What food to give a guinea pig
Guinea pigs consume a variety of foods and greens. According to the recommendations of experienced specialists, the pet's diet should be varied and balanced. ½ of the general menu should be hay. The remaining 50% of the diet is dry food, juicy foods and greens.
Dry food
Dry food includes cereals and factory-made granulated mixtures (special food for domestic guinea pigs).
Useful grain feed:
millet;
barley;
sunflower seed;
oats;
corn grains.
The composition of ready-made mixtures may include vitamin complexes.
Cereals should be in the guinea pig's diet daily and are readily available to the pet at all times.
Hay and branches
Hay is the most useful and necessary product for guinea pigs. It improves the functioning of the digestive tract and prevents the development of intestinal diseases, as well as promotes grinding of the back teeth.
What kind of hay to give to a pet:
fresh, with a natural grass smell;
free from dust and other contaminants;
small bundles (you can pre-cut or twist into a roll);
without coarse and large twigs.
This food must also be given to the guinea pig every day. Hay can be harvested by yourself or purchased ready-made in the store.
Green food
Another important product in the diet of domestic guinea pigs is green food. This is meadow or field grass grown in ecologically clean areas (far from polluted road sections).
Green grasses contain many beneficial and nutrients necessary for the healthy functioning of the body of guinea pigs. In addition, these animals enjoy eating fresh herbs, as well as equally useful greens - spinach, dill, parsley, celery, lettuce, etc.
Healthy green food for guinea pigs:
plantain, dandelion leaves;
Clover;
cilantro;
carrot tops;
yarrow;
chamomile, etc.
Juicy food
Fruits and vegetables are considered juicy food for guinea pigs, as well as some berries that are served to the pet as a delicious treat.
What juicy foods can be given:
beets (fodder, red);
fresh cucumbers;
cauliflower and Brussels sprouts;
carrot;
Bell pepper;
tubers and leaves of earthen pear;
apples;
garden sow-thistle;
corn cobs;
zucchini;
tomatoes;
grapes (seedless only);
pumpkin;
green peas.
As a delicious dessert, pets can sometimes be pampered with raspberries, strawberries, currants and strawberries and tangerines, which are rich in vitamin C.
Treats and vitamins
The body of guinea pigs especially needs vitamin C, therefore, the daily diet of rodents must contain foods rich in ascorbic acid. Salts and calcium are also important for them. To saturate the body with useful minerals, it is recommended to use special mineral stones from the store.
Healthy treats for guinea pigs:
dried fruits;
fruit slices;
wheat bran;
fresh cherry sprigs;
mint;
pea pods;
peeled seeds of flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower.
How to feed a pregnant guinea pig and newborn cubs
Pregnant rodents need quality and nutritious food. Rosehip is very useful for the body, which is served to pets in the form of an infusion. Wheat sprouts, beets and fresh carrots should also be added to the daily diet.
The diet of newborn gilts should contain foods rich in vitamins and proteins. For the first two weeks, babies feed on mother's milk. If it is absent, the owner will have to feed the small offspring, it is better to consult a veterinarian for advice.
From the second day of life, little guinea pigs begin to try various foods, so it is necessary to ensure the presence in the cage:
Juicy;
Greens;
Industrial feed.
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