Alfalfa is particularly high in calcium, which presents a health issue for guinea pigs. [What You Need To Know]. Guinea Lynx' HAY CHART All Hay Sun-cured Values in % or Ratio Dry Matter % Crude Protein % Calcium % Phosph. For these reasons, alfalfa hay is … Other similar pellets have alfalfa listed as the first ingredient which is not healthy for adult Guinea pigs. Its packed full of vitamins and minerals, and Hay of course should make up the majority of a Guinea Pigs diet. Guinea pig pellets are made from one of two primary sources: alfalfa or Timothy Hay. This can include but is not limited to weight gain, intestinal issues like colon obstruction and bloat. It is imperative that you look after the health of your Guinea Pig by feeding them correctly and appropriately. Timothy hay based pellet - Lower protein and better mineral balance than alfalfa. Alfalfa Hay is a specific type of grass. Whatever age your guinea pig is, grass hay (such as Timothy hay) should always be available in the cage. Alfalfa in particular is high in energy whilst also being more palatable than grass hays. Alfalfa is rich in calories and contains a lot of calcium and protein. For young Guinea pigs under the age of 4 months and pregnant or lactating mothers, Alfalfa hay is also recommended. I decided to conduct some research into the topic and here is what I have been able to find. Your guinea pig should have unlimited access to high quality grass hay. It is always preferable to start with very small amounts and see how your Guinea Pig responds. We should feed our guinea pigs with alfalfa hay if they are up to one year of age while the matured ones should be supplied with timothy hay daily. Another name for alfalfa is lucerne which is a common name for it in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Small Pet Select Timothy Hay is a premium-quality timothy hay prepared in small batches by fellow animal… This is because of their huge requirement for energy and vitamins/minerals like Calcium which ensure they remain strong and powerful. For these reasons, alfalfa hay is not recommended for guinea pigs. If your guinea pig is an adult, do not use alfalfa hay as it is higher in calcium and calories. It can also be fed to baby buns less than a year old and used to entice even the pickiest little bunny to eat their greens. I have never considered pigs wasteful of hay, but then, I’ve never thrown it on the ground for them to eat. Pellets that contain alfalfa are recommended to be avoided, although they can be useful in small amounts for sick guinea pigs or those who you might be having difficulties with in eating their regular diet. It is lower in protein and calcium than alfalfa hay, so it makes a better staple for adult rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs. The best way to feed Alfalfa hay is to add small amounts to their feed. It’s very easy. So I was going to get a 4.5kg bag for them but I'm worried they will get bored of it. Some low quality commercial foods often contain alfalfa. I use the alfalfa king timothy hay, i love it smells delicious drool . Your email address will not be published. Your Guinea Pigs diet is paramount to their health and preventing illness; how you feed them will ultimately be reflected in their happiness and well-being. If you are looking to get some, this is the one I recommend. The point of providing alfalfa hay is to give the guinea pig calcium since alfalfa is very high in calcium. This product is the most affordable pellet guinea pig food I could find where Timothy hay make up most of its ingredients since it is the first one listed. Alfalfa is given to young guinea pigs because it has fat in it. Alfalfa Hay can be a great, wholesome addition to your Guinea Pigs diet. Pet Educate strives to be the definitive online resource to help you learn everything that you need to know. Alfalfa Hay is therefore most suitable and beneficial to a young growing Guinea Pig or during particular phases whereby extra nutrition is required – like to a female during pregnancy. Good quality Timothy hay is an absolute must. Alfalfa Hay can be a great, wholesome addition to your Guinea Pigs diet. Additionally, Alfalfa is great at regulating and preventing a Guinea Pigs teeth from growing out too long and large. [Is Is It Possible & Safe], Can Hamsters Eat Chocolate? Your guinea pig should eat a pile of hay as big as his body every day. Guide: What Are The Best Leafy Greens for Guinea Pigs. Vitakraft Timothy Hay is all natural, hight quality, and overall … Its naturally very soft and Guinea Pigs are known to enjoy it in this context. This fat bulks up the young guinea pig. Another aspect to be concerned with is the high calcium content. Guinea pig hay is one of the most important foods for a guinea pig and comes in many different types including Timothy, Meadow & Alfalfa. Alfalfa pellets are suitable for young, growing and pregnant guinea pigs. This is why I shop for my hay from Amazon, a trustworthy suppler where I purchase in bulk at a discount. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rhubarb? Viking Farmer is the Alfalfa Hay brand (available on Amazon) that I was recommended by my vet for my Guinea Pigs. Once they are 6 months we are switching to timothy based pellets as well. If they are given pellets with alfalfa hay it should be safe to give them timothy hay. However, a lot of pellets from the store are alfalfa hay based. Let us know take a closer look at Alfalfa Hay. Timothy is a meadow grass that is both nutritious and flavorful, and it is highly recommended by veterinarians. You just need to ensure that you provide it in measured and limited quantities. This is always very concerning to see as we know that guinea pigs should not be eating alfalfa and certainly not as a staple part of the diet. Since Alfalfa hay is too high in calcium, it should only be given to adult cavies as an occasional treat. It is particularly effective if your Guinea Pig has lost a substantial amount of weight (like following illness), or if it is being fussy and refusing to eat. So, is Alfalfa Hay good for Guinea Pigs? All guinea pigs, regardless of age, should be provided with a constant supply. Alfalfa is recognized as a premium food source because it provides the most nutrients when compared alongside other hay sources. However, it is advised to feed Alfalfa infrequently and/or in smaller quantities and it should not make up the majority of a Guinea Pigs diet. Meadow Hay. Sammy and Lucky currently LOVE alfalfa king timothy hay, if I put the other timothy hay we have in their hay rack it gets ignored until I put some alfalfa king in. Alfalfa hay should therefore be limited and used within specific contexts. Specifically, what it is and its nutritional content. My pigs live in polydome calf hutches, which are … Alfalfa hay is high in calcium, which they need during this growing phase as their … If you have discovered Alfalfa Hay then you may be wondering if it is safe, healthy and even a preferable food source for your Guinea Pig. Orchard hay. Higher fiber - Promotes more chewing activity. Even then, you should monitor how much and when it is provided, and be sure to reduce consumption when the Guinea Pig returns to a more stable state. Unfortunately this can lead to people thinking it’s safe and healthy to feed these pellets, after all we like to think that food manufacturers have the best interests of our guinea pigs in mind, and that their research into ingredients is reliable and trustworthy. Most guinea pig pellets are alfalfa based. It should never replace Timothy Hay nor should it ever be overfed. In unique circumstances, it can prove to be particularly effective and an ideal feed. Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are different nutritionally Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are both forage sources commonly used in rabbit and guinea pig diets. This is because overfeeding it will supply too much nutrition and can cause obesity and weight management problems. We will help answer any questions that you may have and provide as much information and research that we can to help you take the best care of your pet. This is better suited to a Guinea Pigs needs and will allow them to eat ab libitum (as much as they want and require) without posing any risks to their health. Required fields are marked *. This puts Alfalfa in the pea family which is a high protein plant family. Timothy hay is a diet staple. They struggle to excrete calcium and if it persists for too long and remains unopposed, issues with their digestive system. Alfalfa is very high in calcium and while that is good for humans its not so good for guinea pigs because they get kidney stones from too much. Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay (Table 1). Alfalfa hay can be given to guinea pigs under a year old or pregnant, but it is not a substitute for timothy hay. While Alfalfa Hay seems like an appropriate solution to fill this requirement, consider that it can actually be too calorie dense and contain too much fiber for them. This is a hay that is made from a legume: alfalfa (you’ve probably seen alfalfa sprouts for sale – same plant). Alfalfa hay is supposed to be a supplement and may be provided *alongside* another type of hay, but NOT replace it. But should we feed it? As such, you can soon see why it can be problematic when given to your Guinea Pigs in excess. For all small herbivores – that’s rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus – hay should make up around 80% of the diet. It has a better range of minerals and trace elements than single grass hays. Guinea Pig Ringworm: Treating & Preventing Ringworm in Guinea Pigs. They really should be moved onto Timothy Hay which is much better for guinea pigs and should be their staple diet after 7 months. Yes; it is safe and healthy to feed a Guinea Pig Alfafa Hay. If your guinea pig is young and under 6 months old then alfalfa is a good choice. If you are suffering from … Alfalfa is idea for pregnant guinea pigs and very young baby guinea pigs up to 7 months, but it has a very high calcium content and so is not good for piggies to eat after that. mikulinek Teenage Guinea Pig. With these risks in mind, it is important that you limit Alfalfa Hay consumption. Alfalfa hay can be a good addition to a pig's diet. They do get bored of hays quickly. If your guinea pig is older than 6 months then definitely stick to the Timothy. Traditionally, Alfalfa Hay is used to feed working Horses. What You Need To Know About Rhubarb Toxicity. Orchard hay has a soft but broader leaf than Timothy hay. It is abundant in plant proteins, chlorophyll, carotene, calcium, and other trace minerals. Timothy hay is a popular type of grass hay, often considered the “gold standard” because of its nutritional profile. Alfalfa is particularly high in calcium, which presents a health issue for guinea pigs. As it is generally less palatable, your Guinea Pig will also not overeat. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. Sometimes you may see it called “Lucerne” , particularly if you live in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. It is also provides a lot of the B Vitamins, along with Vitamin C, D, E, and K. It also contains Phosphorous and Zinc. In unique circumstances, it can prove to be particularly effective and an ideal feed. November 4, 2018 by adminguineapg. It’s also higher in protein than the other more highly recommended hays for guinea pigs like Timothy hay. Start once per week and then work your way up over time. It should never replace Timothy Hay nor should it ever be overfed. With that being said, Alfalfa Hay can be a great addition to your Guinea Pigs diet. Alfalfa has increasingly become a common ingredient in some commercial guinea pig pellets. As a Guinea Pigs teeth continuously grow throughout their life, if this is left unchecked it can become painful and dangerous for them when they eat. Alfalfa does contain benefits when fed appropriately to your Guinea Pig. It provides a lot of calcium, vitamins, minerals, protein and fibers that support their digestion and support their dental health. But like many pet foods out there, cost cutting and use of cheap ingredients can result in poor nutrition for our pets – and this can be the case with guinea pig pellets that contain alfalfa. Timothy is a great everyday hay for adult buns, while alfalfa hay should only be fed as a treat hay because of its high levels of calcium and fat. Meadow Hay is made from grass that is harvested from pastures. Alfalfa Hay consists of around 63% water, 30% carbohydrates (as fiber), 4% protein, and around 1% fat. Baby guinea pigs should be fed a mix of Alfalfa hay with Timothy hay in it. Timothy is a meadow grass that is both nutritious and flavorful, and it is highly recommended by veterinarians. It is not a grass. Hay is absolutely vital to the digestive health of your guinea pig. Another way you can use Alfalfa is as bedding. Other great contexts include a young baby Guinea Pig that is growing or for a female during pregnancy (when they require more energy and access to nutrients). Ill, Baby and Pregnant Guinea Pigs … Senior Guinea Pig. Alfalfa vs. Timothy Hay-based pellets. Sometimes these might be labeled as “guinea pig and gerbil food”, and alfalfa can be a main ingredient. % Magnes. Our Timothy hay for guinea pigs is hand-selected for freshness and available in three cuttings. It is lower in protein and calcium than alfalfa hay, so it makes a better staple for adult rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs. (source). Vitakraft Timothy Hay Sweet Grass. Be sure to select a pellet specifically formulated with Vitamin C for guinea pigs. One such food in this category is from Science Selective and should be treated with caution – this and any other food containing alfalfa is not a food for the vast majority of guinea pigs to be eating as part of their staple diet. Your email address will not be published. These cheap, inappropriate and harmful products should be avoided entirely. For a normal, healthy Guinea Pig, if you over supply Alfalfa Hay they can run into a range of negative side effects and symptoms. Now that doesn’t mean that that’s the only hay that they can eat. My guinea pigs enjoy eating these pellets. It’s also higher in protein than the other more highly recommended hays for guinea pigs like Timothy hay. I actually get my supply in bulk for a great price on Amazon, Viking Farmer is the Alfalfa Hay brand (available on Amazon, This is why I shop for my hay from Amazon, a trustworthy suppler where I purchase in bulk at a discount, Can You Give A Ferret A Bath? Timothy hay is considered the Gold Seal of hay for Guinea Pigs. We will then take a look at the health benefits and any risks of feeding this as a major component of your Guinea Pigs diet. I'm thinking about buying a bag of oxbow's Timothy hay. UNLIMITED Timothy Hay is recommended for guinea pigs. This means it can contain a variety of grasses, plants, flower heads and seed heads. It's best to have them eat timothy than nothing. As this article has stated, Alfalfa Hay is nutrient and energy abundant. Guinea Pigs have a low Calcium requirement and they are prone to bladder stones which can form with Calcium excess. A prime example of this is following illness, injury or infection. Everything I read said alfalfa til 6 months. Buy on Amazon. The clear risk therefore with overfeeding Alfalfa Hay to your Guinea Pig is over-nutrition which will lead to obesity and weight management issues. It is a great way to support and improve their nutrition. For those cavies, you could mix half Timothy and Alfalfa. There are also some other cases whereby you can increase the amount fed or it is even preferably to regular Timothy Hay. Legumes are higher in calcium and have a calcium/phosphorus ratio with more calcium than is recommended for most guinea pigs. The alfalfa hay contains high fiber and calcium, which is suitable for young, growing, and nursing guinea pigs. Contains stabilized vitamin C - Remains active longer than traditional vitamin C. Contains probiotics - May promote GI tract health. Therefore we gave our piggies alfalfa pellets, endless timothy hay, and occasionally an alfalfa cube. It prevents obesity, dental disease, diarrhea and boredom. Peteducate.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are pet enthusiasts and love sharing everything that we learn about them! Meadow Hay vs Timothy Hay. As you will likely know already, Guinea Pigs require a lot of hay and experts recommend that they should consume as much as 80% of their diet from this food source. You do not want to your Guinea Pig to have the opportunity to, or too much access to eating it. Ultimately, with Guinea Pigs, food is fundamentally important. It’s an excellent source of these vital nutrients for young and nursing piggies, but provides too much of a good thing for adults. There’s an exception: young guinea pigs who are still growing and require that extra calcium (this means those 4 months or under – guinea pigs grow up fast), as well as pregnant or nursing sows can have alfalfa hay in moderate quantities, but it should not be overdone. More is not better for them and in fact the opposite is true. Pet Educate is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. How long should baby guinea pigs eat Alfalfa Hay? (Alfalfa is good for baby guinea pigs). A little goes a long way. Ill, Baby and Pregnant Guinea Pigs are perhaps the most appropriate. After your guinea pig is about a year old and fully developed (see notes), a timothy based pellet, which provides less calcium, may be a good choice. Besides, the main purpose of hay is fiber. Which hay is best for guinea pigs… Meadow Hay or Timothy Hay? Can alfalfa hay be fed to pigs? Unlike Timothy hay and other hays that should make up the bulk of a guinea pig’s diet, alfalfa hay is not a grass hay. Whether your furry friend needs an oat hay, a legume hay (like alfalfa) or a grass hay (like Timothy or orchard), you’re guaranteed to receive a product that’s the freshest you can find anywhere. The difference between Alfalfa and Timothy hay is one that often confuses many rabbit and guinea pig owners, especially first-timers! For a Guinea Pig this weight can be hard to reduce, and it also adds stress to their small and delicate frame. Due to its high fiber quantity, when an appropriate amount is provided it can support their digestive system and help them to extract nutrients from the rest of their diet. Alfalfa hay may be fine for breeding guinea pigs and for young guinea pigs (< 4 - 6 months of age) that need the extra calories and calcium but for adult pet guinea pigs the extra calories can cause obesity and the high calcium can lead to bladder stones and sludge. Joined Feb 6, 2011 Messages 6,598 Reaction score 241 Points 730 Location West Midlands, UK. Should Guinea Pigs Eat Clover (Trifolium)? Joined Jul 27, 2010 … I feed good, leafy alfalfa hay, at about a quarter the price of pellets, or soft, leafy orchard grass hay. When looking at which type of hay to feed a … With its high energy and nutritional quality, Alfalfa Hay is predominately used for growing animals, breeding animals, and those that are underweight and struggling to consume enough nutrition. Yes, however the amount that can be included in the diet depends on the nutritional quality of the alfalfa hay as well as the age and physiological status of the pigs. Chewing it gently grinds away at their teeth and ensures they are reduced. It is actually part of the legume and pea family and is native to warmer temperate climates. Contains natural vitamin E. Instead, the most popular, recommended and safe hay for regular feeding is Timothy Hay (I actually get my supply in bulk for a great price on Amazon). That means these pets should eat a portion of hay the same size of their own body every day! It has the proper amount of nutrients and fiber that the need to keep healthy. Contains flaxseed - Great Omega-3 fatty acid source. Re: Is alfalfa hay or timothy hay better? The Timothy hay contains a balance of fiber, protein, calcium, and other nutrients which is suitable for the daily diet of all guinea pigs. However, again do not use this type of hay exclusively for bedding. It is particularly high in energy and as such is used for a variety of animals including horses, dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep. , which presents a health issue for guinea pigs eat alfalfa hay based -. Chart All hay Sun-cured Values in % or ratio Dry Matter % Crude protein % calcium % Phosph alongside. 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