Guinea pigs are among the most popular pets. These lovable little animals originally came from South America, but they were imported to Europe centuries ago. As far as their diet is concerned, these plant eaters are relatively easy to look after. However, you should bear some important things in mind as their owner in order to ensure species-appropriate nutrition.

If you buy food for your guinea pig, you should especially use fresh, high-quality hay. This food is rich in fibre and stimulates the digestion of your little companions. It also promotes tooth abrasion, which is fundamental for small animals. You will find the highest quality mountain meadow, herb and flower hay in the Maxi Zoo online shop.
It is recommended that you place a hay rack in the enclosure of your guinea pig so that your animal is able to eat from the hay at any time. In addition, such a fixture will allow you to prevent hay from becoming mixed with bedding and faeces. The hay should be replaced regularly, preferably several times a day.

Dried herbs such as parsley, camomile and ribwort plantain, as well as dried meadow greens such as dandelions, fennel and marigold, are among the favourite foods for guinea pigs. Maxi Zoo also has a wide range of relevant products. If you feed fresh plants, you will need to be careful: Not all types can be processed by your little pets. Some are even toxic for these animals, for example various types of lilac, juniper and ferns. Crushed branches, on the other hand, are generally well accepted and are particularly healthy for your guinea pig’s teeth. Twigs from apple and pear trees as well as hazelnut bushes are particularly well tolerated.
If you order food for your guinea pig, you should also put dry food mixes into your shopping basket. These will supply your animal with important nutrients and building materials and they are also rich in fibre. Dried grasses, herbs, cereals and vegetables are, for example, contained as ingredients. Colourants and preservatives are often not added. Snacks made from dried vegetables and other ingredients are suitable as additional dietary supplements.

>Fresh vegetables should also be included in your guinea pig’s diet. In particular, turnips, celery, broccoli, kohlrabi and endive lettuce are popular among small animals. However, it is advisable to acquaint the animals with vegetables slowly and, in particular, to feed them moderate portions at the beginning. Since guinea pigs rarely eat fresh vegetables in the wild, they can suffer health impairments in the case of excessive consumption. All types of cabbage, onion-related plants and legumes are unsuitable as food, as the animals are not able to process them well.
You should also rarely give your pet fresh fruit. Most varieties contain either too much sugar or too much acid, which can lead to severe digestive problems in guinea pigs.