Rabbits and guinea pigs have very distinct diet needs; therefore, the latter must consume primarily grass hay along with some fresh veggies like kale, mustard greens or parsley for optimal health.
Avoid feeding them food containing excessive fats and proteins which they do not require in large quantities, such as nuts. They must have access to fresh water daily as a drink source.
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Hay
Muesli diets and pellet mixes containing timothy hay are available, though these low-fiber diets can lead to obesity, dental issues, upset tummies, as well as vitamin C deficiency which cannot be produced naturally by your guinea pig.
Guinea Pigs and rabbits need fresh, high-quality timothy grass hay in large quantities as the bulk of their diet. This will provide essential roughage to support digestive health while wearing down their teeth; in addition, this source provides vitamin A, calcium, and K for proper growth. You may supplement this hay with vegetables like kale, mustard greens, parsley or even romaine lettuce (with seeds removed), to provide additional nutrition balance. Finally, daily servings of pear, melons, apples or orange will ensure balanced nutrition is provided.
Veggies
There are many incorrect beliefs and food myths surrounding what should be fed to guinea pigs, including swapping rabbit pellets for those specifically tailored for your pet cavy. Instead, ensure you provide high-quality timothy-based pellets as the majority of your pet’s diet consists of hay.
Guinea pigs, like humans, need an adequate supply of vitamin C derived from leafy greens to avoid scurvy. Without this vitamin C-rich food source, your guinea pig could experience poor skin, bone and tooth development as well as delayed wound healing times and decreased immunity – potentially leading to poor growth and development in skin, bones and teeth as well as weakening immunity and delayed wound healing processes.
Timothy-based vitamin C fortified guinea pig pellets should be fed daily in small amounts (around one eighth cup), along with ample hay and various treats that contain vitamin C (apples, carrots, bell peppers with their seeds removed, rooibos tea, parsley leaves etc). Furthermore, fresh water should always be available via either sipper bottle or bowl for your small pet to access at all times.
Pellets
As rabbit food usually does not provide sufficient vitamin C which guinea pigs require for healthy living, pellets formulated specifically for them should not be fed to them.
A diet for guinea pigs should primarily consist of grass hay and some fresh greens. At least 80% of their diet should consist of grass hay; this should always be available. Incorporating small quantities of vegetables and fruits like kale, spinach, parsley, mustard greens, broccoli or bell pepper into their daily meal. Water should always be available through either sipper bottles or bowls.
Guinea pigs require bacterias that can only be obtained through eating an appropriate diet of hay and greens. Without enough of this essential nutrition, guinea pigs can develop an illness known as scurvy that leads to serious illness in them.
Fruit
Keep in mind that guinea pigs and rabbits are distinct species with distinct diet requirements, and mixing their food may actually do more damage to your pet than good in the long run. Instead, give your guinea pig Burgess Excel Feeding Hay to provide necessary nutrition for his health and wellbeing.
Fresh vegetables should make up an integral part of your pet’s daily diet. Include varieties like romaine lettuce, red and green lettuces, mustard or turnip greens, collard greens, kale, fennel, and parsley as part of this mix. Also provide bell peppers and cilantro as they contain Vitamin C while avoiding foods such as dill, brussels sprouts or cabbage which contain too much calcium or oxalic acid.
Fruit treats such as oranges and kiwis can provide your guinea pig with additional nutrition, but only small amounts should be fed as these fruit items can contain high levels of sugar that could potentially lead to digestive upset if fed too frequently.
