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FEEDING YOUR RABBIT AND GUINEA PIG
You should provide daily:
- Pellets
- Fattening.
- Can predispose to dental problems if given in large amounts.
- Choose timothy pellets for rabbits & guinea pigs older than 6 months of age. Read well the list of ingredients because most companies make alfalfa pellets which should be avoided, they contain much higher levels of calcium (calcium predisposes to bladder problems in rabbits & guinea pigs). Rabbits & guinea pigs under 6 months of age can be offered alfalfa pellets because their calcium needs are much higher.
- Should be offered in limited amounts to rabbits & guinea pigs older than 6 months of age (1/8 cup daily for a rabbit and 2-3 tablespoons daily for a guinea pig).
- Hay
- Should be offered daily, as much as desired.
- Very important to prevent dental problems and to favour a healthy digestion.
- Timothy hay is preferred over alfalfa hay (see previous explanation).
- Choose green hay. Yellowish hay is of poor quality and not nutritious.
- Oxbow offers very high quality hay. It is available at your veterinarian.
- Vegetables
- Should be offered daily, as much as desired.
- Choose dark green leafy vegetables (ex.: dandelions, carrot tops, romaine lettuce, herbs, etc). Avoid broccoli because it is too rich in calcium.
- Fruits should be avoided or offered in limited amounts because they are rich in sugar and therefore can cause diarrhea.
- For babies, introduce a new vegetable weekly to avoid looser stools.
- Supplements
- Guinea pigs must receive vitamin C daily. Vitamin C deficiency can cause dental and joint diseases.
- Use Redoxon 1g tablets, sold in pharmacies. Dissolve a ¼ tablet in 250 ml (1 cup) of water, and then fill up the drinking bottle with the mixture. Throw away the remaining solution. Change daily.
- Other supplements are not necessary if the diet is well balanced.
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