From time to time, many, and especially novice, breeders are faced with the question: “Is it possible for a guinea pig …?” – and further according to the circumstances. Meat, sweets, bread, nuts, seeds, muesli …

Recently, on the open spaces of the Runet, someone was interested in whether guinea pigs could have water …

To clarify all the “dark” places in the diet of pigs and once and for all dot all the “i” s, we decided to collect as much as possible “Is it possible for a guinea pig …?” in one article, so that no one else feeds the pigs with potato tops, cookies and still poured them water.

Can a guinea pig eat strawberries?

Can.

Strawberries contain a large amount of vitamin C and relatively little (about 5%) sugar, so they can be given to pigs, BUT as a treat and in small quantities.

Fruits and berries should always be given to guinea pigs only in very small quantities and from time to time, not daily, but a couple of times a week. A large amount of fruit in the diet can lead to weight gain and stomach upset.

Do not be surprised if your pig does not eat a red strawberry, but leaves from it. Green leaves for pigs often turn out to be much tastier! But strawberries (especially those sold on the market or in the store) are very often treated with chemicals and pesticides that are very dangerous for pets, so always wash strawberries thoroughly before giving them to your pig.

If you really want to pamper your pet, then it is better to treat him with strawberries from your own plot or bought from trusted grandmothers.

Can a guinea pig eat grass?

Of course! And not only is it possible, but also necessary !

Grass in summer and hay in winter is the staple of a pig’s diet. Grass and / or hay should make up up to 75% of the guinea pig’s daily diet. Read more about this in the article “When, What and How to Feed Guinea Pigs”

Any pig will be very happy with a bunch of green grass! The digestive tract of these animals by nature itself was conceived to digest a large amount of hard dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet for all guinea pigs, the key to proper digestion and the absence of problems with the digestive system. In addition, fresh grass contains vitamin C, vitamins A and E, vitamin K and vitamin B6, which pigs need so much .

The benefits of fresh grass are difficult to overestimate, since fresh grass:

• is a source of fiber and vitamins;
• promotes the removal of free radicals from the body due to the high content of antioxidants.
• reduces the level of excess cholesterol in the body.
• helps control blood sugar levels. Most herbs have minimal or no sugar.
• is an excellent prevention of inflammation. It is not for nothing that in nature, sick animals are looking for the right herb. Many studies have repeatedly confirmed that herbs help fight diseases and viruses that even antibiotics cannot cope with.

So pick up the green grass and make your piggy happy!

There is little risk of giving your pig the wrong weed, but there are herbs and plants that can be poisonous to guinea pigs. A complete list in the article “Plants poisonous for guinea pigs”

Can a guinea pig eat radishes?

It is forbidden.

Despite the fact that radishes are a vegetable, and guinea pigs are known to have a lot of respect for vegetables, and that radishes are a very healthy vegetable, an excellent source of vitamin C, it is not recommended to give them to pigs, although it is possible that the pet will grump with pleasure with fresh radishes.

Why not?

First, radishes contain substances called oxalates, the excess of which leads to the formation of stones in the bladder. Oxalates are found in many foods, not just radishes. They, entering into chemical bonds with calcium, lead to the occurrence of urolithiasis. Excess oxalates can also build up in the kidneys.

Secondly, frequent consumption of radishes will lead to diarrhea and digestive problems.

Thirdly, the essential oil, which gives the radish a unique taste and aroma, is rather caustic for the mucous membranes (which is why the radish is slightly bitter and tingles) and can irritate the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

The only thing you can treat your pig to is radish tops . But also in limited quantities. Two or three leaves.

 

Can a guinea pig eat cabbage?

Can

And any – Chinese, colored, broccoli, kohlrabi, white and red.

Most willingly, pigs usually eat Peking cabbage, white cabbage and red cabbage, a little less willingly cauliflower and broccoli (green leaves and heads of cabbage without a stem), not always and not all – kohlrabi.

Cabbage is a very healthy and nutritious vegetable that contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of mumps. Cabbage is a source of fiber and various vitamins.

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system of guinea pigs. The combination of vitamins A and D is essential for activity and longevity. Sulfur, calcium, magnesium and iron stimulate the growth of a soft and healthy coat. Cabbage is also very low in fat and high in antioxidants.

Amino acids have anti-inflammatory effects, beta-carotene is responsible for visual acuity, glutamine and vitamin K help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in guinea pigs, carbohydrates provide energy, and calcium and vitamin K strengthen bones and teeth.

Occasionally, there are references to the fact that you should not feed the pigs with cabbage, as this can provoke increased gas production and digestive problems. This is an exaggeration. We know from our own experience that guinea pigs always crunch a cabbage leaf with great pleasure, without showing any discomfort after that.

So feel free to feed your pets any cabbage! Fortunately, this vegetable is available at any time of the year.

 

Can a guinea pig have leaves?

Yes, guinea pigs can be given leaves, but not from all trees and shrubs!

For example, oak generally refers to plants that are dangerous to pigs. About what other plants should not be given to pigs from the word “never”, read the article “Plants poisonous for guinea pigs”

Never feed your guinea pigs with leaves from unfamiliar trees and bushes. If you find it difficult to identify, it’s best not to risk it.

The most common trees, the leaves from which pigs will chew with pleasure, are fruit trees: apple, pear, cherry, plum . In addition, the pigs will eagerly gnaw twigs from these trees!

Without a doubt, you can give leaves and twigs of willow, spruce, maple, ash, poplar . Shrubs – hazel (hazel), juniper, hawthorn, currant, raspberry .

Banana leaves, pumpkin leaves, sunflower leaves, grape leaves, outer leaves of corn, cauliflower leaves are also safe.

In no case do not give the mumps tops from potatoes or tomato leaves (this is poison!)

 

Can a guinea pig eat apricots?

Can

Guinea pigs can eat most fruits and vegetables, including apricots. Apricots are safe for pigs, but they are pretty sweet, so don’t get carried away and give one or two pieces a week. This is quite enough for the pet’s health and at the same time will not bring any harm.

Apricots are very healthy fruits, one of the best fruits to feed your guinea pigs as a treat.

The main benefits of apricots:

• contribute to the stability of the immune system. It has been proven that apricots have a positive effect on the immunity of guinea pigs.
• are a source of dietary fiber that are essential for healthy digestion.
• contribute to the elimination of toxins and free radicals from the animal’s body.
• activates metabolism.
• has few calories.
• helps in the formation of healthy bones and teeth due to its high calcium and potassium content.

Rule: one apricot once a week

No more needed, and here’s why:

• apricots have a lot of sugar, which is not good for pigs.
• potassium, which is so rich in apricots, in case of its excess, can be harmful.
• although quite rare, there are cases of allergy in guinea pigs to apricots. But in any case, nothing terrible will happen from one apricot!

5 facts you need to know about sorrel and guinea pig:

• Sorrel should be given exclusively as a treat, in small doses a couple of times a week.
• Not all guinea pigs eat sorrel. Someone devours him by both cheeks, grunting with pleasure, and someone indifferently turns his face away.
• Sorrel contains a large amount of vitamin C and other useful substances.
• Sorrel contains oxalic acid, an excess of which, along with phosphorus and calcium, can contribute to the development of urolithiasis. Kidney stones (scientifically, calculi) develop when the permissible level of concentration of these substances in the body is exceeded
• Excess sorrel in the diet can lead to diarrhea and mucosal irritation.

But there are a number of exceptions!

And let’s make a reservation right away that according to the explanatory dictionary, “tops are the stem and leaves of root plants.” The most popular root crops are beets, carrots, potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, turnip, radish, daikon, radish, turnip, parsley, parsnip, celery. This article will focus on the tops of these particular plants.

6 facts about guinea pigs and tops:

• not all guinea pigs willingly eat green leaves. Someone loves “tops” to the squeak of a pig, and someone indifferently walks by. The food habits of pigs are very individual;
• potato tops are poisonous to guinea pigs ;
• tops, like grass, are rich in fiber, vitamins C, A, E, etc.
• the vast majority of guinea pigs eat carrot, beet and parsley tops with great pleasure. The rest of the plants – selectively;
• the most delicious tops are freshly picked, but dried ones can also be safely given. Some breeders dry the tops and give them instead of hay in winter.
• tops can be given to pigs without restrictions.