Guinea pigs are small, furry mammals that make wonderful pets. They have an inquisitive nature and a social personality, which makes them very lovable.
Like other animals, guinea pigs need proper nutrition in order to stay healthy and thrive.
This includes providing them with the right snacks, as well as a balanced diet of hay and pellets.
Guinea pigs can enjoy a variety of snacks and treats, which should make up no more than 10% of their daily diet.
But what snacks can guinea pigs eat? Let’s explore some of the best treats for your furry friend!
Fresh Vegetables
Guinea pigs love fresh vegetables as treats, such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumber slices, and celery sticks. These should always be washed thoroughly prior to feeding them to your guinea pig.
How Many Vegetables Should A Guinea Pig Eat Daily?
Guinea pigs should eat 1/8 to 1/4 cups of vegetables per day. This amount can be divided into two or three servings throughout the day.
Fresh vegetables should always make up a majority of their diet, as they are low in sugar and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
What Are The Best Greens For Guinea Pigs?
Some of the best greens for guinea pigs include kale, collard greens, parsley, Swiss chard, dandelion leaves and carrot tops.
These can be served raw or lightly cooked to soften them up.
These Greens Include several Nutrition Facts such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
Fruits
In addition to fresh vegetables, guinea pigs can also enjoy a variety of fruits as treats.
Fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, peaches, and oranges are all safe for them to eat.
You should always remove the seeds before offering them to your guinea pigs.
In addition guinea pigs can drink juice, but it must be unsweetened and natural.
Nutrition Facts Such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Iron and Calcium can be found in these Fruits.
Is Banana Good For Guinea Pigs?
Bananas are a great snack for guinea pigs, as they contain natural sugars, vitamins and minerals.
However, bananas should be given in moderation as they are high in sugar content.
You should limit the amount of banana your guinea pig eats to no more than 1 teaspoon per day.
Is Water Melon Good For Guinea Pigs?
Watermelon is a great snack for guinea pigs and can be offered as an occasional treat.
It contains many essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium.
Watermelon is also a good source of antioxidants which help protect your guinea pig’s cells from damage.
However, it should be fed in small portion because it is high in sugar content.
Do Guinea Pigs Like to Eat Grapes?
Grapes are a great snack for guinea pigs, but should be given in moderation.
They contain natural sugars, and are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and Potassium.
Grapes can be served raw or dehydrated, but should always be seedless before feeding them to your guinea pig.
It is recommend to give your guinea pig no more than 1-2 small grapes per day.
Green grapes are generally better for them than red ones because they are lower in sugar content.
How Many Fruits Should A Guinea Pig Eat Daily?
Guinea pigs should eat a maximum of two tablespoons of fruit per day. This amount can be divided into two servings throughout the day, and treats should never exceed 10% of their daily diet.
At most, I advise giving them one or two grape-sized pieces of fruit every day, and it’s best to avoid giving them fruit every day.
Grains and Legumes
Guinea pigs can also enjoy a variety of grains and legumes as snacks. These include oats, wheat, corn, peas, beans and lentils. These should be given in moderation as they are high in carbohydrates and calories which can lead to weight gain.
Commercial Treats
You can also buy commercial guinea pig treats, such as hay pellets and dried fruit. Just make sure they are made specifically for guinea pigs, as some commercial foods can be too high in sugar or fat.
Where Can I Buy Commercial Guinea Pig Treats?
Commercial guinea pig treats can be found in almost any pet store or online. Just make sure to read the label and check for added sugars, fats, and artificial ingredients before buying.
Some of the Commercial Guinea Pig Treats are Timothy Hay Pellets, Veggie Crunchies and Herb Treats.
Nuts
You can give your guinea pig small amounts of unsalted nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Be sure to remove the shells before feeding them to your guinea pig.
These Nuts Include Nutrition Facts Such as Vitamin E, Iron and Magnesium.
How Many Nuts Should A Guinea Pig Eat Daily?
Guinea pigs should only eat a few nuts per day, as they are high in fat and calories.
Seeds
Guinea pigs can also enjoy a variety of bird seeds, such as millet and sunflower. Again, only give them in small amounts.
These Seeds Include Nutrition Facts Such as Protein, Fiber and Unsaturated Fats.
How Many Seeds Should A Guinea Pig Eat Daily?
Guinea pigs should only eat a few bird seeds per day. This amount can be divided into two or three servings throughout the day.
What Snacks Are High in Vitamin C For Guinea Pigs?
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for guinea pigs because they can’t generate Vitamin C by themselves.
Vitamin C can be found in many different fruits and vegetables.
The best snacks for your guinea pig that are high in Vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli and kale. All of these should be given in moderation.
What Snaks Should Guinea Pigs Occasionally Give?
Occasionally, you can give your guinea pig cheese and yogurt as treats.
Just make sure they are low in fat, salt and sugar.
You can also give them boiled eggs or cooked beans as occasional snacks.
These Snaks Include Nutrition Facts Such As Protein, Calcium and Vitamin B12.
How Often Your Guinea Pig Should be Feed?
Guinea pigs should be fed at least twice a day.
The best times are in the morning and evening, when their bodies are most active and ready for meals.
It’s important to provide them with fresh food every day and monitor how much they eat in order to ensure that they stay healthy.
What Snaks Can Guinea Pigs Not Eat?
It’s important to note that some snacks are not suitable for guinea pigs, such as chocolate, candy, processed foods, and anything high in sugar or fat.
Also, while they are fun to watch eat treats from your hand, it’s important not to overfeed them.
Treats should be given only occasionally and in moderation.
Final Thought
Giving your guinea pig treats is a great way to bond with them and reward them for good behavior.
Just be sure to stick to healthy snacks and only give them in moderation. Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes are all suitable snacks. Nuts, seeds and cheese can also be given as occasional treats. Whatever you choose, be sure to read the label for added sugars, fats and artificial ingredients. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy bonding with your guinea pig.
Happy Petting!