how and what to feed guinea pigs

Guinea Pig Feeding Chart

Guinea Pig Feeding Schedule	Food
Monday
*with fresh water, hay, and pellets	Broccoli
	Cucumber
	Parsley

Jul 19 2022

Full Answer

What foods are harmful to guinea pigs?

Zucchini / Courgette

• Onion family / garlic family / bulbous plant Plant of the onion family (contains leek and chive too) causes flatulence.
• Cabbage in higher quantity Cabbage can cause flatulence and diarrhea
• Leguminous plants / legume
• Potato Starch of potato is stodgy for Guinea Pigs
• Avocado

How often should I Feed my guinea pig?

Ok, So I Feed 1 Cup Of Vegetables To Every Guinea I Have?

• Age. As Guinea pigs get older, they eat less food. Like humans, they need less food to survive daily and will gradually eat less even if you provide them with ...
• Activity Level. If you take your Guinea pigs out for a daily walk, then of course you need to feed them more! ...
• Health. Finally, the last thing you should consider is their health. ...

What foods are good for guinea pigs?

• Meat (guinea pigs are herbivores, and cannot eat or digest any meat)
• Mushrooms
• Rhubarb
• Avocados (the skin is toxic, the flesh is just super fatty)
• Peanut Butter
• Unripe Tomatoes/Tomato Leaves/Stems (the rest of the tomato is fine, and nutritious)

What fruits and veggies can I Feed my guinea pig?

• Peppers (capscium), sweet red. May cause gas or bloating.
• Peppers (capscium), sweet yellow. May cause gas or bloating.
• Persimmon. Feed in very small amounts.
• Pineapple. Citrus can cause mouth sores.
• Plum
• Pumpkin. High in Vitamin A.
• Pumpkin Leaves. High in Vitamin A.
• Quince
• Radicchio
• Radishes

More items...

What should I feed my guinea pig daily?

The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given each day. Hay should be offered free-choice throughout the day.

How often do you feed a guinea pig?

twice a dayFeed your guinea pig on a consistent schedule—twice a day, morning and evening. Because guinea pigs will overeat if given the chance, be sure not to overfeed pelleted food, as it is predominantly carbohydrate and can lead to diarrhea and decreased appetite.

Do guinea pigs need to be fed everyday?

Guinea pigs need fresh and dry food every day, along with an unlimited supply of hay. As a rule of thumb, each GP needs around one cup of fresh veg each day.

What veggies can guinea pigs eat everyday?

What vegetables can guinea pigs eat daily? Guinea pigs can eat foods such as Romaine lettuce, sweet bell peppers, kale, cucumber and coriander every day and some other green leafy vegetables too.

How often should I bathe my guinea pig?

approximately 2 to 4 times a yearHow often should I bathe my guinea pig? Unlike humans, guinea pigs will only ever need a bath approximately 2 to 4 times a year. For hairless varieties, bathing is very rarely encouraged due to their particularly sensitive skin, and their difficulty in regulating their temperature.

What is poisonous to guinea pigs?

Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; ...

What do guinea pigs need in their cage?

Enclosures should be lined with newspaper and then at least 5cm of soft, nontoxic, nonabrasive, inedible, dust-free and absorbent bedding to provide cushioning and prevent foot problems. Suitable options for bedding include soft grass hay, fleece fabric, and shredded paper.

What do guinea pigs drink?

waterGuinea pigs drink a lot of water and need the bottles cleaned and fresh water added daily. It is recommended that you have more than 1 water bottle in the cage. Do not put anything but water in the bottles.

How long can guinea pigs go without food?

So, how long can guinea pigs go without food and water? Healthy guinea pigs shouldn't go over 8 hours without food. They won't starve in this time, but they can develop potentially fatal GI stasis or other health issues. Healthy guinea pigs may go up to 24 hours without water.

Can you overfeed guinea pigs?

Overfeeding can be damaging to your guinea pig's digestion tract, and cause obesity. To prevent yourself from overfeeding your guinea pig, all you need to do is serve your guinea pigs the right portioned meals and cut down on unnecessary sugary treats.

How much pellets should I feed 2 guinea pigs?

Feeding Your Guinea Pig Offer 1/8 cup of pellets per day for a 2 pound guinea pig. Hay should be available at all times. At least 1/2 -1 cup of fresh leafy greens or other vitamin C rich vegetables should be offered daily.

How often do guinea pigs drink water?

dailyGuinea pigs normally drink about 100 mL/kg (3.3 ounces/2.2 pounds) of water daily, as cited in the book “Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery.” This amount might increase or decrease slightly because of ambient temperature or humidity, activity level, or illness.

How to keep guinea pigs from overfeeding?

Control the number of veggies you give your guinea pig. Guinea pigs chew instinctively and will eat as much as you feed them throughout the day. Watch how much you give them and stick to a balanced diet. Explain this gently to small kids who own guinea pigs so that they do not overfeed their pets.

How to feed a guinea pig pellets?

Be aware pellets are high energy, and eating too many can lead to obesity and dental problems. Feed only a 1/8 cup per day to supplement the other parts of its diet. Look for pellets that are supplemented with vitamin C. This is an important nutrient that guinea pigs need in their diet.

What do guinea pigs eat?

Feed your guinea pig hay. Guinea pigs love hay! They need it for digestive and dental health. Guinea pigs should have unlimited access to hay, which often means refilling a good-sized dish 3 to 5 times daily. Timothy hay is the best hay for all guinea pigs in general.

What is the best food for guinea pigs?

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Grass is the ideal food for guinea pigs because it is high fiber and in grows in the sunshine. Chewing fiber wears down his teeth and regulates the digestive system, so, for an indoor guinea pig, make sure he has plenty of good quality hay.

Can guinea pigs drink water?

If a guinea pig doesn't have access to water it can become very ill. The best water bottles are designed for guinea pigs or rabbits and have a metal ball in the spout. Do not buy ones with springs; guinea pigs aren't strong enough to get the water from these.

Can guinea pigs eat alfalfa hay?

Alfalfa hay contains a lot of calcium, so is inappropriate for older pigs except as an occasional treat. Even if your guinea pig loves alfalfa hay, use it as a treat, not part of the normal diet. However, pregnant and nursing sows and guinea pigs under six months can eat more of it (in addition to Timothy).

Can you put vitamin C in guinea pig water?

Putting vitamin-c into your guinea pig's water is not recommended. Adding vitamin C to the water can cause a guinea pig to stop drinking water if they don't like the taste and most of the vitamin C breaks down within half an hour, anyway.

What do guinea pigs eat?

What to Feed Guinea Pigs. We’re going to go over the different kinds of foods your guinea pig can and cannot eat. The most essential food in the cavy diet is hay. In fact, 80% of their diet should be composed of hay—Timothy hay is usually best. Vegetables and herbs make up 10%-15% of their diet, and pellets about 5%-10%.

Why are guinea pigs called pigs?

And then secondly, they are not related to pigs in any way. It is believed that they were named “pig” because of the cute little squealing noise they make that sounds somewhat piglike. Your guinea pig’s diet, like with any pet, is of the utmost importance. You want to be sure that you’re fulfilling your cavy’s daily dietary requirements and ...

What fruits are low in vitamin C?

Cherries. Watermelon. Bananas. Raspberries. Blueberries. Blackberries. Again, like the veggies low in vitamin C, go easy on the fruit and just provide, for example, a few blueberries, or thin slices of apple, banana, or oranges as occasional treats a few times a week. Image: Natalya Matyushina, Shutterstock.

What vegetables are good for guinea pigs?

Cucumber. Zucchini. Broccoli (small amounts or they might become gassy) Celery leaves. Kale. Cilantro/coriander. Mustard greens. All of the above vegetables are high in vitamin C, which is an essential vitamin for guinea pigs.

What is Kathryn's job?

Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat and a dog.

How often should you fill a water bottle with water for rodents?

Water should be provided in water bottles designed for rodents, and they should have access to fresh water 24 hours a day. This means filling the bottle once a day with fresh water and always checking that the water bottle is working properly and that it hasn’t run out.

Can you give a cavy a lot of food?

You should avoid giving your cavy any food that will cause gas, such as cauliflower and cabbage. Iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhea, onions (and anything in the onion family) can lead to a blood disorder, garlic is toxic, and avocado is too high in fat.

What do guinea pigs like?

Loud colorful painted packages from the pet shop contains almost junk food – so leave it for a proper diet! Guinea Pigs really love cheap and healthy natural finish food . Natural food is always the best choice you can offer for your cavies. It isn’t quite ambitious ...

What kind of snacks should I give my guinea pig?

Snacks for Guinea Pigs. Most kind of snacks for Guinea Pigs like crackers, nibble / crispy sticks or anything like that should be leaved untouched in pet shops regardless how nicely the packages are designed and promising healthy. These products are fattening and could be a serious risk for many diseases in the long run.

What is the primary food for cavies?

Hay is the primary food for your cavies and has to be provided fresh consistently. The first meat at morning should be hay exclusive. Hay is rich in crude fiber / fibre which is essential for the cavies eupepsia. Hay is elemental to keep their gut working on.

Why should I feed my guinea pig by hand?

Feeding your Guinea Pig by hand is important if it doesn’t eat anymore as a result of sickness (mostly malocclusion). Sometimes it could be very difficult to feed a cavy by hand and in other cases it will eat by hand feeding without any problems. We tell you how and what to feed by hand. Read article.

What is fresh fodder?

Fresh fodder. The natural and healthy snacks. Fresh fodder is separated in two different kinds which have to be provided in different kind: fresh fodder like herbage and water based fresh fodder like vegetables. Let’s have a look at the difference.

Do guinea pigs need water?

It might be a platitude but this is a really often asked question whether Guinea Pigs needs water or not. The short answer is: Yes, of course they need water! Cavies are mammals and all mammals needs fresh water every day for their water balance. Read article.

Why do guinea pigs need hay?

Cavies love hay. But more than that, they need hay for keeping their funny teeth at the bay. Apart from dental aid, hay is needed for maintaining its optimum digestion tract. Make sure your guinea pig has access to an unlimited amount of hay.

Do fruits help pets?

Fruits play an important role in meeting your pet’s nutritional demands. However, you should keep the ratio at a minimum while providing these delicious food items since they contain a heavy amount of sugar even though they’re high in vitamin C.

What do guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs rely on fresh vegetables and fruits for their daily needs of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. While leafy greens should comprise the main part of their daily intake of fresh produce, fruits are generally considered treats because of their high sugar contents.

What is the best hay for guinea pigs?

While high-quality Timothy hay should make up at least 80% of your guinea pigs’ daily diet, fruits and vegetables are highly necessary to provide them with their much needed vitamins and other nutrients. As part of a healthy guinea pig diet, it is recommended to offer a mix of healthy fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

What to use to keep guinea pigs clean?

Fresh, clean water. Guinea pigs need constant access to fresh, clean water. We recommend using water bottles made from glass because they’re easier to keep clean, but a small ceramic bowl could work too. Don’t forget to empty and refill daily, and keep the bottle clean at all times.

Why do guinea pigs need Timothy hay?

The reason why Timothy hay is preferred, is because of its low calcium content. If you want to learn more about hay, check our article on the best types of hay for guinea pigs.

Why do vegetables and fruits vary in nutrients?

The nutrients in fresh vegetables and fruits vary greatly because they depend on growth conditions, weather, varieties, season, and more. Therefore our recommendation is to feed a varied range of fresh produce, preferably locally grown.

What are the nutrients that a human body needs?

A proper diet would cover their needs of these essential nutrients: 1 Fibers 2 Proteins 3 Minerals 4 Vitamins

Do guinea pigs eat vegetables?

Guinea pigs cannot hold themselves back, and they’ll eat whatever is offered. As they’re prone to weight problems, it’s your responsibility to keep their diet properly balanced. That means no excessive feeding of vegetables and fruits, the only thing they should have access to 24/7 is fresh water and hay.

Why do guinea pigs not drink water?

Also, guinea pigs may refuse or reduce their consumption of water with added vitamin C due to the taste , and this may lead to other health problems.

What is the best vitamin for guinea pigs?

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is of utmost importance to guinea pigs, as they are unable to manufacture their own (much like humans). Without enough vitamin C in their diets, guinea pigs can become very ill with scurvy. 1  The amount of vitamin C required varies somewhat depending on the reference source used, but most guinea pigs probably need about 10–30 ...

What vegetables can cause gas?

Avoid or limit cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, bok choy, and other cruciferous vegetables as they can lead to gas production in the digestive tract. Also, avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes.

What to eat with hay pellets?

In addition to the hay and pellets, a variety of fresh vegetables (especially leafy greens) and some fruits should be offered daily. Leafy greens should make up the bulk of the vegetable supplementation. 2  Fruits and other vegetables can be offered in small quantities. Avoid iceberg (head lettuce) as it has very little nutritional value. Good choices include kale, spinach, turnip greens, parsley, romaine lettuce, and dandelion greens. Avoid or limit cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, bok choy, and other cruciferous vegetables as they can lead to gas production in the digestive tract. Also, avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes. Carrots, carrot tops, green and red bell peppers, apple, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes can also be fed. If you have a guaranteed pesticide-free source, grass, dandelions, clover, and chickweed can also be offered, especially new growth which is tender and the most nutritious.

Can you take vitamin C with Oxbow?

The best way to supplement with additional vitamin C is to use vitamin C tablets. 1  You can buy vitamin C tablets specifically for guinea pigs (e.g. Oxbow's GTN-50C) or human chewable 100 mg tablets (note: make sure you are getting just vitamin C rather than a multivitamin formula). A quarter of a 100 mg tablet daily is a recommended dose ...

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Who is Lianne from Cavy?

Providing a Good Cavy Diet. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Nandini Balial is a writer and copy editor who specializes in lifestyle, food, mental health, immigration, film/TV, literature, politics, and feminism.

How to feed a baby guinea pig?

Begin with bell peppers, cilantro, lettuce, and slowly transition to other veggies. Baby guinea pigs can munch on vegetables when they reach 4 weeks old, and their stomach gets stable enough to digest vegetables in small amounts. Fresh vegetables will also control the size of their teeth as their teeth keep growing.

What are the main foods that guinea pigs eat?

The three main foods of guinea pig’s diet are pellets, hay, and fresh vegetables. If we get to draw a chart of guinea pig’s diet, then hay would be written as the most important part followed by vegetables and pellets. That is because the digestive passage of guinea pigs is designed to absorb fiber found in dry grass.

What to feed guinea pigs at 3 weeks?

Fresh hay and water are essential foods in those early days. Baby guinea pigs require high protein, thus offer them pellets and dry alfalfa grass. Your baby guinea pigs will stop drinking mother’s milk once they are three weeks old. You can consider adding a small serving of fresh veggies at this stage.

How old do guinea pigs need to be to drink water?

Until baby guinea pigs turn 3 weeks old, they get hydration from their mothers. As they grow, baby guinea pigs need to drink more water as they eat lots of solid food. So drinking water becomes essential for them to be healthy. However, not all guinea pigs are able to drink from bottle at such an early age.

Why are my baby guinea pigs so energetic?

Baby guinea pigs will feel energetic at times, but they will require constant short naps. Due to the lack of a proper diet , you may find your guinea pigs lazier than normal. Observing a guinea pig’s poop discharge is a way to know about their health conditions and especially their digestive system.

How long does it take for a guinea pig to grow?

The first six months of your guinea pig’s life is crucial for their longterm health. In this primary stage of their growth, a guinea pig undergoes some physical changes continuously. Their diet plan must consider their growth.

Is hay bad for guinea pigs?

You need to be careful though as molds can be formed by urine on hay, and it is harmful to guinea pigs. Keep cleaning their cage regularly. Hay must appear as a source of enjoyment to your baby guinea pigs. Put your guinea pigs quickly in the habit of eating hay.