Cheese may seem like an appealing snack for your guinea pig, but in reality it should be avoided as its high levels of fat, cholesterol and sodium can pose significant health risks to their body.
Guinea pigs are herbivores without the digestive enzymes necessary to break down dairy products efficiently, leaving them susceptible to scurvy and other health conditions.
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Lactose intolerance
Baby guinea pigs rely heavily on milk to survive in their early days; once old enough to consume regular food sources, their need for milk begins to diminish.
Dairy products could cause severe digestive discomfort for guinea pigs and lead to diarrhea, bloating and even death.
Guinea pigs may consume small amounts of dairy products such as milk or cheese, though it’s best to refrain from giving any milk or cheese altogether.
Your guinea pig might be lactose intolerant and may not be able to digest the sugar present in milk; furthermore, dairy products contain various substances which could harm them when consumed by your pet.
High fat content
Dairy products may be a staple of many people’s diets, but they’re not ideal for pet guinea pigs as they contain high amounts of fat, leading to weight gain and health complications in your pet pig.
Guinea pigs are herbivores and require a diet consisting of hay, pellets and fresh vegetables for optimal health. Doing so will ensure they get all of the essential vitamins and nutrients they require to stay alive.
Your guinea pig needs 80% hay, 15% fresh fruits and vegetables and 5% pellets to remain healthy and thrive.
If your guinea pig is suffering from diarrhea, fruit and vegetable snacks may help them. Just be careful to introduce new items slowly. And avoid feeding gassy vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage which could upset their digestive systems. Also make sure that all veggies are thoroughly cleaned prior to feeding them to them!
Calcium & Phosphorus
Guinea pigs depend on calcium for healthy bones and teeth development as well as producing milk production in pregnant and lactating female guinea pigs, placing them at risk of calcium deficiency if their diets do not provide them with enough.
Phosphorus works hand in hand with calcium to form strong bones, so maintaining an ideal Ca:P ratio requires feeding your guinea pigs a varied and well-rounded diet including fruits and vegetables. To ensure maximum efficiency when it comes to these two vital minerals.
An expert veterinarian can advise when it is best to stop feeding your guinea pig dairy products, for instance if hard granular deposits of calcium appear in its urine indicating calcium deficiency requiring treatment from a vet.
No Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in fruits and vegetables. This water-soluble nutrient can easily be absorbed by our bodies and is best known for its antioxidant effects; however, its other uses include cell repair, immune system function support, cancer cell proliferation prevention, as well as budget considerations (for instance raw green kale, raw carrots, broccoli brussel sprouts as well as rarer sources such as apricot and nectarines (please referring back to our dietary guide for details). Vitamin C should never be left behind!
Vitamin C supplements can quickly help your pig feel better, and are widely available at retail outlets across the country. The most effective ones can even be purchased for under $30!
