Guinea pigs are natural foragers that spend much of their time exploring and nibbling. They thrive when fed a combination of pellets, hay and fresh vegetables.
Guinea Pigs need vitamin C to remain healthy, so offering them leafy greens that contain it daily such as romaine lettuce, red or green leafy veggies or kale is highly recommended. Orange slices or other fruit treats make a delicious treat as well.
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1. Carrots
Guinea Pigs generally enjoy carrots but should only be fed them occasionally due to their high level of sugar. Other popular veggies for guinea pigs include broccoli, kale, lettuce and swede.
Leafy green vegetables provide essential vitamin C that guinea pigs cannot produce themselves and can also help wear down teeth that might otherwise become overgrown. Provide these as part of your daily feeding along with hay and grass for best results.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C, making it an essential food source for guinea pigs as they don’t produce it themselves and must obtain it through their food sources.
Introduce broccoli leaves gradually into guinea pig diets for maximum benefit; offer one or two handfuls per week as treats. Broccoli leaves are less sugary and more nutritional than their floret counterparts, making them safer choices to include in diets than florets.
3. Cucumber
Guinea pigs love cucumbers for their nutritious seed, skin and core content containing vitamin C that guinea pigs need in order to survive and thrive.
Make sure your guinea pig receives at least one cup of fresh vegetables each day to promote good digestive health, and be sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times too.
4. Lettuce
Leafy green vegetables are essential in providing their daily diet of nutrition for guinea pigs. Popular options include romaine lettuce, kale, parsley and sow thistle. Consider growing your own produce and herbs for increased savings!
Guinea pigs enjoy eating fresh fruits, but these should only be enjoyed occasionally as treats rather than as part of their main diet. Many fruit treats are high in sugar content which may contribute to dental issues, weight gain and stomach upsets in your guinea pig.
5. Apples
Guinea pigs do not produce vitamin C themselves, so it must come from their food sources. Provide your pet with fresh fruits and vegetables such as red and green leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, cabbage, and kale for daily consumption while carrots, zucchini and tomatoes provide extra treats!
Provide them with high-quality pellets and hay, along with fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks. Avoid giving your animal dried fruit or seeds/nuts.
6. Peas
Guinea pigs thrive on fresh veggies like leafy greens, herbs and fruits as well as hay and pellets for nourishment. Water can be provided either through bottles or bowls.
Guinea pigs need to chew in order to maintain healthy teeth. Incorporating grass cuttings and commercial treats/fruits should make up no more than 20% of their diet; otherwise they contain too much sugar which could lead to obesity in your pet.
7. Oranges
Guinea pigs enjoy eating fresh produce. A cupful of fruit and vegetables should be provided daily to avoid diarrhea issues. Do not allow produce to wilt as this could result in gas.
Your guinea pig’s veggie diet should primarily consist of romaine lettuce, carrot tops, red and green leaf kale, parsley and celery, with additional vegetables added periodically as needed to prevent boredom or any nutritional deficiencies. By doing this, you will ensure both boredom and nutritional deficiencies don’t occur.
8. Spinach
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, calcium and vitamin A and also boasts little to no sugar or calories per calorie consumed.
Guinea pigs should be provided with a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Their diet should include rocket, dandelion leaves and silver beet, which contain high amounts of oxalate and calcium to prevent kidney and bladder stones.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries are packed full of vitamin C which is great for your guinea pig’s health. Furthermore, they’re rich in potassium, folic acid and fiber which all work to neutralize free radicals which could otherwise cause disease or infection in their bodies.
Be mindful that strawberries should only be given in moderation – no more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily of fresh fruits and veggies should be given to your guinea pigs.
10. Beetroot
Guinea pigs enjoy leafy vegetables like dandelion greens, romaine lettuce and carrot tops as well as cucumbers and sweet bell peppers.
Fresh vegetables should be consumed daily to prevent nutritional deficiencies in children. Too much of any single vegetable could cause digestive upset.
Guinea pigs should always have access to timothy hay and, when necessary, alfalfa for calcium and protein intake. A fortified pellet mix would make an ideal diet.
