Guinea pigs are mostly kept in cages. Therefore, they are not usually fed grass. However, their natural ancestors were natural graders. Additionally, their indoor lifestyle and eating habits require a lot of supplements, pellets and grass hay.
Now, if you are wondering whether guinea pigs can eat grass from outside or not, then you are looking at the right place.
Today we will have a detailed discussion on whether guinea pigs eat grass from outside or not. So, without any further due let’s begin.
Can guinea pigs eat grass from outside?
Guinea pigs can eat grass from outside. However, your pigs shouldn’t be fed grass cuttings. You can feed them both dried and fresh grass. Timothy hay or orchard grass hay are commonly fed varieties of grass to guinea pigs. It can be a great addition to your pigs regular diet.
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Grass is a great source of nutrition. The pig’s digestive tracts are designed for a huge amount of forage. Therefore, they can simply eat and digest a good amount of it.
However, fresh grass comes at a price, which means you will need to deworm your guinea pigs regularly. The reason behind this is grass usually contains parasite eggs, which can lead to worm issues in your guinea pigs.
Additionally, the pigs can be fed good quality timothy hay and vegetables. Guinea pigs also require a daily amount of Vitamin C regularly, so they need supplements.
From your yard:
Grass from your yard can be fed to your guinea pig. But there are limitations.
However, fresh grass must be introduced slowly if he is not used to grazing fresh grass on a regular basis. Changing your guinea pig’s diet too fast may upset its stomach. Additionally, if they are still grazing on grass from your yard, be sure to check for intestinal parasites.
You may need to deworm them if required. Small animals like guinea pigs who feed on grass usually pick up on parasite eggs that are found on grass blades.
Also, guinea pigs must not be fed wet grass or grass clippings at any cost. The basic reason behind this is, as they come in constant touch with wet grass, their bellies and legs become wet consistently.
This can lead to hair loss, fungal infection and other issues. However, if you live in a damp area then there’s a high chance that the grass in your yard is moldy. Which is clearly not safe for your guinea pig.
Is it ok for my guinea pig to eat grass from outside? Can you feed guinea pigs fresh grass safely?
It is okay for your guinea pig to eat grass from outside. You can feed guinea pigs fresh grass safely.
Grass and pigs always go hand in hand. Grass both fresh and dried are safe for guinea pigs. To safely feed your guinea pig grass, you need to make sure you are making your pig adapt to eating grass, if he is not used to grazing.
If you change his food habit all of a sudden it may show many health issues. It is okay if your guinea pig is eating grass from outside, unless you don’t want to deworm your pigs.
But if you are providing your pigs grass from outside, then make sure they are regularly getting checked for parasites. Additionally, try not to feed your pigs wet grass.
Is grass good for guinea pigs? Do guinea pigs like fresh grass?
Grass is great for guinea pigs. They indeed enjoy fresh grass.
Grass is considered to be staple food for guinea pigs. Additionally, it is not a staple, it is also great for the gut health of guinea pigs. However, guinea pigs should also be offered grass as much as possible.
Apart from all these, grass also contains a good amount of vitamin C, which guinea pigs need on a daily basis.
Infact, guinea pigs spend most of their lives grazing on smaller herbs. As they are herbivorous, they are meant to depend on greens. These piggies need roughage in their diet. They need it because it helps them trim their constantly growing teeth.
Not only that, grass is higher in fiber and good for their gastrointestinal health. Therefore, grass is the best way to provide your guinea pig roughage. When you own a pet guinea pig, it can be tough to find fresh grass.
However, barley, Timothy and oaten hay are some of the best types of grass you can offer your guinea pig.
Three reasons why guinea pigs can eat grass from outside
Grass and Guinea pigs go together like fries and ketchup. One is incomplete without another. Guinea pigs spend almost more than half of their life grazing over different herbs.
Here are few reasons why guinea pigs can eat grass from outside:
Natural Staple:
Grass is considered as a natural staple and a great food option for your guinea pig. Grass is high in minerals and is a great source of dietary fiber.
When you have a pet guinea pig, you can add grass to its regular diet. It will help you maintain it’s balanced diet. However, you may find it crucial to give it a lot of grass or grass hays. But, it is necessary.
Timothy, Barley and Oaten are considered as the best kind of grass. Whereas, try not to feed your pigs Clover or Lucerne. The basic reason behind this is they are high in protein and calcium which is not good for your piggies.
Helps improve gut health:
Grass is high in fiber and helps your pig maintain gastrointestinal health. Apart from fresh grass you can feed them some leafy vegetables. However, make sure that they are grown organically.
Guinea pigs are sensitive to pesticides and chemicals. If they consume any sort of pesticides their health might get compromised.
You must avoid feeding lawnmower clippings to your guinea pigs. These clippings cause them gastrointestinal issues.
High in Vitamin C:
Grass is a great source of vitamin C. Guinea pigs are a type of animals who require a daily dosage of Vitamin C. If you want your guinea pigs to be healthy try to feed them fresh grass, as it will help them fulfill their requirement for vitamin C.
Can you grow grass for guinea pigs?
You can grow grass for guinea pigs. You can grow your grass for your guinea pig. However, be sure to choose the right type of seed. Before you plan on growing grass on your own, choose the best quality grass for your pigs.
Apart from that, you may wanna keep an eye on the weeds growing in your yard along the grass. Remember that all weeds are not considered safe for your guinea pigs.
Additionally, you must avoid the usage of pesticides. Make sure you are growing your grass all organically. If you are applying any sort of chemical pesticides on the grass, it may lead to severe health issues in your guinea pigs. And in worse cases, they can even pass away.
If you can grow your grass, it will be easier for your guinea pigs to get their dosage of vitamin C regularly.
How to grow grass for guinea pigs?
Growing grass for your guinea pigs is simple. Additionally, it is also considered healthy for your guinea pigs. It doesn’t have to be in your yard. However, for proper nutrition, you might wanna grow varieties of grass.
Here are a few steps you can follow to grow grass for your guinea pigs:
Get seeds and trays:
The first thing you need to do is to get some sprouting trays. Sprouting trays are almost available everywhere. Besides, they give you the facility to grow your grass indoors.
The best part about growing grass indoors is that you do not have to worry about them being exposed to parasites. Or your guinea pigs eating any toxic plants.
You can get 1lb of seeds. With that, you will be able to grow grass a few times.
Soak seeds:
Take ¼ of the seeds and soak them in water for at least 8-12 hours. Once done, you can spread the seeds on the tray and place them in a shaded location.
Move it to a sunny area after a day or two.
The trays should come with a clear lid, cover it with the lid.
Spray the seeds regularly:
Spray the seeds every day to maintain their moisture level. You can use any spray bottle. Within a week you will notice the grass sprouting and the spouts turn green, you can remove the lid.
And move the tray into a place where it can get more sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Guinea pigs can eat grass from outside. However, you must ensure they are not eating wet grass or grass clippings. Additionally, the grass is a great natural staple. It is high in fiber and vitamin C, which helps them stay healthy. However, the grass they eat must not contain any pesticides.