As a responsible guinea pig owner, you probably already know the importance of providing Vitamin C to your furry friend. Most owners are familiar with Oxbow’s Vitamin C treats, but did you know there are additional ways to ensure your guinea pig gets the Vitamin C they need? Not all guinea pigs like the Oxbow treats, and variety can be beneficial. Here are five surprising ways to add Vitamin C to your guinea pig’s diet that you might not have considered.
1. Sprinkle Some Parsley Over Their Food or Hay
Parsley is a fantastic source of Vitamin C for guinea pigs. You can simply sprinkle some dried parsley over their food or hay. Alternatively, try a foraging mix with high Vitamin C content to make their feeding time more exciting and nutritious. Your guinea pig will enjoy the fresh taste, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing they are getting their essential nutrients. You can also opt for a foraging mix specifically high in parsley and other herbs high in Vitamin C. (Use code “Kim” for 10% off at Norman’s Bunny Treats.)
2. Feed Red, Orange, or Yellow Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are another excellent source of Vitamin C. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers contain higher levels of Vitamin C compared to green peppers. Slice up these colorful veggies and add them to your guinea pigās daily diet. Not only are they nutritious, but they also have a great Calcium to Phosphorus ratio, making them ideal veggies to feed daily without needing to worry about the sludge buildup caused by veggies higher in Calcium.
3. Spray Veggies with Vitamin C
An easy and effective way to ensure your guinea pig gets their daily dose of Vitamin C is to spray or apply drops to their vegetables with liquid Vitamin C. This method is highly recommended over adding Vitamin C to their water, as it degrades quickly in water and can deter guinea pigs from drinking. By spraying their veggies, you ensure they get a concentrated and stable dose of Vitamin C.
4. Feed Orange Peels
Orange peels are a surprising yet effective source of Vitamin C. They are lower in sugar compared to the fruit of the orange, making them a healthier option. Be sure to wash the peels thoroughly to remove any pesticides before offering them to your guinea pig. Many guinea pigs enjoy the texture and taste of orange peels, making it an easy way to supplement their Vitamin C intake.
5. Feed Vitamin C Directly from a Syringe
If youāre looking for a direct and foolproof method, consider feeding Vitamin C drops directly from a syringe. Many guinea pigs actually enjoy the taste and will willingly take the drops. This method ensures that they receive the exact amount they need without any room for uncertainty. Itās particularly useful if your guinea pig is fussy about other methods of supplementation.
By incorporating these five methods, you can diversify your guinea pigās diet and ensure they receive their necessary Vitamin C intake. Remember, while the Oxbow Vitamin C treats are popular, not all guinea pigs enjoy them, and variety can enhance their health and well-being. Happy feeding!
Want to learn more about Vitamin C and the role it plays in a guinea pig’s health and diet? We’d recommend checking out this great Oxbow article all about Vitamin C! Or if you’d like to learn about other foods that you should (and should not!) feed your guinea pigs, check out our fruit and vegetable feeding guide for guinea pigs.
