Feed your guinea pig about a cup of fresh vegetables daily. The key is to provide it with a lot of variety so that it gets a balanced diet. Veggies that are good for guinea pigs include celery, off-the-vine tomatoes, cucumber, corn (and corn husks), and bell pepper.
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?
These veggies can be fed on a daily basis:
- Raddichio
- Green leaf lettuce
- Red leaf lettuce
- Romaine lettuce
- Bell pepper (any color, red have more sugar)
- Cilantro
- Pumpkin
- Tomatoes*
- Asparagus
- Yam
What is the best diet for guinea pigs?
Safe Fruits and Veggies for Your Guinea Pig
- Romaine Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Parsley
- Carrots (and the carrot top)
- Zucchini
- Sweet Potato
- Peas
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
What are guinea pigs' favourite foods?
The Most Healthy and Favorite Foods of the Guinea Pigs
- blueberries
- melon
- papaya
- peach
- pear
- plum
- pineapple
- tomatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- cucumber
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 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 fruit and vegetables can guinea pigs eat?
Good fresh foods to feed your guinea pig include:Bananas.Blueberries.Cantaloupe.Green peppers.Parsley.Green and red leaf lettuce.Strawberries.Tomatoes.More items...
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...
Are carrots OK for guinea pigs?
Foods like carrots, kiwifruit, berries, and pineapple are also great as a source of Vitamin C and a tasty treat for your guinea pigs but only feed them a few times a week, not every day, as these foods have quite a high sugar content.
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 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
How often should I give my guinea pig carrots?
A Balanced Diet Most guinea pig experts recommend 1 cup of fresh vegetables per day. That can include a maximum of two baby carrots, or a medium-size carrot cut into 2-inch pieces.
How often do guinea pigs need to eat?
Other than the hay, it's a good idea to feed your cavy two times a day. Both in the morning and in the evening, to help prevent overeating and, consequently, obesity. Always remove any uneaten pellets about 1 hour after your cavy has eaten and any fruit or vegetables after 24 hours.
Can a guinea pig eat bananas?
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 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. Do not put vitamin C drops in the water.
Can guinea pigs eat cucumber?
Cucumber: Guinea Pigs can eat both the flesh, seeds (not too much) and the skin. Green beans:These contain vitamin C, and can be fed in a raw state. However, be cautious as they also contain calcium and phosphorus.
Can I make my own guinea pig food?
Offer Variety. Like all of us, guinea pigs do well on a variety of foods. Offer a range of vegetables at each feeding. Include leafy greens like kale, spinach or chard at each feeding, along with other options like peas, carrots, cucumbers, celery, corn or sweet peppers.
Can guinea pigs eat bread?
Similar to human diets, avoid feeding your guinea pig foods with too much sugar, carbohydrates and fats. This means no toasted oat cereals that are often used as treats for gerbils or hamsters. Do not feed her beans, breads, cookies, crackers, oats, potatoes or other human foods.
Do guinea pigs eat cheese?
Dairy products - dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt etc are derived from animals and should not be fed to your Guinea Pig.
Can guinea pigs eat bananas?
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 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!
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.
How to feed cavies?
Fresh Grass is a great seasonal food for their diet from spring to fall but you have to pay attention if you start to feed grass each year. Start with short amount of it and increase every day a bit. This guarantees that cavies will be softly get into the way of it. At winter season you should replace grass with fresh vegetables to keep them healthy with a diet rich in vitamins. Fruits should be always handled like candy and should not be provided that much. Herbs can be provided fresh or dried permanent in any quantity.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to lose its teeth?
After 24 hours. Guinea Pigs lose their deciduous teeth at womb and will be born with a complete set of teeth.
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 cavies cause constipation?
Rich in sugar. Do not feed if one of your cavies has Diabetes. Can cause constipation.
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 give guinea pigs?
It’s a great idea to offer your guinea pigs lots of different vegetables and fruits, otherwise they might get picky with what you’re offering them.
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.
How to keep guinea pigs water clean?
Don’t forget to empty and refill daily, and keep the bottle clean at all times. Do regular checkups by pressing the metal ball tip of the bottle once in a while , to make sure your guinea pigs can get the water out.
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.
What Should I Feed My Guinea Pig Daily?
Guinea pigs are herbivores and their food consists mainly of hay, pellets, fresh vegetables, and a lesser quantity of fruits.
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 is Oxbow guinea pig pellet?
Oxbow’s Adult Guinea Pig pellets are specially designed from high fiber timothy grass that contains a lower level of protein, calories, and calcium than young guinea pig food.
Why do guinea pigs need pellets?
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.
What do guinea pigs need?
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.
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.
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.
What to feed 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. Provide your guinea pigs with a dietary source of Vitamin C because (like humans), guinea pigs cannot synthesise Vitamin C ...
What vegetables should I feed my guinea pig?
Offer a variety of fresh leafy green vegetables & herbs daily. Some examples of these include dark leafed lettuce varieties such as rocket, dandelion greens, snow peas, and herbs such as marjoram, borage, marigold, nasturtium, rosemary, parsley, coriander, basil, and dill. 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 is the best vitamin for guinea pigs?
Provide your guinea pigs with a dietary source of Vitamin C because (like humans), guinea pigs cannot synthesise Vitamin C from other food substances. Vitamin C rich foods such as leafy green veggies and capsicums (green, orange, and red) should be fed to your guinea pigs daily.
Why should guinea pigs have hay?
The hay should ideally be contained in a hayrack or basket to prevent it sitting on the enclosure floor and getting contaminated by your guinea pigs’ waste and becoming damp, dirty, and mouldy; this is unhygienic and could make your guinea pigs sick.
How long should guinea pigs eat hay?
The hay that you feed should be available 24 hours a day and of good quality; dry, sweet smelling, and not contain any mold, mildew or fungus.This is paramount in providing a complete diet and encourages the guinea pigs to chew for long periods of time.
Why do guinea pigs need roughage?
They need to be fed the types of food they have adapted to eat. Their teeth are continuously growing, which is one of the reasons why they need plenty of roughage to chew; this wears down their teeth and helps prevent serious dental problems. Providing sufficient fibre in their diet is also very important for both their gastrointestinal system and general health.
How long does it take for a guinea pig to change its diet?
If you need to change your guinea pig’s diet, please make sure you introduce any changes gradually over a few weeks.
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 get guinea pigs to eat fresh veggies?
If you cannot get your guinea pig to eat fresh veggies, try shredding the veggies into strips and add them to the pellets. This will get them used to the flavor and they'll eventually be more likely to try it..
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.
What vitamins do guinea pigs need?
Look for pellets that are supplemented with vitamin C. This is an important nutrient that guinea pigs need in their diet.
How to keep guinea pigs happy?
Guinea pigs, like all other pets, require specific nutrients for them to thrive. If you take the time to make sure your guinea pig is fed a healthy diet, it will go a long way towards assuring that they have a happy and healthy life.
Why do guinea pigs get scurvy?
Guinea Pigs are highly prone to getting scurvy, which is a disease caused by low levels of Vitamin C.
What do guinea pigs eat?
The wild guinea pig, in its native habitat of the South American forests, eats a variety of foods, everything from fruits to leaves and plants to root vegetables, but especially a lot of high-fiber grasses. Pet guinea pigs are often fed a dry guinea pig mix with the occasional bit of fresh vegetables, which is inadequate in fiber and generally too high in carbohydrates. Hay is critical not only to help wear down their continuously growing teeth, but also to keeping the bacteria in their intestinal tract that ferment their food healthy.
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.
Why do I need to give my guinea pig Vitamin C?
It also plays an important role in the healing of wounds . A lack of vitamin C makes the body more prone to other diseases, including infections and predisposes guinea pigs to skin problems. 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.
How to keep guinea pigs healthy?
In summary, an unlimited quantity of hay, a smaller amount of vitamin C-fortified pellets, plus a variety of fresh produce is extremely important to maintain your guinea pig's health. Have your guinea pig checked annually by your veterinarian with whom you can discuss your guinea pig's specific dietary needs.
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 .
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 ...
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 Are the Best Natural Treats for Guinea Pigs?
The best treats for your guinea pig can just be as simple as giving him a small portion of fruits or vegetables that he doesn’t have very often, as long as they are on the safe list. You could even opt to make a game out of their regular food, such as stuffing some fresh hay into a cardboard tube (that they can fit into, of course).
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 ...
How to adjust guinea pigs to new food?
They need time to adjust to any new food, so always introduce it slowly, just adding tiny amounts and gradually increasing over time.
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 percentage of a pig's diet is pelleted?
Vegetables and herbs make up 10%-15% of their diet, and pellets about 5%-10%. And all with the occasional treat thrown in.
Can guinea pigs eat cabbage?
Many of these items should be obvious as to why they aren’t good for guinea pigs. You should avoid giving your cavy any food that will cause gas, such as cauliflower and cabbage.
How many vegetables can guinea pigs eat?
Vegetables: Guinea pigs can have up to one cup of vegetables each day. New vegetables should be introduced to your pet one at a time. Fresh, organically grown greens are the best option. Vegetables that your pet guinea pig can eat include:
What is the best hay for guinea pigs?
Make sure you purchase fresh, high-quality, clean hay that is dry, sweet-smelling and free of mold. A high-quality meadow hay such as Timothy hay is a great choice.
What is guinea pig pellets?
Pellets: Commercial guinea pig food is specially formulated to provide balanced nutrition with the ideal dosage of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Choose pelleted food that has been veterinarian-tested and approved and follow the feeding instructions on the packaging as a guide.
Why is my guinea pig having diarrhea?
An imbalance in nutrition can cause chronic diarrhea , obesity and diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys. Gradually introduce new foods to your guinea pig's diet as abrupt or significant dietary changes can cause problems (such as diarrhea). Feed your guinea pig on a consistent schedule, twice a day, morning and evening.
How long do guinea pigs live?
With proper care, you can expect your guinea pig to live up to eight years. Like any other pet, it's important for your guinea pig to get annual check-ups.
What to give guinea pigs for teeth growth?
Since your guinea pig's teeth grow continuously, you should provide a variety of fun chews, including sticks, toys, balls, blocks and treats made especially for small animals.
Can guinea pigs eat cold fruit?
Remember to also thoroughly wash all fruits before serving them to your guinea pig and avoid serving fruit cold.
What is the best food for guinea pigs?
It’s also low in sugar, so it makes a perfect staple food. Cut raw bell peppers into manageable sizes and give them to your pet every day. 5. Broccoli. Image Credit: Auntmasako, Pixabay. Broccoli is a safe food to give your guinea pig, and you can begin adding it to its daily diet.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs like to eat grass and Timothy hay, but they also like to eat various vegetables.
What vegetables should I feed my guinea pig?
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.
What are some good vegetables for guinea pigs?
The 17 Best Vegetables for Guinea Pigs in Alphabetical Order Are: 1. Asparagus. Image Credit: MarieXMartin, Pixabay. Asparagus is a perfect example of a nutritious vegetable you can frequently feed your guinea pig. It’s low in sugar and provides your pet with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
What to feed guinea pigs for diarrhea?
Celery is another nutritious food that you should only provide your guinea pig once or twice a week because it can cause diarrhea in some pets, and it also has a lot of calcium which can cause health problems. It’s a rich source of vitamin C, and guinea pigs tend to enjoy it, but you should only provide no more than ¼ stalk along with the leaves at a time for a treat. Adding other vegetables can also help balance the nutrients and reduce the risk of diarrhea.
How much broccoli should I feed my guinea pig?
Cabbage. Both the red and green varieties of cabbage make an excellent addition to your guinea pig’s diet, and most experts recommend feeding it raw 2 or 3 times a week for optimal health.
Can guinea pigs eat beets?
You can feed your pet guinea pig all parts of the beet plant, including roots, leaves, and stalk. It provides plenty of vitamins, potassium, and fiber. The only downside to beets is that they have a lot of calcium which can be harmful to guinea pigs if they get too much. Most experts recommend giving your pet a quarter cup once a week as a treat.