Is it possible to give guinea pigs radishes (fruit, leaves, tops)

At first glance, it may seem that feeding guinea pigs is quite simple, because the animal eats most fruits and vegetables. However, at the same time, experts warn that not all products will be useful for this pet, and some of them can even worsen the well-being of the animal.

About whether a guinea pig can have a radish, as well as how to properly serve this vegetable, will be discussed in this article.

Features of feeding radishes

The question of whether to give guinea pigs radishes or not is quite controversial. Of course, it is possible to give this vegetable to a rodent and, most likely, he eats it with appetite, however, experts do not give any guarantees that after the animal it will not become ill.

Thus, it is better not to feed radishes to guinea pigs, as well as cauliflower, rutabaga and cabbage, since these vegetables belong to the cruciferous family. This is not the best food for these rodents. In their diet, it should be present in a minimum amount.

The ban on feeding this vegetable to guinea pigs is primarily justified by the fact that the radish contains many essential oils that can irritate the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

Moreover, radishes often lead to bloating in the animal. This can cause pain in the animal, diarrhea.

Is it possible to give radishes to guinea pigs?

Casting radishes will be much more useful than the root itself. They do not contain as many essential oils, so they are well digested. Also in the tops there is a lot of useful vitamin C, so the regular intake of leaves is beneficial to the health of the pet.

Remember! Rodents are happy to eat radish leaves, but if during this the animal has a change in behavior or poor bowel movements, such a vegetable should be immediately excluded from the menu and replaced with regular pet food.

There are the following recommendations for the proper feeding of radish tops:

• only fresh, recently picked tops can be added to the feed;
• wilted or damaged leaves should not be used;
• you can add tops to the menu no more than once a week. The rest of the time the animal should eat its usual food;
• immediately after feeding, it is better to completely remove the remains of the tops;
• the daily norm is 15 g.

What can replace radishes

Guinea pigs should be fed carefully selected foods. Usually, ready-made dry food with a developed diet is used for this. Only during pregnancy, a pet can be additionally mixed with vitamin products on the menu.

For variety or basic nutrition, guinea pigs are allowed to give the following foods:

• spinach;
• cucumbers;
• lettuce leaves;
• Bulgarian pepper;
• carrots that a rodent can eat daily;
• parsley;
• dandelion leaves;
• tomatoes;
• fruit.

Moreover, radishes can be replaced with turnips or radishes. They are rich in fluoride, vitamin C and calcium. The animal needs to enter these vegetables in the menu in small portions. It is best to give turnips and radishes no more than once a month.

You should know that giving guinea pigs sluggish or spoiled vegetables is harmful. It is better to give a small portion, but fresh food. It is also important to prescribe a diet for a pet so that new products are present in its menu every day.

Worth knowing! Cold foods should not be given to animals, as it is them that the animal may have a digestive problem.

Like most rodents, guinea pigs cannot stand starvation, so their tendency to constantly eat food is quite common. Despite this, you should not go on about the pet and abuse feed. It is better to give him a balanced diet with vegetables and fruits.