Guinea pigs are herbivores and their digestive systems were never designed to digest meat; eating chicken could make them very sick or even lead them to die.
Guinea Pig food does not meet the nutritional requirements of chickens, leading to serious nutritional imbalances that could compromise their health and cause serious issues in your flock.
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Chicken
Your guinea pig’s ideal diet consists of high-quality pellets, unlimited hay and fresh fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of water – providing this will ensure they live long and happy lives! However, chicken food should not be given; while it might contain some necessary nutrients like protein and fat for their wellbeing, chicken foods tend to contain large amounts of calcium which could cause them to form bladder stones more quickly than necessary.
Guinea pigs in their natural environment are herbivores and consume only grasses and plants. Due to lack of stomach acids or enzymes needed to digest animal flesh like chicken, any consumption would just remain in their digestive tract causing great discomfort – potentially even death! Instead, you can feed your guinea pig vegetables high in Vitamin C such as greens (their stems and seeds), turnip greens with calcium and phosphorus content, watercress etc.
Meat
Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs are not carnivores like chicken. Instead they need an herbivorous diet consisting of high-fiber grass hay mixed with fresh veggies and the occasional fruit treat.
Guinea pigs lack the digestive systems required to digest animal proteins like they would in their natural environments and long-term consumption can result in health issues including diarrhoea, weight loss and an altered microbiome (a shift in the types of bacteria responsible for digestion), as well as oxalate stones and internal organ calcification.
Other foods to avoid when feeding guinea pigs include avocados, which are too rich and may lead to weight issues; bananas with high amounts of sugar could lead to tooth problems or diabetes; cauliflower, cabbage and sprouts which could give your pet gas; as well as iceberg lettuce leaves that lack fibre that could cause bloat or dehydration.
Broccoli contains vitamin C which may aid with oxalate stone prevention; strawberries should only be fed on an occasional basis as they contain high concentrations of sugar.
Dairy
Guinea pigs are herbivorous animals and must consume a diet consisting of hay, pellets and fresh vegetables. Furthermore, roughage for chewing helps strengthen both their teeth and digestive systems.
Guinea pigs cannot digest meat, eggs or dairy products and this will result in life-threatening diarrhea. Other food to avoid includes onions, chives, garlic and leeks (which contain oxalic acid that is toxic), rhubarb, squash leaves and seeds as well as tomatoes with thorns or prickly skin as well as any plants treated with pesticides, which could leave behind residues that will harm their livers and kidneys.
Other foods suitable for guinea pigs to consume include fresh leafy green vegetables and herbs such as rocket, dandelion greens, turnip greens, carrot tops, watercress, fennel silver beet kale radish mint. Also provide your guinea pig with high quality grass pellets and give him/her access to clean fresh water at all times.
Treats
Guinea pigs are herbivores and should consume their diet through vegetables, fruits, and hay. While treats and foods may occasionally be introduced into their diet, it’s essential that we pay close attention to what and how often they’re eating them.
Fresh veggies such as baby tomatoes, cucumbers (with their skin on) and bell peppers make for delicious snacks for children. Romaine lettuce makes an ideal treat as it is low in calories, fat and high in fibre and vitamins; dandelions may also be enjoyed; just be wary as picking these may contain chemicals and pollutants that could pose risks to health.
Fruit such as kiwis, strawberries, and citrus should only be given occasionally as treats; too much sugar could lead to obesity and diabetes. They may also eat cabbage containing vitamin C; however be wary as this could cause gas issues in their system.
