Guinea Pig Diets
Food for your guinea pig must always be suitable for that specific animal – pellets and nuggets for rabbits or other small animals should not be used.
Hay
Like rabbits, roughage makes up the majority of their daily diets. They should always have some hay on, as it helps them to chew and grind down their teeth. Guinea pig teeth are always growing throughout their life, so they need something fibrous to gnaw on.
It also contains fibre to help their digestive system moving. It can be surprising how much they eat, so keep everything topped up.
A mix of timothy, orchard, and oat is best. Alfalfa contains too much calcium to be their main source of hay but is okay for an occasional treat
Pellets
Many owners will choose this as an easy option for the majority of their fresh greens intake, and keep the vegetables as a treat or supplements.
Plain pellets, as opposed to mixed varieties, are best to avoid picky eating. The same applies to muesli, which can cause selective eating
Greens
A large part of a guinea pig’s diet but most is often given in the form of pellets for ease. Around one teacupful of greens per day, such as green peppers, parsley, romaine lettuce and tomatoes, can give them some variety.
Fruits such as watermelon, strawberries and bananas also act as greens, but these are like candy to a piggy so must be restricted to a slight piece once or twice per week!
Mixed Food
As mentioned above, plain pellets or nuggets are the best options for the majority of small animals as it prevents selective eating and means they don’t just pick out the tasty additions.
But mixed food or muesli can be good for the occasional addition to your pigs daily food, as the alternative textures and tastes mean they don’t get bored.
Just keep an eye and ensure they don’t just pick out the vegetable flakes and leave the rest.
Vitamin C
Guinea pigs can’t create or store this naturally so need a constant supply. This is why they need fresh veggies, and you must ensure pellets contain enough vitamin C for your pet.