Food & Diet
Guinea pigs love to eat but are very particular about their food preferences. They are strict vegetarians eating plant materials only. They will forage throughout the day and consume large quantities so it is important that they always have grass, hay and food available. Do not be alarmed if you see your pet eating it’s own feces, this is normal and helps the guinea pig recycle necessary nutrients and minerals. Below are many of the foods you could feed your pet.
Pellets
There are several excellent pelleted guinea pig foods on the market. These foods have all the ingredients necessary for your guinea pig’s health, but often exclude vitamin C.
Hay
Hay is an important part of your pet’s diet. It helps to keep the teeth worn down and satisfies their need to chew. It also provides necessary roughage. You should not feed coarse hay that can injure the soft tissues of the mouth or hay that is moldy or dirty.
Leafy Vegetables & Fruit
There should always be a little bit of leafy vegetables in the feed rack at all times. Guinea pigs don’t enjoy cold vegetables so let them warm to room temperature before feeding to your pet. As a treat, your pet may enjoy fresh fruit like kiwi fruit, oranges, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apricots and melons.
Supplements
Your guinea pig needs to have vitamin C to be a happy and healthy pet. Not providing this important supplement can be fatal. Luckily there are many supplements available to give you guinea pig.
Water
Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and a dry diet increases the need for water. Always provide more water than you think your pet will drink.
Harmful Foods
Not all vegetables are good for your guinea pig. Avoid spinach, peanuts, beet tops, potatoes, iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, cabbage and broccoli. Never feed your pet chocolate or candies.