WATER
All animals need water They can obtain a lot of their water from fresh fruits,and vegetables .
They will still need water from a water bottle The water should be changed daily. Tap water is fine.Lots of pigs have the habit of blowing as well as sucking at the water bottle, this meas food residue ending up inside the bottle so change the water every day . You will need a bottle brush to give the bottle a good clean.A good tip here is if you dont have a bottle brush you can use small stones like gravel. Put them in the bottle with some water and shake. This will remove all the green from the sides.
HAY
Hay should be the main stay of a pigs diet it will wear the teeth down and aid digestion. A fresh supply of hay every day is needed and add more when its eaten.There is no need to go and buy all the dearer hay as good quality meadow hay is perfect.
Meadow hay is the best type of hay to feed.. Most pet stores do dried meadow hay in large and small bags, horse feed place or directly from a farmer. Buying hay by the bale is very cheap but you need to store it some were cold and dry.Do not put it in black sacks as this will make it sweat. A bale of hay will last for months.Dont buy hay that smells mouldy and it should not be brown and dusty.
DRY FOOD
Guinea pig food will provide your guinea pig with the proper balance of vitamins. Do not feed rabbit food. Pigs cannot hold vit c in their bodies so need to take it in daily.
As a general rule adult guinea pigs will eat between one and two ounces of pellets each day,hay and some fresh vegetables. It will be easy to tell if you are feeding too much or too little: if there are leftover pellets, then you are giving them too much. If the bowl is empty and they are looking for food, then you aren't feeding them enough.Try to feed at the same time, as guinea pigs like a routine. This makes them feel secure.

Vitamin C requirements

It is vital that your guinea pigs receive enough vitamin C each day to prevent scurvy and other problems. Guinea pigs cannot make or store vitamin C, so they must get it from their diet on a daily basis. Adult guinea pigs will require at least10mg of vitamin C each day The vitamin C breaks down very quickly, so it must be supplied fresh. Although many pellet manufacturers will claim that their feed contains the required amount of vitamin C,do not not trust this. Vitamin C in pellets breaks down when stored for any length of time,Check the dates on any food you buy and throw away any left after that date .Feed should be kept in an air tight container and always close the lid after use. Food left laying around will attract mice.

Fresh fruits and Vegetables
Guinea pigs will eat many kinds of fruits, vegetables and fresh greens. By them plenty you will keep your guinea pig happy, as they may become bored with eating only pellets and hay. And, many fruits and vegetables are sources of vitamin C, providing a natural way to meet your guinea pig's daily requirement. If you cannot always supply fresh veg and fruit then add vit drops to their water.Water should be available at all times.
Fresh food
When feeding "wild" greens, such as grass and dandelion greens, make sure they have not been sprayed with chemicals, and do not pick them from areas were cats or dogs have been. The dangers of pesticides are obvious,cat and dog feces can carry any number of parasites like worms which can bepassed to your pigs when they eat the grass or plants. Never collect wild greens from the road sides as they will be polluted.
Some foods to avoid are listed below:
- long celery stalks, the leafy bit on the tops are best.
- iceberg lettuce
- any nuts or seeds
- raw beans (poisonous)
- rhubarb and leaves (extremely poisonous)
On the whole they know what is good to eat, but dont trust to luck.
Treats
DONT BOTHER. TREATS YOU CAN BUY IN THE PET SHOP ARE ON THE WHOLE BAD FOR THEM. FRESH FRUIT AND VEG CANNOT BE BETTERED.
If you cannot resist then just make treats an easter, christmas or birthday treat.
