critical to get them to the vet immediately.
Your guinea pig may not be eating or drinking due to being unwell. This could be caused by various issues like malocclusion, gut stasis, bladder stones or pneumonia.
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Hay
If your guinea pig seems to be having trouble getting enough hay, it’s important to assess its quality. Make sure they receive high-grade fresh hay that is free from dust and mold.
When buying hay, the cut matters. For instance, first-cut hay tends to have firmer stalks and more seed heads than second-cut, which is softer and less fibrous.
Premium hay is typically hand-selected by hay experts and contains fewer broken pieces and dust than regular varieties, making it better for digestive health. Our recommended brand, Oxbow Animal Health, comes from a family of small pet hay farms and is free from additives and pesticides to guarantee your guinea pig gets only essential nutrients.
If your guinea pig appears to be refusing their hay, it could be indicative of something more serious. If you have checked their diet and other foods and they still aren’t getting enough food, then it is time for a veterinarian visit to examine their teeth and any potential health issues.
Veggies
Guinea pigs should be fed vegetables daily to stay healthy and disease-free. Vegetables not only benefit their digestive system, but they also supply essential nutrients like Vitamin C, omega 3s and 6s, as well as other essential vitamins.
Vegetables and fruit should be cut up into bite-size chunks for your guinea pigs to enjoy. It’s also wise to remove any seeds or pips that might pose a danger, as these could interfere with their digestive system or even be poisonous.
Romaine lettuce is an ideal veggie for your guinea pigs, as it’s packed with essential nutrients and fiber. Be sure to thoroughly wash it to remove any pesticides before feeding it to them.
Other popular vegetables your guinea pigs will enjoy include celery, carrots and cabbage. Feed them a small amount each day but be mindful not to overfeed any one vegetable as this could lead to bloat.
Pellets
If your guinea pig won’t eat pellets, it could be because they aren’t part of their natural diet. Nonetheless, they can still get all of the necessary nutrients from other sources such as hay or vegetables.
Guinnea pigs should eat dry food that contains Timothy hay and plenty of fiber, along with vitamin C.
Pellets should be kept fresh, as guinea pigs often kick bedding material or droppings into their food bowls and may reject old pellets that have lost all of their vitamin C content.
If your guinea pigs are refusing their usual pelleted food, it is essential to introduce an alternate food slowly and assess if they enjoy it. Making drastic dietary changes too soon could cause them stress and anxiety. If any signs of illness appear, make an appointment with your vet who can administer the appropriate medication for your pet.
Fruit
Guinea pigs generally enjoy fruit and vegetables; however, you should be aware of which ones are ideal for them to eat and steer clear of others.
Guinea Pigs require a lot of Vitamin C in their diet, so it’s beneficial to feed them a variety of fresh produce. Some vegetables can be fed daily (green bell peppers, romaine butterhead and bib lettuce), while others should be given 2-4 times a week (red cabbage, red peppers and turnip greens).
Every day, give your guinea pigs some fresh produce. However, don’t overfeed them with fruit or veggies as this could wreak havoc on their digestive system and lead to bladder stones.
