Guinea pigs do not produce vitamin C on their own and need to consume foods containing it, such as Bok choy leaves, stems and flowers in moderation as well as clover or dandelion leaves (provided they do not contain pesticides).
Guinea pigs require roughage for chewing; this helps ensure the health of their teeth. Nuts should be avoided as they can pose digestive and health-related risks.
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They’re full of fat
Cashews contain too much fat for guinea pigs to consume safely, making them an unacceptable part of their diet. Furthermore, their caloric value could lead to obesity and weight gain which will negatively affect their health. Furthermore, nuts contain nutrients which interfere with digestion such as fats, carbohydrates, and sugars which will result in stomachaches or loose stool as a result of overeating them.
At your guinea pig’s mealtimes, provide fresh and nutritionally-balanced food every day. Your local grocery store likely stocks plenty of safe fruits and veggies they can be fed on daily, such as apples, oranges, cucumbers, leafy greens such as spinach kale silver beet and broccoli, carrot tops stems (in moderation), watermelons rind seeds rind seeds as well as herbs like marjoram tarragon borage basil that all contain vitamin C that can help prevent scurvy!
They’re a choking hazard
Cashews contain high levels of fat and should be avoided as treats for your pet guinea pig, to avoid obesity and digestive issues, as well as risk of choking. Instead, try giving small portions of fruits or vegetables instead for rewarding behavior.
Green vegetables like kale, Swiss chard and spinach can provide essential nutrition to guinea pigs. Packed full of Vitamin C, K and A as well as fiber-rich goodness they’re an excellent way to provide nourishment to these furry creatures.
Cranberries or strawberries should only be given in moderation as they’re high in sugar content and can lead to digestive issues like gut stasis. Therefore, it is best to include only a few of these treats each week to prevent overfeeding and obesity, both of which can be fatal for guinea pigs.
They’re toxic
Nuts contain vitamins that guinea pigs do not require, leading to blockages of their digestive tract and ultimately illness. Furthermore, nuts contain high amounts of fats which increase obesity risk as well as other potential health concerns.
Guinea pigs in the wild are prey species that instinctively select and consume energy-dense food as quickly as possible, although domesticated versions tend to rely less heavily on this instinctive behavior for selecting meals; nevertheless, their instinct can still play a significant role when selecting nonnutritional items like cashews.
If your guinea pig has consumed something toxic, be on the lookout for signs of distress such as diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in their appetite. If any such signs appear, take them immediately to a veterinarian as soon as possible – fluid therapy may be required in order to avoid dehydration while additional care may be necessary in a hospital environment.
They’re not good for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs cannot digest cashews and their seeds, making them unsuitable as food for your guinea pig. Furthermore, cashews contain lots of fat and calories which could contribute to them becoming overweight or obese; also eating too many may clog blood vessels and make your pet tired all of the time.
As nuts contain calcium that’s unhealthy for fully grown guinea pigs, eating them may result in kidney or bladder stones forming and causing pain when urinating – or even block up their urethra completely!
Guinea pigs do best when fed Timothy hay and fortified pellets instead of nuts. You can provide all their vitamin needs through vegetables like broccoli, spinach, bok choy leaves and carrot tops (as long as their stems are removed) – just remember if your pet attempts to consume something they shouldn’t, take them immediately to a vet!
