Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are charming and social creatures that make wonderful pets. Proper nutrition is one of the most vital aspects of guinea pig care. As strict herbivores, their diet requires careful planning to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and happy life. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what a guinea pig's daily diet should consist of, ensuring both new and experienced owners can provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
The Foundation: High-Quality Hay
An unlimited quantity of fresh grass hay daily is the cornerstone of a healthy guinea pig diet, constituting around 80% of their daily intake. Guinea pigs need continuous access to hay to aid their digestion and limit the growth of their teeth. Grass hays such as timothy or orchard grass are best for adult guinea pigs. Hay is high in fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system for guinea pigs. The chewing motion of the dried stalks and soft foliage of hay also keep their teeth filed down naturally.
Essential Pellets: Vitamin-Fortified Nutrition
Quality commercial guinea pig pellets should be fed daily to supplement the hay. Choose timothy-based, vitamin C-fortified pellets with no seeds or dried fruit added. Commercial pellets should have 20% crude protein and 16% fiber. Most guinea pigs will not overeat (usually eating about 1/8 cup per day), but the amount of pellets may need to be restricted if a guinea pig becomes obese. About 1/8 cup of pellets once a day, supplemented by hay and fresh vegetables, will be enough.
It is important to read the expiration date on the label, usually from the day of milling, as the vitamin C in the pellets deteriorates over time. Most pelleted diets must be used within 90 days of milling. Storing the diet in the freezer will reduce the rate of breakdown, but it is important the pellets do not become moist. Replace pellets on a daily basis. If there are many pellets left in the food bowl every day, you’re probably giving your pig too much.
Fresh Vegetables: A Daily Dose of Vitamins
A variety of fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens, should be offered daily. Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to 1/2 to 1 cup total per guinea pig per day. Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, mustard or turnip greens, cabbage, kale, cilantro, and parsley should comprise the bulk of your pig’s fresh produce. Good choices include arugula, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, and green and red bell peppers. It’s best to provide variety by feeding different greens each day. Vegetables like red or green pepper and broccoli have high levels of vitamin C in them and are great daily options.
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Fruits: Occasional Treats
Fruits should be limited to no more than 20% of the diet by weight. Fruit works well as an occasional treat that is offered once a day or several times a week. Kiwis, strawberries, and citrus have high levels of vitamin C.
Vitamin C: An Indispensable Nutrient
Vitamin C is an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet as they are unable to manufacture their own. Without enough vitamin C, guinea pigs can become severely ill. The amount of vitamin C required varies around 10-30 mg/day. Offer your guinea pig vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C. Good quality pelleted diets will contain vitamin C. Because vitamin C usually degrades rather quickly, it is crucial to also offer your guinea pig vitamin C-rich vegetables and fruit on a daily basis. Supplements in tablet or liquid form can be purchased from any local pet store. There are times when a veterinarian will recommend an additional vitamin C supplement for a guinea pig that is picky or having health issues. The best options are pediatric vitamin C drops given daily, or vitamin C tablets formulated for guinea pigs.
Water: Always Available
If you happen to have a mama guinea pig that just had babies, offer her a plentiful supply of fresh water and food. Hanging water bottles work well for most guinea pigs. However, they also must be kept clean. Wash with soap and water weekly, using a brush or pipe cleaner to clean the tube they drink from. Take special care daily to ensure that it is still dispensing water. The spout apparatus can jam with debris and stop working.
Foods to Avoid
It's tempting to share a bit of your dinner with your piggie friend. However, don't offer your pet guinea pig any foods prepared with salt, table sugar, oils, or seasonings. Here are a few foods to never feed a guinea pig: processed foods like pizza, meat or cheese, candy of any type, and chips or crackers. Iceberg lettuce has very little nutritional value. It's also important to know that guinea pigs are at a high risk of developing bladder stones made of calcium oxalate. It's best to only offer sparingly foods rich in oxalates such as spinach, strawberries, and parsley.
Understanding Guinea Pig Eating Habits
Guinea pigs are natural foragers, or critters that enjoy wandering around looking for and nibbling on plants. In fact, in the wild, they spend up to 70 percent of their waking time sniffing, digging, moving about, and hunting for yummy things to eat. Guinea pigs eat their own stool at times to supplement their nutrition. As they can’t get enough nutrition from the fibre as it passes through them the first time, they first excrete something called caecotrophs. These are soft, sticky-type droppings that they re-eat to get the rest of the vital nutrients. The second time they are digested, they are excreted as round, hard droppings.
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Transitioning to a New Diet
Guinea pigs have sensitive intestinal tracts. A sudden alteration in diet (including food brand) may result in serious GI upset and loss of appetite. If your guinea pigs are currently on a muesli style diet, you can transition them over to a nugget diet. Transition your guinea pigs over to guinea pig nuggets slowly, over a period of 14-28 days. Gradually reduce their old food and replace it with the new nuggets. Introduce new fruits and veggies gradually to avoid diarrhea.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment
Guinea pigs cages should be at least 18 inches high, 24 inches wide and three to six feet long with a solid floor (wire floors are irritating and can lead to foot or limb problems). Be sure to place the cage in an area free from drafts, chills, direct sunlight, extreme heat and sudden temperature changes. You will also need to provide at least two inches of bedding. Bedding should be nontoxic, nonabrasive and inedible, as well as dust free and absorbent. Also, make sure no sharp objects are mixed in it. Do not use cat litter, corn cob, or clay, cedar, and/or pine substrates. The bedding should be easy to form into nests and tunnels. Soiled bedding should be changed every other day. Once a week, the cage should be thoroughly cleaned with a solution of half water half vinegar.
Additional Care Tips
Aside from daily handling, guinea pigs benefit from a place to run, escape tunnels (wide PVC pipes) ladders or plywood boxes (to climb on). Indoor playpens are also a great way of offering your pet a place to roam outside of his/her cage. Regular brushing will help keep your guinea pigs coat in good condition. Small brushes or metal combs can be purchased at any pet store. Brushing provides a good opportunity to check for problems such as lice or sores on the skin. All guinea pigs will require regular nail trimmings, preferably at least monthly. Guinea pigs also have “open rooted” teeth. This means their teeth grow constantly. Provide your guinea pig with toys and items to chew to avoid overgrown teeth.
Monitoring Health and Seeking Veterinary Advice
Most guinea pig health problems are a result of nutrition, digestive, dental issues, or obesity. Always keep an eye on your guinea pigs’ weight. Regular vet visits are key. Watch for signs of illness. Lethargy, drooling, sneezing, or rough coat? If your guinea pig shows any signs of illness, prompt treatment from a knowledgeable vet is critical. If you have any concerns or if your guinea pig is not eating properly, always seek the advice of your vet.
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