Nutrition And Feeding For Guinea Pigs

The best diet for your guinea pig is one specifically formulated for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a unique requirement for Vitamin C, so a Vitamin C supplement needs to be added to the diet, since they usually do not get sufficient quantities from their food. Guinea pigs also need a daily, fresh supply of grass hay, such as Timothy or Oat. Alfalfa hay is too rich in calcium and protein and should be given only sparingly.

As well as hay and pellets, a variety of fresh vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables should be offered daily. Excellent choices would include kale, spinach, red cabbage, turnip greens, parsley and dandelion greens, all of which provide Vitamin C. Carrots, carrot tops, and just about any other vegetable can also be fed. Feed only small amounts of fruit. Guinea pigs develop dietary preferences very early in life, so it is important to acquaint them with many types of food while they are young. Outside of this basic, staple diet of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables and fruits, anything else should be considered a treat and fed sparingly. This diet will ensure a long, trim, and healthy life for your favourite pig.

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When to feed

Fresh water should be available at all times. To avoid obesity issues, feed your guinea pig each of the staple items (grass hay/fruits and veggies/pellets) once a day, but not necessarily all at once. For example, you might offer the hay in the morning and pellets with veggies and fruit in the evening. Before feeding the next day, remove any left-over fruit or vegetables from the day before. Generally, a small handful of hay and a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets is enough for one pig. Monitor what is left over and adjust your volumes so eventually, most or all food is gone the next day. Initially, it is a good idea to monitor weight with a small gram scale so you will know if your pig is losing or gaining weight.

About the Author:

Drs. Foster & Smith Veterinary & Aquatic Services Dept.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com

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