How much hay to feed a guinea pig

Petkeen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision. Learn More. Did you know that guinea pigs have been incorrectly named? And then secondly, they are not related to pigs in any way.

We all want our cavies to thrive. The most essential food in the cavy diet is hay. And all with the occasional treat thrown in. You should offer about 1 cup of fresh vegetables from this list every day for each guinea pig. Apples Apricots Peaches Pears Plums Passion Fruit Cherries Watermelon Bananas Raspberries Blueberries Blackberries Again, like the veggies low in vitamin C, go easy on the fruit and just provide, for example, a few blueberries, or thin slices of apple, banana, or oranges as occasional treats a few times a week.

You should avoid giving your cavy any food that will cause gas, such as cauliflower and cabbage. Iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhea, onions and anything in the onion family can lead to a blood disorder, garlic is toxic, and avocado is too high in fat.

They need time to adjust to any new food, so always introduce it slowly, just adding tiny amounts and gradually increasing over time.

Just like for almost every living thing on the planet, water is essential for guinea pigs. Do not add anything to the water—no vitamins, minerals, or supplements. Water should be provided in water bottles designed for rodents, and they should have access to fresh water 24 hours a day.

Consider investing in a larger bottle if your water is consistently running dry throughout the day. This chart is just an example of what your cavy could eat throughout the week.

By using the lists further up, you can make changes and adjust as you see fit. Both in the morning and in the evening, to help prevent overeating and, consequently, obesity. Always remove any uneaten pellets about 1 hour after your cavy has eaten and any fruit or vegetables after 24 hours. Vitamin C is absolutely essential for your cavy! Without this vital vitamin, guinea pigs are prone to scurvy. Signs of vitamin C deficiency include: Diarrhea Weight loss Hair loss and skin problems Sneezing Crusty eyes Difficulty walking Swollen joints and feet Ulcers on skin or gums Your cavy should be seen by a vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

There are supplements you can give your guinea pig, but as long as you are giving him a proper diet, including vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables, that should be sufficient. Timothy hay is preferred, and it should be fresh, green, no dust, and have a sweet scent. Your pig will be perfectly happy with high quality pellets and hay and treats of fruits and vegetables.

Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet. The glues and adhesives that hold mineral and salt wheels together may be harmful. Opt for a ceramic food dish rather than a plastic one. Ceramic dishes are sturdy, chew-resistant and difficult to overturn.

They're also durable and shouldn't need to be replaced unless they become cracked or chipped. Look for a wide, shallow bowl. Many guinea pigs like to place their front feet on the rim of their food bowl when they eat and this design will lessen the chances that the bowl and your pig! Place the food bowl in an area of the cage that's far away from your guinea pig's bathroom area.

Spot clean your guinea pig's food bowl as needed throughout the week if they kick bedding or droppings into it. Wash the bowl with soapy water and rinse and dry thoroughly during the weekly cage cleaning. Guinea Pig Bowls on Amazon. The steady amount of produce in your guinea pig's diet means that you need to be conscientious about removing uneaten fruits, veggies and other perishable foods before they spoil. Be sure to discuss this general advice with a veterinarian to ensure the best diet for your guinea pigs.

Guinea pig feeding. How much to feed Guinea pigs don't usually overeat, but it's important to provide the proper balance of pellets, hay and fresh vegetables.

Time for treats There are a variety of commercial treats marketed for guinea pigs and other small animals. Top 10 tips. Get Your Copy. A delish dish Opt for a ceramic food dish rather than a plastic one. Replace pellets on a daily basis. Guinea pigs often kick bedding material or droppings into their food bowls and stale pellets will have little, if any, vitamin C.