
What foods can I Feed my guinea pig every day?
What Should I Feed My Guinea Pig Daily?
- Vegetables. Apart from an unlimited supply of timothy hay, grown-up guinea pigs need raw and fresh vegetables and fruits, rich in fiber and vitamin C.
- Fruits. Fruits shouldn’t be given too often since they have a much higher level of sugar and acid. ...
- Pellets. ...
- Things You Should Avoid Giving Your Guinea Pig. ...
What food do guinea pigs like best?
What do Guinea Pigs Like to Eat?
- Apple,
- Broccoli Spears,
- Orange,
- Pears,
- Strawberries,
- Papayas,
- Spinach,
- Romaine Lettuce,
- Artichokes,
- Bell Peppers ( Red & Green),
What food is bad for guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs simply cannot eat any kind of meat. Cooked, raw, dry–it doesn’t matter. If the food is made from another animal or creature, it is bad news for guinea pigs. However, guinea pigs may have tiny brains, but they are not stupid. Generally, guinea pigs will avoid eating meat on their own.
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 should I feed my guinea pigs 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.
What is the best foods for guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants and plant-based foods. Your pet guinea pig's diet should be based on high-quality hay, commercially available pelleted food made specifically for guinea pigs and limited amounts of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit.
What fruit and veg can guinea pigs eat?
Other foods that are good to fed guinea pigs a few times a week include broccoli, cabbage, endive, carrot tops, Brussels sprouts, kale, silver beet, mint, and fruits such as apples (but with no seeds), mango, and papaya.
What are guinea pigs favorite vegetables?
The Best Vegetables for Guinea PigsLettuce.Parsnip.Bell peppers.Spinach.Broccoli.Celery leaves.Tomatoes without stems or leaves.Cucumber.More items...•
Do guinea pigs need vegetables every day?
Guinea pigs' need fresh greens and vegetables every day to help them get enough vitamin C (they can't produce it themselves). Our vets' advise one teacup of greens and veg, per guinea pig, per day, which can be split into morning and evening feeds.
What human food can guinea pigs eat?
Fruit and vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to about one cup total per guinea pig per day. Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale, cilantro and parsley should comprise the bulk of your pig's fresh produce.
What do guinea pigs drink?
waterPredominantly, guinea pigs drink water, clean and fresh from their bottle. Although they get a lot of moisture from their diet, they'll still need a water bottle to drink from when they get thirsty.
What fruit can guinea pigs eat every day?
What Fruits Can I Feed My Guinea Pig?Fruit NameFrequencyPeach (de-pitted)OccasionallyPearOccasionallyPineappleOccasionallyRaspberriesA couple times a week11 more rows•Mar 24, 2022
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 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.
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.
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.
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
Can guinea pigs produce their own vitamin C?
According to this article from VCA Hospitals, authored by Laurie Hess (DVM) and Rick Axelson (DVM), guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C. A lack of vitamin C makes them more prone to infections, skin problems and other diseases, which is why their diet must contain sufficient amounts of vitamin C.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do guinea pigs like food?
Guinea pigs each have their own food preferences. If they consistently leave a certain food, they probably don't like it. However, don't be discouraged; sometimes it takes a few bites to figure out that it is tasty. This is especially true if your guinea pigs are young or if you have just acquired them from pet store, which usually only provides one type of food. They may not have a diverse palate quite yet.
What is the most important thing a guinea pig needs to eat?
Any modifications to the diet should be made gradually. The most critical aspect of the diet of guinea pigs is their requirement for vitamin C. Apart from that, the key to a healthy diet in a guinea pig is unlimited amounts of hay.
What vegetables should I feed my guinea pig?
Other good choices for vegetables include green and red leaf lettuce, Romaine lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, endive, kale, carrot tops, beet greens, cilantro, carrot, and squash. Iceberg or head lettuce has little nutritional value and is mostly water, so it should not be offered. "The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts ...
How long does it take for guinea pig pellets to break down?
Therefore, be sure that your guinea pig pellets are used up or replaced within 90 days of the date of manufacture, or the vitamin C in them may be degraded.
Why is my guinea pig's hair rough?
A guinea pig that has a rough hair coat, is off food, has diarrhea, is reluctant to walk, perhaps appears to be painful, has swollen feet or joints, or has hemorrhages and ulcers on its gums or skin, is likely to be deficient in vitamin C and should be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible .
Do guinea pigs eat rabbits?
Guinea pigs, like rabbits, are true herbivores, although the physiology and function of their gastrointestinal system is not as well understood as the rabbit. Guinea pigs develop food preferences early in life and do not take to changes in food types, appearances, or presentation easily. Sudden changes can result in a refusal to eat. Any modifications to the diet should be made gradually. The most critical aspect of the diet of guinea pigs is their requirement for vitamin C. Apart from that, the key to a healthy diet in a guinea pig is unlimited amounts of hay.
Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?
Guinea pigs and primates, including humans, cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, therefore it is essential to supplement their diet with vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for the normal development and maintenance of skin, joints, and mucosal surfaces, like gums. It also plays an important role in the healing of wounds.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Diet plan. Hay, vegetables, fruits, branches, herbs and other plant. There is very much you can feed your Guinea Pigs. Cavies listen to their natural instinct and really like to eat what grows on ground – raw. Most of all feed hay!
What fruit should I feed my guinea pig?
Fruits for Guinea Pigs. Fruits should be handled as sweets for cavies and not to be provided too much (may be once a week) because of its fructose and fruit acids. Fruit. Hints / notes. Apple. Do not feed if one of your cavies has lip grind. Banana. Rich in sugar. Do not feed if one of your cavies has Diabetes.
How to keep cavies soft?
At winter season you should replace grass with fresh vegetables to keep them healthy with a diet rich in vitamins.
How to care for guinea pigs in the evening?
Fresh hay has to be provided all time. Water has to be filled up from time to time. Only use clear and fresh water. There is no reason to provide special “rodent-water” from the pet shop if you take care about the food for your Guinea Pigs.
What is the best food for cavies?
Cucumber. Very popular food for cavies. Endive. rich in vitamins and minerals / appetizing. Fennel. rich in vitamins and minerals. Can take on color on urine. Helpful by digestive complaints. field salad.
What foods can you feed a da?
Feed carefully because of it oxialic acid. May take color on urine and feces. Can be provided with the green. Broccoli. High amount of vitamin C. Contains oxialic acid. Provide it increasing. Carrot. Rich in calories. Do not feed every da.
Can guinea pigs eat vegetables?
Vegetables for Guinea Pigs. Vegetables should be the main fresh food in their nutrition plan at the winter season if/and there is no way to get fresh grass. Of course vegetables does not replace hay. Fresh hay has to be provided permanent. All green marked vegetables can be used for proper diet. Vegetable.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea Pig Diet – What and How Much to Feed? Guinea Pigs loves to eat in fact they live to eat. The daily cycle of a Guinea pig includes Eat, poop, sleep, and repeat. As they are herbivores, their diet should include high-quality plant-like Hay. They need to have food in their digestive system constantly to avoid health problems like Diarrhea.
Why is hay important for guinea pigs?
Hay prevents obesity, dental disease, diarrhea and boredom in guinea pigs that ’s why it is a vital part of their diet. It also provides fiber which helps guinea pigs to properly digest.
What is the best pellet for cavies?
Avoid pellets that have nuts and seeds in it. Choose those pellets which have been veterinarian-tested and approved. Alfalfa based pellets are best suited for young cavies as they are high in calcium, fat, and sugar. Timothy hay pellets are suitable for all cavies.
Is alfalfa hay good for guinea pigs?
That means it should be green with pliable stalks and free from foreign particles and fragrant. Note: Avoid alfalfa hay because it is mainly fed to young guinea pigs who are under the age of 4 months or nursing cavies. Alfalfa has a high amount of calcium that’s why it’s not good for a healthy adult cavy.
Do guinea pigs need pellets?
Always check if your guinea pig has left some food in the bowl or not. If yes, then you need to give them less of it and remove uneaten food. Pellets should be given in adequate quantity so that it doesn’t get wasted as stale pellets have very little vitamin C. And remember to clean their food bowl and water bottle regularly.
What are some good foods for guinea pigs?
Raspberries, Strawberries, Cranberries, Blueberries and Blackberries. Berries are tasty and unproblematic treats. They also have high levels of Vitamin C which can be very beneficial for your guinea pig and give them that extra boost of vitamin C they may otherwise not get with only hay and vegetables daily.
What vegetables can guinea pigs eat?
Fennel: A very filling and stomach-friendly vegetable. It has no sugar, low amounts of fat and a good amount of vitamin C. Celery: You can feed both the leaves and the stalk to your guinea pig, but you should be wary that it contains high levels of water, so it should be given in moderation.
What are pellets for guinea pigs?
Together with other quality food, pellets can be a convenient way to assure that your guinea pig is getting the necessary quantity of nutrients and remain healthy. Choose specially designed guinea pig pellets that have vitamin C in it.
How much food should guinea pigs eat a day?
Guinea pigs should get at least 10% of their body weight in vegetables a day which is around one cup per day per guinea pig. If your pigs have never eaten any veggies, you can start off with carrots since they are usually easy to digest.
Why is hay important for guinea pigs?
Quality hay is the foundation of any guinea pig’s diet because they need its fiber to have healthy digestion. But also to wear down the continuous growth of their teeth.
What are the benefits of guinea pig fibers?
The long-standing fibers, low protein, and low calcium make sure that your guinea pig’s digestive and intestinal systems are healthy. The high- fibers also lower the occurrence of intestinal gas and bloating.
Do guinea pigs have vegetables?
Since they can provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins (like vitamin C) for a well balanced healthy diet. If your guinea pig has never had any vegetables in the past or very little, which is often the case when you purchase a guinea pig from a pet store since they only feed pellets and vitamins.
What can I feed my guinea pig?
Zucchini. Sweet Potato. Peas. Cucumber. Broccoli. Artichoke. Bell Peppers. In addition to the above vegetables, you can also occasionally treat your guinea pig to some fruit. Just be sure to watch how often you add fruit to their diet; lots of fruits are super high in sugar, and this is unhealthy in large doses.
What to feed guinea pigs to avoid hay fatigue?
These herb blends might include dandelions, rosemary, nettle leaf, chamomile, hibiscus, and much more.
What kind of hay do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs will eat lots of different types of hay, but the most popular is 2nd cutting Timothy hay. We call this hay our gold standard because it has the right levels of fat, protein, and fiber. It’s super soft and tasty and is sure to have any piggy popcorning. Another great cut is orchard hay because it creates variety ...
What are healthy snacks made of?
Our Healthy Snackers are made with clean, human-grade pumpkin, pears, blueberries, bananas, carrots, apples, and oats, all mixed up with our own farm fresh hay.
Can guinea pigs eat pellets?
Many guinea pig parents wonder if they should feed their little cavy pellets, and the answer is: it depends. Many pet store pellets are filled with artificial fillers, dyes, preservatives, and other junky ingredients. Guinea pig pellets can be a great source of nutrition, as long as they are all-natural and hay-based.
Do guinea pigs need hay?
The first thing that every guinea pig parent should know is that guinea pigs need lots and lots of hay. Hay isn’t just for horses or bunnies. Guinea pig hay is the most important part of your cavy’s diet; it provides the fiber they need to keep their digestive systems moving.
Is it safe to give guinea pigs treats?
Other Safe Guinea Pig Treats. Guinea pigs are so sweet and loveable, it’s no wonder we want to give them some special treats every now and then. But, be careful which treats you’re adding to your guinea pig food list. Many commercial treats are super high in sugar and can have potentially dangerous chemicals and fillers.
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%.
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.
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 ...
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.
