Timothy hay is a popular choice when it comes to feeding your cavies hay. Not only is this hay high in fiber and essential nutrients, but it’s also easy to find in most pet stores.
It also contains the proper amounts of protein and calcium. Unfortunately, too much calcium can lead to bladder stones in adult guinea pigs.
Contents
It is safe to feed
Guinea pigs require hay for health, and it’s an important part of their diet. Different types of hay exist, and pet owners can experiment to find which kind their guinea pigs enjoy most.
Timothy hay is the most common type of hay for guinea pigs, and it’s usually easy to locate in your area. Not only does it contain low amounts of calcium but also plenty of essential nutrients, making it suitable for guinea pigs of all ages.
Oat hay is a favorite among many guinea pigs as it’s harvested before the grain matures into a seed head, providing them with an enjoyable fibrous husk that tastes savory and crunchy.
It is not safe to feed
Guinea pigs may occasionally enjoy oat hay as a treat or support food, but it should never be their primary diet. Doing so could negatively impact their digestive system and dental health.
Instead, provide your guinea pigs with Timothy hay, meadow hay or orchard hay as their primary forage. These hays are packed full of essential vitamins and low in fats – perfect for growing guinea pigs!
In addition to hay, it is also beneficial for your guinea pig’s diet to include various fruits and vegetables. These are beneficial for their digestive system and may help protect them against various illnesses.
It is not recommended to feed
Guinea pigs may occasionally enjoy oat hay as a treat, but it should not be fed regularly like Timothy or Orchard hay. Oat hay contains excessive fat which could pose health risks to your pet.
Many guinea pig owners prefer Timothy orchard hay for its high levels of protein, fiber and other essential nutrients. Not only that but it helps promote good dental health and digestion in guinea pigs as well.
In addition to hay, your guinea pig should be offered fresh vegetables and fruits throughout the day. Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin C – essential for their healthy growth and development.
They should drink plenty of water, as this is essential for their GI tract. Steer clear of feeding pellets containing seeds or dried fruit as these often contain excessive sugar and preservatives that could be hazardous for your guinea pig.
It is not suitable for guinea pigs
Are you searching for a suitable hay to feed your guinea pigs? Oat hay may be just what the doctor ordered! Oat hay is an herbal blend with long stems with oats attached at one end.
Oat hay is high in fiber but low in fat and protein. Unfortunately, it should not be the sole source of food for adult guinea pigs as it may lead to digestive problems.
Timothy hay is a popular grass hay among guinea pigs due to its soft texture and high levels of nutrients, particularly fiber. Timothy hay provides them with plenty of exercise as they chew away at it for hours on end.
However, timothy hay can be dusty and difficult for small animals to digest. If you can’t locate quality timothy hay or your guinea pigs have allergies, try switching them over to oat or orchard hay instead.