Baby guinea pigs, pregnant and lactating mothers require extra protein and calcium during certain parts of their lives, making alfalfa hay an appropriate food option. Unfortunately, too much calcium intake could result in urinary stones.
Guinea pigs require fiber to promote optimal chewing patterns and to reduce dental disease, as well as to maintain digestive health and avoid soft stool (GI stasis). Additionally, fiber may also prevent soft stool (GI stasis).
Contents
It is safe for guinea pigs to eat
Alfalfa hay is generally safe for baby guinea pigs as it provides sufficient amounts of protein and calcium, while also being an excellent source of fiber to aid with digestion and improve body utilization of other essential nutrients. Furthermore, vitamin C provides powerful immunity-building support while supporting optimal growth in small herbivores such as these herbivores.
While hay should form part of any guinea pig’s daily dietary needs, it shouldn’t make up more than 80%. Consuming too much hay can lead to obesity, digestive issues and overgrown teeth; to prevent this issue it is essential that Western Timothy and orchard grass hay be provided in moderation as this could otherwise become excessively abundant for them. In addition to providing Western Timothy hay orchard grass hay as part of their daily regimen; fresh leafy vegetables like kale parsley and cilantro provide great options!
It is good for baby guinea pigs
Guinea pigs require a generous supply of alfalfa hay to aid with digestion and regulate teeth, as it contains plant proteins, chlorophyll, carotene, calcium, minerals, as well as vitamins B-E. Although alfalfa can be an added source of vitamins in their diets, alfalfa should only be provided on occasion and when absolutely necessary – too much alfalfa may lead to weight gain as well as picky eaters!
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay is ideal for baby, sick or pregnant and nursing guinea pigs as well as older guinea pigs who struggle to consume enough nutrients due to weight loss or incapacitation issues. Highly calorically dense yet highly palatable than other forms of hays, alfalfa is highly calorically dense yet more palatable than its competitors – though too much may lead to serious health problems in older guinea pigs such as calcium buildup or overtime.
It is good for adult guinea pigs
Guinea pigs need access to high-quality grass hay (timothy or orchard) at all times in their cage. Timothy or orchard hay provides long fiber that improves gut motility and prevents gastrointestinal blockage while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa hay contains plant proteins, chlorophyll and carotene as well as calcium and other trace minerals. Unfortunately, it’s more calorically-dense than other varieties, potentially leading to weight gain among adult guinea pigs as well as excess calcium that may cause kidney issues in older guinea pigs.
Instead, opt for fresh vegetables such as kale and parsley as snacks or mix into pelleted feed in small quantities as snacks, with large quantities reserved as treats or for pelleted feed mixing. Also avoid feeding fruits high in sugar but low in fiber; consider offering dried fruit along with small pieces of vegetables once or twice weekly instead.
It is bad for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are especially susceptible to urinary tract diseases like bladder stones. If you suspect your guinea pig has a urinary tract issue, consult with a veterinarian immediately – their vet will check for signs of obstruction such as bloody urine, straining during urination or an unusual posture, abdominal palpation and/or performing urinalysis; after which medications and/or x-rays will likely be recommended to treat their condition.
Guinea Pig diets should include grass and hay as their staple source of nutrition, providing essential fiber that prevents obesity, dental disease and gastrointestinal upset. Therefore it is vital that guinea pig owners always have ample amounts of fresh, high quality hay available for their animals.
Green leafy vegetables and weeds are excellent sources of vitamin C, but should be eaten sparingly due to their calcium and phosphorus content, which may form calcium oxalate crystals which can cause pain and inflammation. Turnip greens, watercress and red cabbage contain low levels of oxalate crystals so are excellent choices as daily foods.
