Guinea pigs require a varied diet of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs for optimal wellbeing. Some can be fed daily while others require feeding only occasionally throughout the week.
Provide fresh leafy greens such as kale, romaine lettuce, cilantro and parsley along with tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and other veggies that are high in vitamin C. Make up about one cup of the guinea pig’s diet each day by providing them with these items.
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Hay
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning they require fresh, high-quality grasses for their daily nutrition. Timothy, oat, orchard and bluegrass hays are all suitable choices.
Hay is not only a fantastic source of nutrients for guinea pigs, but it also helps wear down their teeth. Without this activity, their teeth may grow continuously and may become overgrown or abscessed.
Guiana Pig Diet: For optimal health and growth, their diet should consist of unlimited amounts of hay, vitamin C-fortified pellets, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Be mindful not to overfeed them – guinea pigs have a notorious sweet tooth so be careful not to overload them on treats that could lead to obesity.
Commercial treats often contain sugar, corn syrup and fat – all of which are detrimental to guinea pigs. Instead, opt for a treat made primarily with Timothy hay and some fresh fruit.
Fruits
Guinea pigs need high-quality pellets and hay, as well as occasional fruit for a treat. Fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C – essential for their wellbeing.
Fruits such as bananas, pears, peaches, kiwis and cantaloupe are safe for guinea pigs to eat; however they should only be offered sparingly – no more than once or twice per week!
Other fruits to consider include honeydew melon, which is high in Vitamin C. However, only feed your guinea pig a small amount and make sure to remove any seeds before giving them the treat.
Vegetables are an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet, but be wary of foods that contain calcium oxalates which could lead to bladder stones. Offer small amounts of spinach, parsley, strawberries or other veggies with small amounts of oxalates in small amounts as a treat. Ideally, offer your pet pelleted food, hay and fresh produce daily for best results.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs require fresh vegetables as part of their daily diet, as they provide essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Crucially, fresh veggies also provide Vitamin C which aids in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Vegetables provide essential nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Furthermore, they contain phytonutrients – antioxidants which can benefit your pet’s health in many ways.
Broccoli, carrots, kale and spinach are all nutritious choices for your guinea pig to eat on a regular basis. These veggies are high in Vitamin C and low in phosphorus – an ideal balance for their wellbeing.
Turnip greens are another popular vegetable for guinea pigs, as they’re packed with Vitamin C and contain a hint of calcium. However, these should not be fed as part of an all-inclusive diet.
Fruits should only be offered occasionally as a treat for your guinea pig, as they tend to be sweeter than vegetables and should only be offered sparingly. Feeding too much fruit may lead to obesity and tooth decay in your pet.
Treats
Guinea pigs have a reputation for having sweet-toothed mouths, and they will happily munch on whatever you give them. However, treats should not become an integral part of their diet; rather, offer them treats only occasionally as rewards.
Treats can be an excellent way to break up your pet’s monotony of pelleted food and they may contain ingredients beneficial for their health. Examples include dried fruits, vegetable treats and vitamin C tablets.
Guinnea pigs love veggies and herbs as treats, too! Offer your pet a variety of greens such as lettuce, kale or spinach several times per week for added variety.
Fruits make a nice reward for your guinea pigs, but be mindful not to overfeed them as this could lead to excessive weight gain. Limit their fruit intake to 10% of their overall food and avoid feeding them too much sugar.
Your guinea pigs will love a small branch or twig from a fruit tree as an incentive. Not only does it taste delicious, but it helps keep their teeth trim.