Offering a Good Cavy Eating regimen
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is of utmost significance to guinea pigs, as they’re unable to fabricate their very own (very similar to people). With out sufficient vitamin C of their diets, guinea pigs can develop into very sick with scurvy. The quantity of vitamin C required varies considerably relying on the reference supply used, however most guinea pigs in all probability want about 10–30 mg/day. Pregnant, nursing, younger, and sick guinea pigs want extra.
Pellets
Industrial guinea pig pellets must be fed day by day. Most guinea pigs won’t overeat (normally eat about 1/8 cup per day) however the variety of pellets could have to be restricted if a guinea pig turns into overweight. Select a superb high quality pellet designed for guinea pigs. For the reason that vitamin C in pellets additionally loses its efficiency over time, search for pellets that use a stabilized type of vitamin C or at the very least one with a “use before” date guarantee freshness, purchase in small portions, and retailer in a cool darkish place.
For rising guinea pigs, alfalfa-based pellets are tremendous, however for adults, it could be higher to go looking out a Timothy hay-based pellet. A few glorious Timothy-based diets embrace Oxbow Hay’s Cavy Delicacies and KM Hayloft’s Timothy’s Alternative.
When selecting a guinea pig food regimen or pellet, keep away from these with nuts or seeds, dried fruits, corn merchandise, animal by-products, beet pulp, or different fillers. Additionally watch for top sugar content material (sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, and many others.) and meals with plenty of preservative or added chemical substances. The Guinea Lynx website has an ideal article on choosing good high quality pellets.
Hay
Hay must be a staple within the food regimen and a recent provide accessible always. Grass hays resembling Timothy hay or orchard grass are the perfect for grownup guinea pigs. Alfalfa is richer and better in calcium and is an effective complement for rising guinea pigs in addition to pregnant or nursing guinea pigs, however isn’t a superb staple for many grownup guinea pigs.
Recent Greens and Fruit – “vitamin c for guinea pigs”
Along with the hay and pellets, quite a lot of recent greens (particularly leafy greens) and a few fruits must be provided day by day. Leafy greens ought to make up the majority of the vegetable supplementation. Fruits and different greens might be provided in small portions. Keep away from iceberg (head lettuce) because it has little or no dietary worth. Good decisions embrace kale, spinach, turnip greens, parsley, romaine lettuce, and dandelion greens. Keep away from or restrict cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, bok choy, and different cruciferous greens as they will result in fuel manufacturing within the digestive tract. Additionally, keep away from starchy greens resembling potatoes. Carrots, carrot tops, inexperienced and pink bell peppers, apple, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes can be fed. In case you have a assured pesticide-free supply, grass, dandelions, clover, and chickweed can be provided, particularly new development which is tender and essentially the most nutritious.
Any greens, greens, or fruits must be launched step by step or a digestive upset could consequence.
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