Living World Green Botanicals Guinea Pig Food includes micro-encapsulated vitamin C, ensuring the protection of the nutrient during the cooking process as well as on shelf.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in a guinea pig’s overall health and yet vitamin C deficiency is a common problem. That’s because these small, furry creatures are unable to produce vitamin C on their own, and since it’s a water-soluble vitamin, it’s essential to provide them with a diet that contains this important nutrient.
So, how exactly does vitamin C help keep a guinea pig healthy?
The number one health concern associated with a vitamin C deficient diet is scurvy which is a disease that can affect the immune system, resulting in issues that can affect a guinea pig’s overall health.
Symptoms of scurvy in guinea pigs include lethargy, weight loss, unhealthy skin and coat, swelling and tenderness of the joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth, bruises, and diarrhea. If left untreated, scurvy can be fatal.
To prevent scurvy, ensure that your guinea pig is getting enough vitamin C by providing vegetables and fruit that are rich in vitamin C, as well as a commercial diet fortified with vitamin C.
It’s important to monitor your guinea pig’s overall health and seek veterinary care if you notice any symptoms of scurvy or other health issues. With proper care and attention, scurvy can be prevented.
Vitamin C aids the production of collagen, a protein in the body that contributes to healthy skin and joints and is essential for natural wound healing. Guinea pigs with sufficient vitamin C levels are able to heal from injuries faster than those with a deficiency.
Collagen not only helps maintain healthy skin and joints but also helps keep gums nice and strong. Without vitamin C in their diet, a guinea pig’s teeth can become loose and shift, which may cause pain and discomfort and could possibly lead to the animal selecting soft foods over coarse hay which is essential for gut health as well as wearing down their ever-growing teeth.
So, what can you do to make sure your guinea pig gets enough vitamin C?
Offer your guinea pig a variety of fresh foods rich in vitamin C on a daily basis. Dark leafy greens are some of the most nutrient-dense vegetables and are an excellent source of vitamin C. These should make up the bulk of fresh vegetables that you offer your guinea pig. Other veggies high in vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, and kale. Providing vitamin C rich fruits is also encouraged, however, they should only be offered as a treat as they can be high in sugar.
Selecting a good quality extruded food specifically designed for the special needs of guinea pigs is essential for keeping your small pet healthy. Be aware that not all guinea pig diets are created equal. Not only is it important to feed a food enriched with vitamin C, but because vitamin C can deteriorate over time, particularly once the bag has been opened and the food is exposed to light and heat, feeding a diet that includes stabilised vitamin C ensures the integrity of the nutrient and guarantees that your small pet gets all the required nutrition.
Living World Green Botanicals Guinea Pig Food includes micro-encapsulated vitamin C, ensuring the protection of the nutrient during the cooking process as well as on shelf.
And, of course, no guinea pig diet is complete without fresh water and hay, which should always be available. Feeding your small pet a complete diet that includes vitamin C rich fruits and veggies, commercial pellets with added vitamin C and fresh hay and water is important to ensure your guinea pig lives a long and happy, healthy life.