feeding guinea pigs
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Feeding Guinea pigs
Note: The key to the healthiest guinea pigs is diet variety. Try to rotate the fresh fruits and veggies as much as possible. Also, don’t be discouraged if your piggie refuses to eat certain foods. This is normal. Guinea pigs have their own tastes and preferences which one comes to know over time. Also, try to make sure greens are the center of the diet with sweeter foods like fruit and carrots playing a smaller role.
The Best Foods
Alfalfa
Timothy Hay
Alfalfa vs Hay – What is the Difference?
Alfalfa is generally higher in calories and calcium than Timothy hay. For this reason it is generally recommended for guinea pigs under one year old, pregnant or nursing mothers, and sick or thin cavies. This same rule applies when it comes to selecting food pellets as well.
The Best Pellets
Get a simple blend without any additives like nuts, seeds, sugar, dried fruit, etc. Also avoid anything with added fat or animal products. Popular high quality brands include Oxbow and KM’s Hayloft.
How Much to Feed?
About 1/8 cup pellets per day, unlimited hay and fresh veggies – say a couple large whole green leaves (think romaine lettuce sized) and a half cup of something else.
Greens (Great sources of vitamin C)
- kale
- collard greens
- Swiss chard
- mustard
- dandelion
- beet
- spinach
- carrot tops
- pea shoots
Lettuces
- Green
- Butter
- Red
- Frisse
- Arugula
- Endive
- Radicchio
Herbs
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Basil
- Dill
- Mint
- Thyme
- Chives
Grains
- Wheat
- Winter rye
Acidic Fruits (warning can cause mouth sores)
- Tomato
- Citrus fruits (lemon, lime, grapefruit, oranges)
- Pineapple
Berries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cherries (must be pitted)
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
- Currants
- Gooseberries
Melons
- Cantaloupe
- Honey Dew
Other Fruits
- Kiwi
- Apples
- Pears
- Apricot
- Peach
- Mango
- Papaya
High Fiber Veggies (can cause gas and bloating)
- Broccoli (flowers and stems)
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
Veggies
- Bell Peppers
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Small pieces of celery
- Corn
Root Veggies
- Sweet Potato
- Celery Root
- Kohlrabi
- Turnip
- Parsnip
- Beets
- Rutabaga
- Fennel
Squash
- Acorn
- Banana
- Zucchini
- Butternut
- Pumpkin
From the Garden (all must be pesticide free)
- Grass
- Clover
- Dandelions
The Worst Foods
Note: Least obvious food to avoid? Long stalks of celery! The fiberous strings will give your guinea pig a lot of digestive problems. Be sure to cut up into very small pieces if you wish to serve.
Foods Too High in Fat
- Avocado
- Coconut
- Nuts/Peanut Butter
Foods Too High in Sugar
- Fruit Juice
- Dried Fruit
Foods Lacking Nutrients
- Iceberg lettuce
Foods With Too Strong a Taste
- Onions
- Garlic
- Horseradish
- Hot peppers and chilies
“People” Foods to Avoid
- Beverages – coffee and tea
- Prepared foods, fried foods,baked items…
- Meat and dairy
- Pickled foods
Choking Hazards
- Seeds
Poisonous Foods
- Dry beans and peas
- Commercially grown flowers and plants (pesticides)
- Potatoes with any green spots or sprouts
- Rhubarb
- Raw Taro
Extending the Life of Hay
The biggest problem with buying hay in bulk is the growth of mold. Much of this can be prevented by keeping the hay as dry as possible. The fresher the hay the more moisture it contains. This means that very fresh hay cannot be stored in plastic bags or containers unless dried. For interior storage, cloth lined baskets work well such as those used as laundry bins.
Pellet Storage
Make sure you buy the freshest pellets possible. Check the bag for an expiration date to make sure. The freshness and vitamin content of the pellets is best preserved by storing in a cool, dark location.
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