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. Your pig will be perfectly happy with high quality pellets and hay and treats of fruits and vegetables. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet. 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.
Make sure that you source grass, herbs, fruits, and vegetables that have not been sprayed by any chemicals, as these could harm your guinea pigs. Lawnmower clippings should never be fed to your guinea pigs as these can cause gastrointestinal blockages and make your guinea pigs very sick. 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.
As herbivores, guinea pigs cannot digest anything which is derived from an animal, and this includes dairy products. However, that doesn't stop pet stores selling things like yoghurt drops. Although they might look tasty to you, your guinea pigs certainly won't enjoy them, and can be left with an upset stomach. This is perhaps the most popular human treat, and so it is natural that we want to feed it to our cavy friends as well.
However, it is very high in sugar, making it very fattening, and can also contain milk, which they cannot digest properly. Again, many pet stores sell guinea pig chocolates, but these should be avoided. Many guinea pigs love nuts and seeds, but they can be dangerous for them to eat. Those which have a hard husk, or shell, are particularly bad as this can get stuck between their teeth and cut the roof of their mouth. Most pet stores sell treat sticks supposedly designed specially for guinea pigs.
However, the usually consist largely of nuts and seeds, causing the problems mentioned above. Additionally, they are often held together with honey, which is extremely sugary and fattening. Although they are not bad for your guinea pigs as such, crackers and cereal can still cause problems with your pets' stomach. After being swallowed, they absorb water inside their digestive system, causing them to expand and get lodged. Although they will work themselves clear, this can be uncomfortable for your pet.
As you can see, many commericially-available guinea pig treats are actually completely unsuitable for your pets, and will do more harm than good. Some examples of popular treats for guinea pigs include: Beetroot Bell Peppers Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Carrot Celery Corn on the Cob Kale Tomato Watercress Fruit as Treats Remembering that fruit should only be fed as a treat very occasionally, items such as raisins, seedless grapes or slices of apple and pear can make a very special treat for your pet.
Other Treats for Guinea Pigs A number of commercial treats are available for guinea pigs, and can be bought from most good pet shops. A Guide to Guinea Pig Teeth. Importing to UK. Types of Pet. Exporting From UK. Location Guide.
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