nutrition

Question
Hi Anngela,

I just adopted a young adult male guinea pig from our local animal shelter.  I had read not to feed him a pellet mix with seeds/corn kernels, etc. (which he was already eating); so after bringing home a plain pellet mix, I was horrified to see that it contains ethoxyquin.  

After almost 2 weeks, Miles is still a bit skittish (I also changed his bedding from pine to CareFresh, so I know he's still adjusting to alot of new things)but seems otherwise healthy and active.  He rarely touches his pellets but really enjoys timothy hay and the hay is now the largest portion of his diet (along with a daily vitamin C treat and filtered water).  

My question is, do I absolutely need to be feeding Miles a pellet diet?  I can't help thinking that since wild guinea pigs somehow get adequate nutrition without eating pellets, there has to be another option. I am more than willing to make my own feed or design a special menu of fruits/veggies/hay.

Miles and I will be very appreciative of any insights or suggestions you may offer.

- Lynn


Answer
Hi Lynn.  It is very hard to meet the nutritional requirement of the domesticated cavy without feeding a pelleted diet.  Read the back of the guinea pig bag - there are requirements listed for what is contained in the food, minimum guarantees.  If you can think of a way to get him all of those requirements (protein, lys, fat, etc) then go for it, but I would recommend keeping a pelleted diet available for him.  Perhaps one of the other experts has more insight into this area, I've always stuck to the veggies, hay, and pellets.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help!
Anngela