Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Can My Guinea Pig Eat This?: Guinea Pig Friendly Vegetables and Fruits

Can My Guinea Pig Eat This?: Guinea Pig Friendly Vegetables and Fruits


What vegetables and fruits are safe for Guinea Pigs? If you didn't know by now, not all greens and fruits are Guinea Pig-friendly. An appropriate diet for your Cavy friends can be as tricky as a Rabbit’s for a first-time owner— largely made up of good quality Hay, food pellets, fresh vegetables and occasionally, a delightfully fruity treat.
Source

Note


The recommended amount of vegetables to be fed is 200 to 240ml (approximately 1 Cup)— this is by no means a daily must. When introducing new foods to your Guinea Pig, always introduce in very small amounts with gradual increase for each feed, so as to avoid stomach upsets. All Guinea Pigs are different, there may be restrictions or certain dietary needs  one might have to adhere to. Consult your trusted Veterinarian for a specific diet-plan if need be.

What can you feed your Guinea Pigs?

Let us present a simple list below, to give you a good head start on the safe and not so safe. You'd be elated to also know that these are mostly readily available at a local supermarket or a normal market!



Guinea Pig Safe Vegetables


Certain vegetables and herbs are a great source of nutrients for your Guinea Pig,  and even so, moderation is strongly advised for some vegetables— too much of which may cause bloating and gas.

Radish  |  Alfalfa  |  *Cabbage  |  Carrots  |  Cilantro  |  Basil  |  Green, Red, Yellow Bell Peppers  |  Lettuce  |  Wheat Grass  |  Cucumber   |  Chicory  |  Mint  |  Peppermint Leaves  |  Parsnip  |  Celery  |

*Occasional — Beets  |  Corn  |  Broccoli  |  Brussels Sprouts  |  Watercress  |  Parsley  |  Snow Peas (including the flat pods)

 * Include these items only once or twice a week, overfeeding may cause bloating and gas.
Safe foods for Guinea Pigs



Guinea Pig Safe Fruits


Similarly, the occasional fruit treat can also provide a Guinea Pig with beneficial nutrients. However, a treat is not meant to be as frequent nor as much as compared to vegetables. Certain fruits such as Bananas are to be fed with extreme moderation— due to high sugar content and likelihood of constipation.

Tomato  |  Melon  |  Apple  |  Orange  |  Peach  |  Papaya  |  Pear  |  Raspberries  |  Strawberries   |  Blueberries  |  Pineapple  |  Cherries  |  Grapes

Occasional — Blackberries  |  Cranberries  |  Mango  |  Rock Melon  |  Watermelon 

*Banana

* High in sugar, feed with extreme moderation (i.e. once a month)
What can Guinea Pigs eat



A Guinea Pig's Diet


There you have it, an easy guide to safe and unsafe foods for Guinea Pigs. Be sure to introduce new food items in small portions (preferably a small piece), and slowly increasing. A sudden change in diet can cause a sensitive Guinea Pig’s tummy to be upset. The main part of their diet should still consist of fresh, good quality Hay every day— Timothy Hay is best for adults, whereas Alfafa should be mixed in for young Guinea Pigs.
A fresh change of water and fruits or vegetables is equally as important, to maintain good hygiene and a safe living environment for your Cavies. 

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Disclaimer


This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals. 


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