To enjoy a healthy guinea pig, there are three points to keep in mind. The first is that they have quality hay at their disposal 24 hours a day, the second is a good feed enriched with vitamin C and the third is an extra supply of this vitamin, through fresh fruits and vegetables.
Is water important in your health?
Another important factor to take into account apart from solid food is water. We will try to make it mineral and low in sodium, since guinea pigs are animals prone to calculi, and water with a high sodium content would only favor its appearance.
[note]There are foods that can harm the health of our guinea pig, and for this reason they must have special consideration.[/note]
Among these we highlight parsley. Although it is rich in vitamin A and promotes bone formation, it is very diuretic and could dehydrate our guinea pig. It also produces abortifacient effects in pregnant females and cuts milk if they are breastfeeding. Do not give more than one twig every 10-15 days.
What can we give our guinea pig?
Alfalfa is recommended for pregnant and lactating females, young calves, and adults with feeding problems. This plant is very rich in calcium, but abuse can cause bladder stones. We can also give it to the rest of the guinea pigs without exceeding the quantity.
We will avoid at all costs foods such as meat, eggs and derivatives, dairy products and their derivatives, chocolate, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbage, canned, canned, frozen products... as they produce decomposition and gases . We will not give avocado under any circumstances, as it is toxic to most animals.
[confirmation]Iceberg lettuce is not recommended, since it contains almost no nutrients and its high water content can cause rotting.[/confirmation]
Many people give their guinea pig a piece of dry bread, thinking that it will help them to properly wear down their teeth. This is a myth, since bread softens as soon as it comes into contact with saliva. On the other hand, if we can give it from time to time as entertainment, although it is recommended that it be without salt.
In the next article we will talk about the foods that we can give daily, twice a week, weekly and occasionally.