There are many types of foods that guinea pigs can eat. Hay, dandelions, and vegetables are just a few. However, you should avoid the following things for the health of your guinea pig: garlic and plants that contain oxalic acid, which can cause kidney or urinary tract stones. Plastic toys should also be kept out of reach of your guinea pigs, as they contain sharp plastic bits that are not food grade. It is also important to avoid industrial glues, such as those used for toilet paper. Finally, a guinea pig should not eat nuts, as they are high in fat and calories.
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guinea pigs eat a variety of foods
A guinea pig’s diet is not as limited as that of a human. They can eat a wide variety of plant-based foods, although some of them are harmful to guinea pigs. Not only are they low in nutrients, but they can also cause tummy problems and even cause gas. You should always check with your vet to be sure that the food you’re giving your guinea pig is safe.
Fresh vegetables and leafy greens are important for your guinea pig’s diet. They need at least a cup of fresh vegetables each day. Choose leafy greens with a lot of vitamin C. Some of these include broccoli, spinach, and endive. Herbs like dill, marjoram, and borage are also excellent options. Some fruits, such as mango, will also be beneficial for your guinea pig.
They eat hay
Hay is a key part of a guinea pig’s diet and you can choose between Timothy and Meadow hay. Both are great choices for your pet. Choose hay that is dust-free and free from any foreign materials. Some hay can be dustier than others so be sure to check the label to make sure it is dust-free.
Hay is important for your guinea pigs’ teeth, and it can also help to stimulate their natural foraging behavior. If you want to give them an incentive to forage, consider adding hay racks and balls. You can also make hay toys for them by stuffing tubes with hay.
They eat vegetables
Guinea pigs can eat fruits and vegetables, but they’ll likely only eat small amounts. Cauliflower, for instance, is safe for them to eat in small amounts. In fact, experts recommend providing them with the raw leaves of the plant, because cooking them removes many of the nutrients.
Celery is a tasty, crunchy vegetable that can be safely fed to guinea pigs. You can purchase it from any grocery store. Just make sure to remove the green stalk, as this can be toxic. You can also feed guinea pigs other vegetables such as kale and collard greens. Other vegetables suitable for guinea pigs include parsley, coriander/cilantro, raspberry leaves, and dandelion.
They eat dandelions
Dandelions are a healthy food for guinea pigs. They are rich in nutrients, including Vitamin C, which is good for the immune system. They also help control blood sugar levels. They are also a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. Dandelions also contain plenty of Vitamin K, which helps with bone formation.
If you are planning to feed guinea pigs dandelion leaves, be sure to rinse them well and let them dry. You can start by offering just a leaf or two to your pet. Afterward, gradually increase the quantity until the animal is accustomed to dandelions.
They eat cyanide-containing plants
Acute cyanide poisoning occurs within 20 minutes to several hours after consumption of the toxic forage. Animals with cyanide poisoning rarely survive more than two hours after exposure. Symptoms include excitement, increased respiration rate, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Pigs may vomit, show hypersalivation, or exhibit muscle tremors.
Plants that contain cyanide are not edible for guinea pigs. The most common toxic plants include onions, garlic, spring onions, chives, leeks, shallots, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth, and bluebells. Some evergreen plants are also toxic to guinea pigs, including rhododendrons, laurel, and bindweed.
They eat human food
You can feed your guinea pig human food, but you should be very careful about what you give them. You should avoid giving them too much fruit, as it has a high sugar content. Instead, give them hay and green leafy vegetables. If you’re unsure of what to feed your pet, consult with a veterinarian.
Your guinea pig’s diet should include lots of hay and fresh vegetables. Hay is the most important part of your cavy’s diet, as it is high in fiber and helps with digestion. It also keeps the cavy’s teeth clean.
