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If your guinea pig is pregnant, prepare to give her double the
usual dosage of Vitamin C. You will need to at least double the
amount of fresh fruits and vegetables
for a pregnant guinea pig as well.
Any excessive Vitamin C will pass out of your pet’s body in their urine; so don’t worry about giving them too much.
Vitamin C Update #1– new research indicates this is NOT the case – top Guinea Pig veterinarians now believe that it’s possible to overdose your guinea pig on Vitamin C and cause serious problems. Avoid doses of greater than 25 mg/day. This is discussed in greater detail by the guinea pig veterinarians in the audios on www.GuineaPigInterviews.com.
If you are providing your (non-pregnant) guinea pig with an ample supply of fruits and vegetables, then you don’t need to give them a vitamin C supplement.
Vitamin C Update #2 – new research indicates this may not be true either– some top Guinea Pig veterinarians suggest providing vitamin C to your piggy each day even if they are eating plenty of fresh produce.
Offer your pet lots of choices of fresh produce until you learn what they like. To avoid having produce lying about and spoiling in the cage, just offer small amounts and remove uneaten portions. The list of good produce is long. Here are some suggestions: parsley (very high in Vitamin C), cauliflower, kiwi fruit, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale (also an excellent source of Vitamin C), red cabbage, oranges, tangerines, tomatoes, fresh basil, peas, or turnip greens would all be ideal. Dandelion greens are also a nice addition to their diet and an excellent source of Vitamin C during the spring and summer months. Watch out for diarrhea as a result of your pet eating too many green leafy vegetables.
Warning: green beans, potatoes with green spots and rhubarb are poisonous to guinea pigs!
Special guinea pig treats are a great idea for rewarding your pet, but be judicious in how you hand these out. They are like candy and can make for a very fat and unhealthy guinea pig if you are too generous. Remember to notice on the package that the treats are made specifically for guinea pigs. Oats, and dry cereals like Cheerios, also make good treats for guinea pigs. Remember, you can always use fresh produce as a healthy treat alternative.
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