Understanding Guinea Pig Food
Guinea pig food should be at the top of your list if you are considering owning one of these furry little pets. That is because eating is their favorite thing to do. If he or she is being fed properly they are going to be much happier and much healthier. You are most likely going to need to leave food in the cage for your pet at all times. Because you do not want to make them sick you need to know what is best to leave out for them.
Timothy hay, guinea pig pellets and water are the foods that are most often left in the cage so that your pet can feast whenever he or she wants to. When you go to the pet store to purchase the pellets you will want to read the ingredients. Be sure that what you buy has plenty of vitamin C in because that is what your pet really needs. Your guinea pigs body does not produce vitamin C so it is most important that you supply it for them.
You can also give him or her some leafy green vegetables one or two times a day. You will be able to give your pet more nutrition if you find vegetables that also have high levels of vitamin C that can be given as a snack. If you place these into the cage and they do not finish it be sure to take it out before you give them more later in the day. You do not want any old vegetables to become spoiled and contaminate fresh veggies. If the greens are not fresh they can make your little friend sick. Remember that we are trying to avoid this.
Some of the greens that your pet is going to love include different types of lettuce, green peppers, celery, cucumbers, and grass. Your little friend is going to learn that their guinea pig food is in the refrigerator. This is especially true once they get use to eating the fresh greens. He or she is most likely going to squeak when he or she hears the refrigerator door open. You may find this cute and have the urge to over feed your pig with the fresh greens. You need to remember that guinea pig food, such as the pellets are also very important for their growth and health. Therefore, do not give them fresh greens more than twice a day. If you do, he or she will stop eating their pellets and you do not want this to happen.
Keep water for your guinea pig in a bottle or in a bowl that is not going to spill. If they are spilling their water in the cage it may make them sick if it is not cleaned up quickly or properly. In order to avoid that simply place the water into a bottle so it can not be spilled. You can purchase on of these at the pet store. While you are there you should also purchase a few salt licks. Keep these in the cage as well. Your pet will be able to lick this throughout the day in order to get vital minerals that he or she needs that may be lacking from his or her diet.
Other human foods that you can give as guinea pig food include apples, oranges, carrots and bread. You will most likely have these around the house on a regular basis so you are not going to need to shop for your little friend. However, be sure that you are keeping the supply of pellets on hand at all times. If you are concerned that your pet is not getting enough vitamins or minerals you can always talk to your vet. He or she is going to know exactly what your pig needs to be healthy and happy.
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