Guinea Pig Feeding Chart
| Guinea Pig Feeding Schedule | Food |
| Monday | |
| *with fresh water, hay, and pellets | Broccoli |
| Cucumber | |
| Parsley |
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.
What's the best food for pigs guinea?
Good fresh foods to feed your guinea pig include: Bananas Blueberries Cantaloupe Green peppers Parsley Green and red leaf lettuce Strawberries Tomatoes Watermelon
What vegetables are safe for guinea pigs?
What veggies and fruits can guinea pigs eat?
- Oranges.
- Apples.
- Pears.
- Strawberries.
- Blueberries.
- Kiwi.
- Papayas.
- Peaches.
What is the best diet for guinea pigs?
What do Guinea Pigs Like to Eat?
- Apple,
- Broccoli Spears,
- Orange,
- Pears,
- Strawberries,
- Papayas,
- Spinach,
- Romaine Lettuce,
- Artichokes,
- Bell Peppers ( Red & Green),
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.
What fruit and vegetables 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 should you not feed a guinea pig?
15 Things Guinea Pigs Shouldn't EatMeat of any kind. ... Dairy, including yogurt, cheese, kefir, sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. ... Iceberg lettuce and the lighter lettuces give guinea pigs diarrhea. ... Cabbage, cauliflower, or other gassy veggies can lead to bloat. ... Avocado.More items...
What household foods can you feed a guinea pig?
A small quantity of fresh vegetables—and occasional high-fiber fruit, such as apples or pears—should be offered daily to help keep guinea pigs hydrated....Foods guinea pigs cannot eatChocolate (or anything else containing caffeine)Onions.Garlic.Mushrooms.Iceberg lettuce.Avocados.Nuts.Potatoes.More items...
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 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.
Can guinea pigs eat banana?
Overall, bananas can be a great treat every once in a while for healthy guinea pigs. They are great health benefits like potassium and vitamin C, both are vital for your pig's health. Bananas can also be harmful to your guinea pig if they are not properly portioned due to their high levels of sugar and fiber.
What can guinea pigs drink?
Fresh WaterFresh Water: Guinea 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.
What do guinea pig likes?
What do guinea pigs like? Guinea pigs like time outside of their habitat to socialize and exercise, wooden and cardboard toys to chew on, lots of hay, places to hide and occasional treats.
Are carrots OK for guinea pigs?
Carrots: These are loved by Guinea Pigs, however, they contain sugar, which can lead to tooth problems and diabetes. They also contain oxalate which can lead to oxalate stones. They also contain high amounts of vitamin A. Carrots can be fed occasionally.
Can guinea pigs have carrots daily?
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.
How can I make my own guinea pig food?
1:042:44How To Mix Your Own Guinea Pig Food - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo in your garden you could be growing different types carrots turnips. And even your roses. AndMoreSo in your garden you could be growing different types carrots turnips. And even your roses. And raspberries as well raspberries black relieves and strawberry leaves are fantastic for the digestive.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Do guinea pigs sleep on hay?
This will help you to ease the transition of your guinea pigs to timothy hay as they grow up. Other than this, be sure that the cage of your guinea pigs is full of hay. They will sleep on hay, and generally, they will be surrounded by this. It also means that they will eliminate a lot of waste in their hay.
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.
What should I feed my guinea pig?
DO Feed Your Guinea Pigs a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables. Happy, healthy little herbivores like guinea pigs love nothing better than a great salad, fresh fruits and veggies. A mixture of crunchy, nutrient-filled foods make great supplements.
What is oat hay for guinea pigs?
Oat hay is to guinea pigs what warm, delicious oatmeal, oatmeal cookies, and rich, oat bread is to us. Mmmmm, they are going to LOVE their oat hay!
What are the nutrients in hay pellets?
Pellets, although comprised of mostly hay, offer necessary vitamins and minerals that grass hays simply do not contain. Vitamins A, B-12, C, D and E as well as minerals such as Phosphorous, Niacin, Biotin and Selenium help your cuddly cavies grow and develop into healthy active adults.
What is the best hay for a buffet?
The most popular, by far, is Timothy Hay —the perfect all day, every day buffet hay—which is low in fat, chock full of fiber and sufficient protein as well as moist and delicious. This hay is also readily available, so it’s easy to provide.
What does it mean when a guinea pig is hungry?
A Guinea Pig’s voracious appetite is a tell-tale sign of a happy, healthy little cavvy. They enjoy a variety of foods so thankfully, they’re easy to please. So, if you want to be cavvy savvy and offer your hungry little critters a balanced diet, have a good gnaw on these tips for what’s good and what’s not so good.
What is in grass hay?
Botanical grass hays typically contain tidbits of herbs such as clover, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender as well as dried flower petals. Yummy! The fresh outdoorsy scent alone may have your guinea pigs racing to the dinner table, so to speak.
How many servings of fruit should I give my cavy?
Limit fruit servings to 2 times per week— serving size is approximately 1-2 tablespoons for every 90 7 grams of body weight. A few things to keep in mind when supplementing your cavy’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is that due to possible higher water content, your little friends may not drink as much as usual.
