Questions on my Foundation foods!

[iluvguineapigs4]

Foundation foods? Well, they're foods that I feed everyday. I feed my two guinea pigs two foundation foods: Cabbage and carrots. And then I have one added fresh fruit/herb/veggie. Once that added food is finished I give a different one. Sometimes the fridge will have a few fresh foods that I'll add. I read somewhere that carrots were high in sugar and should be fed in moderation. I cringed at this as carrots are one of my foundation foods, therefore given every day. Is there an alternative to carrots that can be fed everyday along with cabbage? And is cabbage a good foundation food? I read somewhere that Romaine Lettuce and Round Lettuce were good foods. So could this be fed as my alternative foundation food? Any advice/links greatly recieved. Thanks in advance

 

[iluvguineapigs4]

And of course I supply unlimited hay and they're out in the run everyday if the grass is not wet.

 

[hollie917]

my foundation food is romaine lettuce, round lettuce and bell peppers

 

[iluvguineapigs4]

my foundation food is romaine lettuce, round lettuce and bell peppers

Okay, thank you. Think my foundation foods are going to be cabbage and romaine lettuce. Any other opinions/views?

 

[Phoebe-PP]

Cabbage can cause gas in piggies, so shouldn't be fed every day. Romaine/little gem lettuces are good for every day, most 'salad' veggies ie: peppers, celery, cucumber are fine to be fed every day.

 

[Shellza]

Peppers and celery would probably be my foundation foods as cabbage can cause bloat (as can things like broccoli). There is a thread on here that gives an idea on what can be fed daily and what should be fed in moderation...I'll just find it for you.

The calcium phosphorous ratio is a bit daunting, but further down the page it gives dietary advice on what can be fed daily and what not
http://theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30297

Hope this helps

 

[iluvguineapigs4]

Cabbage can cause gas in piggies, so shouldn't be fed every day. Romaine/little gem lettuces are good for every day, most 'salad' veggies ie: peppers, celery, cucumber are fine to be fed every day.

Oh right, okay. Thanks. Romaine lettuce and round lettuce as foundation foods then?

 

[Shellza]

I wouldn't feed 2 lettuces as too much can cause diarrhoea. Try Romaine lettuce and bell pepper as that is a very good source of Vit C .

 

[iluvguineapigs4]

I wouldn't feed 2 lettuces as too much can cause diarrhoea. Try Romaine lettuce and bell pepper as that is a very good source of Vit C .

Mine don't like bell pepper :{ What would you recommend? Romaine and...?

 

[iluvguineapigs4]

Another question! How many grams of veggies should I feed to one piggie?

 

[Wiebke]

My foundation foods are cabbage, pepper, cucumber and celery; the last three only a small slice or chunk daily.

I would not recommend feeding carrots or any lettuces daily. Both foods are the highest in vitamin A which accumulates in the liver if fed excessively (it is not one of the water soluble vitamins unlike vitamin C) and can lead to liver failure later in life.

I rotate between broccoli and cauliflower leaves; fresh herbs; carrots and lettuce; tomato; green beans and mangetout, sweetcorn; apple, melon or grapes. Kale and spinach as a rare treat.

 

[iluvguineapigs4]

My foundation foods are cabbage, pepper, cucumber and celery; the last three only a small slice or chunk daily.

I would not recommend feeding carrots or any lettuces daily. Both foods are the highest in vitamin A which accumulates in the liver if fed excessively (it is not one of the water soluble vitamins unlike vitamin C) and can lead to liver failure later in life.

I rotate between broccoli and cauliflower leaves; fresh herbs; carrots and lettuce; tomato; green beans and mangetout, sweetcorn; apple, melon or grapes. Kale and spinach as a rare treat.

So cabbage doesn't cause bloat? I'm so confused :{ Two foundation foods: Cabbage and celery? How many grams should I give to one piggie?

 

[Shellza]

Oh :red lol Silly pigs...don't they know whats good for them mallethead|)

Reading up on the diet thread these are all good daily veggies:

High Calcium Ranges
Basil
Blackberries
Cabbage
Celery
Chard
Chicory
Coriander
Dandelion Greens
Dill
Endive
Escarole
Pak Choi
Parsley
Red Cabbage
Rocket
Round Lettuce
Watercress
Winter Squash

Low Calcium Range
Apricot
Artichoke
Asparagus
Baby Carrot
Beetroot
Belgian Endive
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Cherries
Courgette
Cranberries
Cucumber
Gooseberries
Grapes
Peas in Pods
Peppers - red/yellow/green
Pumpkin
Radicchio
Romaine Lettuce
Rutabaga
Savoy Cabbage
Strawberries
Summer Squash
Sweetcorn
Tomato
Watermelon


So according to that they can have cabbage daily, but I wouldn't give a large amount at once