Feeding Guinea Pigs
- Vitamin C
- Pellets
- Hay
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit
- More About Guinea Pigs
What are the best vitamins for guinea pigs?
- Optimized for adult guinea pigs
- Specialized calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
- Stabilized vitamin C for a healthy immune system
How much vitamin C should guinea pigs have?
The average guinea pig requires 10-20 mg of vitamin C every day. An unhealthy guinea pig may need 100 mg of vitamin C daily so increase the dose if you suspect your guinea pig is becoming sick.
What are the best vitamin C foods?
- Beef liver: 552% of the DV
- Chicken liver: 327% of the DV
- King mackerel: 24% of the DV
- Goat cheese: 54% of the DV
- Sweet potato, cooked: 87% of the DV
- Collard greens: 28% of the DV
- Carrots, raw: 93% of the DV
- Baby spinach, raw: 31% of the DV
What fruits can guinea pigs eat?
What are the Fruits high in Vitamin C for guinea pigs:
- Apple
- Apricot
- Orange
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Guava
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Honeydrew
- Black Currant
What can I feed my guinea pig that has vitamin C?
Veggies. Guinea pigs are vegetarians who feed mostly on grasses in the wild. In captivity, however, they'll delight in fresh vegetables given as treats daily. The vegetables with the highest amounts of vitamin C include dark, leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and certain squashes.
How do I give my guinea pig vitamin C?
Like human beings, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so they require vitamin C-rich foods in their daily diet. Commercial food: Choose vitamin C-fortified pellets with no seeds or dried fruit added.
Can guinea pigs make their own 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.
Is there vitamin C in timothy hay?
Unfortunately, when stored for a while or exposed to light, vitamins in the food can be destroyed. While your little guy or gal probably munches on timothy hay or other types of grass, these aren't substantial vitamin C sources.
What happens if guinea pigs dont get vitamin C?
A vitamin C deficiency from an inadequate diet will cause the guinea pig to be lethargic and weak. It will eat less and lose weight and may have enlarged limb joints. It develops a rough hair coat, diarrhoea and produces a discharge from its eye and nose. Death usually occurs in about three to four weeks.
How do you treat vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs?
Treatment includes giving your pet guinea pig daily vitamin C supplements for 1-2 weeks, either by mouth as directed by your veterinarian or by injection at your veterinarian's office.
Do I need vitamin C drops for my guinea pig?
The average guinea pig needs between 10 and 30 mg/kg daily for good health. A guinea pig who is currently deficient in vitamin C can receive up to 50 mg/kg/day. It is wise to routinely provide extra vitamin C to an ill guinea pig. Excess vitamin C is excreted through the urine and not absorbed by the body.
What animal foods have vitamin C?
Usually, meat and fish don't have much vitamin C, but kidney and liver are two good animal sources of this vitamin. Some herbs and spices (parsley, sorrel and chives) are also rich in vitamin C; however, they don't really increase our intake of this vitamin because we only eat them in very small amounts.
Which fruits and vegetables have the most vitamin C?
Foods With Vitamin CCantaloupe. Cantaloupe is a rich source of vitamin C, with 202.6 mg of the vitamin in a medium-sized melon, and 25.3 mg in one slice.Citrus Fruits. Raw citrus fruits are very high in vitamin C. ... Broccoli. ... Red Cabbage. ... Kiwi. ... Bell Peppers.
How do I know if my guinea pig is getting enough vitamin C?
Symptoms. A pig suffering from vitamin C deficiency may appear weak and lethargic, have difficulty moving, lose weight and stop eating, display a rough coat, or have diarrhea. Some pigs might have internal bleeding. You may also notice a small exterior wound bleeding excessively or not healing correctly.
What can I feed my sick guinea pig?
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Can you give a guinea pig too much vitamin C?
Never give a multivitamin to guinea pigs. Vitamin C in excess will safely exit the body through the urine, but too much of other vitamins and minerals can make your guinea pig sick. Again, 25 mg once daily is enough for most guinea pigs, but those with scurvy will need higher doses more often until they have recovered.
How much vitamin C should I give my guinea pig?
To feed a guinea pig vitamin C, give it about 10 milligrams of vitamin C per day per pound of body weight. You can increase your guinea pig's vitamin C intake by giving it fruits and vegetables like strawberries, peppers, broccoli, and kiwi.
How to help guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency?
In this case, ensure that it’s getting enough Vitamin C by administering liquid Vitamin C in the mouth using a syringe or dropper.
What to do if your guinea pig is not getting enough vitamin C?
If you believe that your guinea pig isn’t getting enough Vitamin C, or if your guinea pig is showing symptoms of a vitamin deficiency, make an appointment with your vet. They will be able to assess your guinea pig. Always consult a vet if you think your guinea pig is pregnant.
What are some good foods for guinea pigs?
[7] Feed fruits and other vegetables to your guinea pig as a treat. Cucumbers, guava, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberry, peas, tomatoes, and kiwi are good sources of Vitamin C for guinea pigs.
What greens are good for you?
Dark, leafy greens such as kale, parsley, cabbage, spinach, chicory, lambsquarter, and dandelion greens provide a good source of Vitamin C. If you feed dandelion greens or lambsquarter, be careful not to harvest ones from lawns that have been treated with pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides.
Do guinea pigs produce vitamin C?
Like human beings, guinea pigs are not able to produce their own Vitamin C. If they are not fed a sufficient quantity of Vitamin C, they will develop a deficiency and fall ill. Guinea pigs need about 10mg/day per pound of body weight; that rises to 30mg/day per pound of body weight during pregnancy.
Can guinea pigs eat corn?
6. Never give your guinea pig poisonous foods. Common fruits and vegetables that are poisonous or dangerous for your guinea pig include cereals, grains, nuts, corn kernels, beans, onions, potatoes, beets, rhubarb, and pickled foods. If your guinea pig seems unwell after eating a treat, discontinue feeding that treat.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberry Leaves
The short answer is yes! Guinea pigs can safely consume fresh strawberries as long as they are organic and free of pesticides.
Quick Tips For Feeding Vitamin C Tablets To Your Guinea Pigs
Break the tablet to the right size and place it in their cage, some guinea pigs get curious by its aroma and eat it thinking it a treat. Else, you can hand-feed the tablet to your guinea pigs if they are accustomed to that.
What Should I Feed My Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are natural herbivores and would spend their time foraging and grazing in small herds in the wild. They need to be fed the types of food they have adapted to eat.
What Foods Naturally Contain Vitamin C
Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. These foods are easily found in the supermarket. Its even better if they come from your small vegetable garden! Always wash vegetables and fruit before feeding them to your guinea pig. It is important to present them to your pet as a treat, he will appreciate it more.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Canned Strawberries
No, Guinea pigs should not eat canned strawberries.Canned fruits have very little nutritional value and may contain high levels of sugar. Canning processed foods involves heating the food to extremely high temperatures, which destroys most of its nutrients .
Re: Is This Vitamin C Tablet Okay To Give To My Guinea Pig
Originally Posted by bpatters A children’s plain vitamin C tablet would be ideal — it would be less likely to have additives.
Tips For Buying Best Strawberries For Your Guinea Pigs
Buy Fresh Strawberries : When buying strawberries , you need to make sure that they are fresh and have no signs of mold or other spoilage.
Why do guinea pigs need vitamin C?
Every day, guinea pigs need much vitamin C because the lack of this vitamin can cause scurvy, which is a potentially fatal condition. However, with a balanced diet that includes guinea pig vitamin C supplements such as vitamin C tablets, liquid vitamin C, or vitamin C drops once per day, your guinea pig remains strong and fit.
What supplements are good for guinea pigs?
Support Good Digestion: Added probiotics help stimulate good digestion so your guinea pig can get the most out of... Immune System Support: We add stabilized vitamin C, a necessary supplement for guinea pig health, to help maintain... Fiber Rich: Timothy hay and alfalfa pellets are high in fiber for optimal digestion.
How old is a guinea pig to eat sweet Meadow?
Popular for guinea pigs over 9 months of age, Sweet Meadow Timothy Pellets contain timothy pellets that are high in fiber have lower calcium and protein contents. Giving this food to your pet per day is a great idea because the vitamin C content in the feed is balanced, stabilized, and perfect for your guinea pigs over 9 months old.
What do guinea pigs eat?
So, as guinea pigs can eat a lot, you should rely equally on fruits and vegetables, especially fresh leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, spinach, cabbage, dandelion greens, and turnip greens your pets need every day.
What is a good diet for guinea pigs?
This balanced feed contains vegetables, seeds, different kinds of fruits, and grains. Likewise, it contains a good amount of vitamin C, which your pet needs daily. This good quality mixture of such a vast domain of wholesome ingredients makes this diet a natural, complete solution for your guinea pigs.
Does guinea pig food have sugar?
With zero sugar content , this food prevents dental problems and obesity. This product contains Alfalfa, which guinea pigs love to eat. Guinea pig’s diet has to contain a sufficient amount of vitamin C per serving, which is exactly what your pet will get with this food. Pros & Benefits:
Is Oxbow Essentials good for guinea pigs?
Last update on 2021-07-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Oxbow Essentials is best for adult guinea pigs because it has high fiber content and enough vitamin C per serving. The important thing is to give your guinea pigs foods rich in fiber and keep them well-fed. Apart from fruits and vegetables, fiber is necessary ...
Why do guinea pigs drink so much water?
First, because these dilute the vitamin C into a very low concentration in the water your guinea pig would have to drink ridiculously large amounts of water to reach their needs every day. Second, they make the water taste funny and will discourage your guinea pig from drinking enough water.
How long does vitamin C last after opening?
Since Vitamin C is easily broken down, most of the companies only guarantee the Vitamin C amounts for 3 months after the bag has been opened. Choosing a food that has timothy-based pellet and no “extras”, such as seeds, nuts, colored pellets, dried fruits, etc., is also important.
Can guinea pigs take vitamin C?
Guinea pigs will pick out those “extras” which are nutritionally empty and leave behind the nutritionally balanced pellet. You may also use a liquid vitamin C for humans. There are many different brands of liquid vitamin C sold in health food stores.
Can guinea pigs eat fruit?
Many people try to satisfy a guinea pig's need for vitamin C feeding fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be done, but we need to make sure we’re picking veggies that have good vitamin C levels without excess sugar and limiting fruit in the diet.
Do dogs need vitamin C?
We never have to worry about making sure our dog or cat has enough vitamin C in their diet. This is because most animals are able to make their own vitamin C, although the ones who can’t include most primates, and humans.
Can guinea pigs have kidney problems?
Fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C , but they’re also high in sugar, which can cause problems in other areas, i.e., causing your guinea pig to gain weight or develop kidney problems. Always serve fruit in lower quantities than you would vegetables.
What are the symptoms of guinea pigs?
Symptoms and signs may differ, but the most popular ones include repeated skin infections, hair loss, diarrhea, wound infections and repeat respiratory sickness.
How long does vitamin C last in greens?
From harvesting, vitamin C has an estimated half-life of ten days in green veggies. In short, after every 10 days, the healthy vitamin C decreases by almost half. For maximum nutrients absorption, feed your pets with fresh fruits and greens. Consider giving a variety of vitamin C rich food every day.
Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?
Guinea pigs’ connection to vitamin C is a common concern among pet owners. With plenty of contradicting information available, proper vitamin C intake remains a hard nut to crack. As a result, most piggy parents fumble with various foods and supplements. Sometimes, this leads to overdose or poor vitamin C intake.
How to tell if guinea pigs have vitamin C deficiency?
Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs can include: lethargy, weakness, difficulty with mobility. altered walking pattern due to enlarged, painful or stiff joints. loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. diarrhoea. discharge from the eyes and/or nose. rough cough.
What happens if a guinea pig doesn't get enough vitamin C?
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY GUINEA PIG DOESN'T GET ENOUGH VITAMIN C? A vitamin C deficiency is commonly known as scurvy and if left untreated can cause abnormalities in blood vessels, bones and connective tissues. Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs can include: lethargy, weakness, difficulty with mobility.
What happens if a piggy is fed too much vitamin C?
If a piggy is is fed a high level of Vitamin C over a long period of time this can also reduce their sensitivity to Vitamin C and cause a condition known as Pseudo-Scurvy. In Pseudo-Scurvy, a reduced sensitivity to Vitamin C means that what would usually be considered a normal 10-30mg/kg intake of Vitamin C wouldn't be sufficient ...
What are the symptoms of a guinea pig?
discharge from the eyes and/or nose. rough cough. poor skin and fur condition. It is important to note that many of these symptoms may be as a result of something other than Vitamin C deficiency. If your guinea pig shows any of the above symptoms, you should take them to a vet as quickly as possible for an urgent assessment.
How long does vitamin C last in vegetables?
BEST PRACTICE FOR A HEALTHY VITAMIN C INTAKE. Vitamin C has a half-life of approximately 10 days in vegetables. This means that from the point of being harvested, the amount of viable Vitamin C contained within the food decreases by half every 10 days.
Why is vitamin C important?
Vitamin C is important for healthy bones, blood vessels and connective tissues, it also plays a vital roll in several biological systems and processes within the body including collagen production. Image credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C.
What foods are good for piggies?
Some foods, for example kiwi, oranges, melons and grapefruit are very high in Vitamin C but must be fed sparingly given their high sugar and/or acid content.
