Yes, guinea pigs can consume various fresh vegetables and fruits; however, you must introduce new food slowly so as to prevent diarrhea and bloating.
Guinea pig diets should primarily consist of high-quality grass hay. Vegetables and greens should also play an integral part of their daily regimen; approximately one cup worth will suffice per day for these animals.
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Leafy Greens
Guinea pigs should receive approximately half a cup of vegetables and greens every day, including leafy greens like romaine lettuce, red and green leafy vegetables, mustard or turnip greens, cabbage, kale, parsley and cilantro that are packed full of vitamins and minerals. Other leafy options that may be provided are spinach, Swiss chard and dandelion greens.
Vegetables should be provided in addition to the recommended diet of 80% hay and 10% pellets for guinea pigs. Vitamin C is particularly essential as their bodies cannot produce it themselves and its deficiency can lead to scurvy. Other vegetables that provide this essential nutrient include fennel tubers, red and green bell peppers and dill – though serve with caution as some contain calcium or oxalic acid which could lead to bladder stone formation; beetroot is another good source of vitamin C but can discolour the urine!
Root Vegetables
Guinea pigs are true herbivores and should receive at least half to one cup of fresh vegetables daily, with leafy greens making up the bulk of this diet. Examples include romaine lettuce (the red and green varieties are lower in calcium and oxalates), mustard or turnip greens, dandelion greens, cabbage, kale and parsley as examples of leafy greens.
These vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as A, C, Folic acid, Fiber Potassium Magnesium. Furthermore, they provide phytonutrients which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Vegetables are an integral component of their daily nutrition, yet they may not get all of their needs from just veggies alone. For variety in their diet, offer carrots, squash and sweet peppers; avoid feeding tomato leaves and stems which are toxic; also, citrus fruits such as oranges contain too much sugar for them.
Fruit
Guinea pigs require plenty of fibre in their diet to maintain digestive health. Furthermore, they need vitamin C (which they are unable to produce themselves) for healthy skin, bones and blood vessels – adding fresh vegetables and fruit every day with their Burgess Excel pellets will supply all their daily requirements – including calcium, oxalate and phosphorus as well.
Green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, red and green leafy vegetables, carrot tops, mustard and turnip greens, cabbage, kale and cilantro should make up the bulk of your guinea pig’s diet. You may wish to introduce other foods, like squash, courgette or tomato on occasion for variety.
Bananas provide guinea pigs with a healthy and tasty treat that should be offered regularly in small doses, making sure to offer both their peel and plant leaves, which contain fiber that helps maintain good dental hygiene.
Combinations
At the sight of any plastic bag crinkle, most guinea pigs will react by wheeking loudly – knowing it’s veggies time! In an ideal world, fresh vegetables should comprise approximately 80% of your cavy’s daily diet.
For optimal vitamin C intake, feeding your pet a variety of leafy greens such as Asparagus, Basil, Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel sprouts and Kale is best, along with carrots, cucumbers, courgette and radish. Furthermore, water-rich veggies such as Turnips Dandelions and tomatoes may also benefit him or her.
Avoid feeding your pet cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and beans as these produce too much gas, leading to bloat. Also avoid potatoes and potato tops as these contain too much sugar which is not good for their health.
Your guinea pig should never eat avocado as this is toxic to them and can lead to serious internal health issues including digestive upset, hemolytic anemia and damage to red blood cells. Also avoid giving them onion or garlic products which can both cause illness as well as being potential choking hazards.
