Guinea pigs are naturally herbivores. They are little veggie eating machines. But if you'll be in a responsible owner, you have to know what they eat, what they like to eat and what not to eat. First, remember that guinea pigs, like humans, not their own vitamin C. If a pig does not get enough vitamin C in their diet, it is sick and can even die. When choosing a brand of pellets to ensure that the bag says it is and make sure it says that it contains Vitamin C for guinea pigs (not rabbits or gerbils)
The mainstay of their diet is timothy hay. I can not say enough how important it is to provide an unlimited supply of timothy hay. The hay aids in your pigs digestive system and help them grind their teeth down. People often make the mistake of buying alfalfa hay. This is a big no-no.
The amount of calcium in alfalfa hay is too much for guinea pigs and can cause bladder stones. So, give them timothy hay and timothy hay only. Make sure they get every day fresh hay as well. When hay was sitting there for a while, it dries out and they often do not eat it. Moreover, they often use the hay bath area, and once it is soaked in urine, it is no longer appealing. Pigs can be picky that way.
The mainstay of their diet is timothy hay. I can not say enough how important it is to provide an unlimited supply of timothy hay. The hay aids in your pigs digestive system and help them grind their teeth down. People often make the mistake of buying alfalfa hay. This is a big no-no.
The amount of calcium in alfalfa hay is too much for guinea pigs and can cause bladder stones. So, give them timothy hay and timothy hay only. Make sure they get every day fresh hay as well. When hay was sitting there for a while, it dries out and they often do not eat it. Moreover, they often use the hay bath area, and once it is soaked in urine, it is no longer appealing. Pigs can be picky that way.
You need vegetables every day. My pigs love romaine lettuce and carrots. But again, you should be aware by them is food that is heavy in vitamin C, because even though the pellets contain the vitamin, it is impossible to know how old the pellets, such as vitamin C and break down over time, older pellets lose their vitamin C potency. So try some vegetables rich in vitamin C that eat them. This can be a difficult trick than it sounds, because I found that once a guinea pig gets in her mind what she wants or does not eat, it is difficult to change their mind have to be. Also, they might love something one day, then the next day, it will not touch. They are like the people in that capacity. We are tired of the same old thing too, you know. Vitamin C rich vegetables include kale, parsley, mustard greens, spinach, all of whom eat, none of my pigs. This is not to say that your pigs do not love this, but mine are a bit on the difficult side. They will, however, eat chili, and this has a good amount of C.
If all your efforts have been frustrated and you are worried that your pet is not enough to look them in vitamin C vitamin C supplements. I recommend the drops that can be added to the water. First, this may be the water tastes funny, pigs, and they will not drink it. Second, the exposure will break down the vitamin C, so it really just pointless. My vet recommended a chewable vitamin C tablet, although for it to work, you must first convince have to eat your pig. Of course, no one would touch mine. But if all else fails and you are convinced that your guinea pig is not getting enough vitamin C, you can give them the liquid drops with a syringe.
As a reminder, you must have your pig pellets state they are for guinea pigs and have vitamin C. They must also have an unlimited supply of timothy hay and fresh vegetables every day. And do not forget, they also need fresh water! Please note, I am an experienced and competent guinea pig owner, but I'm not a doctor. Always consult a veterinarian for all health concerns.
