Guinea pigs enjoy eating fresh vegetables and fruits, but these must be given in moderation due to being high in sugar content. Some examples are cranberries (rich in vitamin C), strawberries and melons.
Turnip greens are one of the best vegetables, as they contain high concentrations of vitamins C and K plus calcium and phosphorus.
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Guava
Guinea pigs need vitamin C for healthy lives. You can provide it through fresh vegetables and fruit that should account for about 5% of their diet, though fruits with high sugar contents should only be offered occasionally to avoid weight gain and dental problems – some options for fruit treats could include kiwis, strawberries or citrus fruit treats.
Guinea Pig Diet BasicsA guinea pig’s primary diet should consist of high quality second cut Timothy hay, supplemented by other foods. These may include some pelleted food – no more than one ounce a day per adult animal-, as well as lots of hay, fruits, and vegetables.
Fresh vegetables include dark leafy greens like kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens and chard, as well as herbs such as mint.
Kiwi
Guinea Pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so it is crucial that they receive sufficient amounts every day. Good sources include Romaine lettuce, sweet bell peppers (including seeds and cores), kale and leafy herbs such as parsley – either curly- or flat-leafed varieties are ideal. It may be less costly to purchase these veggies from farmer’s markets instead.
Fruit should only be provided sparingly since their high sugar levels may lead to gastrointestinal issues in guinea pigs. Cantaloupe can be offered sparingly; just be sure to remove its seeds as these could pose a choking hazard. Consider offering other low-sugar fruits like pears, strawberries and papayas instead. Additionally, avoid overfeeding treats like alfalfa cubes, apple and carrot tops – they provide little nutritional benefit and could contribute to weight gain or obesity and weight gain in pets.
Mango
Guinea pigs are concentration feeders, meaning that they prioritize energy-rich plant matter quickly. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered occasionally as treats, but be careful with the quantity you provide as this could lead to weight gain or diarrhea in your pet. Also avoid fruit with seeds/pits (choking hazards) or avocado (toxic).
For the best results, provide your guinea pig with timothy-based vitamin C-fortified pellets, some high quality hay, and fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Guinea pigs need vitamin C to prevent scurvy; without it they risk experiencing immune suppression, abnormal bone and tooth growth/development and delayed wound healing – additional sources include kale, broccoli and bell peppers which contain plenty of this essential nutrient.
Pears
Guinea pigs in the wild spend most of their time foraging and eating various plants, which means that they require plenty of fiber to maintain good digestive health.
Guinea pigs should get most of their fiber from fresh vegetables and herbs (including the weeds in your yard) such as romaine lettuce, dark greens or red-leaf kale. Leafy greens such as these make an excellent daily choice.
Fruit should only be fed occasionally due to their high sugar levels and potential link to obesity and digestive issues, but if your guinea pig enjoys apples or any other fruits as treats then feel free to offer as occasional treats; just remember to remove seeds and pits which pose a choking hazard.
Bananas
Guinea pigs generally rely on their diet of hay for sustenance; it’s essential that it includes fresh produce with lower sugar content such as fruits and vegetables that provide ample amounts of Vitamin C that they cannot naturally produce themselves.
Addition of leafy greens to their diet is one of the easiest and simplest ways to provide them with essential Vitamin C, but be sure to wash them beforehand as some foods like carrots contain high levels of sugar that could cause dental issues and obesity in guinea pigs, while they also contain oxalates and phosphorous which could lead to digestive issues in guinea pigs.
Vitamin C-rich food options such as kiwi, strawberries, citrus fruits and bananas should be fed in small doses due to their high sugar content. Be mindful when feeding any of these treats because their seeds could become choking hazards for guinea pigs.
