Guinea Pigs can eat a variety of different foods. These foods can range from vegetables and fruits to grass hay. You can even occasionally feed them raw beetroot. While raw beetroot contains no oxalates, it does contain small amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Spinach can cause stones if it is mixed with calcium. Squash is also okay to give your Guinea Pig occasionally, but the green stalk of a tomato is poisonous.
Fruits
Guinea pigs can eat various fruits and vegetables, which vary in sugar content and vitamins. Nevertheless, it is better to limit fruit feeding to once or twice a week, because too much sugar can cause constipation. Some fruits are good choices for your pet, such as pears and apples. But you should be aware of the health risks of eating them, especially bananas.
Pears and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C, but you should cut them into small pieces and offer them to your guinea pig once or twice a week. Avoid giving your guinea pig whole tomatoes, as they contain nitrates and can cause diarrhea if given too often. Grapes are another good choice, but they are high in sugar and can cause dental problems. Celery is also a good option, but it has a stringy texture, which poses a choking hazard.
For fresh vegetables, you can give your guinea pig a cup of raw vegetables per day. Fresh vegetables are easy to digest and should be offered to your pet at least once a day. Always wash the vegetables before giving them to your pet. Fresh vegetables should be leafy greens such as kale and parsley. Occasionally, you can feed your guinea pig carrots and turnip greens.
Vegetables
Some of the vegetables your guinea pig can eat are broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale, carrots, and lettuce. These foods are good for guinea pigs, but you should keep in mind that they should be fresh. You can also feed your pet larger varieties, but be sure to remove the seeds and green stalk, as they are toxic. Some vegetables are harmful for guinea pigs, including iceberg lettuce, which has a toxin. Also, avoid giving your guinea pigs green vegetables, as they are too starchy to digest and can make them poisonous. Cucumbers are a great source of water, and you can also feed them mango.
When choosing vegetables for your guinea pig, look for those that are low in sugar. Fruits are a good choice for occasional treats, but keep in mind that they’re also high in sugar and can cause diarrhea in guinea pigs if over-fed. Fresh fruit is best for your guinea pig when it’s served in small pieces and at room temperature.
When giving your guinea pig vegetables, start with non-watery vegetables, then move on to watery ones, one at a time. Do not offer them large portions of these vegetables, and if they seem to be giving up quickly, you may need to adjust the portion size. You can also give your pet pieces of cucumber or celery.
Grass hay
Grass hay is one of the most important foods a cavy needs on a daily basis. Hay is a good source of fiber for their digestive system, which helps them process and digest the food they eat. The fibre in hay also helps to keep their teeth and tummy clean. It can also be placed in toys and tubes to encourage foraging behaviour.
Fresh veggies are also great for guinea pigs, though they should not be offered in large amounts because they do not contain as much of the nutrients as pelleted diets. Many guinea pigs eventually develop a preference for veggies over pellets. Keeping your guinea pig happy is also important, so make sure to introduce new vegetables slowly.
Grass hay is a great source of vitamin C and essential nutrients for your guinea pig. It is also important to give your guinea pig a variety of hay every day, because different types of grass contain different amounts of those nutrients. Fresh grass also helps regulate digestion, so it is important to provide your guinea pig with plenty of hay.