Vegetables & Fruits
Cavies require in addition to a plentiful ongoing source of Fresh Hay, clean water and an optional plain pellet; A variety of Fruits and vegetables in which to ensure they are provided with all the essential Vitamins and Minerals they require.
Like humans guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own ascorbic acid or commonly referred to as vitamin C, and require this to be supplemented in their diet. Cavies require 20-30mg of Vitamin C daily to ensure they remain at optimum health. Pregnant and Lactating Sows require 30-50mg daily. See Vitamin C for further information.
What vegetables & Fruits are best?
In any feeding regime providing vegetables that meet the necessary RDI (recommended daily intake) are always an important aspect in any diet.
A wide range of lush, leafy green vegetables Cos Lettuce. coriander or kale for example, combined with high vitamin rich sources will be the key in ensuring your cavies digestive system maintains sufficient gut movement and ensures they obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals they need.
Capsicum is also another prime example of a daily vegetable and it is an excellent source of ascorbic acid. It also contains antioxidants such as Beta-carotene. Beta - carotene traps free radicals, and a few studies in animals suggest that it may also reduce tumour development.
How much?
Guinea pigs require one cup of vegetables a day. Fruits can be distributed once or twice per week. Fruits are high in sugars and if given regularly may contribute to obesity related issues. Always provide vegetables that include a good source of vitamin C.
Vegetables can be fed twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. Not only do vegetables provide an essential source of vitamins and minerals but they also provide your guinea pig with variety in their diet. Some guinea pigs may not be interested in certain types of vegetables. A great way to overcome this lack of interest is to cover the undesirable vegetables with pure, non sweetened, all natural orange or fruit juice.
Usually a cavy will smell the fruit juice and be more inclined to lick or taste the vegetable which most pigs will soon find that they do enjoy!
Preparation
Guinea pigs require one cup of vegetables a day. Fruits can be distributed once or twice per week. Fruits are high in sugars and if given regularly may contribute to obesity related issues. Always provide vegetables that include a good source of vitamin C. Vegetables can be fed twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. Not only do vegetables provide an essential source of vitamins and minerals but they also provide your guinea pig with variety in their diet. Some guinea pigs may not be interested in certain types of vegetables. A great way to overcome this lack of interest is to cover the undesirable vegetables with pure, non sweetened, all natural orange or fruit juice. Usually a cavy will smell the fruit juice and be more inclined to lick or taste the vegetable which most pigs will soon find that they do enjoy!
Recommended Vegetable Bowls
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Sample Diet
Below is a sample diet that can be used to help demonstrate what vegetables and fruits can be provided. This diet is an approximate amount per pig. Quantities can vary depending on diet, medical needs and the individual preference of vegetables per pig. In addition to vegetables and fruits always include a constant supply of fresh grass hay.
