- guinea pigs diet -

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here is a post that will go along with my informational post series. If you have any suggestions for informational posts, reviews, etc. the next posts that will be part of my informational posts series will be sicknesses (which was requested).

╔═════ஓ๑intro :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╗

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a guinea pigs diet is essential. It’s what goes through their body and keeps them alive, and healthy. here is the beginners (and any piggy(s) owners) guide to a good diet.

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╚═════ஓ๑ :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╝

╔═════ஓ๑hay :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╗

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guinea pigs need hay 24/7, it keeps their teeth at a good length because guinea pigs teeth never stop growing because they are rodents. Hay makes up about 70%-75% of their diet. They also love to eat hay, it is the most essential ingredient in a healthy guinea pigs diet. If guinea pigs are without food for 16 hours they can go into irreversible liver failure that is fatal. They need to be always eating and/or have food in their digestive system at all times of the day or they can be at risk from gastrointestinal stasis, which can also be fatal. (Not sure of the source, research from a while back).

What type?

Now you may be asking what type of hay you would buy your guinea pig. If you guinea pig is 6 months or pregnant, many people advise you to feed alfalfa hay, but if they are over 6 months you should not feed alfalfa hay because it contains lots of calcium. For the piggies that are over 6 months the most used hay is Timothy hay, but a runner up would be orchard grass hay. Another type of hay is oat hay, but between Timothy, orchard grass, and oat hay, Timothy hay is still the best option.

what to look for in hay

When buying hay is first cut, second cut, or third cut the best option? Well, firstly first cut is one that should not be selected. This is because first cut timothy hay is high in fiber with a coarse texture. Second and third cuts are softer and more palatable. First cut hay has more seed heads which guinea pigs love but are less nutritious. Look for second or third-cut timothy hay for your guinea pig. The next key thing to look or in hay is that it has 100% all natural ingredients. The fresh hay you feed your guinea pig should consist of 100% natural hay with no added ingredients, and it should be delivered fresh for maximum nutritional value. Always avoid hay that has added preservatives or artificial additives. Another thing to look out for is a proper leaf to stem ratio. Guinea pigs love soft, leafy hay, but it is lower in fiber than the stems. An ideal leaf-to-stem ratio s healthy digestion while also appealing to your guinea pig. Source

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╚═════ஓ๑ :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╝

╔═════ஓ๑vegetables :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╗

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you should feed 1 cups of veggies per piggy per day. They help keep your piggy healthy and make up around 18%-20% of their diet. Some veggies can not be fed daily, but some can. You should feed a variety of different fruits and veggies. Here is a chart I found of safe veggies and fruit. If you dint know if something is safe or not just ask me source

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╚═════ஓ๑ :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╝

╔═════ஓ๑pellets :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╗

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Pellets are around 5% of a guinea pigs diet. There should not be any colorful pieces, nuts or seeds in them, which isn’t healthy for them and can cause obesity. If you feed too much of pellets than it can also cause obesity.If your piggy is under 6 months you can feed alfalfa based pellets, but if they’re not your should see Timothy hay based pellets. They need about 1/8 cup of pellets, but if they are pregnant or nursing you should give them unlimited amount if pellets. Also if they are under 6 months old you cam feed unlimited pellets too, which is recommended. Make sure the pellets do not contain a large amount of calcium because it can cause stones. Which are painful and often require surgery to remove. If you are unsure if your guinea pig is over 6 months and need adult pellets I recommend staying with the pellets that are for under 6 months for 1-2 months. You can choose not to feed tellers but you would need to feed extra veggies or forage. I personally feed them for extra nutrition.

what brand?

Now you may ask what brand is the best. Here is a list:

for guinea pigs 6 months and under:

•oxbow young guinea pig food

•sherwood baby guinea pig food

•sweet meadow blend pellets

•kleenmamas alfalfa

for guinea pigs over 6 months

•any oxbow guinea pig food

•small pet select timothy pellets

•sherwood timothy pellets

•sweet meadow timothy pellets

•mazuri timothy pellets

•kleenmamas timothy pellets

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╚═════ஓ๑ :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╝

╔═════ஓ๑treats :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╗

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treats make up around 0%-0.05% of a guinea pigs diet. Treats include sweeter veggies, fruit, or store bought treats. Treats are not necessary and if they are store bought make sure there is no added food coloring, or preservatives. Some good store bought treats are by the brand oxbow.

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╚═════ஓ๑ :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╝

╔═════ஓ๑routines :ocean: ๑ஓ═════╗

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a stable routine is key and very important. Guinea pigs are very smart and know when the food is coming. Everyone’s life is different and everyone needs to figure out what works for them. I in the afternoon spot clean their cage, then give 1 cup of veggies and half of their pellets. I give hay whenever needed and give another cup if veggies and the rest if their pellets.

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Hope you found this useful!

-Maddie

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