Can guinea pigs be given tangerines and why?

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02/17/2019 Everyone loves citrus fruits since childhood and knows about the benefits for the body. The tangerines that appear on the shelves on New Year's Eve have always been especially long-awaited. But is such a treat suitable when you want to pamper your furry pets with treats? Let's figure out how healthy and appropriate these holiday fruits are for the diet.

In what cases should you not give

Citrus fruits are atypical foods for pigs and cause a sensitizing load on the body.
Therefore, they are contraindicated for digestive problems. At the same time, tangerines are quite allergic fruits; if your pet already has a tendency to such diseases or skin lesions, then they cannot be included in the diet. For the same reason, there are contraindications for young animals. They should not consume citrus fruits until their digestive system is fully formed. Pigs are prone to stress, new food is also one of the factors. Therefore, if the animal has never eaten tangerines before, and has an exciting situation in its life (moving to a new house, walking on the street, meeting another animal), then you should not try to appease it with such a treat. This will only worsen his condition.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, citrus fruits are contraindicated for females.

Bottle with drinker

Such an accessory will come in handy during street walks. It does not take up much space, weighs little and does not hinder movement. But you can offer the dog to quench his thirst at any time, and not wait until he starts drinking from a dirty puddle or lake overgrown with mud.

The device consists of a water container and a bowl equipped with a dispenser button. It allows you to release as much liquid from the bottle as the animal needs to quench its thirst. Sold in two volume options - 350 and 550 milliliters.

Price – 475 – 584 rub.

Another model of the same device has a folding shape, which makes it easier to carry. The transformer connects the bowl and the bottle, securely fixing them in such a compact state. The durable polymer material has good shockproof properties and can even resist dog teeth. True, this struggle will not be long and - if the owner is careless - then all the liquid will end up on the ground.

Volume 250 ml.

Cost – 133 – 148 rubles.

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Review and table of the most popular ready-made food for guinea pigs

Before giving preference to a certain brand of ready-made food, the owner needs to study its composition, as well as the advantages and disadvantages characteristic of each type of food.

Standard grain mixture "LittleOne" from the Mealberry brand

It is considered one of the best food for guinea pigs. It contains nutritious grass granules, grains of oats, wheat and barley, dried slices of carrots and apples and vegetable seeds. The food is enriched with vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the digestive system of rodents.

LittleOne food

A food called "Crispy Muesli Guinea Pigs" produced by Versel-Laga

Contains dried herbs, herbal granules, cereal grains and dried vegetables. It also contains vitamin C and beneficial minerals.

Crispy Muesli Guinea Pigs food

"MenuVital" from the Vitakraft brand

The basis of the feed is oat and barley grains. Contains this food and alfalfa grass granules, Yucca extract, dried vegetables and vegetable fats.

Food "MenuVital"

JR Farm Classic

Produces good food for guinea pigs, containing grain and legume flakes, dried carrots, a mixture of meadow herbs (clover, burdock, plantain, yarrow), mint and parsley. It contains minerals and ascorbic acid.

JR Farm Classic food

Ready-made grain mixture “Animals” from the trading company Zoomir

It is made from seeds, dried vegetables and berries, herbal granules, cereal flakes and carob. It also includes a complex of vitamins and beneficial microelements.

Food "Animals"

Ready-made mixture “Vaka Lux” from the manufacturer Biosphere

The mixture includes vegetable flakes, granulated feed, grass granules, cereals and dried vegetables.

Food "Waka Lux"

CaviaComplete food from Versel-Laga Corporation

Considered the best pelleted food for guinea pigs. Its granules are made from grass, seeds, vegetables and fruits. It is also enriched with minerals and vitamins.

CaviaComplete food

Ready-made hay “VitaVerde” from the Vitakraft brand

It has gained popularity among owners of furry rodents, as it is high-quality dry straw that the guinea pig eats with pleasure.

Hay "VitaVerde"

According to reviews from guinea pig owners and breeders, the ranking of the most popular foods is as follows:

Rating of the best food for guinea pigs

Feed	pros	Minuses	Estimated cost RUB.
LittleOne	The food contains no dyes and is readily eaten by guinea pigs.	The mixture is fatty and high in calories	300 rubles
CaviaComplete	High fiber content	High price	1300 rubles
MenuVital	Balanced composition, presence of vitamin C	Contains dyes	400 rubles
CrispyMuesliGuineaPigs	Economical packaging with zipper	The food is too high in calories	200 rubles
JRFarmClassik	Low grain content, affordable price	Contains dyes	400 rubles
Animals	Contains a variety of ingredients	A large number of cereals	100 rubles
Waka Lux	Balanced composition	Rodents do not eat all ingredients	200 rubles

Not only the health, but also the life of your furry pet depends on properly selected food and a balanced diet. Therefore, the issue of feeding should be approached with all responsibility and not risk the health of the rodent by treating it with forbidden delicacies and products of dubious quality.

What not to give to guinea pigs

The guinea pig is a herbivore. It has a long digestive tract, which is designed to digest coarse fibers. Therefore, the basis of his diet - 75% - should be plant foods, namely hay and grass. In addition, your pet’s menu should include plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and granular food.

Since the body of this animal cannot independently produce vitamin C, which is very important for its normal functioning, this element must be supplied with food, namely with succulent food. However, not all vegetables and fruits are beneficial for the animal. Some of them can be given in small doses, many should never end up in your pet’s feeder.

Forbidden vegetables

There are few vegetables that should not be given to guinea pigs. Most of them can be included in the diet daily. Some are allowed to be fed, but in limited quantities. Cabbage, both white and cauliflower, is undesirable in a pig's feeder. It leads to bloating, upset, pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

Vegetables allowed for consumption should be given to the guinea pig only fresh. The maximum allowable amount per day is 200 g.

The list of vegetables that are allowed and prohibited for consumption by furry rodents can be found in the table:

Can

Can be done occasionally and in small quantities

It is forbidden

Cucumber, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, turnips, celery (root), beets Tomato, bell pepper, avocado, Jerusalem artichoke, rutabaga, artichoke, cabbage Potatoes, onions, garlic, radishes, radishes, horseradish, legumes, corn

Berries and fruits

Fruits and berries are not recommended for the daily diet. They can be fed to the animal 2-3 times a week. They are a source of fiber. Among the fruits, there are some that are desirable in the pig’s menu and are prohibited. All berries can be consumed, but some are rare.

Can

Can be done occasionally and in small quantities

It is forbidden

Apples, pears, plums, grapes (except seeds), raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, sweet cherries, currants Apricots, bananas, melon, oranges, tangerines, watermelons, peaches, pineapples, kiwi, blackberries, rowan, cranberries, gooseberries, sea buckthorn Lemons, grapefruit, pomegranate, persimmons, dates

Animal products

There should be no animal products in the feeding of guinea pigs. Not only do they not need them, but they also pose a health risk. Thus, dairy products and cheese contain lactose, and rodents lack the enzyme that is responsible for digesting them. Therefore, once in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract, “milk” will lead to gas formation and diarrhea, which will cause considerable discomfort not only to the pet itself, but also to its owner.

Of course, there is no need for rodents to eat meat. It has no use in their diet. The digestive tract will not be able to digest this heavy product. The ban also applies to eggs.

Indoor flowers and herbs

Despite the fact that pigs are herbivores, they cannot be fed any indoor crops. Of the plants, the menu can only include meadow and garden greens. Most indoor ornamental crops contain substances that are toxic to animals. If they are consumed, severe poisoning may develop.

If we talk about meadow and garden herbs, sorrel, the ground part of onions and garlic, celandine, fern, sow thistle, wild rosemary, lavender, and serpentine are prohibited. These plants are poisonous to pigs. If you want to feed your pet green grass, then you should prefer carrot and beet tops, dill, plantain, clover, sage, chamomile, burdock, nettle, and echinacea.

Other contraindicated products

A domestic rodent should not be given food from the common table, for example, leftovers from consumed dishes. Fried, canned, salted, baked, boiled foods are strictly prohibited, even if vegetables, fruits and berries are prepared using one of these methods. Do not give foods with spices or just seasonings.

There is no place in your pet's feeder for anything that contains sugar - chocolate, sweets, cookies, etc. Even a small dose that enters the pig's body will provoke a spike in blood sugar, and if given frequently, this increases the risk of developing diabetes. diabetes Bakery products are not needed in the diet of rodents. The digestive tract will not be able to digest them.

The benefits of raspberries for a pet

It is simply impossible to resist ripe, juicy, aromatic and sweet raspberries. In addition to being one of the most delicious berries, it is also very healthy. It contains anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants that the body needs.

So, in order to understand whether an animal needs raspberries and what benefits they can bring, you should understand the characteristics of the body and the substances contained in the product.

The body of guinea pigs cannot independently produce such a vital and necessary element for health as vitamin C. Therefore, it must be given to the animal additionally. The daily diet should contain the daily requirement of vitamin C, which is 10-30 mg.

Studies have been conducted that have shown that insufficient intake of vitamin C in pets increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This element is also required by the body to regulate the level of copper and iron in the animal’s blood.

In addition to vitamin C, raspberries also contain other beneficial substances, such as fiber, which contributes to the correct and complete processes of the digestive tract.

100 g of berries contain 1.2 g of proteins and 11.9 g of carbohydrates. Animals that are overweight need to reduce their intake of carbohydrates.

Let's take a closer look at what substances raspberries are rich in and what is the concentration of nutrients in 100 g of this product:

• Cellulose. Promotes good digestion, in addition, it is required to avoid constipation. But it is also worth considering that an excess of fiber will also not bring anything good, since it can lead to loose stools and gas. Contains 6.5 g fiber.
• Sugar (4.4g). A large amount of sugar will not benefit anyone; this substance leads to obesity, disruption of digestive processes, and causes spasms. But in small quantities when contained in fruits and berries, it is acceptable.
• Vitamin A (1%). It acts as a powerful antioxidant, is an ideal preventative against inflammation, and also cleanses the body of free radicals.
• Vitamin E (4%). It is necessary for the health of the cardiovascular system, vision organs, skin, and also prevents cancer.
• Vitamin B6. This substance normalizes sleep and emotional state, relieves stress, and promotes the production of serotonin, which is called the hormone of happiness.
• Pantothenic acid (3%). This is vitamin B5 necessary for the body, with the help of which all food products are processed into energy.
• Iron (4%). If the amount of this substance is insufficient, the risk of developing anemia increases.
• Magnesium (5%). Prevents the development of diabetes, is necessary for health and full development of muscle tissue.
• Potassium (4%). Ensures the health of the cardiovascular system and helps normalize blood pressure.

Rose hip

Rosehip is a rich vitamin and mineral complex. It contains vitamins C, E, PP, B1 and B2, minerals - calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron. Guinea pigs can eat berries, flowers and rosehip leaves. Rose hips can be given to your pig fresh or dry, but the fuzzy seeds must be removed before feeding. Rosehip is very useful for a pet, as it strengthens the immune system, improves digestion, calms, restores the animal’s strength after illness or pregnancy, helps against atherosclerosis, with abdominal pain, and with the healing of wounds and cracks in bones. Guinea pigs can also be given rosehip infusion into their drinking bowl.

How can you tell if a rat is allergic to citrus fruits?

If, after you give your pet a piece of any citrus, he experiences the symptoms described below, then this may be a sign of an allergy:

• swelling of the rat's paws;
• itching;
• irritation;
• rash;
• the appearance of scabs. Rat with orange

In this case, you should contact your veterinarian. With proper care, allergies in rats can be treated quite easily and quickly, usually taking about 10 days. If the animal's paws are swollen, then they are treated with an antiseptic; this is also done if the eyes and ears are inflamed. During treatment, it is advisable to completely remove fruit from the rat’s diet.

In conclusion, we can say that you need to be extremely careful with citrus fruits and seeds; if you give permitted citrus fruits from the list, then only very rarely and in small quantities. Unfortunately, identifying an allergy in an animal to a particular product is often only possible through trial and error, but the main thing is to continue to care for your pet properly and do everything so that it does not have such a problem again. Citrus fruits can be safely replaced with other healthy and safe fruits and vegetables.

What and how to feed your guinea pig

The rodent menu includes fresh and dried herbs, fresh vegetables and fruits, and cereals. Unlike rats and hamsters, guinea pigs eat mostly grass and vegetables rather than grains. Grain should be in the diet of the main characters of this article, but in smaller quantities than their relatives.

List of products for the daily diet of pigs:

• Hay.
• Fresh plants: nettle, dandelion, chamomile, alfalfa, dill, burdock and lettuce.
• Fresh vegetables: carrots, cabbage, beets, cucumber, celery, pumpkin, zucchini.
• Fresh branches of fruit trees and shrubs: apple, raspberry, blueberry, pear. Willow, maple, and ash branches are also suitable.
• Fresh berries and fruits: apple, pear, banana, strawberry, cherry.

Stores sell special dry food for pigs. There is no consensus on whether it is necessary in the daily diet of an animal. Some breeders give their pets one tablespoon of food daily for each individual, considering this a necessity. Other owners limit themselves only to fresh food. But it is absolutely clear that you cannot feed animals with dry food alone. Fresh herbs and vegetables are required in the diet.

It is recommended to add treats to the usual menu two or three times a week. Pigs will love dried fruits and nuts. But they should not be the basis of the diet.

It is strictly forbidden to feed these rodents the following products:

• pasta, bread and other flour products;
• dairy and fermented milk products;
• sausage and meat, as well as fish and eggs;
• potato;
• sugar-containing products;
• mushrooms;
• onion and garlic;
• legumes (peas, beans, etc.), except peanuts.

You need to feed your pig 2-3 times daily. High-quality hay should always be available to the animal.

Your pet's diet should be varied. You cannot feed your rodent the same food every day.

The pig is given treats no more than 2-3 times a week, otherwise it may negatively affect the pet’s health.

You cannot leave an animal without food for a long time. If the pet does not eat for 18 hours, then irreversible changes will begin in its digestive system, which can lead to the death of the animal.

Pigs drink little water, but there should always be a supply of fresh boiled water in the cage.

In winter, instead of fresh herbs, the pig is fed sprouted grains.

The daily portion of food should not be more than 30% of his body weight. If you overfeed your pet, it will develop obesity.

The introduction of new products should be gradual. First, treat your pet with a small piece of a new type of food. Then you need to observe the condition of the animal to see if there are any changes. And if everything is fine with the pet, then you can introduce a new product into the regular diet.

Pigs are sensitive to the quality of food consumed. It is better to remove stale vegetables and rotten hay. Eating stale food will lead to digestive problems in the animal.

Necessary for care

Like any other pet, a guinea pig requires a wide variety of grooming accessories. These include:

• cage or aquarium;
• feeder;
• sippy cup;
• house;
• filler;
• mineral stone;
• toys;
• carrying;
• hygiene products;
• brush-comb and nail clipper.

Cage or aquarium

Keeping a guinea pig is allowed both in an aquarium and in a cage. The main condition is size: the dwelling must be at least 50 cm in length and 30 cm in height so that the animal can move comfortably. If you have decided on a cage, then it is best to take a closer look at the options that have a plastic bottom. Plastic is quite easy to care for, it is easy to wash, dry, etc. A wooden base is not suitable due to the fact that these animals drink a lot of liquid per day, and therefore excrete a large amount of urine. The wood will simply become unusable in a very short time. You can purchase an aquarium in the above sizes. It, like a cage with a plastic bottom, is easy to wash and clean. But you should be careful, since glass is a very fragile material and when moving it, for example, to another room, you should follow safety rules (the pet should not be in the aquarium, it should be transferred to a carrier).

cell

Feeder

The feeder should be heavy enough so that the guinea pig cannot knock it over. An excellent option would be bowls made of ceramics, stainless steel, etc. It is also recommended to buy 2-3 containers. For example, one will be used for vegetables or fruits, and the second for dry food.

Sippy cup

A vertical ball sippy cup is perfect for a guinea pig. It is usually made of plastic with a metal tip. In such a drinking bowl there is no need to change the water daily, but this is done about 2-3 times a week.

House

Be sure to install a small house in the cage or aquarium. Your pet will sleep in it, relax, or simply retire when he wants to be alone. Most often, such houses are made of wood with a round “door” cut out in the middle. The most optimal size is 25 cm in length and 15 cm in height. This space is enough for the animal to hide and at the same time feel comfortable.

house

Filler

When arranging the cage, do not forget about the bedding. It will create comfort in the cage, prevent the animal from freezing and, to some extent, maintain cleanliness. You can use sawdust or ground corn cobs as a filler. Under no circumstances put cotton wool, newspaper, paper, etc. in the cage as bedding, as this is not safe for your pet’s health.

Mineral stone

To maintain dental health and calcium levels in your guinea pig's body, mineral stone is essential. After all, it serves not only as a vitamin complex, but also perfectly helps the animal grind its teeth. This stone is sold in a pet store, and its price is quite affordable.

stone

Toys

Guinea pigs are somewhat similar in behavior to decorative rabbits. They love to play. Therefore, be sure to buy some interesting and funny toy for your pet, for example, a tunnel, a hammock, a mirror, a rolling wheel, etc. The game will not only bring joy and pleasure to the animal, but will also strengthen muscles, and will also be an excellent preventive measure against obesity.

Carrying

If your plans did not include traveling together or any trips with your guinea pig, then you will still need a carrier. Transporting an animal in your arms, in a box or blanket is strictly prohibited. For example, you need to visit a veterinarian or transport the animal to another house or apartment; in such life situations, a carrier will definitely help you out. The pig will feel safe and the transportation process will go smoothly.

Hygiene products

Guinea pigs are considered clean animals, but sometimes they are still allowed to be bathed. For such cases, it is necessary to use special hygiene products that can be purchased at a pet store. The most popular of them:

• “Biogance” – bio-perfume;
• “Veda” – wheat shampoo.

Brush-comb and nail clipper

Caring for your guinea pig's coat and claws is extremely important. To do this, you need to purchase a special comb with soft bristles (combing is done daily), as well as a nail clipper for trimming the claws (the procedure is performed as they lengthen).

Oranges and tangerines

Citrus fruits are contraindicated for guinea pigs due to their high content of fruit acids.

Fruit acids irritate the skin and acidify urine. But guinea pigs are fed citrus pulp and peels treated with chemicals and rich in essential oils, which should not be done under any circumstances. When eating oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruits, your pet may experience cheilitis, or even death. And guinea pigs will eat whatever you give them.

Cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, peach, plums and other stone fruits contain large amounts of sugar and when feeding a large amount of them along with water to your pet, severe diarrhea occurs. If you want to feed your guinea pig cherries, apricots or other similar fruits, first remove the pit and offer the pig half a cherry or a tiny piece of apricot to start with. If the rodent reacts normally to this fruit, you can gradually increase the amount.

Under no circumstances should you give cherry, sweet cherry, apricot, peach, or plum pits, because they contain hydrocyanic acid.

It is not advisable to give exotic fruits - guava, lychee, mango, papaya, pineapple and others, as they can cause dangerous digestive upset. Some fruits, such as avocados, are toxic to rodents and cause diarrhea.

Is it healthy to feed guinea pigs citrus fruits?

Taking into account the needs and characteristics of pets, the diet is divided into three parts:

• Basic (usually grain, ready-made mixtures, green food).
• Treats (fruits, vegetables, specialized “snacks”).
• Mineral and vitamin supplements.

The body of guinea pigs does not have the ability to synthesize vitamin C on its own, but tangerines, saturated with it, are not the best source for furry animals. In addition, they contain other elements that make the digestive system harder.

Comparing other similar delicacies to the question of whether it is possible to feed guinea pigs tangerines, the answer is clear - it is possible, but in small quantities and no more than 2 times a week.

Several features of the diet of guinea pigs: rules are important

Pigs are absolutely contraindicated from eating animal products. The guinea pig is a herbivore, and it should only eat grass, tree branches, tree bark, and other plants.

You can also germinate oats, wheat or other healthy grains yourself at home. Pigs can also give sweet fruits, but it is better to serve them in small quantities.

The body of a guinea pig does not produce vitamin C. The animal can get it from food (twigs and leaves). Additionally, you can dissolve the vitamin in the drinking bowl.

If you follow these simple rules, your life will become noticeably easier. You will stop arguing about what your pet can do and what is strictly forbidden to him. The guinea pig will begin to receive healthy foods daily - twigs and leaves.

You will extend your pet's life if you analyze which plants are best to feed him and when. Your animal will grow up healthy, cheerful, and energetic. Be careful about those you have tamed!

Vegetable menu

Pigs have to look for vitamin C, which is responsible for the functioning of connective and bone tissues, from the outside, since their body is not able to produce it on its own.

Guinea pigs love apples, cucumbers and carrots.

Ascorbic acid enters the body from plant foods, including fresh vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper), amounting to at least 1 teaspoon per day.

Vegetables that can be given to guinea pigs include:

1. . Rich in vitamins, minerals and pectins, which normalize intestinal motility.
2. Carrot
   . Positively affects the condition of the skin and coat, visual and auditory functions. In addition to root vegetables, it is allowed to feed tops. The beta-keratin (vitamin A) content gives urine an orange tint.
3. Bell pepper
   . Rich in vitamin C, but dangerous in winter due to the amount of harmful nitrates. Only sweet varieties are allowed as food, while spicy ones lead to irritation of the mucous membranes.
4. Pumpkin
   . Not only the pulp is eaten, but also the crust and seeds, which are rich in zinc and act as a prophylactic against helminthiases.
5. . Low in calories, have an anti-inflammatory effect and facilitate the absorption of fats. Not suitable as a main food and dangerous in winter (high nitrate content).
6. Fresh peas
   . It is recommended to feed your pets only fresh pods, without overusing the quantity. Dried grains should not be consumed, but some manufacturers add them to ready-made food.
7. . Requires competent control. It is introduced gradually to avoid excessive gas formation. Rich in sulfur, which synthesizes collagen and adds shine to the coat.
8. Rutabaga
   . Helps with constipation, facilitating peristalsis, and has a diuretic effect. Recommended for use in winter, when the choice of vegetables becomes limited.
9. Jerusalem artichoke
   . The consumption of root vegetables enriched with starches should be limited to avoid intestinal disorders. The remaining parts, rich in fiber and amino acids, are allowed on an ongoing basis.

Controversial and dangerous vegetables include:

1. Tomatoes
   . In their green (unripe) form they are considered poisonous due to solanine; consumption of the tops is also not recommended. Ripe tomatoes, containing a large amount of vitamins, undergo destruction by dangerous poison, so they can be included in the diet in limited quantities. Avoid tomato abundance, which provokes intestinal upset.
2. . Another vegetable rich in poisonous solanine and starchy substances.
3. Melon
   . Dangerous for the development of diabetes due to the abundance of sugars.
4. . Essential oils irritate the mucous membranes and cause bloating.
5. . Has a laxative effect. Not recommended during pregnancy, lactation and older age
6. . Only green parts are allowed for food. Grains are dangerous due to the abundance of starch, which interferes with digestion and leads to weight gain.

Delicious additives

Juicy fruits are taken as tasty additives for rodents, namely:

• Sweet apples. Rodents love them very much in any form. Apple fruits contain fiber, pectin, vitamin B, and carotene. Green fruits contain much less vitamins compared to ripe apples. You should not give your pig spoiled or rotten apples, as this can lead to gastrointestinal upset. The affected areas should be cut out and the fruit should be washed well under running cold water.
• Strawberries. Contains a large amount of nutrients: vitamins E, C, A, iron, phosphorus, calcium. Small animals like red berries; they increase appetite and have a positive effect on digestion. In addition, strawberries have a diuretic effect.

Possible problems

Animals, like people, can suffer from overeating. The stomach is not always able to process excess amounts of food, which negatively affects the pet’s condition. And excessive consumption of sweets does not have the best effect on health.

Do not forget that the Product given to the rodent must be of high quality. This will protect your pet from poisoning and diarrhea. In addition, banana is considered an astringent product.

An excessive amount of such treats will not allow the animal to go to the toilet in a timely manner. And irregular bowel movements and retained excrement in the body have a negative impact.

Overeating and poor-quality products harm the animal

It is important to remember that it is important to approach your pet’s nutrition as responsibly as you do your own.

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Two approaches to feeding guinea pigs

When it comes to choosing a diet for furry rodents, the opinions of owners and breeders are divided.

Some believe that dry food containing grain and pressed granules from cereals and grass is contraindicated for guinea pigs, since the basis of their menu should be hay, grass and succulent food.

Adherents of dry food claim that ready-made food from well-known manufacturers contains all the necessary elements and ingredients for animals, and in limited quantities, grains are even beneficial for them.

In fact, these two options have both advantages and disadvantages, so each owner must decide for himself which type of feeding to give preference to.

Option 1: Grain-free diet

The main part of this diet consists of hay and fresh grass. As an additional food, fans of grain-free feeding give guinea pigs pieces of vegetables and fruits and berries twice a day.

A grain-free approach to guinea pig nutrition includes a wide variety of vegetables.

What to consider when choosing this type of feeding:

1. The pet's menu should be varied, so every day succulent food should include five types of vegetables and fruits. For example, on the same day you can give your guinea pigs slices of zucchini, carrots, peppers, apples and raspberries. And on the second, feed with pieces of pumpkin, turnip, cucumber, pear and blueberries.
2. Vegetables and fruits must be environmentally friendly. It is unacceptable to give pets foods treated with chemicals.
3. Uneaten slices of vegetables and fruits must be removed from the cage immediately. Otherwise, the process of rotting begins in them and, after eating such a product, the pig may become poisoned.

Among the advantages is the fact that the owner will not need to spend money on purchasing ready-made grain or granular mixtures.

If we talk about the disadvantages, the owner will have to make sure that there are several types of fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator all year round, but in winter this is quite problematic and costs the owner a lot of money.

Option 2: feeding grain or pelleted mixtures

The grain approach to feeding pigs involves only one tablespoon of grain per day, the rest is vegetables and hay.

What you should know when choosing this type of food:

• You should buy dry mixtures only from trusted manufacturers. Cheap food contains a lot of grains and dried sweet fruits, which are harmful to the health of the animal;
• The guinea pig is given no more than a tablespoon of dry food per day and must supplement the diet with juicy food;
• if the animal is not accustomed to dry food, then the pet should be accustomed to it gradually, starting with half a teaspoon per serving;
• Such food is quite high in calories, so it is not advisable to feed dry mixtures to rodents that move little.

The advantage of grain food is that it is hard, so it helps the animal grind its teeth.

If we talk about the downsides, high-quality food is quite expensive. Another disadvantage is that such food can be difficult to find in a pet store and often has to be ordered on Internet sites.

Conditions for keeping commercial livestock

Fattening piglets from 1 to 6 months on large farms has special techniques. The goal is to achieve maximum weight gain using the latest balanced feed mixtures. In order to reduce the time it takes to obtain marketable products, stimulants are used. Developed feeding rations for piglets include vitamins for growth and premixes.

Here they use yeast supplements, which stimulate the animals’ appetite, which means rapid weight gain. It is on large farms that the dry method of feeding livestock is used, as it is less labor-intensive. After 4 months, piglets are fattened intensively with a weight gain of 650-700 grams per day. By six months the pig gains a hundredweight of live weight. When producing pork, it is important to prevent overcrowding of animals, provide them with walking areas and prevent mortality at the stage of up to 4 months.

Grains, nuts and seeds

Most guinea pig owners purchase ready-made grain mixtures. As a rule, animals calmly eat purchased food in combination with succulent foods and feel great for some time. However, if the owner of the rodent did not pay attention to the nutritional pattern of his ward, the animal may soon begin to have health problems.

Some pigs choose from a grain mixture and eat only sweet dried fruits and seeds, which contain a lot of fats and carbohydrates. This often leads to obesity, liver disease, and heart failure. The most common symptoms of animal malnutrition are:

• diarrhea;
• bloating;
• the appearance of dental problems;
• constipation;
• shifting the nutritional balance from succulent feed to grain.

If at least 2 of the listed signs are observed, it is necessary to urgently change the grain mixture. You should choose a composition with a lower carbohydrate content, which has a predominant amount of wild grains.

You can prepare the grain mixture yourself

But it is important to remember that cereals should not be boiled or scalded with boiling water. They are mixed with grains and given to pets in small quantities (30% of the diet)

Table 5. Permitted and prohibited components of the grain mixture.

Can	It is forbidden
Barley grains, lentils, rolled oats, oats (unpeeled), pearl barley.	Millet, corn grits, rice grains, buckwheat.

When choosing combinations of grain mixtures, it is necessary to take into account the age of the animal, the degree of its mobility, the time of year, and the weight of the rodent. This will help avoid problems with obesity and the development of gastrointestinal pathologies.

Can a guinea pig eat nuts and seeds?

These products add variety to the diet of pet rodents and saturate it with healthy fats. When feeding furry pets with seeds, you need to follow the following rules:

• freshness and integrity of products;
• preliminary peeling;
• lack of heat treatment;
• compliance with the daily proportion of products in the diet (approximately 20%).

It is recommended to treat pigs with raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Flaxseeds are allowed to be added to the main feed only occasionally. Cannabis seeds should not be given to guinea pigs.

The question of whether nuts should be added to the rodent menu has long been controversial. Most experts believe that with a certain amount of moderation, nuts can be given to physically healthy, very active guinea pigs.

Hazelnuts and walnuts are ideal for this type of rodent. They are introduced into the menu once every 7–8 days, 2–3 nucleoli. Peanuts and pine nuts must be excluded from the diet of animals. These foods are too high in calories and can cause obesity in sedentary pets.

Almonds contain hydrocyanic acid. Excessive feeding of such nuts may cause the animals to die. It is better to offer young animals and pregnant females walnuts in combination with dill seeds.

The diet of a domestic rodent must be properly balanced and not overloaded with fats and carbohydrates. It's okay if your pig chews dry grass all the time. This is only good for her; the animal’s teeth must be ground down all the time.

For sedentary rodents, the option of excluding grain components from the diet is ideal. This will reduce the risk of their obesity. But in this case, the share of juicy foods in the daily menu (especially vegetables) should increase significantly.

Timely, vitamin-rich nutrition will allow your guinea pig to remain healthy and active for many years.

Reproduction

The female is ready to reproduce offspring already at the 5th month from birth, the male guinea pig at the 6th. But breeders recommend that the first matings be carried out no earlier than the pets are 10 months old. Animals of the same breed and age that are not related to each other are chosen as parents. Obese individuals are not suitable for reproduction.

Females are ready to breed every two weeks or month for two days. 10 days before the onset of estrus, vitamin E is added to the female’s diet. It is best if the female becomes pregnant no later than November, then she will have time to feed her offspring before the onset of molting. Molting is a difficult process for an animal; in combination with feeding, it puts a lot of stress on the female’s body.

It is easy to determine that a female is ready to mate. She lifts the back of her body, spreading her paws to the side.

Fertilization occurred if the female did not start another estrus within 20 days. Then she is transplanted into a separate cage.

The female's pregnancy lasts 10 weeks. At this time, you don’t need to carry her in your arms, often take her out of the cage and fiddle with her unnecessarily. Excess stress can lead to miscarriage.

Mother pigs can develop toxicosis. It occurs in the period before and immediately after childbirth. At this time, females experience muscle cramps, loss of appetite, deterioration of coat condition, and drooling. Toxicosis can be avoided if you make the right diet, add vitamins and prevent stress. Toxicosis also occurs due to pregnancy with many children. Females usually give birth to 3 to 5 piglets.

Guinea pigs usually give birth as usual and last about half an hour. Newborns can see and hear and also have incisors. 2 days after birth, they can already eat regular food. And when they are a month old, they can be moved into a cage for further independent life.

Before getting a guinea pig, study information about these cute rodents. Caring for the animals will be easy for novice breeders. However, the owner is responsible for the health and well-being of his pet. After all, only a healthy animal will be cheerful and playful and bring joy to its owner.

What fruits and berries can guinea pigs eat?

Every owner of a guinea pig or other animal wants to treat their pet to some kind of treat. Fruits or berries are perfect treats for guinea pigs. These products should always be in your pet's diet. Fruits and berries are a source of many vitamins and minerals. If greens are always present in your pig’s diet, then fruits can be offered three to four times a week in small quantities. Some pets are prone to cheilitis. Such individuals should be given fruit even less often. But not all types of treats can be given to rodents. So what fruits and berries can guinea pigs eat? Let's figure it out.

Why can't hamsters eat citrus fruits?

Some of the most popular fruits that can be found in any grocery store are citrus fruits. Tangerines and oranges contain large amounts of organic acids, sugar, vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. The peel of these fruits is rich in essential oils.

At first it may seem that such fruits will be useful for everyone, including such small pets as hamsters, but this is not so. For hamsters, eating citrus fruits is extremely dangerous to their health, so feeding them such foods is strictly prohibited. The reasons are as follows:

1. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Hamsters can produce this vitamin on their own. If an animal is fed with tangerine or orange, an excess of vitamin C will occur in the body, which is the cause of the development of hypervitaminosis.
2. The presence of organic acids in fruits, especially citric acid, negatively affects tooth enamel. Since hamsters’ teeth have only one-sided enamel coating, eating such fruits will very quickly lead to its destruction.
3. The acids that citrus fruits are rich in have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to various diseases.

Vintage basket

Here we are dealing with a representative design in the style of modern rural fashion. Best suited for lovers of cycling or short distance travel on scooters. The basket itself is woven from flexible willow and equipped with an openwork wire lid, which prevents the cat from wanting to get out while moving. At the first glance at such a carrier, one is reminded of idyllic pictures from centuries ago, when food from the market was transported in a similar way on bicycles. The entire structure is conveniently attached to the steering wheel using leather straps and does not require much time for preparation.

The advantage of the option under consideration is, of course, its original design and originality. The downside is limited functionality. Although, if desired, the basket can be used for its intended purpose.

Price – 1,128 – 1,708 rubles.

Other citruses in the life of rats

Above, we discussed only the two most allergenic citrus fruits as food for decorative rats, but the citrus family does not end with tangerines and oranges. All recommendations are given in the case when the pet does not have allergies and the animal tolerates citrus fruits well.

Grapefruit

The pulp can be given from time to time in small quantities. The main thing is not to overdo it, as it contains a lot of acid.

Lemons and limes

You can give a small piece, very rarely. Bones and seeds should not be given because they contain the glycoside amygdalin, which, when decomposed, forms poisonous hydrocyanic acid.

Pomelo

Give only the pulp in small quantities, as it increases acidity. Pomelo peel is a carcinogen for rats, especially for males.

Sweetie

Sweetie, also known as pomelo, is essentially a hybrid of pomelo and white grapefruit. However, it has practically no seeds; you can give it a little pulp.

Is it possible or not to give tangerine peel?

It is better to peel and remove the skins and films from the tangerine. Tangerine peel, zest and seeds contain many essential oils, aldehydes, and esters. To give the fruit a marketable appearance, many manufacturers treat the peel with special chemicals. It is difficult to wash them off with water.

It is not advisable to give tangerine peel to pigs, as it can cause serious poisoning. It is better to clean the tangerine slice from films and seeds.

Owners' opinions about the benefits of tangerines and oranges are divided

Here it is important to take into account the individual preferences of the pet and comply with the norm.

Owners' opinions about the benefits of tangerines and oranges are divided

Here it is important to take into account the individual preferences of the pet and comply with the norm.

What other foods are contraindicated for pigs?

What is not poisonous to humans can be destructive to the delicate body of a guinea pig.

Products that should be included in the diet in very small quantities:

• hazelnut;
• Walnut;
• seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, dill, sesame).

Sweets should never be given to a rodent. Candies, chocolate, marshmallows, halva are heavy foods that will lead to poisoning. Even the smallest amount of chocolate acts as a strong poison on the pig’s body.

You should not tempt fate and give the animal exotic fruits, no matter how much he begs for them. The pig is not given baked goods (including crackers, bagels), cookies, boiled porridge, soups and borscht in any form. The digestive system of these animals is not adapted to thermally processed foods.

Results

In conclusion, I would like to say that not everything that your guinea pig eats will be good for it. Do not try exotic products on her. If you don’t know whether your guinea pig can eat this or that product, it’s better not to feed it. A rodent in captivity cannot distinguish between products that are not healthy for it and therefore will eat everything you offer. On forums you can often see messages that some owners' guinea pigs eat almost all the foods on the prohibited list. But do not experiment on your pet; give him only vegetables, grass, herbs and fruits growing in our country. Believe me, without oranges, tangerines, bananas, kiwis and other harmful fruits, they will survive and live a long and happy pig life, delighting you.

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Poisonous plants

When going to collect herbs for your beloved pet, you need to remember that there are a number of poisonous plants that not only cause poisoning, but also lead to death.

Plants that are poisonous and dangerous to guinea pigs include:

• Fighter,
• Arum,
• white acacia,
• Common aloe
• Common and lemon geraniums,
• All types of ferns,
• All types of lilies,
• Sorrel,
• Nightshade,
• Henbane,
• Lilies of the valley,
• All varieties of narcissus,
• Hyacinths,
• Celandine.

The following are considered dangerous for animals:

• Bay leaf,
• Gorse,
• All types of wisteria,
• Yew,
• All varieties of ivy,
• Deren,
• Common broom,
• Dogwood and all varieties of honeysuckle.

It is strictly forbidden to feed the following tree species:

• Thuja and oleander sprigs,
• Biryuchina,
• Juniper shoots and roots,
• Berries, leaves and twigs of elderberry,
• mistletoe,
• Leaves, shoots and twigs of hellebore and belladonna.