Guinea pigs can develop scurvy, so their diet should contain foods rich in Vitamin C such as fresh leafy vegetables (excluding iceberg lettuce which provides no nutrition value) such as kale, cabbage, broccoli or carrot tops.
Kiwis and citrus fruits can also make great treats, though due to their high sugar content they should only be fed occasionally.
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Hay
When purchasing hay for your guineas, be sure to purchase only fresh, dry hay without mold or dust as this could make them sick and can also trigger respiratory allergies in guineas.
Look for timothy-based pellets with vitamin C added. Guinea pigs should have access to free-choice hay throughout their day and receive small portions of fresh vegetables and fruit as treats.
Vegetable options that make good choices include dark leafy greens, broccoli, carrot tops, kale and silver beet. It is wise to avoid giving guineas high-calcium foods as these can pose health issues; fruit should only be given on occasion and only once or twice every week (ideally those that contain low amounts of sugar while providing lots of Vitamin C; please see Guinea Pig Food Shopping List for further guidance).
Pellets
Guinea pigs do not produce vitamin C themselves and therefore require daily supplementation from pellets and leafy greens. When choosing a pellet specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs, make sure it does not include ingredients which could harm them in any way.
Be wary of products containing corn, alfalfa, beets, soybeans or seeds as these may encourage selective eating and deplete your pet of essential nutrients necessary for good health. Instead, opt for high-fiber low calcium pellets made with timothy grass; adding fresh vegetables as variety or additional vitamins/fiber sources is fine too – however be careful as most veggies contain too little nutrients per nutrient content to form the main part of their diets.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs require fresh vegetables as part of a balanced diet. New veggies should be introduced gradually to avoid gas and diarrhea symptoms.
Vegetables are an abundant source of vitamins and minerals. Most notably, they’re an excellent source of Vitamin C and K while providing essential soluble fiber, potassium, iron and magnesium.
Broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage can cause digestive discomfort; to avoid this discomfort it should only be fed occasionally or as treats. Likewise dill and parsley contain high concentrations of oxalic acid which has been known to contribute to bladder stones in guinea pigs; this chemical should therefore be avoided where possible.
Fruits
Fruit is an enjoyable addition to a guinea pig’s diet and provides essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C. However, fruits should only be offered sparingly.
Your guinea pig’s daily food should consist of leafy greens such as romaine, red or green leaf lettuce, kale and parsley. Carrots and fresh grass (three to four times weekly) should also be offered for variety. Iceberg lettuce or celery should be avoided as these can lead to digestive issues; always cut vegetables into bite-size pieces before feeding as large chunks can pose a choking hazard; apples, bananas or raisins are too high in sugar content and could lead to dental disease in turn – avoid these for added variety!
Treats
Guinea pigs are herbivorous animals that prefer eating hay, pellets and small amounts of vegetables and fruit as their staple diet. By including treats in their daily meal plans, guineas remain engaged and do not overindulge in regular fare.
However, many commercial treats contain too much sugar and fat that may lead to obesity, digestive issues, and other health concerns in guinea pigs. Furthermore, certain vegetables like iceberg lettuce contain little nutrition but high calcium levels, potentially leading to overgrown teeth, kidney stones, or diarrhea among other health problems in these pets.
Raisins, seedless grapes and slices of apple or pear are great healthy snacks to offer your guinea pig as treats. Cucumbers may also be enjoyed occasionally but beware as too much water content could lead to diarrhea if fed in large quantities; rose hips are another delicious vitamin C-rich treat that may prevent scurvy.