Guinea Pigs make delightful pets and are a popular choice, especially for families with growing children. They have an inquisitive nature and are incredibly active but they also have a complex digestive system which means the owner needs to pay careful attention to their pet's diet.
Think of your guinea pig as a "Fibrevore". A fibrevore requires a diet that is high in fibre and this is because their digestive system needs to be kept moving constantly. Your piggie requires two different types of fibre in his daily diet so it is your responsibility to provide this.
Indigestible Fibre
Indigestible fibre passes through your piggie's system and is eventually excreted as a hard, circular dropping. Keep an eye on your pet's droppings because any change in shape or texture could suggest illness.
Digestible Fibre
Digestible fibre is perhaps something many guinea pig owners realise their pets need. Digestible fibre passes through the system as is excreted (usually at night) as a clump of soft, sticky dropping. These droppings are known as "caecotrophs". The guinea pig then eats these clumps and they pass through the digestive system for a second time. As they pass through the second time the essential nutrients are extracted by the body. You should therefore try looking for your pet's caecotrophs and don't be alarmed if you spot him eating them!
Pet food manufacturers work hard to try and convince you that their guinea pig food is the best for your pet but you need to buy with caution. Because of his complex digestion your piggie will benefit from a varied diet, the bulk of which should be made from hay or barn dried grass. Therefore look to feed a combination of hay, nuggets and fresh greens. Avoid sugary foods like muesli; these foods offer no real nutritional value at all and will just encourage selective eating.
In the wild a guinea pig would enjoy foraging for food and you can help him mimic this by hiding treats inside his hay or even stuffing hay into a willow ball or toilet roll tube. Foraging is good for his emotional wellbeing as it helps to prevent boredom.
Whenever possible you should offer your guinea pig lots of free range time in the garden. He will benefit from the space in which to exercise, run, play and "popcorn" (jump with excitement) and he will also enjoy having a good old munch on the fresh grass.
A guinea pig can live to around eight years old with the right diet, housing and care and there is no reason why your small, furry friend cannot live a long and happy life.
Burgess Excel is the UK's Number One Vet Approved Guinea Pig Food. To find out more or to buy online visit Burgess Pet Care today.
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