Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet
Itsy bits mammal`s favourite food
Can Guinea Pigs eat Carrots? Guinea pigs are creatures which are also known as cavies. You can say they are the domesticated kind of rodents. They are raised as pets and food.
Though because of selective breeding, there are variations in texture, patterns and colour. They can live up to 8 – 10 years but they are susceptible to heat strokes.
Appearance & habitation:
Small ears (petal-shaped), eyes set on side of heads, small triangular mouths with 20 teeth. (note: guinea pigs must chew their teeth as they cannot afford to have them so long).
They are not found in wildlife anymore. They are the social animals. They live in herds. They also fall in the set of crepuscular i.e., active during dusk and dawn.
They are herbivores and can overeat make sure they don’t get obese from overeating. Introduce the nutritional dietary changes to make the balance in their diet chart.
Cecotropes:
They may look bizarre at first glance but you must know that this is the aid for the digestion of food and provides supplemental help for your pets.
As these small pallets are digested and passed through the anus they are consumed immediately by guinea pigs as it is nutritional for them. It is a unique method though but a much-required method for the betterment of these tiny creatures.
Carrots and your pets:
Carrots belongs to the veggie family having heaps of benefits with scrumptious taste and nutrition but when you are choosing them for your farm family (pigs) the projectiles of question arise which can be answered if get to know what can guinea pigs eat daily or what foods guinea pigs can eat.
Above then this the concern is what is the best vegetable for guinea pigs. Carrots have a comprehensive amount of calcium, vitamins (A & C), potassium, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, anthocyanin, antioxidants, carbohydrates and fibres with a blend of natural sugars.
If you seek the list of vegetables for pigs, you will find that carrot is one of the best veggies for guinea pigs dailynutritional balance.
The fibre in carrots helps in reducing sugar spikes. It also feeds the bacteria in the gut which gives a positive impact on digestion. Vitamin A can be helpful for vision and neurological health.
Too much of anything can cause harm though it is the utmost adored vegetable of guinea pigs. Before introducing the carrots to guinea pigs make sure that you know the can guinea pigs eat carrots.
What is the serving size which is safer for them and which is not? Carrots can harm guinea pigs if overdosed as they have sugars. Sugars can have triggered allergies with symptoms of itching, and swelling in the mouth.
If such symptoms persist, stop using the carrots. If guinea pigs lack vitamin C they can have scurvy. Carrots can add to their vitamin content. Balance the feeding bowl if you want to avoid the ill effects in them.
Carrots if given in an imbalanced form can cause satiety which results in form of weight loss. (Caution: high dosage can also cause bladder or stone sludge).
What should be the Feed quantity or dosage?
Baby carrots or medium size carrots are ideal for guinea pigs. Carrots top with skin is also added value to nutrients. Carrots can be offered with skin or without skin.
They should be offered 3 – 4 times a week (should not be given daily). It is better to mix the veggies and serve them than to keep the variety in the diet of guinea pigs.
Tip: it is better to wash them before giving them in feed as fertilizers and chemical residue could be there.
can guinea pigs eat carrot juice?
No, it is terrible for their health as it may have larger amounts of sugar.
Can guinea pigs have canned carrots?
No, as sugar is high in canned foods.
Can guinea pigs have frozen carrots?
No, cold or frozen food can lead to diarrhoea and vitamins can also be loosened.
Can guinea pigs have cooked carrots?
No, as it may have salt or oil.
What can guinea pigs not eat?
While planning their diet chart to avoid choking, bloating, gas, nutritional imbalance or illness make sure it does not include chocolate (any caffeine-based matter), garlic, mushrooms, onions, avocados, cabbage, meat, bread, dairy products, nuts, iceberg lettuce, potatoes, seeds.
NOTE: THEY SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN ALFALFA OR CLOVER HAY AS THEY ARE RICH IN PROTEIN AND CALCIUM.
CONCLUSION:
A blend of the veggie bowl is recommended to make your friends happier. Make sure you remove the food remains after 5 -6 hours as stale or decayed food can cause diseases or illness in your friends. Better to follow the following steps while feeding carrots to your pets:
- Choose the right size carrots
- Wash them
- Peel the skin (optional)
- slice them to 2 inches to avoid choking (optional)
- remove remains of food after some time to avoid bacterial contaminations
- feed 3-4 times a week
- better to serve carrot`s tops too
Note: if you are still thinking can guinea pigs eat carrots? Then understand the fact that guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamins. Their diet needs an additional aid or supplement in form of food for which carrots play a vital role.
For the basic care you need to follow these thumb rules to have a happy little furry friend:
- Feed them with low carbs and sugars.
- Provide chlorinated fresh water to them.
- Don’t serve them food older than 5 – 12 hours.
- They should have 10% of fruits and vegetables in their diet.
- Make sure they are having supplemental vitamin C
- Elude swollen mouths
- Feed them with an amalgam of food
If you ever noticed that guinea pigs are having the following symptoms consult your vet immediately:
- diarrhoea
- Crusty eyes
- Sneezing
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
