Human food can be a delicious treat for guinea pigs, but only give them small amounts. Many human foods are high in sugar and carbohydrates which may lead to obesity or digestive issues.
Guinea pigs should be fed hay, pellets and fresh vegetables in addition to human foods. New fruits and vegetables should be introduced gradually so as not to cause gastric upset.
Contents
Hay
Guinea pigs need a diet composed of hay, pellets, fresh vegetables and fruit – with at least 80% being hay.
Giving guinea pigs access to high-quality, edible hay is essential for their wellbeing. Timothy hay, Orchard hay or Bermuda hay are all suitable and will help keep their digestive systems working optimally.
Hay is essential for the proper growth of guinea pig’s teeth, as their molars never stop growing and need to be worn down with regular chewing. If your pet’s molars get too long, they won’t be able to effectively chew food and you could end up facing an expensive vet bill for dental work.
Some guinea pig parents choose to leave large piles of hay around their cages for them to access. This helps reduce the mess caused by hay dust, but it is still essential that you refill these piles as soon as they’re empty.
Pellets
Pellets can be an easy and convenient way to give your pet the nutrients it needs. But be sure that the pellets you choose contain high-quality ingredients and aren’t mixed with other supplements or fillers which could be detrimental for your guinea pig.
Many pellets are made with timothy hay as their base, but some also include added vitamin C and other essential nutrients. For optimal guinea pig health, opt for a pellet that only contains timothy hay without any other added ingredients.
In addition to pellets, guinea pigs should be given fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C. This helps prevent scurvy, which can be fatal for these tiny critters.
Fresh Vegetables & Herbs
Fresh vegetables are an integral part of your guinea pigs’ diet. Not only do they provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for their wellbeing, but they also work hard to wear down their teeth which helps guard against tooth decay and other dental issues.
Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, parsley, kale, cilantro and spinach should be offered daily to your piggie for them to explore new tastes and textures. It’s best to offer them a different combination of vegetables each day so they have something new to try out every day.
Some vegetables can cause gastrointestinal distress if given in large amounts, so it’s essential to balance their intake. Herbs are an excellent addition to your guinea pig’s daily diet and offer numerous health benefits; however, they must be fed herbs with caution and in small doses; some herbs contain high calcium levels which should be avoided if your pet is prone to bladder stones.
Fruits & Treats
Guinea pigs do not produce their own vitamin C, so it is necessary to supplement their diet with this essential nutrient. Vegetables and fruits that contain this vital nutrient may be especially beneficial for older guinea pigs or sick ones.
Vegetables are an integral part of a guinea pig’s diet and should be provided daily at minimum. Offer about one cup per guinea pig of various leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale and cilantro for variety.
Fruits can be a special treat for guinea pigs and should only be offered sparingly, about once or twice per week. Flesh and peel are fine to feed your pet, but be mindful not to overindulge as too much sugar puts your pet at risk for diabetes.
Watermelon, grapes and mangoes can all be enjoyed by your guinea pig. Just remember to remove all seeds and skin before offering them to your furry friend!
