Diet Are Veggies a Necessity?

[JellyBeans]

Hello everyone! I am new here, and looking forward to meeting you all.

I have been researching for a few years now on adding Guinea Pigs to my family. Everything seems pretty straightforward. Large cage, unlimited loose hay, small amount of pellets, big vet fund, etc.

My question is in regard to veggies. Are they 100% necessary for healthy piggies, or just preferred?
Would they not get adequate calcium from high quality pellet food? Or a small amount of alfalfa hay daily?

Thank you!

 

[pebblezthepiggy]

Yes they are. They provide a lot of helpful vitamins to guinea pigs, especially those that have vitamin c in them, it’s essential so that pigs don't get scurvy. Although there are supplemental tablets, they shouldn’t rely on just the tablets. They also have a lot of antioxidants and provide a lot of extra hydration to piggies.

 

[spy9doc]

IMHO, yes they are. I often get amused with those folks who go to great lengths to provide an exceedingly varied diet. I feed my cavies the same food every meal and they are just as excited each time the plate is set in front of them!

They have one regular meal each day (dinner) and often receive a snack early to mid-afternoon The meal consists of spring mix, arugula, small amount of kale, and a liberal helping of sweet peppers (essential Vit. C source.)I often rotate other in-season foods that they enjoy like corn husks (great fiber for teeth and gut), radicchio, other greens, occasional carrots, and of course, favorite fruits like canteloupe and watermelon, both rind and flesh).

And BTW, I vehemently disagree with limiting pellets, water, or hay. My Rafi is a testament to my theories as he is the healthiest, happiest little soul that one could ask for.

 

[JellyBeans]

IMHO, yes they are. I often get amused with those folks who go to great lengths to provide an exceedingly varied diet. I feed my cavies the same food every meal and they are just as excited each time the plate is set in front of them!

They have one regular meal each day (dinner) and often receive a snack early to mid-afternoon The meal consists of spring mix, arugula, small amount of kale, and a liberal helping of sweet peppers (essential Vit. C source.)I often rotate other in-season foods that they enjoy like corn husks (great fiber for teeth and gut), radicchio, other greens, occasional carrots, and of course, favorite fruits like canteloupe and watermelon, both rind and flesh).

And BTW, I vehemently disagree with limiting pellets, water, or hay. My Rafi is a testament to my theories as he is the healthiest, happiest little soul that one could ask for.

So you would not recommend limiting pellets at all? I’ve been told I should keep it to 1/4 cup per day for two pigs.

If you don’t mind my asking, how much would you say you spend per week on veggies?

Thanks!

 

[SSLee]

I wouldn't dream of denying my piggies their vegetable dinner. They get so much enjoyment out of their veggies.

For my two piggies, I spend about $10-$12 weekly on their veggies. The most expensive item is radicchio, which I give daily and currently is $5.99 lb. One head lasts about one week. The rest of their veggies which generally are butter/green/red lettuce, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, zucchini, spring mix, tomato, and corn husk. My girls also get one blue berry daily as part of their breakfast. I've gotten free carrot tops and corn husks at the local farmers market. And a lot of the farmers sell the remaining produce really cheap just before closing.

 

[pebblezthepiggy]

So you would not recommend limiting pellets at all? I’ve been told I should keep it to 1/4 cup per day for two pigs.

If you don’t mind my asking, how much would you say you spend per week on veggies?

Thanks!

Most pellets are only healthy when you’re giving them the right amount. I wouldn’t recommend giving them endless. Anywhere between 1/8 a cup and 1/4 a cup per two pigs per day is perfect. I normally feed my pigs lettuce, bell peppers, parsley and kale. I give them lettuce and peppers every day. I probably spend around $20 a week, but I also have four piggies.

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

I wouldn't dream of denying my piggies their vegetable dinner. They get so much enjoyment out of their veggies.

For my two piggies, I spend about $10-$12 weekly on their veggies. The most expensive item is radicchio, which I give daily and currently is $5.99 lb. One head lasts about one week. The rest of their veggies which generally are butter/green/red lettuce, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, zucchini, spring mix, tomato, and corn husk. My girls also get one blue berry daily as part of their breakfast. I've gotten free carrot tops and corn husks at the local farmers market. And a lot of the farmers sell the remaining produce really cheap just before closing.

i WISH I could spend that little on veggies. I spend roughly $60.

 

[novlin]

While high-quality pellets and a bit of alfalfa hay (for young guinea pigs) provide some calcium and nutrients, veggies are still important. They give your piggy extra vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients that pellets alone can't fully cover. Veggies also help balance calcium intake. Too much calcium, especially for adult guinea pigs, can lead to bladder stones. So, while pellets and hay are key, fresh veggies are necessary for a healthy diet and to keep your guinea pig strong and happy! Just make sure to choose the right ones, like leafy greens and bell peppers.