Guinea pigs and rabbits are both genuine herbivores. Guinea pigs have dietary preferences early in life and are resistant to food kind, appearance, or presentation changes. It is essential to feed your guinea pigs a nutritious diet in order to keep them healthy. The nutrition of your guinea pigs is crucial to their survival. Here are the seven types of feed that your guinea pigs need for a balanced diet.
What can you feed your Guinea Pig?
1.Grass and Hay
The majority of your guinea pigs’ diet should consist of premium quality hay, so they must often have to be available to it. They should also get a taste of fresh grass as frequently as possible, ideally regularly will be preferable. In their natural state, they graze for extended periods of time during the day and night, solely consuming grass, herbs, and a few other plants. Take into account that hay or grass is necessary for guinea pigs‘ digestive systems to function effectively. Also, as their teeth are constantly straightening down, consuming hay helps wear them down and maintain their ideal length and form. Serious dental disease can be brought on due to a poor diet.
2. Pellets
Give guinea pigs a fresh portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets every day since they have specific nutritional demands and must acquire adequate vitamin C. They offer vital Vitamin C, which is lost when exposed to air. Refilling the dish won’t ensure the pellets are consumed before the expiration date. If your guinea pigs are growing, pregnant, nursing, or underweight, they may require a bigger ration of pellets. If you’re unsure about portion quantities, it is always better to consult your veterinarian.
3. Vegetables
Guinea pigs must eat fresh, cleaned leafy greens or herbs every day, such as broccoli, which is high in Vitamin C. Guinea pigs do not consume fruit or root vegetables naturally, but you can offer them little pieces of carrot or an apple quarter as reward. Don’t feed them citrus fruits, and keep in mind that some plants are toxic to guinea pigs. If your guinea pig is unfamiliar with fresh vegetables, introduce them gradually and don’t give them more than the suggested daily intake because it may cause stomach distress.
4. Water
Water is an essential component of your guinea pig’s diet. Your guinea pig should always have access to fresh, clean water. Use a bowl or water bottle near their steady hay supply to provide them with easy access to water anytime they are thirsty. Guinea pigs have little regard for cleanliness, many people choose to provide them with access to a water bottle rather than a bowl. But, you may experiment to find which one your guinea pig prefers! It can be served in either a bottle or a bowl.
5. Fruits
Fruits are a fantastic unique treat to offer your guinea pig, but just don’t feed them much as they are heavy in sugar. Feed them fruits only a couple of times each week at most. It is critical that they complement their diet with vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the regular growth and upkeep of skin, joints, and mucosal surfaces such as gums. It is also helpful in the healing of wounds. A shortage of vitamin C makes the body more susceptible to various ailments, including infections, and renders guinea pigs more prone to skin infections.
6. Food concentrate
Guinea pig food focuses on supplying vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may be lacking or available in varying levels in other feeds. Vitamin C is an important ingredient for guinea pigs, which means it must be included in their food. Long fibre content in guinea pig diet should be high to wear down their continually developing teeth and maintain their intestines fit. Whether dried whole or flaked, a combination of grains and vegetables delivers the nutrients required by each component. When feeding a mix, ensure the dish is empty before refilling it, so each meal has all of the nutrients your guinea pig requires. A high-quality concentrate or mix will include natural elements that guinea pigs like eating, rather than sugar syrups, which can cause stomach distress or dental damage.
7. Pig Treats
Treats, including fruit, should not exceed 10% of your guinea pig’s total daily calorie intake. Certain commercially prepared snacks include artificial sweeteners, extra sugar or salt, and are therefore unfit for guinea pig consumption. While choosing healthy snacks for your pet, check the labels carefully as guinea pigs’ teeth develop continually. Offering them a variety of stimulating chews, such as applewood sticks, wooden toys, balls, and blocks, aids in the damage and decay of their teeth as they develop.
As we have learned, guinea pigs commonly consume a variety of feeds, so it’s important to make sure we are providing them with the right amount otherwise they might experience issues with their teeth, stomach, or vitamin C levels. Some of the critical areas where you must exercise caution when caring for a guinea pig are listed below.
Gut Health: To maintain a healthy and active digestive system, guinea pigs need a diet rich in fibre. Lack of fibre in your guinea pigs’ food might make their stomachs perform less efficiently or possibly stop altogether. The guinea pig’s gut health is indeed crucial for them.
Tooth Health: Guinea pig teeth are always growing, thus it is critical that they eat fibre on a regular basis to grind them down. If they don’t get enough hay and/or grass in their diet, their teeth can overgrow, resulting in painful spikes that will prohibit them from eating.
Vitamin C: Guinea pigs, like humans, are unable to manufacture vitamin C and must obtain it from their diet. Scurvy is a disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Feeding fresh greens strong in vitamin C is a smart method to ensure your guinea pig gets plenty of it.
