Guinnea pigs’ diet is of paramount importance for their wellbeing. Eating the wrong food can make them sick or even cause death, so it’s essential to know what your guinea pig can and cannot eat.
Guinea pigs should be offered a variety of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, peas, cabbage and certain varieties of spinach. These should be fed in small amounts and gradually introduced into their diet to prevent diarrhea or bloating.
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1. Seeds
Guinea pigs should not consume seeds due to their high fat content and incompatibility with their digestive systems. Furthermore, small pieces of seeds could get stuck in their teeth, leading to choking.
Fortunately, most seeds can be safely consumed as part of a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. While larger seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds may pose a choking hazard for guinea pigs, most nutritious fruits and vegetables contain tiny seeds which are safe to eat.
Vegetables, herbs and fruit are an excellent way to provide variety and nutrition to a guinea pig’s diet. Just remember to offer them in small portions at certain times of the week as a special treat.
2. Rice
Guinea pigs are herbivores and should have a balanced diet consisting of Timothy or low-calcium hay and pelleted foods, supplemented with fresh vegetables. At least one cup of vegetables per day should be provided, such as carrots, green and red leaf lettuce, kale, cilantro, turnip greens, beet greens, radicchio and watercress.
Some vegetables, herbs and fruits may contain too much sugar, calcium or oxalates for guinea pigs to eat regularly. Offer them in small portions several times a week or less often if your animal has a health condition or is young.
3. Garlic
Garlic is an incredibly nutritious herb with numerous health advantages. It contains several essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, selenium, Vitamin C, as well as various B-vitamins.
Garlic also contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which may reduce inflammation and protect against infectious diseases like the flu or bacterial infections.
Guinea pigs can eat garlic, but be sure to remove all green parts before feeding it. Furthermore, garlic is a cruciferous vegetable and should not be fed in excess.
4. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is an attractive vegetable to add to any garden. Additionally, it’s packed full of calcium which has many health benefits for bones and hearts alike.
Vitamin K is also abundant in this fruit, supporting bone and tooth health as well as blood clotting.
When purchasing rhubarb, look for stalks that are firm and free from blemishes. If leaves are attached, ensure they are firm and green in color.
5. Plastic Toys
Guinea pigs require both mental and physical stimulation when given toys. Furthermore, they should only chew on items that are safe for their teeth as they never stop growing!
Guinea pigs love wooden toys, so long as the wood is in good condition and not painted or treated.
Puzzles, hideouts and tunnels are great for building a bond with your pet cavy. These can be purchased at most pet stores or easily made at home by you and your furry friend.
6. Nuts
Nuts are high in fat and should not be included as part of your guinea pig’s diet. Eating nuts regularly can lead to obesity in these pets, and their regular consumption could result in other health issues as well.
Their urinary system may also be affected, leading to bladder and kidney stones. Furthermore, recurrent urinary tract infections could develop into kidney failure if left untreated.
Pistachio nuts may be beneficial to humans, but they can be too much for guinea pigs and lead to serious health issues. Plus, they contain lots of carbohydrates which may be difficult for the animals to digest.