Guinea Pigs Diet

Guinea Pigs Diet
Guinea pigs are herbivores and grass is their natural diet. Herbivores require a lot of vitamin C because they cannot make their own. Unlike other mammals that synthesize their own vitamin C guinea pigs get their daily requirement from raw fruits and vegetables or through dietary supplements.

Hay is an important part of a guinea pigs diet. Hay serves two important purposes. It is high in fiber which aids in digestive system health. A guinea pigs teeth grows constantly, their molars are used for grinding plant matter, a good supply of hay should be available at all times to help keep their teeth trim.

Oxbow Cavy Cuisine pellets are good for adult guinea pigs. They are high in fiber, have a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and are fortified with stabilized vitamin C. However, they are not recommended for guinea pigs under 6 months old. Timothy Hay and Cavy pellet mix is good guinea pig food, but your guinea pigs diet should also include leafy greens, raw vegetables and fresh fruits.


Vegetables and herbs that are safe: Kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, spinach, peas, celery, carrots, parsnip, parsley and basil. Red or green bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C; cucumbers and asparagus have a high water content.

Fruits that are safe: Apples, oranges, cantaloup, grapefruit, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, mangoes, tangerines, and strawberries. Always remove any seeds. Introducing your guinea pig to new food should be done slowly because of their sensitive digestive system. Always watch for any digestive changes before gradually increasing the amounts.

Unsafe foods: Potatoes, onions, radish, wild mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, rhubarb leaves, and tomato leaves. These foods may cause toxicity or digestive problems. Avoid feeding your guinea pig grain mixes which contain sugary and fatty ingredients. Guinea pigs are herbivores do not give them dairy products or meats.

Always make sure a supply of fresh cold water is available. Use a drip bottle to avoid contamination.
f you need to supplement vitamin C with tablets, plain vitamin C is okay, but never give a guinea pig multivitamins. Excessive amounts of some other vitamins can cause problems.

Using a syringe is a safe way to give your guinea pig vitamin C supplement tablets. Never put vitamins or medication in their water supply. A well balanced and nutritious guinea pigs diet will keep your pet happy and healthy. So talk to your Vet make sure your guinea is doing well. They can suggest any dietary changes that you need to make to keep your pet in the very best health. Good luck .

By: Lee Martin Resource: http://www.Guinea-Pig-Lovers.com