As a pet owner, your main goal is to make them happy and keep them healthy. One of the most important ways to achieve this is to provide the animal with a healthy and balanced diet. Guinea pigs, like all other pets, have specific nutritional needs in order to survive. You need to take your time to ensure a healthy diet, so you can ensure a happy and healthy life.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Ensure a well-balanced diet
Step 1. Give him hay
Guinea pigs (also called domestic guinea pigs) love this food and need it for healthy teeth and digestive tract. They must be able to eat it without limits; this may mean that you will have to refill the bowl 3-5 times a day.
- Timothy hay is best for all these small rodents in general, who will eat with satisfaction and can also play with food; this diet is healthy for guinea pigs of all ages.
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Alpha hay (or alfalfa) is high in calcium, so it is not suitable for older specimens, except on rare occasions as a treat. Even if your guinea pig likes it, give it in moderation; it should not be part of his daily diet. Think of it more like an occasional delicacy.
This hay should be given to pregnant or lactating females and to young specimens, which are less than 4 months old
- Other types of hay are meadow, bluegrass, bromine, oat and Greek hay. These can be given to the animal from time to time, to vary the diet.
- Look for a soft green hay, because if it is yellow and hard it is actually straw.
- You can buy it at pet stores, but it often stays in stock for too long and isn't very healthy for your little rodent. Alternatively, you can order it directly from local growers or from veterinary practices dealing with exotic animals, where they are often also cheaper and of better quality.
Step 2. Feed the guinea pig about 80g of fresh vegetables every day
The important thing is to give it in different varieties, in order to guarantee a balanced diet. Some of the great vegetables for these rodents are celery, carrots, freshly picked tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, kale, some raw broccoli, a small amount of spinach, and pea pods.
- Other vegetables, such as beets, parsley, or small amounts of peppers and feed such as clover or dandelion leaves (washed), should only be given occasionally.
- Don't give him spoiled or rotten vegetables. Remember not to give him any vegetables that are no longer edible that you would not eat yourself.
Step 3. Feed the little rodent pellets
This product has a high energy value, but if you give it too much, the guinea pig could become obese and have dental problems. Do not give him more than 15-30g per day to supplement his diet.
- Look for pellets that contain vitamin C, as this is an important nutrient in this animal's diet.
- Do not feed him granola as it will lead him to select only the food he likes best.
- Make sure they are pellets designed specifically for feeding guinea pigs; that for rabbits or other rodents is not suitable, because it contains different amounts of vitamins and other essential nutrients.
Method 2 of 2: Feeding the Guinea Pig
Step 1. Make sure you are getting enough vitamin C
The guinea pig is one of the few mammals (besides humans) that cannot synthesize this vitamin on its own, so it must assimilate it from food. Make sure you give him a daily dose of 10-30 mg. Vegetables rich in this vitamin E that are great for this rodent are dark green leafy vegetables, sweet peppers, broccoli and cauliflower.
- The domestic guinea pig is particularly prone to suffering from scurvy, a disease caused by a low level of vitamin C.
- To ensure she gets adequate amounts of this vitamin, you can also give her supplements.
- It is not recommended to add vitamin C to the water in his bowl, as he may stop drinking if he does not appreciate the taste. Also, it would become difficult to define the dosage you are taking, as you may be drinking varying amounts of water.
Step 2. Do not give the guinea pig any foods that could harm it
These include large quantities of fruit with a high sugar content (give it only in moderate quantities) and starchy vegetables, such as potatoes.
- Vegetables you should avoid include iceberg lettuce, rocket salad, red leaves, cauliflower, chard, potatoes, and radishes.
- Only give fruit in small quantities. Not only is it high in sugar, it is also low in calcium in relation to phosphorus and this could lead to bladder problems and even possible diarrhea. This is especially true of fruits such as raisins.
- Also avoid citrus fruits.
- Domestic guinea pigs are herbivorous animals; this means you don't have to feed them meat or dairy products.
Step 3. Avoid commercial treats and treats
They would be a waste of money and they are also unsuitable foods for your rodent friend. The guinea pig certainly appreciates a piece of apple or oatmeal much more than the sugar-rich commercial products, in addition to the fact that natural foods are also healthier for him.
Step 4. Plan a balanced diet instead of resorting to vitamin supplements or salt wheels
These food supplements are unnecessary if you take the time to provide them with proper nutrition. If you have to give him supplements, make sure they are high in fiber and are vet approved.
Step 5. Check the amount of food you feed him
This rodent by instinct always chews and would continue to eat if you persist in providing it with food throughout the day. Check how much food you give them and try to stick to a balanced diet. Calmly explain this concept to small children who care for these pets, so they don't overdo the food.
Step 6. Get some ceramic plates to put the food on
Remember that they are small rodents and will chew on anything they put in their teeth, including dishes. So choose ceramic containers, resistant and that cannot be easily overturned.
Step 7. Keep food fresh
Leftover food should be removed from the plate immediately, within one day. Domestic guinea pigs are demanding when it comes to nutrition, so if food stays on their plate for too long, they probably won't be attracted to it after a while. If you notice that they avoid food for a full day, it means that they will probably no longer eat that food, which therefore becomes waste in their cage.
Step 8. Adjust the amount of food if the guinea pig starts to be underweight or overweight
Portion sizes depend on your age, lifestyle and general health condition. This means that, over time, you will likely have to change the amount of food if you want to keep it healthy.
Step 9. Provide him with fresh water constantly
Place a bottle of water or a drinking bottle in the cage so that she can access it as often as she wants. Do not let the container empty. If he cannot drink the required amount of water, this rodent can also become seriously ill.
- The best containers specially designed for rabbits and guinea pigs have a metal ball on the spout.
- If your little friend lives in an outdoor enclosure, make sure the water doesn't freeze during the winter season.
- Clean the spout of the bottle often with a cotton swab to free it from obstructions and food residues. Also clean the inside of the container by putting uncooked rice and a little water, then shake it vigorously. The rice grains help to remove any greenish residue (algae) that may accumulate on the walls.
Step 10. Every now and then let it go free
If you have a lawn where you know for sure that there are no chemicals and that it is not used by other animals to urinate and defecate, you can leave your little friend free to wander around for a while. Make sure it is a well-fenced area and let the animal free during the warm season. The important thing is that there is not too much wind and that the temperatures are between 15 and 24 ° C.
- Only let him wander outdoors under your supervision. Although some guinea pigs live outdoors in an enclosure, you shouldn't leave your little friend out in the open without someone present, otherwise he may be attacked by predators or run away.
- Make sure there is a dark space where he can shelter from the sun or hide, in case there is something that scares him.
- Move the fence around a little each day. The rodent will leave you the grass cured, cut and also fertilize it.
