Content
- guinea pig fruit
- guinea pig fruit
- What guinea pig can eat: extra information
- Guinea Pig Vegetables
- Guinea Pig Vegetables
- What guinea pig can eat: extra information
- Guinea pig feeding: general advice
You Guinea pigs (cavia porcellus) are herbivorous rodents that feed mainly on hay, a dried legume that provides fiber needs and is also essential for intestinal transit. On the other hand, the pellets should be offered in a moderate way, as the guinea pigs need an extra contribution of vitamin C, through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, since the pellets do not supply this need.
It is very important to know which fruits and vegetables are recommended for guinea pigs, as they play a fundamental role in the pet's nutrition, and also to offer a varied diet that will improve the pet's well-being and enrichment.
In this PeritoAnimal article we will offer a complete list of fruits and vegetables good for guinea pigs, read on and find out what they are and what the recommendations are before offering.
guinea pig fruit
Many people ask if guinea pig can eat banana and the truth is, yes. Fruits are a great complement due to their high vitamin content. It is important to note that you must incorporate vitamin C into your guinea pig's diet, so you should offer fresh, clean fruit three to four times a week in small amounts. Remember to remove seeds or seeds from some fruits such as cherries.
guinea pig fruit
This is the list of fruits that guinea pig can eat:
- Kiwi
- Ananas
- Cherry
- strawberries
- watermelon
- Papaya
- apricots
- Banana
- Apple
- Mango
- blueberries
- gossip
- Peach
- loquat
- Pear
- Plum
- oranges
- Nectarine
- Melon
- Tomato
What guinea pig can eat: extra information
Kiwi fruit has a laxative effect, ideal in cases of guinea pigs that suffer from constipation, but you should also know that it is a slightly acidic fruit, for this reason it is not recommended to offer in excess. The apple is also a good choice for constipation and diarrhea, as it regulates the intestinal flora very well.
Tangerines and oranges are also a little acidic, but they have large amounts of vitamin C and are very beneficial for your guinea pig. Melon and watermelon with their high water content are perfect for properly hydrating old-age guinea pigs.
Pineapple helps improve the digestive system of guinea pigs that suffer from excessive gas. Lastly, as we've already mentioned, guinea pig can eat banana it is a good option due to its high content in potassium, sugar and hydrates, but it should be offered occasionally.
Guinea Pig Vegetables
In the wild, guinea pigs feed mainly on hay, fresh herbs and green leafy plants, so it might be a good idea to grow some herbs for rodents as, in addition to helping to keep teeth healthy, it prevents the dental overgrowth. You must offer vegetables daily. Do not forget to wash any food thoroughly before offering and to cut it into small pieces if it is too large.
Guinea Pig Vegetables
Vegetables are another source of vitamins and, in general, you can offer:
- Endive
- Arugula
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Canons
- Eggplant
- spinach
- red pepper
- Green pepper
- Brussels sprouts
- green cabbage
- Celery
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli (leaves and stalk)
- Artichoke
- Chard
- alfada sprouts
- Pod
What guinea pig can eat: extra information
Carrots are ideal for preventing constipation and diarrhea, although you should not abuse them, it is preferable to offer them between two or three times a week. Among the vegetables rich in vitamin C are peppers, arugula or canons. While celery and artichoke (in addition to moisturizing) offer a diuretic function.
For sick guinea pigs, chard works very well to improve kidney or urinary tract problems, and artichoke is good for the guinea pig liver.
Guinea pigs with overweight problems may increase their consumption of eggplant, zucchini and cucumber. On the contrary, guinea pigs that need to gain a little weight can enjoy vegetables such as pumpkin or endives.
If you've recently adopted a guinea pig, also see our list of names. Also, check out our article on how to properly handle the guinea pig in order to avoid injuries that are very common in these animals.
Guinea pig feeding: general advice
If you have a guinea pig or are thinking of adopting one, it is important to be aware of guinea pig feeding, therefore, we decided to make a list with the most important points for you to make sure that the diet is appropriate and that it meets all your pet's nutritional needs:
- Always make it available fresh, clean water;
- Pay attention to the water in winter so that it doesn't reach very low temperatures;
- Choose quality hay, fresh and dust-free;
- Always make it available unlimited fresh hay;
- Commercial pellets contain much needed vitamin C to avoid nutritional deficiencies. You must manage them following the indication of the packaging proposed by the manufacturer and according to the characteristics of your pet;
- The amount of pellets should be more abundant for young, pregnant, elderly or lean guinea pigs;
- It is important to take into account which foods are prohibited for guinea pigs, thus avoiding poisoning;
- Supervise the intake of food and water, as well as the amount of feces that the guinea pig produces;
- If your guinea pig stops drinking or eating, it is essential to visit a trusted veterinarian as it may be a symptom of an illness;
- Guinea pigs eat their own feces, it's normal behavior;
- It is important to be aware of the guinea pig feed to avoid overweight or malnutrition;
- Visit a veterinarian every 6 to 12 months for a general checkup to ensure your pet is in good health.
To learn more about the Permitted fruits and vegetables for guinea pigs, check out our YouTube video: