Guinea pigs, popularly known as Cavies, are very friendly and intrusive pets to keep. They need proper care and attention to stay happy and healthy. Guinea pigs are great pets, and if maintained properly, they can live up to 10-12 years. They have a super friendly nature which makes them amazing pets. But, it would be best if you always remembered what nutrition is the best for them. If you are thinking, ‘can guinea pigs eat rabbit food? Then read further to know more about it.
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CAN GUINEA PIGS EAT RABBIT FOOD?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat rabbit food as rabbit food has antibiotics that are harmful to guinea pigs. Also, rabbits don’t have vitamin C in them as they can make it on their own. However, guinea pigs need some extra doses of vitamin C in their diet because they cannot synthesize themselves on their own. So, you should only feed them food or pellets that are solely made for guinea pigs.
CAN GUINEA PIGS EAT RABBIT PELLETS?
If you’re thinking, ‘can you feed guinea pigs rabbit pellets? ‘ then the answer is an absolute NO!
Unlike other animals, but just like human beings, guinea pigs cannot harmonize Vitamin C, so it must be added to their diets immediately. Also, rabbit pellets do not contain any sources of vitamin C. A deficiency of vitamin C can cause serious health issues for your cavy. Therefore, feeding your cavy with Vitamin C is very dangerous.
ARE CARROTS GOOD FOR GUINEA PIGS?
Guinea pigs usually don’t eat much, but it’s essential to provide them with a balanced diet that includes food pellets, vegetables, and hay. Vegetables like broccoli and green pepper have levels of vitamin C and are great for guinea pigs. However, you can always consider adding carrots and zucchini once or twice a week to their diet to keep them extra fit.
WHAT FOODS ARE TOXIC FOR GUINEA PIGS?
Not all vegetables and fruits are safe for your cavy to eat. So be sure to avoid feeding your guinea pigs the following:
- Coconut
- Chives & Grapes
- Raisins
- Garlic & Onion
- Avocado
The foods mentioned above are dangerous not only for guinea pigs but also for dogs and cats.
Also, avoid feeding too sweet or salty food to your guinea pig as they have toxic ingredients that can harm your cavy’s health. It’s always best to stick to hay and fresh vegetables while feeding your guinea pig. But, you can always feed them with veggies and occasional treats.
FOOD REQUIREMENTS OF A GUINEA PIG
Guinea pigs need:
- Fresh drinking water as without it they can become severely ill.
- Supreme quality hay constitutes most of their diet as their digestive system needs grass or hay to function properly.
- Feed your guinea pig with fresh vegetables and fruits as much as possible.
- Provide kale or broccoli daily as they are rich in vitamin C. Don’t provide them citrus fruits.
- Feeding quantities should be adjusted according to their needs. The quantity depends upon the age and lifestyle of your cavy. They might become immensely overweight if they eat more and more every day.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A HEALTHY MEAL PLAN
Yes, it’s very vital to observe the health of your guinea pigs to prevent them from any disease. Make sure to feed them properly every day to ensure great health.
WRAPPING UP
As a cavy parent, you must oversee your cavy’s diet and nutrition to keep them healthy and fit. It can be a tough task, but it’s not impossible at all. You must keep them right with all the care and love.
