Guinea Pig Diet

Guinea Pig Diet

By Graeme Jarry

A Good Diet is the Basis for a Healthy Guinea Pig.

Daily Basics:

Fresh Water
Vitamin C
Good Quality Guinea Pig Pellets
Grass Hay
Correct Fresh Vegetables
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WATER: Should be fresh and cool ,needs to be changed daily, (best provided in a drip bottle to prevent contamination). Avoid using distilled water and avoid water that is high in minerals, especially if high in calcium. Vitamins or medications should not be added in the water.
VITAMIN C: It’s well known Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C and require 10 to 30 mg daily . Whilst many guinea pigs receive adequate vitamin C from fresh vegetables and pellets, you may wish to ensure your guinea pig gets sufficient vitamin C by giving a quarter of a 100 mg chewable or plain vitamin C tablet. liquid vitamin C drops can also be given to each cavy. Young, ill and pregnant pigs require extra vitamin C. see my book for a complete Vitamin “C” Table
PELLETS: Plain dye free high quality guinea pig pellets (mixes with nuts are considered too rich), formulated with Vitamin C. Allow approx 1/8 cup of pellets a day when also fed adequate hay and fresh vegetables. It’s best to purchase pellets in small quantities and store in a dry cool dark place to preserve the potency of the . Look for a pellet that uses stabilized vitamin C. It’s always best to avoid pellets that use animal byproducts and those whose primary ingredient is corn.
GRASS HAY: Plenty of high quality, grass hay (timothy and orchard grass are popular) should always be available to each and every guinea pig, no matter what age. The Grass hay keeps their digestive system moving. It also helps prevent their teeth from over growing. Alfalfa hay can be given to young guinea pigs, pregnant, nursing or malnourished adults. Excess calcium could contribute to the formation of bladder stones in older guinea pigs.
VEGETABLES: Fresh vegetables in small amounts (about a cup a day) are an important additional source of vitamin C and other nutrients. Parsley, romaine lettuce, a small piece of carrot, tomato, green or red pepper, spinach, and cantaloupe are popular choices. And clean, pesticide-free grass, clover, dandelion greens, corn husks and silk, will be appreciated by your pet. Be sure to Wash vegetables thoroughly. Vegetables must be introduced slowly, to avoid digestive upsets.
Graeme Guinea Pig Enthusiast

http://www.GuineaPigSecretsRevealed.com

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