Guinea pigs should always have access to high-quality hay (approximately 80% of their diet). This provides them with essential fiber for healthy digestion and keeps their teeth from becoming too long.
Some people opt to give their guinea pigs alfalfa sprouts in small amounts. These sprouts provide your pet with essential Vitamins C and antioxidants which help shield it from environmental toxins.
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It is a good source of Vitamins
Alfalfa is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s high in thiamin, riboflavin, biotin, folic acid, iron and calcium; plus it contains vitamin K which supports strong bones and hooves.
Guinea pigs need this essential nutrient for increased bone strength and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, it helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
However, it is wise to consult your vet before giving your guinea pig alfalfa supplements. They may have other dietary recommendations as well.
They can be taken in either powdered form or capsule form. It’s best to give them in small doses.
You can also try adding fresh vegetables to your guinea pig’s diet on a daily basis. These include dark leafy greens, broccoli and certain squashes – which are excellent sources of vitamin C.
It is a good source of Calcium
Alfalfa is a type of grass hay that contains high levels of Calcium and other essential minerals. It makes an excellent source of energy for growing guinea pigs as well as pregnant or lactating cavies.
However, if alfalfa is too much for your small pet, it could lead to weight gain and other health problems. Furthermore, alfalfa may cause bladder stones in guinea pigs as well as digestive issues.
Guinea pigs possess an unusual metabolic system, making them highly sensitive to calcium intake. If they consume too much of this mineral, their bodies will excrete excess calcium in their urine.
That is why it’s essential to maintain your pet’s calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in their food. The ideal range should be between 1.3:1 and 1.6:1, or even slightly lower.
It is a good source of Fiber
Grass hay is essential for guinea pigs as it contains long fiber that encourages gut motility and prevents gastrointestinal obstruction. Unlike pelleted foods for small animals like rabbits, chinchillas, chickens and ferrets, hay offers a high-quality source of nutrition for these small creatures.
Timothy hay is the most common type of hay that guinea pigs can eat, and it offers many health benefits. It’s packed with protein, calcium and other essential nutrients that promote proper growth in young guinea pigs.
Meadow hay is another type of hay that guinea pigs can enjoy. It consists of long green strands of grasses that are packed with fiber and other essential nutrients to promote good dental health.
When selecting hay for your guinea pigs, be sure to choose the correct cut. 1st cut often has lots of stems and seed heads which aren’t especially nutritious and could pose a health issue. Instead, opt for 2nd or 3rd cut hay that’s less hard and contains fewer stems.
It is a good source of Protein
Guinea pigs require a diet high in protein but balanced with fiber. This helps slow the gut process and keeps their digestive tract in top condition.
A high-quality dry food pellet should contain 15-16% crude protein, the higher the better. Furthermore, it should be low fat with a ratio of 1:1 calcium to phosphorous which will help prevent bladder stones.
Timothy grass hay is an essential part of any guinea pig’s diet and should be available 24/7. Other types of grass such as orchard grass, meadow hay or oat hay can also be enjoyed by your furry friend.
