Guinea pigs need a varied diet of fruits and vegetables for proper health. When feeding your guinea pigs produce, ensure it has been thoroughly cleaned to eliminate pesticides or chemicals which could potentially be harmful.
Cut fruits and veggies into bite-sized pieces to prevent any potential choking hazards, and be sure to include commercial pellets, vitamin C-enriched treats like Timothy grass-based treats as well as fresh fruits and veggies in their diet.
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Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin C and should be fed occasionally as part of your guinea pig’s diet, although due to their high sugar levels they should not become part of his routine diet.
Instead, consider offering your pet low-sugar leafy greens like kale to provide plenty of essential vitamins and nutrients. Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces to minimize potential choking hazards.
Cauliflower
Guinea pigs will love cauliflower – both leaves and florets! Not only is it packed full of vitamin C (something their bodies cannot produce on its own) but it’s also high in calcium and fiber, giving their digestive systems an extra boost!
However, too much cauliflower may cause guinea pigs to experience gassiness and cause them discomfort; thus it should only be fed sparingly and mixed in with other types of vegetables and fruits for best results. Keep an eye out for signs of stomach upset such as diarrhea.
Celery
Yes, guinea pigs can enjoy eating celery as it contains high amounts of vitamin C; however, its stringy texture poses a choking hazard; thus it’s best to only give small portions mixed in with other leafy greens for optimal nutrition.
Keep in mind that you should only feed your guinea pigs vegetables on a daily basis, with fruit being given as treats once or twice every week as it often contains too much sugar which could lead to obesity and dental problems in their health.
Corn
Guinea pigs require an excellent source of Vitamin C in their diet, and many guinea owners suggest offering cranberries (make sure the seeds have been removed first), orange citrus fruits like satsumas or tangerines and strawberries as treats rather than as regular parts of their daily meals.
Also high in vitamin C are watercress, cabbage, turnip greens (with low calcium and phosphorus levels), collards, kale and mustard greens.
Cucumber
Cucumbers make an excellent and safe snack for your cavy. Not only do they contain vitamin C, but also phosphorous, calcium and trace amounts of oxalates – so why wouldn’t your pet love eating cucumbers?
Oatmeal treats offer low levels of sugar, an important feature for cavies as too much sugar can contribute to obesity and diabetes. They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin C – essential as guinea pigs cannot produce this essential nutrient on their own.
Tomatoes
Your cavy will benefit from eating fruits and vegetables as part of their diet, providing variety while meeting essential vitamin and mineral needs. However, portions must be managed to prevent your pet from overeating.
Your guinea pig’s daily vegetable consumption should focus on leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, red or green leaf lettuce and bibb lettuce for optimal health and well-being. Incorporating tomatoes, kale, spinach and parsley as a variety is also encouraged.
Iceberg Lettuce
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own, so it is crucial to provide them with vitamin-rich food like vegetables, pellets and hay every day.
Fresh fruit should only make up approximately five percent of your guinea pig’s daily food intake and should only be offered sparingly as it contains higher levels of sugar and acid than vegetables.
Slices of fruit can make for a tasty treat if they are free from cores or spikes, such as apples.
Potatoes
Guinea pigs should be fed primarily a diet consisting of grass hay with vegetables and fruit as treats as treats. Too much fruit and veggies could contain too much oxalic acid, calcium, sugar starch phosphorus and fat for them.
Green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, red or green lettuces, mustard or turnip greens are ideal daily food sources, while watercress is a delicious low oxalates option.
Rhubarb
Diet of a Cavy: Timothy Hay and pellets (approx. 80%), fresh vegetables and fresh water should always be available to them.
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own, so providing extra in the form of vegetables and fruit is essential. A few servings per day of dark leafy greens and herbs should make up most of their fresh food while apples, mangoes or kiwis may provide occasional treats.
