Guinea Pig Feeding

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

15 Apr 2008 10:45 AM

Guinea pigs -- like people and many other animals -- are happiest with a varied diet.

Kristen brought this up when she succumbed to guinea pig mania -- guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin C in their bodies. They NEED vitamin C supplements in order to stay healthy. Adult guinea pigs need between thirty and fifty milligrams of vitamin C per day.

Experts suggest skipping the vitamin drops that can be added to water. Why?

• Vitamin drops may have other vitamins and minerals that your pigs don't need. Some may potentially be toxic!
• Vitamin C deteriorates rapidly in water and light, so adding drops to water ensures that your guinea pigs won't get the nutrient they actually need!
• You have no way of knowing for sure how much vitamin your guinea pig is getting in his or her water -- because you don't know for sure how much he or she is drinking.
• Vitamin drops can make the water taste funny, which could discourage your guinea pig from drinking at all!

Instead of vitamin drops, try feeding fresh fruits and vegetables that are full of vitamin C (and low in calcium, which can lead to bladder stones).

When it comes to hay, you should make sure to have Timothy hay available at all times. Timothy hay is good for the digestive system and helps keep ever-growing molars ground down to a healthy level. Alfalfa hay is easier to find, but is also full of calcium (which can lead to bladder stones) and other nutrients that aren't necessary as part of your guinea pig's regular diet. Alfalfa hay is best for pregnant mothers and growing babies -- not the average adult guinea pig.

Just remember that hay doesn't need to be reserved for treats -- give your guinea pig unlimited access to Timothy hay in addition to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger