Sugar for Guinea Pigs?

[Sabrinova]

I've noticed that a lot of treats for guinea pigs have sugar or honey listed among the ingredients! I don't like the idea of giving my little boys sugar as I don't want to give them a sweet tooth or damage their little teeth. Are there any recommendations for sugar in their diet? Surely it can't be good for them?

 

[MemberX]

They aren't good for them to be honest. I would cut them out and give fruit as a treat. But again not too much as there is sugar in fruit too.

 

[Sabrinova]

Thanks, that's confirmed what I thought I have so far completely avoided anything with sugar in for them, but as I'm finding more and more "treats" on the shelves that contain sugar I thought I would ask. Cheers

 

[stargrrlclaire]

remember piggies cant have nuts or seeds either, even though most piggie treats have these in them too

 

[Sabrinova]

remember piggies cant have nuts or seeds either, even though most piggie treats have these in them too

I didn't realise that Claire :o I have given them a treat stick with nuts and seeds in it, but they weren't bothered. They nibbled a raisin that was sticking out then lost interest. Why can't they have them?

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Seed sticks are often glued together with honey or marshmallow for one thing. Nuts and seeds can stick in the teeth and mouth and can be fattening.

The only treats I am happy to give my pigs are dried herbs, like Boredom Breakers' Naturals, Burns' dried herbs, or Excel Nature Sticks. The simpler the better.

 

[cuddles]

So many commercial feeds for guineas are packed with colouring and sugar.I am trying to make my own mix at the moment but it is far more expensive than a pre made mix lol

 

[Tracyxx]

Have you tried the Boredom Breakers 'Naturals' range? They do a lot of nice treats for guinea pigs and other small animals without the nasty and unhealthy ingredients. Their 'Mixed Herb' bag is a real favourite with my lot - it's got dried herbs and fruit pieces and I mix it with their normal dry mix as a treat once or twice a week. Their other treats, such as the Parsley Bell, are really good too. My only gripe with the company is that they use metal hooks in their products that are somewhat dangerous but they screw out so easily and can be just popped in a hutch or pen for your pigs.
Here's a link to some of their stuff:
http://www.petdealz.co.uk/boredom-breakers-naturals-parsley-bell-p1856.html
Most pet shops sell the range including PaH! Hope this helps.