Guinea pig what do they 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. Vegetables like red or green pepper and broccoli have high levels of vitamin C in them and are great daily options. Add carrots, zucchini, tomato or sweet potato once or twice a week.

Guinea Pig Pellets on Amazon. Fruit works well as an occasional treat that is offered once a day or several times a week. Keep the portion size small since fruit is high in sugar; a small wedge of orange or apple, several blueberries or a thin slice of banana is perfectly adequate. Kiwis, strawberries and citrus have high levels of vitamin C. Introduce new fruits and veggies gradually to avoid diarrhea. If your guinea pig develops loose stool, reduce the amount of fresh produce for several days, then reintroduce it in smaller portions.

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.

Read a more detailed explanation and consult a veterinarian who specializes in guinea pigs with specific questions about diet. There are a variety of commercial treats marketed for guinea pigs and other small animals.

Loaded with artificial sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup, fructose or sucrose, they provide little nutritional value and lots of empty calories. Commercial treats are unnecessary and a waste of money. Ask your vet for advice on portion sizes if you're not sure.

Your guinea pigs should have fresh, washed leafy greens or weeds each day, such as kale or broccoli, which are excellent sources of Vitamin C.

Guinea pigs don't naturally eat fruit or root vegetables, but you can give them in small amounts as treats, such as small pieces of carrot or an apple quarter. Don't give them citrus fruits, and remember that some plants are poisonous to guinea pigs. Make sure they have fresh clean drinking water continuously and check it twice daily.

Ensure water doesn't freeze in winter. Without water guinea pigs become seriously ill. If you haven't registered with a vet, find your nearest vet practice.

Recognising pet obesity, the associated health risks and how to prevent them. Share this A healthy diet for guinea pigs. Hay and grass Good-quality hay should make up most of your guinea pigs' diet, and they should always have it available to them. Although many contain adequate levels of Vitamin C when fresh, this is only when the food is very fresh and within just a few months these foods no longer contain Vitamin C.

Mix any new food into the existing diet in small quantities, slowly increasing the amount over two weeks. It is important to also know what not to feed guinea pigs, as there are plenty of items that might seem harmless but can in fact cause significant health issues. Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods this is not an exhaustive list : cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs such as hemlock or privet ; lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; daffodils; foxglove; rhubarb leaves; and human foods such as breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals, dairy products, chocolate, pasta, crackers, or pickled foods.

Provide clean fresh water at all times. Multiple water dispensers should be available and enclosures should be fitted with a water bottle and a small water bowl should be available as well. Can I keep guinea pigs and rabbits in the same enclosure? How should I keep and care for my guinea pigs? What companionship do my guinea pigs need? What do I need to know about my guinea pigs' health?

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