What kind of greens can guinea pigs eat

Providing sufficient fibre in their diet is also very important for both their gastrointestinal system and general health. Providing the opportunity for your guinea pig to graze on grass is also important to their wellbeing.

If they do not have an areas where they can graze safely for example, free roaming in a safe enclosure , then offering cut grass is another alternative however, they should not be fed lawn trimmings, as these can cause digestive upsets. When you harvest grass to feed to your guinea pigs you need to make sure it is safe. Just as with hay, Lucerne alfalfa should not be given fresh and clover should be avoided where possible and not given in large quantities.

It is important that guinea pigs are introduced to a variety of different and healthy foods from a young age, as they may not try or accept new foods later in life. Please note that it is normal for guinea pigs to eat their soft, nitrogen-rich faeces that are derived from their caecum after they pass them coprophagy.

This does not indicate any kind of dietary deficiency or abnormality and guinea pigs should be allowed to do this. Guinea pigs should not be fed Lucerne alfalfa or Clover hay, as these are too high in protein and calcium.

The hay that you feed should be available 24 hours a day and of good quality; dry, sweet smelling, and not contain any mold, mildew or fungus. This is paramount in providing a complete diet and encourages the guinea pigs to chew for long periods of time. This chewing helps to wear down their continuously growing teeth and is very important in maintaining dental and gastrointestinal health. 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. The glues and adhesives that hold mineral and salt wheels together may be harmful. Opt for a ceramic food dish rather than a plastic one. Ceramic dishes are sturdy, chew-resistant and difficult to overturn. They're also durable and shouldn't need to be replaced unless they become cracked or chipped. Look for a wide, shallow bowl.

Many guinea pigs like to place their front feet on the rim of their food bowl when they eat and this design will lessen the chances that the bowl and your pig! Place the food bowl in an area of the cage that's far away from your guinea pig's bathroom area. Spot clean your guinea pig's food bowl as needed throughout the week if they kick bedding or droppings into it.

Wash the bowl with soapy water and rinse and dry thoroughly during the weekly cage cleaning. Guinea Pig Bowls on Amazon. The steady amount of produce in your guinea pig's diet means that you need to be conscientious about removing uneaten fruits, veggies and other perishable foods before they spoil.

Be sure to discuss this general advice with a veterinarian to ensure the best diet for your guinea pigs. Veggies that cause gas or burping in humans will have the same effect on guinea pigs. So give bok choy, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage sparingly. Look for burpless varieties of cucumber.

Certain veggies don't agree with guinea pigs, and some can be harmful. Avoid raw and dried beans and lentils, white and red potatoes, onions, garlic, rhubarb, hot peppers, mushrooms, iceberg lettuce and all processed foods. She writes nationally for newspapers, magazines and websites on topics including careers, education, women, marketing, advertising and more.