[Gpdd] [HEALTH] What veggies can guinea pigs eat

[e-mail cazza177]

Dear Erin

Guinea pigs can eat a variety of certain vegetables and fruits. Not all
fruit and vegetables are suitable. There is a very good list on Guniea Lynx.
Here's the links so you can print them off.

http://www.guinealynx.info/diet.html

and

http://www.guinealynx.info/fave.html

Some fruit and vegetables should be given in moderation, such as apples, if
given too frequently, which can cause mouth ulcers (which can lead to
infection if the skin in the corners of the mouth getd sore and cracks).
Iceberg lettice should not be given as it can quickly lead to diahorrea.
Some vegetables can contain high levels of certain things such as oxilaic
acid and calcuim, and so should be given in moderation as this can lead to
baldder stones in some guinea pigs and is potentially serious as surgery is
typically involved. A list to help you with what fruit and veg might contain
high levels of certain minerals etc with can affect guinea pigs can be found
here:

http://www.guinealynx.info/charts.html
(scroll to the base of the page for the info you need).

Your guinea pig will soon let you know what veg and fruit it likes the most,
but don't over-do amounts as this can lead to bloat/gas, which is
life-threatening. The links above will help you with amounts. Make sure they
have lots of fresh hay to eat, as well as water and also dried food.

Nearly all guinea pigs love carrots, cucumber, cabbage, greens, broccoli,
corn on the cob, a small amount of apple (just a slice now and then), honey
dew water melon and of course their number one favourite, grass. Some like
bananas, others hate it, and some will eat strawberries and blackberries,
but others won't. Some love tomatoes (be careful about the acid as with
apples) and some like a small slice of pepper. I know they love Romanie
lettice, but don't give too much (maybe a couple of leaves a day), and some
love spinach, but be really sparing with this, as Vedra from Cambridge Cavy
Trust was adamant it is bad for bladder stones. Everything in moderation.

If you are a mega mega new piggy owner (forgive me if you are not), you
might not realise that all vegetables should be served raw and fresh. Never
give tinned or frozen anything to a guinea pig. Many owners like to give
their fruit and veg a wash before serving. If you have to go outside of your
own garden to get fresh grass, never take it from the roadside where petrol
fumes, weed killer and wild animals urine can taint it and maybe even make
your guinea pig sick or posioned. Never use any chemicals or other garden
preparations on your own grass if you are letting your guinea pigs feed on
it.

I hope the above helps out and that your piggies enjoy the new choice of
veggies and fruit you'll soon be offering.

Kind regards

Carole
Remembering always BG and Artie