What are the specific nutrition requirements of guinea pigs?
Guinea pig feeding
- Commercial food: Choose vitamin C-fortified pellets with no seeds or dried fruit added.
- Timothy hay: Provide an unlimited quantity of fresh timothy hay every day.
- Fruit and vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to about one cup total per guinea pig per day.
What foods are too high in calcium for guinea pigs?
Alfalfa hay contains too much calcium and protein for an adult animal and should only be fed to young guinea pigs (<6 months) and lactating females. 10% pellet diet: For adult guinea pigs, we recommend a timothy-based pellet without added fruits, nuts, or seeds, such as Oxbow’s Cavy Cuisine.
What vitamin is required daily for the health of a guinea pig?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is of utmost importance to guinea pigs, as they are unable to manufacture their own (much like humans). Without enough vitamin C in their diets, guinea pigs can become very ill with scurvy.
What is the result of a Hypovitaminosis C diet for a guinea pig?
A pig suffering from vitamin C deficiency may appear weak and lethargic, have difficulty moving, lose weight and stop eating, display a rough coat, or have diarrhea. Some pigs might have internal bleeding. You may also notice a small exterior wound bleeding excessively or not healing correctly.
Why do guinea pigs need a high Fibre diet?
Guinea pigs need a high fiber diet. Fiber is essential for maintaining a balanced bacterial flora in the gut and for stimulation of gastro-intestinal motility. Fiber is crucial to the normal grinding motion needed to preserve the ideal length of teeth. Hay should be the main source of fiber.
Do guinea pigs need protein?
But they can also be fed on kitchen scraps and are very good processors of waste. Adult guinea pigs weigh between 1 and 2 kg and can provide a family’s protein needs for a day, though the meat is enjoyed for its taste as well as its nutritional value.
Are carrots low in calcium?
Carrots are among the most popular vegetables in the United States and contain high levels of beta carotene (the precursor to Vitamin A) and other vitamins and minerals; however, like many vegetables, they are a poor source of dietary calcium (5, 6).
Are cucumbers high in calcium for guinea pigs?
Cucumber: Guinea Pigs can eat both the flesh, seeds (not too much) and the skin. Green beans:These contain vitamin C, and can be fed in a raw state. However, be cautious as they also contain calcium and phosphorus. Peas: As with most vegetables, these contain Phosphorus and Calcium.
How often do guinea pigs need vitamin C?
The average guinea pig requires 10-20 mg of vitamin C every day. An unhealthy guinea pig may need 100 mg of vitamin C daily so increase the dose if you suspect your guinea pig is becoming sick. Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C.
What foods have vitamin C for guinea pigs?
Like humans, guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C. They need to get it from their food. Good quality guinea pig nuggets will contain vitamin C….Leafy greens and fresh veg are also a great source of vitamin C, especially:
- Salad peppers.
- tomatoes (the fruit but not the leaves)
- spinach.
- asparagus.
- broccoli.
- parsley.
- kale.
What happens if a guinea pig gets too much vitamin C?
It is wise to routinely provide extra vitamin C to an ill guinea pig. Excess vitamin C is excreted through the urine and not absorbed by the body. Long-term supplementation of over 100 mg per day should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Why do guinea pigs need vitamin C in their diet?
Guinea pigs and primates, including humans, cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, therefore it is essential to supplement their diet with vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for the normal development and maintenance of skin, joints, and mucosal surfaces, like gums. It also plays an important role in the healing of wounds.
