Timothy hay should form the basis of your guinea pig’s diet, as it helps them digest and wear down their constantly expanding teeth. Hay should always be available and replaced on a daily basis.
Guinea pigs must receive ample vitamin C through food sources or pellets designed specifically for them, since their bodies do not produce this element themselves. Vegetables and pellets may provide this essential supplement.
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Timothy Hay
Guinea pigs are herbivores and grass should make up at least 75% of their diet. A combination of timothy, orchard and oat hay will provide your guinea pig with an adequate balance diet. Alfalfa hay should only be fed occasionally as its high calcium content could cause dental and GI issues in your pet.
Guinea pigs require high-quality pellets (preferably vitamin C-fortified), fresh hay and vegetables such as romaine lettuce, carrots (including the tops and cores), sweet bell pepper seeds, cucumbers celeriac parsley kale. Vegetables should be offered daily. Also provided is water in bottle rather than bowl as bowls tend to become blocked more easily). Vitamin C supplements should also be considered essential due to being unable to manufacture their own supply and being more susceptible to conditions like scurvy.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs require a diet rich in fresh vegetables and herbs daily. Ideal foods for them include dark leafy greens such as rocket, dandelion, mustard and radish leaves as well as endive, collards and root vegetables like carrot tops, turnip tops and swede root veggies – although you should avoid toxic items like rhubarb, onions and garlic which are toxic to them and also avoid foods containing seeds/pips that pose a choking hazard that may cause illness.
Some guinea pigs require extra vitamin C in their diets; this can be provided through vegetables and fruit each day, as well as tablets or specific pellets designed for this species. Vitamin C may also be offered in small amounts from fruits preferably peeled for best results.
Fruits
Guinea pigs are herbivores that prefer spending their days grazing and foraging in the wild, and require plenty of roughage to chew in order to help wear down their teeth and avoid dental problems.
Leafy greens like romaine, red leaf and bibb lettuces; parsley, cilantro, kale carrot tops and seeds of red or yellow peppers make excellent daily choices. Kiwi, strawberries and citrus fruits also contain essential vitamin C.
Avoid feeding iceberg lettuce, avocados and other high-fat or sugary foods which could lead to obesity. Also watch for foods rich in calcium or phosphorus which may cause digestive distress or blockages in guinea pigs. Finally, when offering fruits or flowers – some species can be toxic!
Herbs
Yes, guinea pigs can safely consume herbs as part of a healthy diet of hay pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables. Chives should be avoided due to its disulfides that could potentially harm red blood cells; instead offer basil or cilantro which provide essential vitamin C that they cannot produce themselves.
Parsley is another beneficial herb to give to guinea pigs as it contains several essential vitamins and nutrients like A and C as well as potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus. When providing them with parsley stems it may reduce starch and sugar intake while cilantro should also be introduced gradually as certain foods may upset their stomachs.
Treats
Guinea pigs enjoy eating an assortment of safe fruits and vegetables. Fresh veggies should comprise the bulk of their daily diet, such as cabbage, carrot tops, greens, dandelion leaves, romaine lettuce and spinach. Also popular are kale, sweet bell peppers (including seeds and core), cucumber and curly and flat-leaved parsley varieties.
An absence of vitamin C in their diet will result in rough fur, so supplementation should include foods rich in this nutrient such as broccoli, spinach and kohlrabi which all provide this essential element.
Guinea pigs make delicious treats for guinea pigs such as whole grains, alfalfa cubes, and grass that hasn’t been fertilized or treated with pesticides. Chewing sticks made of tasty wood also make excellent dental health snacks!
