Guinea pigs require access to plenty of timothy hay to aid digestion and curb tooth growth, as well as daily sources of vitamin C (Oxbow Simple Rewards offers an effective supplement).
Leafy green vegetables such as rocket salad leaves and dandelion greens without their seeds are ideal, while turnip greens with their low ratio of phosphorous to calcium can also be an ideal addition. Endive and carrot tops may also make excellent choices.
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Fresh Vegetables
Guinea Pigs are true herbivores and require fresh vegetables as part of a regular diet to digest their food and prevent serious dental issues. Regular vegetables include Romaine lettuce, kale and other leafy greens such as carrot tops or outer leaves from broccoli and cauliflower heads; cucumber, fennel and endive can be steamed or cooked in water, while occasionally you could also feed cabbage, corn on the cob (husk and silks included), beetroot radishes and turnip greens – other options can include cabbage, corn on the cob (husk and silks included), beetroot radishes and turnip greens.
Make sure that all veggies and fruits you give to your guinea pigs are thoroughly washed before feeding them to them as this may remove pesticides and chemicals that could contain harmful substances. Aim to feed at least a teacup worth of greens and veggies daily per guinea pig.
Fresh Herbs
Herbs can make an excellent addition to your piggie’s diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals in moderation. Too many herbs, however, can be detrimental; marjoram is considered safe but should make up no more than a small part of its daily intake. Also be sure to properly wash all herbs to eliminate pesticides, soil particles or any other potentially hazardous elements before offering as treats!
Diet of guinea pigs should consist of unlimited quantities of high-quality timothy hay and pellets, supplemented by fresh vegetables and fruit in small amounts (one cup per guinea pig per day). Leafy green vegetables and herbs such as romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, turnip greens, kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro and thyme make great options; carrots zucchini tomatoes also offer ample vitamin C sources to avoid dehydration or appetite issues associated with scurvy disease that causes dehydration and appetite loss.
Fruit
Guinea pigs are natural herbivores and enjoy foraging for food in their environment. To maintain optimal health and avoid stomach upset, they should be given fresh hay and vegetables (in moderation to avoid upset tummies) which they can safely consume.
Guinea Pigs should have access to plenty of roughage for chewing purposes in order to help protect their teeth against serious dental issues, forming three quarters of their diet.
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves and must therefore receive it through their diet in sufficient amounts in order to prevent diseases like scurvy. Providing sufficient amounts can also help with other ailments that plague rodents, including skin allergies.
Fruit can make an excellent addition to a guinea pig’s diet, though only in limited amounts once or twice weekly. Cranberries, oranges, kiwis and papayas are excellent sources of vitamin C; offer these treats occasionally. Green beans also offer some Vitamin C but should only be fed occasionally due to high phosphorus and calcium content.
Treats
Guinea pigs may be adorable companions that have their owners wrapped around their tiny paws, but they still require a nutritious and well-balanced diet to remain healthy. Avoid feeding unsuitable foods to your guinea pig as these could lead to obesity or medical issues in later years.
Leafy vegetables and herbs provide healthy treats when fed in small portions a few times each week, providing calcium and vitamin C that guinea pigs need to prevent scurvy. Guinea pigs should be given fresh dark green lettuce varieties (rocket or romaine), red or green peppers, cilantro and parsley as treats as well as dark leafy herbs like basil, borage, nasturtium marjoram or thyme as treats.
Corn, including its husks and silks, and vegetables such as cabbage, endive, broccoli, kale, Swiss chard, turnip greens, collards, radicchio and cucumbers may also be given in moderation as treats for your guinea pigs. As fruits may cause diarrhea in guinea pigs they should only be offered occasionally as treats.
