Guinea pigs require a steady diet of Timothy Hay (timothy) and pellets, in addition to at least one cup of fresh vegetables daily – typically leafy greens and those rich in Vitamin C.
Here are some vegetables to include in your diet: romaine butterhead lettuce, broccoli, dandelion greens, endive and carrot tops are among them. However, avoid iceberg lettuce and other varieties of cabbage as these contain low nutritional value.
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Hay
Guinea Pigs require grass hay as the majority of their diet to keep their back teeth in proper alignment and ensure digestive health. When selecting grass hay for feeding purposes, look for fresh, dry timothy, orchard or oat hay with an inviting sweet scent such as Timothy Orchard Or Oat Hay that meets these standards – avoid dusty moldy varieties which have an intense vinegar scent! For pellets specifically tailored for Guinea Pigs without seeds that are uniform in size.
Oxbow is the brand most recommended by veterinarians and was specifically created for small animals, specifically guineas. They use low calcium content hay such as Timothy or Botanical to provide ample fiber and nutrition. Try offering your guineas their new Botanical variety which combines Western Timothy with safe yet pleasant-smelling herbs such as chamomile and clover, or their new Botanical blend! Also avoid providing your guinea with foods containing high levels of nitrate such as lettuce, rhubarb leaves or potatoes which have high nitrate content causing diarrhea and dehydration – try offering various leafy greens daily alongside fruit or vegetables high in vitamin C when offering daily offerings!
Pellets
Guinea pigs require pellets as part of their diet as they provide essential balance of nutrients that they wouldn’t get from just eating hay alone. Aim for Timothy-based pellets which are low in sugar and high in fiber. Incorporating vitamin C from sources other than fruits will be especially beneficial.
Alfalfa-based pellets can provide pregnant or young guinea pigs with extra calcium required to develop healthy foetuses and babies. As light can diminish vitamin C content in these pellets, storage should take place in a dark place for maximum efficiency.
Always provide at least one cup of fresh vegetables daily, and aim to incorporate leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, cilantro and parsley into this daily serving. Other nutritious choices could include red or green peppers, watercress turnip greens or broccoli which are rich sources of vitamins and minerals – particularly vitamin C!
Fresh Vegetables & Herbs
Guinea pigs are native grazers and should primarily consume fresh leafy green vegetables as part of their diet, while adding an assortment of herbs for an aromatic and nutritional treat.
Asparagus is an excellent vegetable to offer frequently as it contains low levels of sugar while providing plenty of minerals. Other safe vegetables to serve regularly include kale, broccoli, collard greens, turnips and Swiss chard.
Herbs can make an excellent addition to a guinea pig’s diet, but you must select them carefully. Thyme and parsley are beginner-friendly herbs that grow well indoors or in gardens. Mint is another fantastic addition, though due to its high calcium content it should only be offered a few times every week.
Avoid feeding your guinea pig potatoes and their peels, iceberg lettuce (rich in nitrates), rhubarb leaves (which contain toxins that could upset their stomachs), avocado and nightshade plants like daffodils, foxgloves or lilies as these contain too many starches and sugars and could potentially prove toxic for their wellbeing.
Fruit
Guinea Pigs are herbivores in their natural environment, spending much of their time foraging and grazing on vegetation such as lettuce, sweet bell peppers (without seeds or core), carrot tops, celery stalks, spinach leaves, flat leaf kale as well as parsley or coriander for snacking on.
Your guinea pig should also receive fresh fruit at regular intervals throughout the week in small doses, focusing on varieties high in vitamin C such as blueberries. To minimize sugar consumption and maximize vitamin intake.
Always wash all fruits and vegetables prior to offering them to your guinea pigs for consumption, as this helps remove pesticides and chemicals that could pose health hazards to them. Be mindful to remove stringy parts which could pose a choking hazard as well. Iceberg lettuce as well as onions should be avoided because these foods often cause gas and diarrhea issues in these furry creatures.
