Monthly Newsletter
For The Love of Animals is an independently owned and family operated pet supply store.
October Newsletter
Welcome to our October newsletter. This month I've included a chapter on the dietary needs of guinea pigs from the book I wrote in 2008, Caring For Your Guinea Pig. You can find all the chapters from my book on our web site under Pet Care. Also, a reminder about our pet photo contest.
Pet photo contest reminder
I just wanted to take a moment to remind you that our pet photo contest is now in full swing. You still have plenty of time to bring in your favourite photo of your pet. The contest closes on October 15. To see full contest rules, please check our web site for further details or stop by the store for a printed copy.
Daily food requirements for guinea pigs
In 2008, I wrote a complete book on guinea pig care. Below you'll find parts of the chapter on proper dietary needs of guinea pigs. You can find the remaining chapters of my book on our web site in the Pet Care section.
Fresh water
Water should be given in a drip bottle. Never add anything to the water. You should check the bottle daily to ensure it's working properly since they can easily get clogged. Water should be slightly cooler than room temperature to avoid potential stomach aches from ice cold water.
Unlimited high quality grass hay
Good quality hay is needed to keep their digestive system running smoothly and to keep their teeth in good order. Alfalfa hay is fine for pregnant, nursing and young (under 6 months) guinea pigs. All other pigs should get Timothy hay. Guinea pigs will eat a lot of hay daily, so be sure to leave unlimited hay in their cage 24 hours a day. Failure to do so will result in over grown teeth and intestinal problems.
Fruits and vegetables
Guinea pigs require a daily intake of vitamin C since they can not produce their own. Without adequate vitamin C, they can get scurvy. Serve small amounts of fresh vegetables, approximately 2 cups daily divided into 2 meals as a good source of vitamin C. The brunt of the fresh food diet should consist of a mixture of the following popular choices - leafy greens being the majority:
- Cilantro, red or green leaf lettuce, endive
- Small pieces of carrot, green or red pepper
- Blueberries, fresh cranberries will last for days in the cage and make great healthy treats
Pellets
Plain high quality guinea pig alfalfa based pellets for babies and pregnant pigs, and timothy based pellets for adult pigs should also be fed daily (approx 1/4 cup per day). There should be no coloured bits, nuts, seeds, corn etc mixed in with the pellets.
Food to be given as treats only
To be given as treats only, 1 to 2 times a week at most:
- Tomato (any type)
- Spinach, parsley, dandelion greens, clover, fresh green grass, corn husks and silk
- Apples, pears, oranges, cantaloupe
Introduce new foods gradually to avoid stomach upset and to detect intolerance. Once you're sure foods are well tolerated, provide a daily variety to help maintain good health and weight.
Do not feed your guinea pig the following foods:
- No pellet mixes or treats containing nuts, seeds, corn, dried fruit, honey, sugar, corn syrup or any dyed pieces. No salt blocks either.
- No dairy or meat products. Guinea pigs are herbivores
- No rabbit, rat, or hamster pellets
- No nuts, seeds in shells or raw beans. These are a choking hazard
- No multivitamins. These could result in a toxic overdose
- Avoid iceberg lettuce which could result in loose stools
- Avoid cabbage, collards, bok choy and broccoli since they tend to cause gas
- Chives, garlic, leeks or onions
- Buttercups or rhubarb (poisonous), velvet grass
Subscribing to our newsletter
If our newsletter was forwarded to you, why not subscribe and never miss an issue. To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, send an email to info@loveofanimals.ca with "subscribe" in the subject. Be assured that your email address will never be given out or sold.
Specials during the month of October
Each week we feature an item we think our customers would be interested in. For the month of October, we have the following on sale:
October 4 - 9 - All small animal accessories 10% off
October 12 - 16 (closed October 11th) - All cat litter and cat boxes 10% off
October 18 - 23 - All dog treats 10% off
October 25 - October 30 - All cat and dog food bowls 10% off
That wraps it up for this months newsletter. We hope to see you at the store soon!
Marilyn Murray ~ Owner