Guinea pigs are friendly pets that make
great companions for those who not mind taking on the extra responsibility of
ensuring that the pet is properly cared for. Similar to rabbits, these pets
require fibre to help aid the digestion that is so important to the wellbeing
of the animal. If a guinea pet is your
companion of choice, the following information will be helpful for you. Listed
below are a few important tips for feeding your guinea pig.
Focus on fibre
How much fibre your guinea pig consumes on a
daily basis is important. Focus on fibre
by feeding your guinea an unlimited amount of fresh hay. Timothy hay is recommended over alfalfa
because it is lower in calories. If you
are concerned about the weight of your pet, choose timothy hay over other
higher calorie grasses.
A variety of food is crucial
Most pet owners feel
that if they feed guinea pigs a serving of pellets once daily, they’ve done
their job. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Guinea pigs, like other small furry animals,
need a variety of foods. This includes hay, fresh fruits and vegetables, water,
snacks, etc. How does the variety in
your guinea pig’s diet measure up? Keep
in mind, however, that guinea pigs will almost always choose sweeter food over
more nutritious options. Avoid feeding
too many fruits. Giving fruit once or
twice a week is more than enough.
Avoid feeding your guinea pig human
treats
What tastes good to you may
taste good to your guinea, too, but that doesn’t mean it will be healthy for your pet. Avoid giving your guinea pig human snacks
such as chocolate, yogurt bites, cookies, pasta, etc. While you might not see
immediate health problems develop in your pet, consuming these types of snack
will promote a toxic growth of unhealthy bacteria in the intestinal tract.
Your guinea pig’s feeding plan will make all
the difference in how healthy your animal is. To ensure that you have a
healthy, happy guinea pig, use the feeding tips listed above and follow a feeding plan such as Burgess' Excel Feeding Plan for guinea pigs. Following these guidelines will help your
guinea get adequate nutrition and fibre.
It will also help your pet to maintain a healthy weight. Focus on fibre, add in a variety of foods,
and avoid feeding your pet human treats to help maintain health. What will you feed your guinea pig?
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