Guinea pig treats

When it comes to snacktime, your guinea pig is pretty easy to please. While commercial guinea pig pellets and grass hay should make up the bulk of her diet, she'll appreciate some daily variety. It's up to you to offer treats that are both delicious and nutritious.

Guinea pig treats should include fruits and veggies

Every single day, you should treat your piggy to some fresh fruits and vegetables. She'll probably like apples, melons, peas, radishes, turnips, carrots, cucumbers and broccoli, but you may need to experiment a little to find your pet's preferences. Wash all produce first, please, and never offer her anything that's old or spoiled.

Unlike other animals, guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin C from glucose in their food, so you will need to make sure that your pet's daily selection of fresh foods includes a fruit or veggie that's high in this essential vitamin. A quarter of an orange, for example, will supply her recommended daily allowance. Kale, green pepper and strawberries are also excellent choices.

If you've never given your pig fresh foods before, take it easy at first. Too much, too soon can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. It's best to introduce fruits and veggies gradually, in small amounts.

Guinea pigs and fruit - not sugary sweets

Topping the no-no list are nuts, sweets, meat (your pet's an herbivore, after all!) and seeds. Do avoid commercial guinea pig treats containing yogurt. Too much calcium can really upset your pet's sensitive digestive system.

What about other healthy treats for your pet? Chew on this! Branches and twigs from untreated trees will help keep your pig's continuously growing teeth worn down--and give her something fun to do. Do not giver her wood from cedar, apricot, cherry and peach trees, as they are toxic.