Greens have been an integral part of the human and animal diet for a long time. Many people have used vegetables for their food since time immemorial. They are filled with sufficient nutrients that are bound to benefit the user, whether animal or human being.
Guinea love eat greens. They particularly enjoy green and fresh leafy vegetables. Some of the best examples include spinach, kales, parsley, turnip greens, and lettuce among many others. Since cavies cannot create and store vitamin C on their own, they need an external source for this vitamin, which can green leafy vegetables provide.
Feeding your cavy greens has its fair share of benefits and gains. This is why you need to make it a routine to feed your guinea pig with greens more than any other food.
Most of them are safe and packed with the right nutrients that are bound to benefit your pet. Veggies tend to reduce the risk of your cavy getting infected with specific diseases and conditions. For more information on greens, read the text.
Table of Content
Are Greens Good for Guinea Pigs? | Health Benefits
There are a lot of benefits from greens, especially for your little pet friends. Some of the benefits that they can gain from it are the following:
- Greens help reduce the chances of chronic diseases. Feeding your cavy veggies will guard it against any complications that may lead to heart failure. The heart is a vital organ in an animal’s body and taking care of it is one step toward promoting long life.
- They help in digestion. Most greens have sufficient dietary fiber that aids in digestion and prevents any form of constipation or stomach-related complications.
- They provide a boost in the immunity of the guinea pig. If you want your cavy to lead a healthy life with a robust immune system, you should consider feeding it with the right amount of greens.
- May lead to weight loss and control. The nutrients found in certain types of greens are attributed to weight control and the promotion of weight loss in cavies. Your guinea pig should have an average weight and should not be obese. An obese cavy is prone to diseases and complications that may affect their health.
- Greens help to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure control is essential for cavies. Having high or low blood pressure can risk the life of your little pet by a considerable percentage. That is why you need to feed it many greens as much as possible.
- Helps in the development of strong bones and teeth. Different vegetables have the capability of strengthening the bones and teeth of your guinea pig. Take advantage of such veggies so that your cavy will always stand robust.
- Greens help to lower calorie intake. There are foods that when your guinea pig eats will lead to an increase in the number of calories taken. They have fewer calories than most of the other foods you may opt to feed your pet. This makes them the upper hand since the lower the calories, the better it is for your little cavies.
- Greens help in the elimination of free radicals from the body. Due to the presence of antioxidants in some vegetables, they can get rid of free radicals from the cavy’s body. These radicals occur due to normal metabolism but they are also harmful in the long run.
- They help to reduce cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber that is found in most greens can reduce the levels of cholesterol in the cavy’s body. This keeps it safe from any attacks on the heart.
Nutrition Facts of Greens
When it comes to nutritional information on greens, the stakes are high. Greens are filled with numerous nutrients, ready to help your guinea pig grow healthy and active. The following are some of the nutrients found in most veggies:
- Vitamin C – This is a vital vitamin in the life of cavies as stated earlier on in the text. Apart from protection against scurvy, this vitamin also helps the cavy absorb iron efficiently.
- Dietary Fiber – For the obvious reasons of digestion, your cavy needs greens because of fiber.
- Vitamin A – This vitamin boosts immunity in addition to promoting eye health.
- Folate – Otherwise referred to as folic acid scientifically, folate helps your cavy to create red blood cells for itself. Greens are a good source of this mineral, which is useful for steady blood pressure.
Are Greens Bad for Guinea Pigs? | Possible Risks
Equally, several risks are associated with greens which you need to know. They will guide you in handling and feeding your cavy. The following are some of the potential risks that your guinea pig may encounter:
- There are certain types of greens that have a lot of gas in them. The effect of these gases is burping which may lead to discomfort in your guinea pig for a while. This is no cause for alarm as it will last only a few minutes and after that, everything gets back to order.
- There are some greens that guinea pigs cannot eat. You should be careful about which choice of veggies you will pick for your cavy. On top of it all, you should not feed your cavy greens that have not been washed thoroughly, and this can lead to poisoning.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Processed Greens?
Guinea pigs cannot eat processed greens. Guinea pigs only feed on raw fresh veggies and fruits. Anything processed and packed cannot be taken in by cavies. Furthermore, this will deprive them of the nutrients they highly need for survival.
Can I Serve My Cavy Cooked Greens?
Guinea pigs cannot feed on food that is cooked. They only eat raw and fresh foods. Plus, cooking the greens will void them of the nutrients they have, which are needed by your little pets. Nutrients, such as vitamin C, which your cavy cannot produce on its own, will be destroyed. Thus, defeating the logic behind feeding it the greens.
Quick Facts on Greens
Check out the following fascinating facts about greens:
- Greens are highly recommended for higher servings as compared to other foods.
- The potato disease led to the death of nearly half a million individuals.
- Greens are some of the best sources of dietary fiber and vitamin C. This is why they are highly advisable for cavies to eat.
- Though confused in most cases to be the same thing, yams are not sweet potatoes.
- California is the primary producer of broccoli green that is sold all over the USA.
- Tomatoes are the most consumed vegetable in the USA.
We have also made a full list of foods that guinea pigs can and can’t eat (150+ Types of Foods). Be sure to also check our recommended products page for everything you will ever need to assure a happy life for your guinea pigs. Hope this information was helpful and you have found the answer you were looking for.
List of Sources
Caring for Your Pet Guinea Pig
Vitamin C Requirements of the Guinea-Pig
Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals: Fourth Revised Edition
The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig
