What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?
What do guinea pigs like to do? Eat, eat, and eat some more! In the wild,
these South American mammals spend about six hours a day grazing on
grasses, so it's no wonder that your pet always seems to be nibbling on
something. As a responsible caretaker, it's up to you to provide the
ingredients for this daily chow fest. Topping the menu are specially
formulated pellets, followed by plenty of hay supplemented with fresh
fruits and veggies.
Commercial guinea pig pellets should comprise the bulk of your pet's diet.
Nutritionally complete, they're available at pet supply stores, and are
made from dried plants, seeds and vegetables. Feed your animal companion
twice daily, in the morning and the evening. A sturdy, weighted ceramic
food bowl will work well, but many guinea pig caretakers sing the praises
of the specially designed wire food dispensers that attach to the side of
the cage. These dispensers will allow your pet to eat as she pleases, will
cut down on waste and minimize the chances of the food becoming
contaminated by feces or bedding.
Your guinea pig is a major grazer by nature, so you'll need to make sure
that grass hay is available at all times. Not only will it help keep your
pet's digestive system in good working order, it'll satisfy her need to
chew and keep her teeth in good condition. Timothy hay is your best choice,
say Experts.
Every day, you'll need to supplement your pet's diet with fresh foods.
She'll go nuts for fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, cucumbers, corn,
peas, carrots and pears. It's best to gradually introduce fresh foods, as
too many, too soon cause cause diarrhea. Be sure to wash all produce well,
and never give your pet anything that's old or spoiled. And remember, the
name of the game is MODERATION. Half a handful of veggies and a slice of
fresh fruit per piggy is plenty.
Food Suitable for Guinea Pigs Should Include Vitamin C
Unlike other animals, guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin C from glucose
in their food, so it's of utmost importance that your pet gets enough of
this essential vitamin every day. You can meet her needs in several ways.
For one, be sure to include some fruits and veggies that are high in C to
her daily ration of fresh foods. Kale, dandelion greens, brussels sprouts,
strawberries and green pepper are all great, as are citrus fruits. A
quarter of an orange will satisfy the requirements. Many caretakers choose
to add vitamin C to their guinea pig's water bottle; ask the staff at your
pet supply store to recommend a supplement. And finally, be sure that the
pellets you feed your pet are fresh. Good-quality pellets do contain C, but
this vitamin breaks down quickly--and anything older than 3 months won't
have enough of it.
Don't forget to fill 'er up! Fresh, clean water should be available to your
pet at all times. We suggest an upside-down bottle with a sipper tube that
attaches to the side of the cage. You'll need to rinse and refill it
everyday. Regularly check that the tube isn't clogged, and be sure the
bottle is easily accessible.
And finally, do not become alarmed if you notice your pet eating her
droppings. This is perfectly normal, and allows her to obtain essential
nutrients from the food that she wasn't able to get on the first pass.
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