The diet is unlimited amounts of hay available at all times.
They can have one cup of veg per pig per day.
They can have one tablespoon of plain pellets per pig per day.
Water should be filtered.
Pellets and unfiltered water introduced more calcium into the body than the highest calcium veg does, so making sure you keep pellets very limited (some of us don’t feed pellets at all) and filter water is the best way to ensure the dont get too much calcium. We keep calcium limited (but not too low - you have to find the sweet spot for your piggy) to help to try to prevent bladder problems (formation is crystals, sludge and stones). However the calcium absorption process is complicated and there is a genetic element to it so all we can do is manage the diet.
The four safe daily veg are lettuce, cucumbers, bell pepper and coriander/cilantro. These provide a balance of nutrients without being too high or too low in calcium.
Other veg can be included for variety but it needs to be done in moderation and rotation, usually only 1-2 times a week. Veg which as kale, spinach, parsley are all high calcium so should be fed sparingly (once a week).
Brassicas such as broccoli are known to cause gas, so again, feed sparingly.
Carrots, fruit and tomatoes do not need to be in the diet as al but if they are then it is as a very occasional treat. These items are high in sugars and acidity; acidity can lead the a risk of cheilitis (a lip infection which can be fatal).
They get enough vit c from a balanced diet so they should not be given any additional vit c supplements at all (over supplementation can lead to health problems).
The three guides below cover the specifics:
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Edible And Forbidden Veg And Fruit List With Vitamin C Grading
A Comprehensive Hay Guide for Guinea Pigs (incl. providers in several countries)
The link below goes directly to our diet section where you will find even more diet related information and guides
Diet
