Guinea pigs are herbivores and can eat both grass and hay. Grass provides them with essential vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and bones.
However, it is essential to provide your pet guinea pigs with top-notch grass. Avoid grass sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers or other harsh chemicals which could upset their stomachs.
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Orchard Grass
Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is a perennial bunchgrass found in pastures, woodlands and disturbed areas. It can be used as cover cropping, livestock forage or erosion control.
It can thrive in a wide range of soil types and temperatures, and does well both low- and high-fertility soils. Its extensive root network provides good soil stabilization as well as drought tolerance; particularly effective during irrigation or higher rainfall events.
Seeding on a clean, firm and weed-free seedbed is essential to promote vigorous growth early and avoid winter heaving. Seeding should be done either in late fall or very early spring when moisture has already started to build up.
Orchard grass has a great summer regrowth rate and produces 2-1/2 to 4 tons of quality forage per acre. It is also highly palatable to many classes of livestock and one of the most effective cool season grasses for range and erosion control treatments.
Timothy Grass
Timothy grass is a popular type of hay for small animals. It’s high in fiber, low in protein and calcium, making it safe for your guinea pig to eat.
Due to its high fiber content, guinea pigs should not rely on it as the main component of their diet. Furthermore, the high calcium content could lead to bladder stones or obesity if consumed frequently or in large amounts.
Hay is versatile and can serve a number of purposes, such as nutritional value or erosion control. It grows well on various soil types and thrives best when kept cool and moist.
Timothy hay is available at pet stores, feed stores and online from various sources. Our top choice for guinea pigs is Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay from the U.S.A; it contains no additives or binders and is sun-cured to keep it soft for your guinea pigs.
Meadow Grass
In addition to orchard grass, your guinea pigs might enjoy eating Meadow Hay. This hay is composed of long strands of various grasses and flowers from the meadow.
Its softer texture makes it more enjoyable for your guinea pig to chew on, though it contains fewer vitamins and minerals than timothy hay does.
You may need to mix meadow hay with timothy or orchard hay if your guinea pigs don’t enjoy the flavor or texture of meadow hay.
Additionally, avoid feeding your guinea pigs lawn clippings. These clippings often contain chemicals and toxic weeds which could pose health risks to them.
Grass is an excellent source of protein, crude fiber and moderate amounts of vitamin C – essential nutrients for the growth and wellness of guinea pigs.
Oat Grass
Oat grass is an incredibly nutritious and tasty food for your guinea pigs to enjoy as a reward. Not only does it have numerous health benefits, but it’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Additionally, this plant provides protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Not only that but it’s easy to grow too – making for an eye-catching addition to any garden!
However, it’s essential to remember that oat grass contains calcium which could be hazardous for your guinea pigs if eaten in excess. Eating too much calcium could weaken their bones and lead to kidney and bladder stones in them.
To ensure the safety of your guinea pig, only feed them high-quality oat grass. Oxbow Oat Hay is one example; it is high in fibers but low in proteins and provides a pleasant taste for pets. This makes Oxbow Oat Hay an ideal alternative to Timothy hay for occasional feedings.
