What food do guinea pigs prefer? Rating of the best!

Updated: 04/22/2021 17:12:39

Expert: Rudenko Irina Sergeevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Guinea pigs, like other small rodents, have fast metabolisms. Therefore, a diet for them needs to be selected that takes into account all the animal’s nutritional needs, as well as vitamins and additional microelements. We have compiled a rating of the best foods for guinea pigs, which present the most complete and comprehensive nutrition programs.

Feed composition. What to look for

The guinea pig is a true vegetarian, with a capricious digestive system. There are a number of ingredients that are unacceptable in their diet:

• molasses or sugar
• animal proteins (bone and fish meal are not digestible)
• whole grains of corn and legumes (if they are too dry, they can get stuck between the teeth. This can cause refusal of food, and further death of the animal).

Acceptable ingredients:

• cereals (the best option is in the form of flakes or puffed grains)
• herbal granules
• dried leaves
• flowers and herbs
• twigs and bark of some trees
• dried vegetables.

The presence of peanuts and sunflower seeds is also acceptable. But due to the high fat content, it must be kept to a minimum. The content of berries and dried fruits should also be minimal. They are sources of not only vitamins and minerals, but also sugars, which, in turn, can trigger the development of diabetes.

The best treats for guinea pigs

Once a week, you can arrange a belly celebration for your pet, and treats in the form of sticks or pads will help with this.

They consist of fruits, nuts and other goodies. They should not be abused so as not to cause obesity and increased blood sugar in the rodent.

Titbit Tartlets

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

Baskets made of unleavened dough with a delicious filling of pumpkin and pineapple will please any rodent. The tartlet base consists of first grade flour, corn, potatoes and oats.

The special structure helps clean the pig's teeth from plaque and strengthen the gums. Pumpkin saturates the body with carotene and beneficial minerals, and pineapple is rich in sucrose and ascorbic acid. There are 8 such tartlets in the box.

Pros:

• Original form;
• Tasty and healthy filling;
• Contains carotene, as well as a lot of micro- and macroelements;
• The hard dough basket strengthens and cleans teeth;
• Suitable for pigs of any age;
• There are 8 tartlets in a package.

Minuses:

• Lots of carbohydrates and sugar;
• The filling falls out.

The unusual presentation is not fully thought out; in some baskets, the middle with tasty treats falls out. You should not give more than one treat at a time due to the high carbohydrate content (60%) and only 6% fiber.

Review of popular foods

All foods presented in the review are enriched with vitamins and minerals necessary for complete and proper nutrition. All formulations contain dried vegetables. Let's consider how they differ from each other, what are the advantages and disadvantages.

Diet structure

Guinea pigs are non-productive animals, so rationing of feeding does not aim to ensure high weight gain. The approximate structure of the diet of an adult Guinea pig is presented in grams:

1. Concentrated feed –55.
2. Rough (hay, preferably clover) – 60.
3. Juicy (grass, root vegetables) – 500.

However, most guinea pig lovers live in city apartments and keep them for decorative purposes. Consequently, it is difficult to provide the diet structure proposed above, so it is more correct to talk about the main food and treats. A peculiarity of the Guinea pig's digestion is the increased need for vitamins B, K, as well as ascorbic acid. They are usually added to specialized feed mixtures, and some of them come with treats.

Guinea pigs, like rabbits, resort to repeated digestion - coprophagy. They eat night feces. The microflora of the large intestine synthesizes vitamins K and B, but their absorption from the caudal part of the alimentary tract is low. In addition, primary feces contain underdigested proteins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are more fully absorbed when re-entered into the alimentary tract. Therefore, you should not panic when watching your pet eat its own feces. This is normal for a Guinea Pig.

JR Farm Classic

Treat as a combination food for guinea pigs.

Advantages:

• fiber content -15.6%
• a variety of herbs that are included in the animals’ natural diet and help reduce the likelihood of weight gain and healthy digestion
• cereals and legumes, aerated and in the form of flakes
• natural sources of vitamin C – parsley and clover

Flaws:

• Herbal granules in the composition are not to the taste of all pigs
• contains whole corn kernels

Recommendations for the selection and use of dry food

When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the age and breed of the guinea pig, its state of health and the time of year. For females, an additional criterion is pregnancy and lactation.

1. The pet store must be verified. It is better if the establishment provides a free consultation with a veterinarian.
2. During the harvest season, the feed should contain a minimum of dried fruits and vegetables. During this period, it is necessary to give your pet fresh fruits.
3. Foods high in sugar, nuts, corn, dried fruits, beet pulp and animal proteins should not be fed every day. You can set aside special “holiday” days for this delicacy.
4. A sick animal needs special care. Your veterinarian will help you choose food for your pet.
5. It is recommended to stock up on two or more types of food, then use the behavior and well-being of the animals to understand which is better. Feeds can also be mixed with each other.
6. It is better to give preference to a mixture that consists of granules of a natural color (without dyes) and has a herbal smell.
7. Dry food should not make up your pet's entire diet.
8. Dry food should be kept in a cool place protected from light.

Animals

Vegetables and fruits

Rodents willingly eat most vegetables and fruits at home, but at the same time the animal has its own preferences; it can, for example, eat apples with pleasure and eat carrots without pleasure. In this case, there is no need to insist, look for an alternative to the unloved ingredient. Although pigs are not too picky about what they eat, not all fruit and vegetable components can be fed as food. Some fruits contain a lot of sugar; it is better to offer your pet to eat them as a treat.

Veterinarians advise feeding your pig:

• fruits - apples (pruned), oranges (not too often), peeled bananas;
• vegetables - pumpkin, broccoli (not too often), parsley, peppers, tomatoes.

Iceberg lettuce, white cabbage and cauliflower should not be included in the rodent's diet. Products can provoke painful bloating, cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Baka High quality

– the best dry food from the Vaka brand line, which has received the maximum number of positive customer reviews.

Pros:

• enriched with probiotic,
• eaten completely, without waste,
• price.

Minuses:

• predominance of cereal crops,
• Contains bone meal, yeast, and salt.

Feeding rules

Proper nutrition is about caring for your pet’s health, as well as the condition of its hair and teeth. A guinea pig's daily diet should consist of:

• dry food – 20%;
• succulent feed – 20%;
• green fodder – 10%;
• hay – 50%.

By following a few simple feeding rules, you can keep your guinea pig healthy:

1. Rodents are fed 3 times a day.
2. The feeder is not removed from the cage; the pig must always have food.
3. The presence of hay in the cage is mandatory; the supply of hay must be established immediately.
4. If dry food is not included in the pet’s menu, then the portion of fresh vegetables and herbs is increased to 150 grams. in a day.
5. It is better to diversify your diet by offering different foods every day.
6. Ideally, a daily portion of food contains at least 3 types of vegetables and herbs.
7. Collecting herbs near roads and factories is prohibited.
8. It is recommended to give fruits in the first half of the day, and dry food in the second half of the day.

Menu Vital

– leader in the line of feed from the German company Vitakraft. This manufacturer's product range includes both basic products and premium foods: combined, granulated, and even for animals with sensitive digestion.

Advantages:

• enriched with vitamin C, linoleic acid, zinc and biotin, which has a positive effect on the body’s condition
• contains Yucca Schidigera extract - a source of vitamins C and B, as well as minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. It is added to animal feed to strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammatory processes in the digestive system.
• different packaging

Flaws:

• high percentage of grain content
• presence of food coloring

Laurie Rocky 2 Super Menu

The above-mentioned foods are not all that can be offered to your rodent. For those who value quality and a loyal pricing policy, we recommend Lori Rocky 2 Super Menu. This is a complete food offered for guinea pigs.

Here you can find dried fruits, cereals, seeds, dried apricots, raisins, as well as various compositions that look like cute balls and rings. There are trace elements and minerals necessary for the health of your pet. You can also see additives in the food: lysine, phosphorus, amino acids, zinc and more. Don’t forget about the vitamins that are present in abundance in this diet.

Manufacturers also took care of treats, so in addition to food, there is an opportunity to pamper your furry pet with treats.

Littleone Guenea Pigs

You can buy it here.

The best pelleted foods

Pressed products are found among all types of food for pigs, but there are separate fees for the main diet.

Granules are good because they contain all the necessary components, help grind teeth, but do not crumble like grains and do not create debris in the cage.

Dajana Exclusive Country Mix

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

91%

buyers recommend this product

Complete food suitable for adults. It is made using cold extrusion technology, which preserves all nutrients and vitamins. The basis is meadow hay, wheat, bran, yucca, rosemary, sunflower, rose hips and lemon balm.

The granules are held together by omega-3 fats (from flax seeds), apple and carrot pulp. Brewer's yeast is used to increase appetite and assimilate ingredients.

Pros:

• Contains fiber and protein;
• Strengthens the immune system;
• Helps with grinding teeth;
• Helps improve the pet's appearance;
• The composition includes a probiotic – inulin;
• Pleasant taste and aroma.

Minuses:

• Yeast included;
• Dye used.

Yucca extract relieves bloating, normalizes the digestive tract and reduces unpleasant odor from your pet. There are two types of packaging to choose from: 500 and 1500 g.

JR Farm Grainies Complete

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

Economical and relatively inexpensive food is suitable for pigs of all ages. The main ingredient is meadow grass, and as an addition there are pea and bean flakes, flax seeds, caraway seeds, cubes of apples, carrots and beets.

The mixture contains fennel, which relieves bloating and intestinal colic, as well as chamomile, which is responsible for resisting diseases. Hard granules imitate the density of bush branches and help clean and grind teeth.

Pros:

• Large packaging;
• The contents are clearly visible in a transparent bag;
• High-quality raw materials;
• Pleasant herbal smell;
• Chamomile and fennel relieve irritation in the intestines;
• Suitable for pets of all ages;
• Lots of fiber, minerals and ash.

Minuses:

• Inconvenient package;
• It crumbles a lot and has a chemical smell.

It is impossible to constantly feed pigs with dry formula. It is necessary to introduce fresh vegetables, herbs and other components. The packaging is quite large - 1350 g, so it is consumed slowly.

Littleone Green Valley (or Green Valley)

– grain-free food containing 60 types of herbs, with the addition of fruits, berries and seeds

Rodent nutrition after teeth trimming

Guinea pigs have long and sharp teeth; due to their anatomical features, the front surface of the incisors wears off very slowly, often causing the animal a lot of trouble, and requires trimming:

• painful sensations;
• difficulty chewing food;
• malocclusion;
• mechanical damage to the tongue, cheeks due to teeth;
• infectious processes developing in the oral cavity.

Due to the fact that the teeth of most rodents grow throughout their lives, they cannot grind them down on their own due to a too soft diet or poor living conditions, the pig needs professional dental care. Using special tools in an equipped veterinary office, the doctor trims the overgrown teeth, after which the owner needs to care for the animal, help drink and eat for the first time after the operation.

Our catalog contains a large selection of balanced food for rodents:

Sultan (Sultan)

Karma

Water

Having a fresh portion of drink in your pet's cage is a must. 250 ml is enough for one animal. Pregnant females require more fluid.

It is wrong to use boiled water. Filtered or bottled water will do. The cleanliness of the drink must be carefully monitored, since an infection can enter the animal’s body along with garbage.

It is recommended to use an automatic waterer, which will be a constant source of water for the pigs. With such a drinker, the water will be protected from contamination and spillage.

Cavia Complete

– the most popular product from Versele-Laga. This is granular food.

What else can you give?

In order for a guinea pig to wear down its teeth, it must be given tree branches to chew on. Branches should be collected away from the road. Before feeding, the branches must be cleared of dirt and washed under running hot water.

Which tree branches can be given:

• Birches;
• Linden trees;
• And you;
• Apple trees;
• Pears;
• Cherries;
• Rowan trees.

In addition to food, the animal needs vitamins. The kewi's body is designed in such a way that it cannot obtain vitamin C from regular food. A lack of this vitamin leads to various diseases, so additional feeding is necessary.

One adult should be given 5-15 mg of ascorbic acid daily. The vitamin can be dissolved in a glass of water and poured into a drinking bowl.

Chica-bio

– premium grain-free mixture. Ideal for juveniles and lactating females. It contains only herbal granules, hay, twigs, vegetables, and fruits.

List of approved products

The diet of guinea pigs is based on foods such as vegetables, fruits, berries, garden and meadow greens, sunflower seeds, seeds, twigs of trees and shrubs.

Healthy and safe food for guinea pigs:

1. Vegetables - cucumber, carrots, beets, pumpkin, fennel, zucchini, turnips, parsnips and celery in tubers. In small quantities you can treat your pet to bell peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, cauliflower, rutabaga, and Jerusalem artichoke.
2. Fruits – seedless grapes, plums, apples, pears. Bananas, peaches, apricots, watermelon, melon, kiwi, pineapples, oranges and tangerines are served in small quantities.
3. Berries - currants, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, sweet cherries, strawberries. In limited quantities - gooseberries, sea buckthorn, blackberries, cranberries, rowan.
4. Garden greens - lettuce leaves, dill, celery, sprouted cereal grains, carrot tops, beets, corn cobs. In limited quantities - cilantro, spinach, parsley.
5. Meadow greens - nettle, clover, yarrow, alfalfa, plantain, sage, echinacea, burdock, chamomile. Milk thistle, coltsfoot, dandelion, St. John's wort, wormwood, and fireweed are served in small quantities.
6. Flax seeds are useful. In limited quantities - sesame seeds, dill, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
7. Useful branches of bushes and trees - birch, mulberry, hazel, pear, raspberry, ash, hawthorn, blueberry, maple and cherry plum. Sometimes you can pamper your pet with branches of chestnut, cherry, aspen, apricot, cherry, willow, poplar and rowan.
8. It is not often that a rodent can be fed green peas and asparagus in small quantities.

Dusya

- another product of the Zoomir company. In composition, it is not much different from Zverushka’s food. But, according to reviews from animal owners, it is much better eaten.