Diet
Here we will cover everything you need to know about what your first piggies should consume.
Hay
Guinea pigs need unlimited fresh hay every. single. day. and if you are not prepared for the cost of this, are allergic to the hay, or it makes you have any type of allergic reaction, maybe a guinea pig is not the best pet for you.
But, if you are prepared for all of these things, click here to see my personal favorite brand, Oxbow Orchard Grass hay. I know it has a heavy price tag, but I promise it is worth it. This 50lb box lasts me for months with FIVE pigs! So, if you only end up getting one or two pigs, trust me, it is SOOOO much cheaper in the end than just buying those puny overpriced bags and boxes that you don’t even get a deal on and don’t last.
Now, it is on many websites that they recommend the Kaytee brand Timothy hay, I recommend it too, but I have one problem with it. It gave my precious pig hay poke! (picture down below but not of my pig) And now we rarely buy it. But, I will still link it here because we do occasionally use it as a forage and sprinkle it over their hay. Now, I have linked you to some smaller bags and as long as you use it as a light forage like I do, these small bags should last you quite a while.
Pellets
Pellets are just as important and specific as hay for the little guys.
To start, DON’T GET YOUR GUINEA PIG HOOKED ON A JUNKEY PELLET! PLEASE!! If the pellet has multiple things in it, do NOT buy it. This is because it can reinforce selective feeding that can transfer to other food, such as vegetables. This is very bad because they may start not liking something you give them and not try new things you give them. If the pellet looks colorful and fun, do NOT buy it. Chances are, even if it is marketed towards guinea pigs, it has very harmful dyes in it that are toxic to them. Another reason to stick to a more basic pellet is because the funner-looking mixes probably have seeds in them, which can choke your pig. Get them a simple, plain pellet with no dyes, and one thing in it. This is my FAVEROTE pellet. I’ve never given them anything else. It meets all the requirements.
Veggies
Ok, so why do they even need them?
Well, because this is their main source of vitamin c, which is very important so they don’t get scurvy, which can be life-threatening. They need a good amount of lettuce every day, about 2.5 leafs per day per guinea pig. Never feed iceberg lettuce because it has zero nutritional value. You can also put a verity of other fresh leafy greens. NEVER feed spinach. Why? Because it is too high in calcium and has a likelihood to cause bladder stones, which are extremely painful for them and are almost certain to lead to death if not surgically removed. Avoid giving fruit daily. Once a month is acceptable, though because it is a treat. I will put a chart down below once I get my hands on one. COUTION – IF YOU DO NOT FEED FRESH VEGGIES DAILY IT MAY COST YOU YOUR GUINEA PIG’S LIFE. THEY DO INDEED NEED FRESH HUMAN-GRADE VEGGIES EVRY DAY THAT ARE CLEAN AND WASHED.
Water
I am just shocked sometimes at what people think is okay.
Guinea pigs need fresh water 24/7. Even if the water bottle is not empty, change the water every two days. Give the water bottle a good washout every week. Do you have a straw cleaner? then use that to get into, like, the straw or mouthpiece of the water bottle. Give the water bottle a good wash too with baby soap. Here is my second favorite brand of water bottle (they must have stopped manufacturing my first).
Vitamin C Drops In Water
No. Just no.
There are several reasons why this is a big no-no.
- The intended amount of vitamin C you want the guinea pig to get out of this is much higher than the amount actually gotten out of it. Let me explain.
When you put the vitamin C in their water (usually as directed on the packaging) it instantly starts to degrade. The water breaks down the properties in the vitamin C making it useless unless your pig chugs the whole thing right after you put the water in. Do you store the bottle in the sunlight? Well, guess what? Light breaks down the vitamin C, too!
2. The taste.
Your guinea pig may hate the taste of the water from these drops, leading them to drink as little water as possible. This is bad not only for the pig, but if you get another guinea pig and he/she takes it to the extreme (doesn’t even drink the water) and you don’t notice in time, he/she will die.
3. The myth that you need to put in these drops is just not true.
If you think your pig will get scurvy if you don’t put in these drops, just relax. Not only will they NOT get scurvy, but they already have plenty of vitamin C in their diet (if you follow proper veggie and pellet guidelines in the sections above). But, if you’re still worried, give them these vitamin C cookies daily. A whole one for adults and 1/2 of one for babies (guinea pigs under the age of 7 months). That’s what I’ve done every day for my guinea pig’s entire life so far.
And there you have it. Every thing you need to know about the diet of your furry friend. Hope you learned something new. Have a great day.
I love all of the info about guinea pigs! I know where to look if I want to get a guinea pig! This is super helpful!!! Love,
Abigail
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing!