If your guinea pig has stopped eating or drinking, it’s critical to get them to the veterinarian immediately. Delaying treatment could make the illness worse or even result in death for your pet.
Guinea pigs are particularly prone to urinary calculi, or uroliths. These stones can obstruct the bladder, ureter or urethra and may indicate kidney disease or intestinal obstruction.
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Hay
Hay is an essential component of a guinea pig’s diet and should make up around 80% of their food intake. This is because hay contains plenty of fiber which aids their digestive system and wears down their teeth so they don’t experience dental issues later in life!
When it comes to your pet’s hay needs, there are a variety of choices. Timothy hay is one of the most common varieties that guinea pigs receive as part of their regular food, but other options exist as well.
Pellets
Guinea pigs must get enough to eat and drink regularly. If your guinea pig isn’t eating or drinking, this could indicate an underlying health issue.
Pellets that have been fortified with vitamin C make a great addition to your guinea pig’s diet. However, they should be supplemented with various fresh vegetables in order to meet their daily requirements for this essential nutrient.
To make vegetable pellets for your guinea pigs, soak 20 grams of pellets in 5ml of unsweetened cranberry juice until soft (you may also use warm water). Mince your favorite veggies into the mixture before liquidizing into a thick broth that you can syringe feed directly to your pet.
Muesli
Muesli is a traditional European breakfast cereal made with raw rolled oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruits. It provides nutrition and flavor that makes it the perfect addition to any morning or snack.
Muesli products come in many varieties, Bob’s Red Mill being one of the many manufacturers. Their Gluten-Free Tropical Muesli is a delicious treat perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
Muesli is an easy to make and nutritious addition to any diet. Enjoy it like a classic cereal with milk or water, enjoy it warm like oatmeal, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.
Fruit
When your guinea pig isn’t eating or drinking, this could be indicative of an issue. It could be a blockage in their gut or they could have developed something called GI Stasis which is potentially life-threatening.
Guinea pigs are voracious hindgut fermenters and must always have food moving through their gut. Otherwise, they could develop gastrointestinal stasis – a condition which could prove fatal within 24 hours if left untreated.
To treat this condition, mix ground pellets with fresh greens, baby foods and water and feed it to your guinea pig every few hours to get their digestive system back up and running. Additionally, supplement their diet with liquid vitamin C.
Vegetables
If your guinea pig isn’t eating or drinking, they could not be getting all of their essential vitamins and minerals. This could be a sign that something is wrong and they need to see your veterinarian.
Vegetables are an excellent source of Vitamin C and should be included in your guinea pig’s daily fresh food portion. A cup of vegetables per day is an ideal amount to feed them.
Leafy green vegetables such as romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale, cilantro and parsley should make up the bulk of your guinea pig’s vegetable intake. Bell peppers and broccoli can also be great additions.
Water
Guinea pigs must drink frequently in order for their digestive system to function optimally. Without water, they could become dehydrated and develop GI stasis (gastrointestinal impaction).
Guinea pigs also require vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin and joints. Unfortunately, this vitamin cannot be produced by their intestinal bacteria so they must obtain it through food sources.
Furthermore, guinea pigs can be exposed to mites or lice from other guinea pigs or from contaminated items like bedding. These pests may cause hair loss, itching, and skin inflammation.
