Whether you are new to owning guinea pigs or have one for some time, you may be asking yourself “What foods can guinea pigs have?” There are many types of foods that you can give your guinea pigs to make sure that they stay healthy. Below are a few suggestions.
Contents
Grass hay
Grass hay is a great supplement for guinea pigs. The grass is high in fiber and helps with their digestive system. They need to have an abundance of hay to stay healthy. It also helps with dental health.
Depending on the type of grass hay you choose, it can be a good substitute for timothy hay. Timothy hay is great for guinea pigs because it contains vitamins and minerals. It should also be free from dust and debris.
If you choose to give your guinea pig grass hay, make sure to choose a high-quality product. Some grass hays are treated with chemicals, which can cause illness or even death.
Guinea pigs need to have hay every day. There is a variety of grass hay available, but it is best to choose a product that is high in fiber. Guinea pigs also need a supplement to get vitamin C. You may also want to feed your guinea pig fresh fruits to provide an extra dose of vitamin C.
Grass pellets
Grass pellets for guinea pigs are a great way to ensure your pet gets the nutrition they need. However, pellets are not an ideal substitute for hay. Grass should make up the majority of your guinea pig’s diet. However, you can also include other quality foods for your pet.
Grass and herb-based pellets have a high fibre to protein ratio. This is beneficial for your pet because it promotes a healthy digestive system. Pellets also contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Many guinea pig pellets also contain Vitamin-C. Vitamin-C is a necessary nutrient for your pet’s health. A deficiency can cause scurvy, which is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. If you do not provide a high-quality Vitamin-C supplement, your guinea pig could suffer.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to swollen joints, poor bone density, and decreased appetite. You can provide Vitamin-C-fortified pellets, or you can provide your guinea pig with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fruits
Having a variety of fruits to offer your guinea pig is beneficial to their health. They are a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and minerals. They also help keep them hydrated. However, too much fruit can have negative effects. Some fruits are toxic to guinea pigs, so it’s important to choose only the healthy ones.
The best fruits to feed your piggies are ones that are low in sugar. The majority of fruit is loaded with sugar. That means they can cause weight gain. The sugar content can also cause diarrhea. That’s why piggies need a healthy balance of fruit and veggies.
Other fruits that are high in vitamins and antioxidants are pomegranates, raspberries, and blueberries. You may also want to consider feeding your piggies kiwi, which contains vitamin C. Another fruit that is high in fiber and antioxidants is satsumas.
Sprouts are another nutrient-rich food to feed your guinea pig. They contain phosphorus and calcium. They can be fed once or twice a week. However, be careful to avoid the seeds. Some of them can cause choking.
Night feces
Despite the fact that guinea pigs have diurnal eating habits, it’s possible that they eat their night feces. They may do so for several reasons. First of all, guinea pigs poop a lot and they need energy to perform their bodily functions.
In addition, it’s possible that guinea pigs may eat their night feces to help with their digestion. This is because the process by which guinea pigs break down plant fibers is unique. Other animals, such as rabbits, also eat their night feces.
Guinea pigs poop several times each day. They eat a variety of food, including pellets, fruits, and vegetables. Their digestive system has a special mechanism that allows them to digest tough plant fibers. They have a high metabolism. However, a change in their diet can affect their digestive system.
Guinea pigs produce two types of poop. They have soft poops called cecotropes and they also have hard, dry poops called fecal poops.
