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what to feed a guinea pig daily

by Caitlyn Klein V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Guinea Pig Diet: Daily Requirement

  • Hay (70-75%)
  • Pellets (20-25%)
  • Water

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.

Full Answer

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. ...

How many times a day do you feed a guinea pig?

You can feed them once a day or split the portion in two so they have one in the morning and one in the evening. How much fruit can a guinea pig eat? Fruit is high in sugar so your guinea pig’s fresh food should consist mainly of vegetables with the odd small piece of fruit now and again.

What fruits and veggies can I Feed my guinea pig?

  • Broccoli
  • Zucchini
  • Pitted apricots
  • Potatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Carrots
  • Dark green lettuce
  • Squashes
  • Beets
  • Snow peas

Should I Feed my guinea pigs twice a day?

[Feeding Chart & Guide]

  • Vegetables High in Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs. All of the above vegetables are high in vitamin C, which is an essential vitamin for guinea pigs. ...
  • Vegetables Low in Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs. ...
  • Fruit High in Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs. ...
  • Fruit Low in Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs. ...
  • Food Not Good for Guinea Pigs. ...
  • Guinea Pig Feeding Chart. ...

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How many times should I feed my guinea pigs a day?

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.

What veg can I feed my guinea pig daily?

Summary. Of all the vegetables we have listed, the best ones are asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, dandelions, romaine lettuce, spinach, and zucchini. You can begin adding these foods to your guinea pig's daily diet to help them get the nutrients they need to live long, healthy lives.

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 is the best feed for guinea pigs?

timothy hayHay and grass should make up 85 – 90% of your guinea pigs' diet, and unlike pellets, you can't overfeed it. Make sure your guinea pigs have constant access to good quality, fresh feeding hay – timothy hay is a great option, and if possible, fresh grass from the garden*.

Can guinea pigs have carrots everyday?

Carrots are safe for your guinea pig to eat, as long as you feed them as an occasional treat rather than every day. Some guinea pigs, including those that have diabetes, allergies, or bladder stones, might be better off avoiding this colorful vegetable.

Can guinea pigs eat spinach every day?

Don't feed spinach to your guinea pigs every day. If you do, you're almost guaranteed to have piggies that end up sick. Despite the many nutrients it has, it also causes bladder stones or sludge. This is a common condition among guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat lettuce everyday?

Romaine and green leaf lettuces can be fed 5 to 7 times per week. Both Romaine and green leaf lettuce have relatively low calcium content and relatively high Vitamin C content, making them the best lettuces for guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat romaine lettuce everyday?

The short answer is yes. Guinea pigs can eat romaine lettuce without any harm coming to them. It is actually important for them to eat this nutrient-dense vegetable. Romaine lettuce is not only safe for guinea pigs but also incredibly beneficial to them.

Can guinea pigs eat grass everyday?

They should have fresh grass as often as possible too, ideally every day. They naturally graze, eating only grass, herbs and some other plants (such as dandelion or groundsel) for long periods, both day and night. Remember, guinea pigs need hay and/or grass for their digestive systems to function properly.

How many guinea pig pellets a day?

Pellets. Guinea pigs should be given a pellet based food - about 1/8 cup per guinea pig per day (for pregnant, nursing, or guinea pigs 6 months or less, pellets should be available at all times even if this means feeding more than 1/8 cup per day).

Do guinea pigs need Nuggets?

Cavies need vitamin C to stay healthy. Without this essential vitamin, they can become seriously ill. But because guinea pigs cannot make it, they need to get it from specially formulated nuggets, vegetables and fruit or from supplements.

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.

Can guinea pigs eat broccoli everyday?

Short answer is, yes - guinea pigs can eat broccoli. Broccoli is a vegetable that is high in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Fiber, and other essential nutrients.

What fruit can guinea pigs eat daily?

What Fruits Can I Feed My Guinea Pig?Fruit NameFrequencyOrangesA couple times a weekPeach (de-pitted)OccasionallyPearOccasionallyPineappleOccasionally11 more rows•Mar 24, 2022

Can guinea pigs eat kale everyday?

In moderation, kale for guinea pigs can be a healthy snack. It offers vital nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. It's also very low in fat and sugar. A handful of kale each day can be great for cavies, but make sure to only feed your guinea pig kale as part of a balanced diet.

What fruits and veggies are safe for guinea pigs?

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 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 to feed guinea pigs?

Your pig will be perfectly happy with high quality pellets and hay and treats of fruits and vegetables. For a special snack, try mixing some rolled oats into your guinea pig’s pellets or stuff a small cardboard tube with fresh hay. Top 10 tips.

How to keep guinea pigs fresh?

Keep it fresh. The steady amount of produce in your guinea pig's diet means that you need to be conscientious about removing uneaten fruits, veggies and other perishable foods before they spoil. Check for untouched or unfinished treats an hour or so after they’ve been offered to your guinea pig.

What sweetener is good for guinea pigs?

Loaded with artificial sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup, fructose or sucrose, they provide little nutritional value and lots of empty calories.

What vegetables should I feed my pig?

It’s best to provide variety by feeding different greens each day. Vegetables like red or green pepper and broccoli have high levels of vitamin C in them and are great daily options.

Do guinea pigs overeat?

How much to feed. Guinea pigs don't usually overeat, but it's important to provide the proper balance of pellets, hay and fresh vegetables. Like human beings, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so they require vitamin C-rich foods in their daily diet.

Can guinea pigs eat salt wheels?

But if you’re feeding your guinea pig a varied and well-balanced diet, these products shouldn't be necessary.

Can guinea pigs have bladder stones?

Note: Because guinea pigs are susceptible to developing painful bladder stones, and some bladder stones are comprised of calcium oxalate, reducing or eliminating foods high in oxalates—such as spinach, parsley and strawberries—can provide benefit in guinea pigs who develop calcium oxalate stones.

What should I feed my guinea pig in the morning?

In the morning they should have dry food on the menu along with some small pieces of veggies. For the evening meal, you can serve them more vegetables, some herbs, and occasionally small pieces of fruit. Guinea pigs love variety, always feed them with at least two different sorts of veggies.

What is the best food for guinea pigs?

Guinea pig’s daily diet should be consist of high-quality hay ( 80%), specially designed pellets, and fresh vegetables along with herbs and some fruits ( 20%).

How much pellets should I feed my guinea pig?

The Official rule of thumb is to feed your adult guinea pig with 1/8 cup of pellets or one handful of pellets per day. Remove all uneaten pellets after an hour or so.

How to keep piggies hydrated?

It is super important to keep your piggies hydrated throughout the day. Tap water is safe as long as it is safe for humans. If not, then filter or bottled water would be a better solution. You should refill the water bottle every day with fresh water and always check how much water your piggies drank.

How long should I let my piggies eat 3 oz of veggies?

They should eat a portion in 8-10 minutes.

What should I feed my piggies in the evening?

Evening meal consists of greens and veggies mainly. If you feed your piggies with veggies in the morning as well, then in the evening you can give them the rest of the daily portion. Don’t forget to wash thoroughly all veggies, herbs, fruits you give to your piggies.

How much vitamin C should I give my guinea pig?

Adult guinea pigs need 30-50 mg of vitamin C per day and if you think they don’t get it through the food, you can give them vitamin C supplements (the liquid form is the best, with a syringe).

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 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?

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.

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