Guinea pigs require access to ample grass and timothy hay for proper digestion, dental health and wear of molars.
Alfalfa hay provides protein and calcium for pregnant guinea pigs and nursing momma pigs during gestation and lactation.
Although alfalfa hay can provide excellent nutrition, excessive amounts can increase calcium levels in the blood and contribute to bladder stones.
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Hay Sticks
Guinea pigs require non-compressed grass hay (ideally Timothy or orchard ) available at all times in non-compacted form. If your guinea pig is overweight, try decreasing their pellet consumption, increasing exercise time and providing them with various vegetables that contain vitamin C or fruit as healthy options.
Alfalfa hay provides essential calcium to guinea pigs’ bodies. Unfortunately, though, they can only absorb so much at one time; too much calcium could result in urinary tract issues; therefore alfalfa should only be fed in small amounts to adult guinea pigs at any one time; pregnant and nursing guinea pigs would benefit more from eating alfalfa than adult ones! It makes an excellent food option during this critical stage in their lives though!
Alfalfa hay can add variety to the diet of pregnant, nursing or young growing guinea pigs as a nutritious treat, or just be fed as part of their normal feeding schedule.
Fruit
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning they eat only plants. Since their ancestors hunted vegetables in the wild for food sources such as fruits and vegetables to supplement their nutrition intake, guinea pigs must eat an assortment of plants in order to get all of the nutrition they require.
Vegetables high in calcium (and oxalates) should be avoided to prevent kidney and bladder stones in guinea pigs. These painful stones require surgery for removal.
Avoid giving your guinea pig raw potatoes as these contain solanine which is toxic to many small mammals, potentially resulting in digestive issues, loss of appetite and lethargy.
Guinea pigs should be fed an assortment of fresh, leafy green vegetables and herbs such as spinach, kale, mint, dandelion greens and broccoli. Small amounts of cooked or baked apples with seeds removed (they pose a choking hazard), can also be given; honey sticks, seed sticks and yogurt drops found at pet stores should be avoided due to being too sugary for their diets.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs are herbivorous animals and should have access to fresh grass hay as a nutritious and abrasive stimulation source for their continually developing teeth. Without this stimulation, their teeth could become overgrown, abscessed and prevent them from eating normally.
Guinea pigs should receive daily diets of leafy green vegetables and herbs that are low in sugar and starch while high in micronutrients and antioxidants. A varied assortment of veggies should ensure they receive adequate balance across a range of calcium, oxalates, phosphorous or sugar nutrient sources – which will ensure proper development and care.
Red Leaf Lettuce is an ideal example of a leafy vegetable. It contains lower levels of calcium and oxalates than some other lettuce types and also supplies vitamin C. Squash offers similar nutrition with plenty of A, B6, and C benefits as well as fruit providing additional sources of this important nutrient – just remember to limit how much fruit is eaten as its high natural sugar levels could lead to teeth problems or sores!
Pellets
Alfalfa hay is packed with protein, calcium and fiber which makes it suitable for young guinea pigs, pregnant and nursing guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets and more. If given too often though it could lead to bladder stones being formed. In addition, too much calories should not be offered so adult guinea pigs should instead receive Timothy hay which offers less calorie and calcium content – and may provide healthier solutions in general!
Avoid pellet food that contains alfalfa or Lucerne (similar to sprouts), both legume-based foods high in calcium that may cause health issues in guinea pigs. Instead, opt for food without these ingredients, or only feed small quantities at any one time.
