While guinea pigs typically enjoy eating cabbage, it should only be given as an occasional treat and in small quantities. Cabbage contains high amounts of Vitamin C, antioxidants and calcium/vit K for strong teeth and bones as well as being low in fat/cholesterol content.
White, red, Savoy and Napa cabbage varieties are safe to feed to guinea pigs in moderation – provided only leaves and not heads are fed at one time or too frequently.
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Vitamin C
Guinea pigs, as herbivorous creatures, require plenty of fiber in their daily diet for proper digestive function. A mix of high quality timothy-based pellets such as Burgess Excel combined with fresh low sugar vegetables would be an ideal combination.
Like humans and other primates, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own and must rely on diet as their sole source. Vitamin C plays an essential role in producing collagen – an important protein component that forms skin, tendons and mucous membranes such as gums. A chronic deficiency could result in scurvy so it’s imperative that enough vitamin C is provided.
Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces and mustard or turnip greens are packed with vitamin C, making them excellent daily snacks. Other vegetables with high concentrations of this nutrient include broccoli, kale, cauliflower and Swiss chard – offering small portions several times daily is ideal. However, fruits should not be given because they lack nutritional density like vegetables do.
Calcium
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves and must rely on diet to meet this need. Without enough Vitamin C in the diet, guinea pigs can develop scurvy and other health issues.
Guinea Pigs require an adequate supply of calcium in their diet. This nutrient aids in maintaining good bone and teeth health. Guinea pigs can access this nutrient through eating hay and grass; Timothy, orchard and meadow varieties of hay provide ample calcium, with grass hay being particularly high in fiber for maintaining dental issues in these creatures.
Guinea Pigs should receive a healthy diet consisting of both hay and leafy vegetables and herbs such as kale, silver beet, broccoli, dandelion greens, carrot tops, mint etc. They may also receive occasional treats of oranges or kiwis; just remember these treats can contain high levels of sugar and fat that may contribute to obesity or other health concerns.
Fibre
Guinea pigs are herbivorous animals that spend their days foraging for food in herds in the wild. To maintain healthy digestion, they require a diet high in fibre such as grass cuttings from clover, timothy, orchard grass and clover plants; avoid any treated hay as these could contain pesticides that could be toxic to them.
Guinea Pigs should be given fresh vegetables and herbs such as spinach, cabbage, broccoli, dandelion leaves, mint, parsley and kale on a regular basis – in addition to premium commercial pellets.
Keep in mind that guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own, and therefore rely on food as the sole source of this essential nutrient. Therefore, it is wise to steer clear of foods lacking this vital nutrient such as potatoes and potato skins, avocados, onions, garlic and mushrooms; any fruit with sugar should also be avoided since this could potentially cause digestive issues for them.
Antioxidants
Guinea pigs require an appropriate balance of minerals and vitamins in their diet for optimal health, including an ample supply of antioxidant Vitamin C which cannot be stored by their bodies and must therefore be obtained through diet. A lack of certain vitamins or minerals can result in metastatic calcification causing muscle stiffness or bone deformities – and deficiencies of others could even result in serious medical consequences, including metastatic calcification.
Guinea pigs can get Vitamin C through fresh fruits and vegetables, which are an excellent source of potassium and calcium. Some vegetables such as dill, brussels sprouts and cabbage contain high concentrations of calcium or oxalic acid which could contribute to bladder stones in guinea pigs; asparagus provides plenty of Vitamin C as well as fiber; however it should not become the primary vegetable source due to high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates it contains.
