Grass and Forages
🌾 Where To Source Your Grass
Grass must be picked carefully to ensure it is safe for your piggies to eat. If you're in doubt of any of the factors below, it's best to leave it rather than risk it.
Make sure your grass location is:
Herbicide and Pesticide Free: Never harvest grass from areas that have been sprayed with chemicals, as this can be potentially fatal if fed to your guinea pig. Areas must be free from herbicides and pesticides.
Roadside Free: Pick grass away from roadsides to avoid contaminants from exhaust fumes.
Contaminant Free: Grass which has been soiled by animals and livestock should be avoided (think bird poop, dog poo etc.). Grass must be fresh and unspoiled.
Mould Free: Grass should be healthy, green and fresh. Do not feed grass which appears to have mildew or mould on it. Avoid picking grass that's near toadstools, other fungi or around unsafe plants for piggies.
Not Lawn Mower Clippings: Avoid using grass clippings from a lawn mower, as the heat and crushing motion can cause the grass to begin fermentation. If eaten, this may upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your piggies' tums. Always offer freshly hand-picked grass.
(Image courtesy of HayPigs)
Common Forages Safe for Your Piggies
✔️ Dandelion Greens
These are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and they have a slightly bitter taste that guinea pigs often enjoy. You can feed both the flowers, stalks and leaves.
✔️ Clover (White and Red)
Clover is a great source of calcium and protein but should be given in moderation due to its high calcium content. You can feed both the flowers and greenery.
✔️ Plantain (Broadleaf and Narrowleaf)
These leaves are good for guinea pigs' digestive health and can also help with urinary issues. Commonly found in suburban gardens.
✔️ Chickweed
This is a mild-tasting plant that's easy to digest and loved by guinea pigs.
✔️ Sow Thistles
Sow thistle is soft and more palatable than other thistles, with mild, dandelion-like leaves that guinea pigs love. It has white sap but this plant is all safe for piggies to eat.
✔️ Food Plant Leaves and Flowers
Some food plants your piggies can enjoy both the leaves and flowers of include strawberry, raspberry, apple, zuccini, pumpkin, radish, marigold and cucumber. Make sure they are free of pesticides before feeding to your piggies.
❌ NOTE: Tomato leaves and stalks are NOT a safe option! ❌
Make Your Own Foraging Box!
Guinea pigs forage naturally in the wild, but did you know you can make your very own foraging box at home for your piggies?
Check out our video using our Ozzy Cage Kitchenettes!
