When it comes to feeding your guinea pig, it is important to give them the best nutrition possible. While guinea pigs are herbivores, their diets are not as nutritious as those of humans. A healthy diet for a guinea pig’s mom is crucial to the successful nursing of her young. Moreover, guinea pigs need vitamin C and Vitamin A, which can be found in high-quality baby food.
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guinea pigs are herbivores
Although guinea pigs are herbavores, they are not omnivores. They prefer a variety of plant-based foods, and even some vegetables are harmful to them. Avoid feeding guinea pigs nuts, seeds, corns, and onions. Additionally, you should never feed your guinea pig grains, cereals, and meat.
Aside from pelleted food, you should also offer your guinea pig fruits and vegetables. While some of these are nutritious, they may cause diarrhea if given to them in large portions. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which foods your guinea pig should eat. Avocado, grapes, and raisins are poisonous for guinea pigs. Additionally, bananas, onion, and garlic are considered to be poisonous for guinea pigs.
They eat timothy hay
It is important to feed your guinea pig a high-quality source of hay. Timothy Hay is best if it is organic and untreated, as hay that is sprayed or treated with chemicals can cause problems for your guinea pig. Small Pet Select’s Timothy Hay is fresh and leafy, with firm stalks and more seed heads. It also is best to avoid Timothy Hay that is dusty as dust will affect your guinea pig’s respiratory system. Small Pet Select’s Timothy Hay is packaged in bags for convenience, and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Timothy hay cubes are an excellent alternative to loose hay. Timothy hay cubes are convenient and less messy, and meant to supplement loose hay. They contain very little calcium and fat. They are made from compressed Timothy hay and alfalfa hay and come in three-pound bags. Your guinea pig will love the taste and smell of Timothy hay!
They eat pellets
Pellets are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals for your guinea pig. These pellets can be easily crushed and ground with a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. You can also soak them overnight in the refrigerator to soften them. Crushing guinea pig pellets by hand will create a good paste. Pellets are better for your guinea pig because they stimulate their teeth and digestive system, whereas baby food is smooth and creamy.
Pellets can also be soaked in 10 ml lukewarm water to soften them. Then you can mix them with finely shredded carrot, a mashed banana, and 120 grams of Timothy hay. You can feed your guinea pig with this combination in a syringe or a bowl. For more than two guinea pigs, you can purchase the large-sized tubs of pellets and then divide the food between them.
They need vitamin C
If you’re looking for a source of Vitamin C in your guinea pig’s diet, broccoli is an excellent choice. Broccoli is high in Vitamin C, but the whole vegetable can be too much for your pig to handle. Try introducing it to your pet one to two times a week. Introduce broccoli slowly, and give your guinea pig a small amount at a time.
Occasionally, guinea pigs can eat fruits. You can mix the fruit with their normal food or mix it with pellet mush. Fruit is high in sugar, so try to limit its consumption to small amounts. Fruits with high levels of vitamin C include strawberries and citrus. Introduce new foods gradually, and reduce their amount if they have loose stool. Once the guinea pig’s digestive system is stronger, they can handle the normal food.
They need probiotics
For a healthy guinea pig, probiotics should be included in its diet on a regular basis. If you notice that your pig is having digestive issues, you should feed it olive oil in small quantities. The vet will also prescribe probiotics if your guinea pig has a bacterial imbalance. You should weigh your guinea pig every week and give it recovery food when it is unwell. While hand feeding is an important part of recovery, it should never be done in place of proper medical attention.
If you notice that your guinea pig is not eating the recommended amount of pellets, you should try adding a little bit of vegetables or hay to the mash. This will increase its palatability and give it extra fibre. You can also add probiotics and vitamin C to the pellet mash. Make sure you give your guinea pig vitamin C supplements as needed. Using vitamin C drops is another way to provide a healthy diet for your guinea pig.
They love baby food
Fresh green vegetables are one of the top foods guinea pigs enjoy, and many of them can be fed raw. Dark-leaf lettuces, such as rocket and dandelion greens, are excellent for your guinea pig. Also consider herbs, such as cilantro, dill, oregano, or parsley. You can also add fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, and mango to your Guinea pig’s diet.
Feeding a guinea pig is easy, and can be done without any extra effort. Hold your baby guinea pig vertically in front of you and feed it. When you’re feeding a baby, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and eliminate odors from other objects. Also, scent your hands with hay before you hold your guinea pig.
