Guinea pigs require plenty of fibre in their diet in order to keep their digestive system healthy, with Burgess Excel being an ideal source.
Fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit should also be part of a daily meal. Always wash fruit or vegetables prior to offering them in order to ensure they are free from pesticides.
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Bananas
Guinea pigs enjoy munching on dandelions, but care should be taken to harvest them from an environment free from pesticides and pollution. Dandelions contain vitamins C and calcium as well as oxalates – as such they should only be eaten sparingly.
Make sure all fruits and vegetables are cut into bite-size pieces with any seeds or pips removed, to make eating them easier while decreasing potential choking hazards.
Blueberries
Guinea pigs require ample amounts of vitamin C in their daily diet to prevent scurvy (and the related issues, such as weak immunity systems, abnormal tooth growth and development, and digestive disorders). Try feeding your pet fresh green vegetables that have not become rancid.
Avoid giving them light-coloured lettuce, rhubarb (which contains oxalate which binds calcium in their bladder and causes blockages), bread or any processed treats as these could all contain harmful oxalate compounds that clog their bladders).
Oranges
Oranges provide essential vitamin C to their health. In addition, oranges offer other essential nutrients, including phytochemicals. Just make sure that any seeds or pits are removed first as these could pose a choking hazard for your guinea pigs!
Fruits that may be fed to guinea pigs include mango, guava and kiwi in moderation; as these fruits contain sugars which could cause issues.
Peaches
Peaches provide an excellent source of Vitamin C; however, their sugary composition makes them difficult for guinea pigs to digest, so only offer small occasional portions.
Guinea pigs require plenty of Vitamin C in their diet to remain healthy, which they can obtain by feeding on fruits, vegetables and premium-grade pellets.
Pears
As much as it’s beneficial to add vegetables to a guinea pig’s diet, be sure to thoroughly wash and scrub each item prior to offering. This is particularly important with foods like celery which may contain toxicants that cause stomach upsets.
Fruits and treats should only constitute a small part of their diet as they contain high amounts of sugar that could contribute to obesity and other health problems in guinea pigs. They require plenty of fresh, clean timothy hay as well as vitamin C-rich vegetables and fruits as nourishment.
Raisins
Guinea pigs may eat raisins, though due to their high sugar content and potential choking hazard they should only be fed sparingly.
Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, carrot tops and whole-leaf kale should form the majority of your guinea pig’s diet; they contain plenty of vitamin C which can help prevent scurvy. Any raw potato products should also be avoided since these contain solanine that can lead to serious digestive issues in guinea pigs.
Raspberries
Guinea pigs are natural grazers, enjoying fresh vegetables and fruit as part of their diet. However, because of the sugar content in such foods, moderation must be exercised due to obesity risk.
Raspberries contain vitamins, antioxidants and fiber which are all highly beneficial to guinea pigs; however they should only be fed occasionally because consuming too many can lead to dehydration.
Strawberries
Guinea pigs don’t produce their own vitamin C, so it is crucial that they receive a diet rich in fresh greens and safe fruits containing this nutrient, such as Romaine lettuce, chard, whole-leaf kale and sweet bell peppers (with seeds) each day.
Fruit should only be consumed occasionally due to its high sugar content, which can contribute to obesity and cause other issues like mouth sores. Furthermore, avoid unsuitable foods such as rhubarb which contains oxalic acid that interferes with calcium absorption and causes other health concerns.
Grapefruit
Guinea pigs enjoy enjoying fresh vegetables, but it is important to provide them in moderation as too often may cause digestive upsets and cause stomachaches.
Grapefruit can be given in small doses as a healthy treat for your guinea pig, though you must monitor any adverse reactions from its acidity or sugar content. Furthermore, make sure to thoroughly wash all fruit such as grapefruit. Other beneficial fruits for treating include kiwis with their tough rind and spikes removed), pineapple, mango or cantaloupe.
Kiwi
Kiwi is technically considered a fruit but often considered a vegetable; therefore it is safe to feed to your guinea pig as it contains high concentrations of Vitamin C which will benefit their immune systems.
Make kiwi an occasional treat, as it also provides them with fiber, phosphorus and calcium – essential ingredients in blood clotting processes – and essential vitamin C levels as these animals cannot produce their own.
