Guinea pigs require high quality pellets with fiber, protein and vitamin C content as well as access to unlimited hay as well as fresh vegetables and fruit.
Avoid feeding pellets containing nuts, seeds, corn and dried fruit as these are fattening, can pose a choking hazard and cause selective eating behavior. Furthermore, rabbit pellets do not provide adequate vitamin C levels needed by guinea pigs.
IMPORTANT: Never Give Rabbit Pellets to Guinea Pigs
Rabbits and guinea pigs can cohabit peacefully, but it’s essential that they receive separate diets as rabbit food can pose serious health concerns for guinea pigs. Rabbit food contains too much protein and fat that could upset its delicate digestive system; furthermore if fed as pellets to your guinea pig they won’t receive sufficient amounts of Vitamin C which could result in life-threatening conditions known as Scurvy.
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves, so it is critical that they get sufficient amounts in their diets. While some guinea pig food are fortified with this nutrient, rabbit pellets do not. Without enough vitamin C in their diets, guinea pigs could develop scurvy which results in them losing hair, experiencing diarrhoea and internal bleeding.
Guinea Pigs should only consume small amounts of rabbit food (no more than an 1/8th cup per day), since their primary diet should consist of high-quality grass hay, vegetables, and fruit. Pellets should only be given as treats; perhaps as rewards when they do something cute or interesting or to encourage exploration of their enclosure.
IMPORTANT: Never Give Guinea Pigs Rabbit Pellets
As each species requires specific food requirements and nutritional needs, rabbits and guinea pigs should always be kept apart. However, should you run out of guinea pig pellets temporarily it is acceptable to feed some to your rabbit so long as their food includes stabilized vitamin C.
Guinea Pig pellets often consist of Timothy or Orchard Hay as their main ingredient, as it provides plenty of both fiber and calcium. Rabbit pellets typically consist of alfalfa-based food with lower levels of both nutrients.
Rabbits can produce their own vitamin C and don’t require supplementation in their food like guinea pigs do. Vitamin C is vitally important to guinea pigs because it prevents scurvy, an illness marked by swollen gums, bleeding from the mouth and poor wound healing – something sailors on long voyages would take precautionary measures against with lemons to stay safe while away.
A guinea pig only needs to consume a few rabbit pellets in short order in order to receive enough Vitamin C – any more would likely lead to gas, diarrhea and stomach pains!
IMPORTANT: Never Give Guinea Pigs Rabbit Food
Rabbit food does not contain enough vitamin C for healthy guinea pig development, leading them to suffer scurvy. Furthermore, certain products designed for rabbits contain extra fats and proteins that could prove hazardous for their health.
Guinea pigs require fresh leafy vegetables and herbs daily in order to meet their nutritional needs. Examples include dark leafy lettuce varieties, kale, endive carrot tops parsley rosemary dill. A small amount of fresh fruit should also be given; however this should only be fed sparingly as too much can cause digestive issues in their system.
Guinea Pigs should not eat rabbit pellets due to the high fiber content which may cause internal unrest and lead to gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, rabbit foods often contain excess sugars and starches which are bad for teeth and stomach health of guinea pigs; such foods also encourage selective feeding habits with some parts being consumed while leaving others uneaten – potentially leading to calcium deficiency due to not providing enough hay as essential sources of this vital nutrient.
