Diet for Cavies

Vitamin C

On a daily basis, guinea pigs require vitamin C. This is due to the fact that guinea pigs are not capable of producing their own vitamin C. They need 10-30 mg/kg of vitamin C on a daily basis in order to prevent scurvy. It is important to provide your cavies with enough vitamin C such as plain or chewable vitamin C tablet or a small amount of liquid vitamin C drops for every guinea pig. Pregnant, young, sick and nursing guinea pigs all need extra vitamin C every day.

Just take note not to add vitamin C to their water.

• If vitamin C is add to their drinking water, it changes the flavor, thus your cavies might drink less.
• Ascorbic acid easily degrades the moment it is added to water.
• Remember that some guinea pigs tend to drink more while some less, thus it is not easy to determine to amount of vitamin C that are included in their diet.

Pellets

Guinea pig pellets that are high in quality yet plain and free from dyes can be given in small ceramic bowls. Just make sure that you will choose those that are added with vitamin C. For every cavy, they will consume about 1/8 cup of guinea pig pellets every day along with fresh vegetables and hay. 

Majority of the guinea pig pellets are made out of alfalfa. These pellets are ideal for growing, pregnant and young cavies. Once your guinea pig reaches one year old and fully developed, it is time to switch to pellets that are made out of timothy. This is the best choice since they have less calcium.

Water

Cavies need fresh water on a daily basis. It is best to provide water through a drip bottle.

Grass Hay

Always remember that grass hay, particularly timothy must be provided to your cavies at all times. The reason for this is that it keeps the digestive system of your cavies in motion as well as preventing over growing teeth. For cleanliness of the cage, it is best to use a hay rack.

For young, pregnant, sick, malnourished and nursing guinea pigs, alfalfa hay must be given. Just remember that alfalfa hay has a rich calcium content, thus it must be given sparingly to the adult guinea pigs. Excess calcium will result to the bladder stone formation in older guinea pigs. 

Vegetables

You should provide small amounts of fresh vegetables or a cup every day is essential since it serves as an additional source of vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, parsley, red pepper and even tomato are good choices. 

For more information, simply visit http://www.guinealynx.info/index.html.