Guinea pig snacks that are sold in pet stores are often high in fat, sugar and other ingredients that are harmful to these pets. Some even contain substances that are not digested by pigs, such as yogurt. It is necessary to remember that pets do not have the same tastes and needs as humans, when it comes to food, and they go crazy for homemade delicacies with simple ingredients, like these:
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Making Healthy Delights
Step 1. Choose fresh, nutritious vegetables
Guinea pigs should eat fresh vegetables every day, as this is their favorite food. A large portion can be replaced by a greedy treat every now and then, and it will need to be prepared with vegetables that are already part of your friend's diet, with the gradual addition of a new ingredient, so as not to disturb his stomach.
- Choose any type of lettuce, but avoid iceberg lettuce and other vegetables that are too rich in water, as they are low in nutrients and can cause stomach problems.
- Peppers and tomatoes that have had their seeds and stem removed are fine, while small tomatoes do not need to have the seeds removed, although the stem can be poisonous.
- Carrots, corn and celery, including leaves, are excellent.
- Most other vegetables won't hurt him, but consult a vet or our "foods to avoid" section first.
Step 2. Use some vegetables in limited quantities
Like many of us and many other animals, guinea pigs love to vary and prefer to throw themselves on a plate with mixed vegetables, even if they eat them every day. Choose without problems from the ones listed above, but add the ones that follow only occasionally:
- Cucumber: It is low in nutrients, but being crunchy will help keep your friend's teeth the right length. Excellent during very hot days.
- Cabbages (hedgehog, Chinese, cap …), broccoli and cauliflower are rich in nutrients and must be given in small doses, as they can cause bloating and swelling.
Step 3. Add some fruit (optional)
Fruit is very sugary and acidic and doesn't drive guinea pigs as crazy as vegetables, although each piglet has varying tastes. A minimal amount of fruit added to the treat can increase the intake of vitamin C, which these animals need to stay healthy. The choice is among these:
- A thin slice of apple or pear, but make sure you have removed the core and seeds perfectly.
- One or two slices of orange, mandarin or a citrus fruit. More acidic, such as grapefruit, may not appeal to your friend.
Step 4. Rinse everything carefully
Scrub all fruits and vegetables under running water to remove all bacteria, pesticides and other substances from the surface. To be safe, do the same with your own grown vegetables, as they too may come into contact with exhaust fumes or other harmful particles.
Step 5. Cut vegetables and fruit into bite-sized pieces
It will be easier for your friend to eat them. It is very important to do this, especially when it comes to stringy vegetables, such as celery, which would make it difficult for him to chew.
Step 6. Serve your fruit and vegetable mix without cooking anything (recommended)
Cooking removes some vitamins and nutrients, so it's not necessary. Also, by cooking the foods, you would make them less crunchy while, as mentioned, your friend needs to nibble to keep the teeth at the right length. Overgrown teeth make it difficult for the pig to chew and can even damage the jaw and skull.
Step 7. Choose cooking if it is required for storage
If you want to prepare a lot of meals and store them, you can mix them with the hay or pellets your friend consumes regularly and purée everything, because it doesn't take up as much space. To preserve everything, roll the puree between two sheets of cling film, refrigerate it for 20 minutes, and then bake for another 20 minutes at 177 ° C (or less), until it hardens.
- Timothy (or Thimoty hay) pellets are best for guinea pigs. If your friend is still young or pregnant, choose alfalfa pellets. The delights prepared with pellets are to be given less often than those based on vegetables alone.
- Once you have the right consistency for the puree, use cookie cutters to give your treats a nice shape.
Method 2 of 2: Foods to Avoid
Step 1. Never give meat or dairy products to your guinea pig
They are herbivorous animals and, as such, they can only digest vegetables, while they are unable to assimilate animal proteins.
Step 2. Avoid nuts and seeds
Your friend may eat them and like them, but there is a risk that, due to their shape, they can choke him or injure his digestive system. One idea might be to chop them finely and add them to the delights you prepare, but you can also avoid the doubt altogether. Also be careful not to use seeds with the shell or peel still attached!
Step 3. Avoid coconut and avocado
They are too fatty fruits and avocado could be toxic or even deadly.
Step 4. Avoid iceberg lettuce and potato
They can cause digestive problems, and in any case they are not rich in nutrients. Other vegetables are allowed, but remember to introduce them into your friend's diet gradually so his stomach can get used to it.
Step 5. Avoid rhubarb and grapes
The first is because it causes stomach problems, while vets claim that grapes cause kidney disease. While the level of risk is not actually clear, it is always best to give them safer fruit.
Feed fruit only occasionally
Step 6. Avoid multivitamin supplements
Vitamin C is the only one that is truly indispensable for guinea pigs, and one must be careful of. Multivitamins are too rich in all other vitamins and can cause serious problems. If necessary, supplement only C by adding a few drops of vitamin C or cranberry juice to your friend's food.
If your pig is drinking less because of these additions, do not continue drinking and instead choose pellets with added vitamin C, or vegetables that are rich in it, such as pumpkin and bell pepper
Step 7. Never give typically human food to your guinea pig
Follow the directions in this article and choose among the fruits and vegetables that can be good for him. "Human" food can be very dangerous, especially chocolate, sweets and coffee.
