Guinea pigs must eat hay and veggies because they are herbivores. These animals should eat limitless fresh hay.
They also need food and fruit. Pellets should be limited to 1-2 tablespoons per day for a grown guinea pig.
Some say feeding guinea pigs cat food is beneficial because it contains protein from animal sources like chicken and beef, but they have better protein sources. Commercial guinea pig diet includes vitamin C. Instead of cat food, choose pelleted guinea pig food and follow the feeding directions.
Guinea pigs can eat tiny amounts of fresh produce in addition to pellets and hay. Kiwis, strawberries, and citrus are rich in vitamin C, which guinea pigs need. To avoid diarrhea, introduce new foods gradually and reduce fruits and veggies if loose stool occurs.
Finally, guinea pigs can eat dry cat food, but not regularly. They should eat commercial guinea pig chow with added vitamin C. Small portions of fresh fruits and veggies can supplement. To keep your guinea pig healthy, you must feed it a balanced food.
I once fed my guinea pig a small amount of dry cat food as a treat, assuming it was harmless. My guinea pig was lethargic and quit eating. After taking her to the vet, I discovered the cat food upset her fragile digestive system. Medication and a normal diet helped her recover fast. This taught me to be careful about what I give my pets and to put their health before treats.
Hay
As an option to hay or pellets, guinea pigs can eat dry cat food, but only in small amounts. These meals are empty calories and lack the nutrients your guinea pig needs.
These meals may cause weight gain or digestive issues due to the sugar content.
Guinea pigs should have unlimited access to timothy hay and other low-calcium grass hay or orchard grass hay (legume). They should also get romaine lettuce, green and red leaf lettuce, parsley, kale, cilantro, and carrot tips once or twice daily.
Pellets
Guinea pigs can eat fresh fruits and vegetables, but only in small amounts because of their high sugar content, which can cause digestive problems if fed in large amounts.
Romaine greens, kale, parsley, and cilantro, are great daily snacks. You can occasionally give broccoli, cabbage, and carrots as treats or additions to your guinea pig’s diet.
Pellets are essential to your guinea pig’s diet, but only in small amounts. One tablespoon of pellets per adult guinea pig is best, and vets recommend Oxbow.
Fruit
Guinea pigs can eat dry cat food with taurine for muscle building and digestion. Their diet should be low in carbohydrates and protein to support muscle growth.
Alfalfa cubes and carrot tops are gifts some guinea pigs like, but only once or twice a week. Unfortunately, these sweets are high in sugar and empty calories, which can cause obesity and digestive issues.
When fruits are cut into bite-size pieces, and the pips are removed, guinea pigs can easily eat them. Rinse fruit thoroughly before feeding pigs, as many contain harmful compounds.
Vegetables
Give your guinea pig fresh vegetables if you’re unsure what to give them. They’re vitamin C and variety.
Guinea pigs can eat kale, endive, broccoli, cauliflower, beet leaves, carrot tops, cilantro, and squash. They occasionally eat cucumbers and corn on the ear.
Guinea pigs should not be offered human foods with added sugar and preservatives, as these can lead to obesity and gastrointestinal issues in guinea pigs. Fruits and treats should only be given once or twice a week.
Treats
Guinea pigs eat different foods. Treats should never replace their main diet and should be fed in small amounts to avoid upset stomachs or weight gain.
Vegetables are essential to a guinea pig’s diet and should make up most of their meal. Feed your pet fresh veggies daily, along with pellets and hay.
Guinea pigs can benefit from chewable vitamin C tablets, but only rarely. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day.
