Guinea pigs spend much of their day nibbling and snacking. Therefore, it is vital that they receive sufficient quality hay as a staple diet item.
Timothy hay is generally considered the optimal diet for most guinea pigs, while alfalfa should only be given as treats. Oatmeal, seeds and nuts can be harmful.
Contents
Hay
Hay is an integral component of the diet for guinea pigs, helping them maintain strong teeth and digestive systems. Therefore, it’s crucial that their daily feeding of fresh, high-quality Timothy or meadow hay should include an unlimited supply.
Though hay should remain the cornerstone of your guinea pig’s diet, you can supplement it with additional vegetables and fruit daily. Each guinea pig should receive approximately one cup of fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, red or green leafy vegetables like kale and parsley, as well as fruits such as strawberries, off-the-vine tomatoes and cucumber.
When purchasing hay, be sure that it is free from mold and other contaminants. Moisture in hay can quickly cause it to decay, making your guinea pig sick and leading to more costs in vet bills and medication costs. Furthermore, store it away from direct sunlight, which may cause it to lose nutrients over time. Many guinea pig owners leave large piles of hay around the cage or enclosure for their guinea pigs to nibble throughout the day.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs should only receive fruit and vegetables as treats; since their lack of nutrient density makes large amounts unwise. New foods should also be introduced gradually over a period of time in order to prevent gas and upset stomach issues.
Vegetables should be consumed multiple times each week and include dark leafy greens, herbs such as rosemary, thyme, borage, parsley, nasturtium and mint; cabbage, carrot tops, endive, kale silver beet cauliflower as well as cucumber (without seeds). Strawberries blueberries or oranges can also be added for variety.
Be careful when feeding fruits – many are high in sugar and have low calcium to phosphorus ratios that could potentially cause bladder issues; only feed them occasionally and remove any uneaten fruit that has an unpleasant odor from the cage so as to prevent any further decay or upset stomachs. Always remove uneaten vegetables or fruits from their cage so as to prevent their decaying.
Fruit
Guinea pigs are natural herbivores and, when left to their own devices in the wild, spend most of their time foraging and grazing in small herds. Their digestive systems require roughage to wear down teeth while keeping it functioning efficiently; plus ample vitamin C to prevent scurvy.
Provide fresh timothy hay at all times to give your guinea pig the necessary roughage it requires and prevent serious dental issues. Fresh, chemical-free hay should ideally be given.
Your guinea pig’s diet should focus mainly on green, leafy vegetables and herbs that provide ample amounts of nutrition, such as romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces or dandelion greens. Other good options for diet inclusions may include arugula, bok choy, Swiss chard, parsley and cilantro; avoid iceberg lettuce as its low nutritional value contains toxicants which could cause stomach upset; potatoes (including skins) and rhubarb leaves which contain toxins which could lead to diarrhea outbreaks.
Other vegetables to offer periodically include celery (with its stems removed), tomatoes off-the-vine and cucumber. Be careful when handling stringy veggies like celery as this could present a choking risk.
Treats
As a general guideline, guinea pigs should receive one full cup of fresh vegetables daily to maintain variety and get plenty of vitamin C. Common veggies to consider feeding your guinea pig include celery, off-the-vine tomatoes, cucumber and corn (including its husks).
Fruit should be given as treats on an occasional basis to your guinea pigs as its high sugar content makes for an irresistibly delicious treat! Offering several slices of orange or apple, blueberries or even a thin slice of banana should suffice as tasty treats.
Avoid giving guinea pigs treats such as yogurt drops, nuts, seeds or popcorn as these contain high levels of sugar which could result in weight gain. If your pet begins losing appetite or seems lethargic, speak to their veterinarian as this could indicate parasites or illness in your pet. Always ensure they have access to clean water via either their bottle or small bowl at all times.
