Guinea pigs are primarily hay-feeders and should have access to Timothy hay at all times. Guinea pigs also require fresh vegetables and fruits in limited amounts; each item should be introduced gradually over time and in small doses; certain items contain high concentrations of Vitamin C while others might contain calcium, oxalates or phosphorous that should only be given occasionally.
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Romaine Lettuce
Lettuce is an extremely nutritious salad green for humans and is safe to feed to guinea pigs daily in small amounts for daily nourishment. As well as providing lots of water and low calorie consumption, lettuce also boasts tons of essential vitamins like Vitamin C.
As for their diets, both romaine lettuce and red leaf lettuce are good choices that can easily be found at grocery stores. Pre-made salad mixes or spring mixes should be avoided due to items like spinach or arugula that could potentially harm guinea pigs over time.
Guinea pigs tend to enjoy eating Romaine lettuce as it provides all of the necessary vitamins and minerals they require each day, whereas iceberg lettuce may cause soft droppings as well as make their stomach/intestines bloat if fed too frequently or alone without mixing with other vegetables, fruits or leafy greens to avoid issues.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are another highly nutritious vegetable you should add to the diet of your guinea pig, providing essential Vitamin C while also providing A, K and fiber benefits. Just ensure all vegetables are thoroughly washed before offering them and remove any tough stems before feeding to your pet!
Mustard greens – also referred to as kale mustard, collard greens, turnip greens and radicchio – are low in fat, sugar and calories while providing essential calcium, phosphorus and magnesium nutrients.
Since they contain no cholesterol and an abundance of vitamin C, mustard greens make for a nutritious treat without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, however, they also tend to contain high concentrations of oxalic acid which should be limited when giving this vegetable as part of an overall balanced diet that includes hay pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables as well. When feeding mustard greens as treats only give small quantities at once as per instruction from your veterinarian.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps guinea pigs avoid scurvy. In addition, cauliflower provides calcium and fiber. Just be sure to wash it well prior to feeding it to your guinea pig!
Kale is another safe leafy vegetable for guinea pigs to consume and offers many of the same advantages as cauliflower. It provides high concentrations of vitamins A and K as well as fiber. However, its consumption should be done sparingly because too much calcium consumption could result in gas formation.
Like cauliflower, broccoli is another cruciferous vegetable that is safe for guinea pigs to consume in moderation. Packed full of antioxidants such as glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and sulforaphane; plus its low caloric and fat contents make it great for helping maintain weight control in these pets. When first introducing new foods it’s best to do it gradually as some have sensitive digestive systems.
Broccoli
Broccoli provides numerous essential nutrients that are great for the wellbeing of guinea pigs, from its stem to heads. It provides vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium and folate – as well as important bone health nutrients such as phosphorus that supports protein formation.
Guinea pigs can safely consume this vegetable as long as it is introduced gradually to the diet in small doses, due to their delicate stomachs which must maintain an ideal balance of bacteria to avoid bloating and diarrhea.
Before feeding broccoli to your pig, make sure it has been thoroughly washed to eliminate pesticides and bacteria that may be present. Offer broccoli in moderation along with other greens like dark leafy lettuce varieties, kale, carrot tops, radish, endive and mint; do this at least three or four times each week instead of every day.
