A proper diet is very important for the health and welfare of our little guinea pigs. Many of the little pigs digestive diseases are caused by a poor diet. A balanced diet is the best protection against these diseases.

The little guinea pigs should be able to eat small quantities of food several times throughout the day. This allows the food to be transported continuously to the stomach and intestine, which is very important in this type of animal. If the time between meals is too long this digestive traffic is stopped, which is not very good for the guinea pig. There is also the danger of them eating too much, or if they are fed with grain-based food and drink plenty of water, it will cause the stomach to swell to bursting.

The gut of the pig is made so that the little guinea pig can manage enough food rich in cellulose and has an alkaline pH value of 9, only working in this area of pH. If the pig is being fed with food containing much sugar or the pH drops, it will cause the intestinal flora to change and leave the pig to synthesize the essential nutrients for him.

In addition, small amounts of sugar may be welcome because it is a way to get energy, which however if it is not being spent that may cause the animal to become obese. Little pigs with a good gut flora are able to synthesize all the essential nutrients they need. Only ascorbic acid (vitamin C) must be purchased from outside, as it can't be synthesized by the little pigs.

The most important food to include in your pig aliments is hay and it should be a mixture of different herbs. The hay must be completely dry, free of dust, with a green and pleasant smell. Hay spoiled, rotten or moldy must be avoided. Hay brings a pulp, which as you read above, is very important to feed the guinea pig. These fibers are essential as they require a constant use of the teeth so that the animal may eat smaller pieces. Because of this, much hay is good to avoid problems with their teeth. It is also a way to occupy their time, since a considerable amount of hay always takes some time to be consumed and thus the animal is not bored doing nothing, and these animals are sometimes in funny poses when they are eating. But hay is not enough, as should always be accompanied with food rich in vitamin C.

This can be found in all fruits and vegetables. Also high grass and fresh herbs is also rich in vitamin C to offer the little guinea pigs. If the fed of the animal is rich in this type of food it is not necessary to buy supplements of vitamin C. The supply of pure ascorbic acid compound or multi-vitamin for humans should be avoided because they can generate an "overdose" and kidney problems.

Here is the list of recommended foods:

Fresh herbs and tall grass

carrots

pears

apples

lettuce (in small quantities)

peppers

cucumbers

grapes

coriander

spinach

tomatoes

dandelion

branch of carrots

clover

courgettes

The people who plant grass or dandelion at home should avoid growing them near the street or in places where the dogs can do their needs. And as soon as you sow the plant, you should immediately give it to your pig, so that it won't get spoiled.

To make your pet use the teeth give your guinea pig small branches of trees, fruit or pieces of dry bread. In general: the longer the animal is busy with food, the better for it, because that causes the wear of the teeth as they grow during the lifetime of the animal.
The food section you can buy in shops for animals should not represent more than 20% of the daily ration of the animal (plus or minus 1 or 2 spoonfuls of soup per animal / day).

Sunflower seeds, oat flakes and nuts should not be included since they are very fat. As for the food package you should not give it pieces that are very colorful and bright (orange, yellow, green, red) because it contains artificial coloring.

A good mix of dry food contains: wheat, oats, corn, grain, dried fruits and vegetables and a mixture of vitamins. With this balanced diet, you will not need more of a rock with minerals.

All things are sold in stores such as sweets, although an attractive look, should not be purchased. Like all jams, you know these products very well, but in the end they are detrimental to health of your pet.

Generally, nothing should be given to the guinea pig that contains animal products, animal proteins, eggs and milk and its derivatives, since the guinea pig are herbivores.

Menu of guinea pig:

Morning: Carrots and Hay

Lunch: Vegetable or herb

Afternoon: Dry Food Package (1-2 tablespoon per animal) and a little fruit or vegetables