How Important Are Pellets?

[GPcrazy]

Guinea pigs are not all that popular here (in South Africa), and as such there is not much available for them in pet stores (usually half one small shelf of products if you're lucky). So far I have only seen the muesli type mixes that it's generally warned to stay away from, and on a rare few occasions I've seen Burgess pellets. But I've just seen a youtube video (sugar&spice) saying that Burgess is actually not so good for piggies (especially over 6 months) because it contains lucerne (alfalfa). Ironically the main type of hay sold here is also lucerne hay. I'm fairly sure I will be able to source oat hay as that is also used a lot, mainly for horses, but what if I can't find other pellets?

From what I've researched they only make up a very small amount of the diet anyway (10%), and I plan to feed a lot of fresh veggies etc to make sure they get their necessary vitamin C.

so my question is - if I can't find good quality pellets, do I rather not give pellets at all, or do I give the muesli mix, or would the Burgess be the best option, despite containing lucerne?

 

[Beans&Toast]

Their diet should be 80-90% hay. Timothy hay and meadow (orchard) hay are the most common for piggies. I think alfalfa should really only be given to young pups and pregnant sows..

You're right, muesli types are best avoided. They're usually higher in sugar and the piggies will only pick out their favourite bits and leave the rest.

Lots of people either give small amounts of pellets or none at all. If you're giving plenty of fresh hay daily and a handful of varied fresh veg then pellets aren't strictly necessary. One of my pigs gets a very limited amount of pellets and I'm actually considering cutting them out all together.