Seeds?

[Numpty]

Okay, I was just wondering why are seeds so bad for piggies? And if they are soooo bad then why do so many different brands of guinea pig food have seeds in them?

 

[ChadWPB]

Seeds are bad for two reasons:

1. Choking. They're small and hard and can easily lodge in a pig's throat.

2. Fat content. Guinea pigs are strict herbivores. They do not process fat well. The excess calories will lead to obesity.

Stores sell pellet/seed mixes because they look pretty and appeal to the consumer. Just because it looks good to you does not mean it's good for your pig.

The bottom line: Stay away from seeds. Far away.

 

[pennick]

Its funny, as soon as I read this information previously, I ran home and picked out all the seeds from my container of pellets. Now I just buy plain pellets. They dont even miss it.

 

[citronsoul]

I'm wondering if it's also cheaper just to throw seeds in there?

 

[ChadWPB]

I'm wondering if it's also cheaper just to throw seeds in there?

NO SEEDS! Did you not read my post? Seeds are bad for pigs!

 

[Ferdypig]

ChadWPB - I think citronsoul meant that maybe the manufacturer's put seeds in their mixes because it's cheaper.

 

[ChadWPB]

Ah, I see.

I don't think so, though. Ever see the price of seeds (and nuts as well)? They're expensive.

In fact, the seed mixes are usually labeled "premium" and cost more, not less.

It's all in the marketing and finishing for the product. Plain pellets look boring and bland, but that is what's best for guinea pigs.

 

[pennick]

Its true. When you dont know any better you go for the stuff that looks good. When I first started out I bought the colorful food, the long stick treat, all those yummys that you think your piggy will like. I even had cans of mixed vegetables awaiting. What did I know? Its a good thing for this site or a lot of people wouldn't know any better.

 

[o0Ms Jenny0o]

It's like that with dog food, when they have the orange and red kibble, dogs are color blind! Whose attention are they trying to get? The people with the cash! (only the movie star dogs have money. )

 

[citronsoul]

Yeah, I meant it being cheaper for manufacturers. I see a lot of local low budget guinea pig food that has lots of seeds in it. It might be different for the States though.

The choices of guinea pig food here are just...well, they're crap basically. I have to drive to the Netherlands just to get decent guinea pig pellets.

 

[ParanoidEv]

Which pellets do you give them then?

 

[citronsoul]

Hope Farms Cavia Super. That's the best I've been able to come up with.

 

[DaCourt]

Oxbow Cavy Cuisine is the best.