Guinea pigs require daily doses of vitamin C. You can satisfy their needs by providing them with foods rich in this nutrient, like green bell peppers or romaine butterhead lettuce that contain an abundance of it.
Other nutritious vegetables to include fennel, watercress, turnip greens and radicchio are good examples. Fruits with high amounts of sugar may cause weight gain and gastrointestinal discomfort and should be avoided.
Contents
Vegetables
Guinea pigs should be provided with unlimited quantities of timothy hay, supplemented by small portions of commercial guinea pig pellets and fresh vegetables and fruit from an assortment of dark leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, endive carrot tops dandelion greens mint parsley and cilantro that are free from oxalates (which can lead to kidney stones).
These foods provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins C and D; folic acid; potassium; iron; calcium and soluble fiber. Furthermore, these foods also contain phytonutrients which offer health advantages.
Fresh fruits should also be provided regularly, although it’s wise to limit their frequency to once or twice every week. Because some of these options contain higher sugar content than others, it is wise to dole out small portions. Citrus fruits like orange slices or slices of kiwi fruit make great options; before offering any fruits and vegetables to your guinea pig for consumption. Always wash all fresh produce thoroughly prior to offering it to them!
Fruits
Guinea Pigs also enjoy enjoying small amounts of fresh fruit as treats, with mango being particularly high in Vitamin C but high in sugar content, so should only be fed on occasion (like once or twice every week). Starfruit may be tasty too but should only be fed occasionally as too much acidic content could cause mouth sores. Pears provide another great source of Vitamin C but should only be eaten sparingly.
Green grapes can also make a healthy addition, when given in moderation and given only when desired. Avoid giving too many fruits as too much sugar could lead to obesity and health issues in your guinea pig; instead focus on offering plenty of fresh veggies such as romaine butterhead lettuce, red and green leafy vegetables, kale, parsley and cilantro as these provide essential minerals and vitamins needed by their bodies. Adding carrots and zucchini which contain high concentrations of Vitamin C ensures you provide your pet with all they require for optimal health!
Treats
Guinea pigs love snacking on nutritious, all-natural treats! Pea flakes are popular as they provide high levels of protein with minimal amounts of fat (just be wary about any added sugar!). Some also enjoy orange slices or kiwi fruit slices as treats; though cucumbers should only be given sparingly due to their high water content – too many cucumbers could lead to diarrhea in guinea pigs!
Some guinea pigs enjoy nibbling on fresh grass and leafy greens such as dandelion, plantain, red deadnettle, chickweed and mallow. Avoid feeding them any weeds which have been fertilized or treated with pesticides as this may lead to illness in your pet.
For something different, give them an Oxbow healthy guinea pig pellet with Timothy Hay as its main ingredient, vitamin C fortified or enhanced with superfoods; these will ensure they get all of the necessary nutrients they need to thrive; fiber also plays an essential role in keeping gut health in check and stopping their teeth from overgrowing!
Hay
Hay is a dried plant material typically used as animal fodder, particularly for large grazing livestock like cattle and horses or smaller domesticated species such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Hay provides vital abrasive texture to wear down continuously growing teeth while providing essential fibre that promotes digestive health and intestinal balance.
Guinea Pigs spend most of their time foraging and grazing in the wild, as herbivorous creatures they are. A steady supply of hay should be available throughout each day to facilitate digestion, prevent dental issues and ensure they get ample fibre intake.
Guinea pigs should receive small portions of fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits every day (excluding carrots as they contain high levels of sugar). Leafy greens such as red or green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, kale, cilantro and parsley make good options; you should also include some form of dandelion leaves, flowers or stems into their diet for variety’s sake.
