What should I feed my guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are herbivores. This means your cavy can only eat plants, fruits, and vegetables. They do not eat meat. In the savannahs, or flat grasslands, of South America, wild guinea pigs eat grasses, herbs, weeds, and wild fruits and vegetables. They also drink a fair amount of water. In part, your guinea pig's diet should be based on the foods he would eat if living in the wild.

However, cavies, like humans, are different than most other animals. We and our guinea pig friends cannot manufacture our own Vitamin C. Most animals produce this water-soluble nutrient within their bodies. This is done by changing glucose, which is a simple sugar, into ascorbic acid, which is Vitamin C. This change takes place in either the liver or kidneys, depending on the animal. A lack of Vitamin C can cause serious health problems and diseases.

To prevent Vitamin C deficiency, you should feed your guinea pig a specially formulated pellet diet. In addition, a fresh supply of Timothy Hay should always be available. Timothy Hay both aids digestion and helps wear down your guinea pig's continually growing teeth. Other good food sources include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Cavy favorites include green vegetables, carrots, green cabbage, lettuce (not iceberg), and a small apple slice.