Anyone who has a guinea pig knows how hungry this little rodent gets and how much it seems to chew all the time. With that in mind, the owner can think of ways to vary their pet’s diet. Today, the Petz blog explains whether guinea pigs can eat sunflower seeds !
This is a very popular food for birds, especially psittacines. Recently, it has been associated with the guinea pig’s diet by some people. However, can guinea pigs eat sunflower seeds? Come and find out!
Sunflower seeds and guinea pig: is this a healthy combination?
After all, can guinea pigs safely eat sunflower seeds? Does the grain offer any benefits to the pet? Since it is very popular among birds and is low-cost, the owner can consider including it in the guinea pig’s diet.
Although it is possible to find some videos on the internet that show guinea pigs enjoying the treat, most experts are unanimous on the subject: it is not recommended to give this seed to guinea pigs !
Even though they do not cause any gastrointestinal harm or poisoning, sunflower seeds can damage the mucous membrane of the animal’s mouth. In addition, they are often associated with pet asphyxiation.
Sunflower seeds may not be a good idea for birds either. They can cause hepatic steatosis, which is the accumulation of fat in the liver, because they are very fatty. Therefore, when in doubt, it is best to leave this snack aside.
Origin and history of the guinea pig
Now, it’s clear that guinea pigs can eat sunflower seeds and get hurt or out of breath. So, how about learning a little more about this little rodent, so adorable and loved by many, to know how to prepare its diet?
The guinea pig, also called cuy, preá or guinea pig, is native to South America — more precisely, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and northern Argentina. The scientific name is Cavia porcellus .
Did you know that he is not related to the pig, nor did he come from India? So why this name? Historians believe that it is a mistake. Since European navigators landed in South America thinking they had reached the Indies, the little one received this surname.
The name “pig” seems to come from the little screams that the pet makes, a characteristic that is so striking. The sound is similar to the grunt that pigs make, on a smaller scale, of course! Thus, the name guinea pig came about !
Domestication of the guinea pig
There is much evidence of the domestication of guinea pigs. There are paintings in caves, ceramic crafts and remains of the animal’s skin and bones in the tombs of ancient peoples in South America. The oldest evidence dates back to 2500 BC.
Before domestication, the wild cavy ( Cavia tschudii ) already existed. It has a rounded body shape, like today’s pets, but has shorter, more erect ears and a longer snout. In addition, its color varies little, ranging from brown to gray.
This small rodent was taken by European sailors to the cities, where it began to be raised as a pet. Thus, the guinea pig as it is known today emerged: colorful, friendly, playful and a great companion!
Guinea pig feeding
Since many people think that guinea pigs are related to pigs, they may get confused about the diets of these animals. The latter has a diet similar to that of humans, and is classified as omnivorous.
However, the rodent is strictly herbivorous, meaning it only eats products of plant origin. Therefore, foods derived from animals, such as meat, milk and eggs, should not be part of the guinea pig’s diet.
Importance of vitamin C in the guinea pig diet
Just like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own. Therefore, they need to ingest the substance. Therefore, the owner can supplement them with pharmaceutical preparations, or provide them with foods rich in this nutrient.
If the owner opts for a pharmaceutical preparation, he or she should look for pure vitamin C, without other components and minerals, and offer it directly into the pet’s mouth. It is common for some people to mix the nutrient into the drinking water, however, dilution is not recommended.
Foods allowed for guinea pigs
What do guinea pigs eat ? A guinea pig’s diet should be varied and balanced. Dry food is the best option, both for its practicality and energy balance. It needs to be supplemented with other snacks.
Pets need to wear down their teeth properly, but food doesn’t help in this regard. Therefore, the owner should also leave hay available for the rodent, as well as grass and vegetables (except lettuce , which can cause drowsiness and diarrhea in some more sensitive piggies).
Also, what can guinea pigs eat ? Fruits should be given with caution, as excess sugar can make your pet fat. They can also cause intestinal fermentation, causing pain. Ideally, they should only be given 2 to 3 times a week.
So, can guinea pigs eat sunflower seeds? Better not! To make your little rodent happier and have a healthier day-to-day life, visit Petz stores and purchase the products available for guinea pigs!