A guinea pig's nutritional needs

What do guinea pigs eat?

What do guinea pigs like to do? Eat, eat, and eat some more! In the wild, these South American mammals spend about six hours a day grazing on grasses, so it's no wonder that your pet always seems to be nibbling on something. As a responsible caretaker, it's up to you to provide the ingredients for this daily chow fest. Topping the menu are specially formulated pellets, followed by plenty of hay supplemented with fresh fruits and veggies.

Commercial guinea pig pellets should comprise the bulk of your pet's diet. Nutritionally complete, they're available at pet supply stores, and are made from dried plants, seeds and vegetables. Feed your animal companion twice daily, in the morning and the evening. A sturdy, weighted ceramic food bowl will work well, but many guinea pig caretakers sing the praises of the specially designed wire food dispensers that attach to the side of the cage. These dispensers will allow your pet to eat as she pleases, will cut down on waste and minimize the chances of the food becoming contaminated by feces or bedding.

Your guinea pig is a major grazer by nature, so you'll need to make sure that grass hay is available at all times. Not only will it help keep your pet's digestive system in good working order, it'll satisfy her need to chew and keep her teeth in good condition. Exerpts say  timothy hay is your best choice.

Every day, you'll need to supplement your pet's diet with fresh foods. She'll go nuts for fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, cucumbers, corn, peas, carrots and pears. It's best to gradually introduce fresh foods, as too many, too soon cause cause diarrhea. Be sure to wash all produce well, and never give your pet anything that's old or spoiled. And remember, the name of the game is moderation. Half a handful of veggies and a slice of fresh fruit per piggy is plenty.

Foods suitable fo guinea pigs should include vitamin C

Unlike other animals, guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin C from glucose in their food, so it's of utmost importance that your pet gets enough of this essential vitamin every day. You can meet her needs in several ways. For one, be sure to include some fruits and veggies that are high in C to her daily ration of fresh foods. Kale, dandelion greens, brussels sprouts, strawberries and green pepper are all great, as are citrus fruits. A quarter of an orange will satisfy the requirements. Many caretakers choose to add vitamin C to their guinea pig's water bottle; ask the staff at your pet supply store to recommend a supplement. And finally, be sure that the pellets you feed your pet are fresh. Good-quality pellets do contain C, but this vitamin breaks down quickly--and anything older than 3 months won't have enough of it.

Don't forget to fill 'er up! Fresh, clean water should be available to your pet at all times. We suggest an upside-down bottle with a sipper tube that attaches to the side of the cage. You'll need to rinse and refill it everyday. Regularly check that the tube isn't clogged, and be sure the bottle is easily accessible.

And finally, do not become alarmed if you notice your pet eating her droppings. This is perfectly normal, and allows her to obtain essential nutrients from the food that she wasn't able to get on the first pass.