Is Alfalfa Okay for Guinea Pigs?

Scratch alfalfa hay off the list of regular dietary hay choices for pet guinea pigs because of its nutritional content. In some instances though, alfalfa can provide important short-term nutritional support. Other types of hay, combined with nutritional pellets and guinea-pig-approved vegetarian treats, are better dietary staples for regular feedings.

  1. Why Not Alfalfa?

    • The College of Veterinary Medicine of Purdue University advises against regular alfalfa feedings to guineas. This is because alfalfa contains high levels of protein and calcium, which can lead to long-term health consequences in cavies. Guinea pigs who are fed a regular diet of alfalfa hay are at increased risks for obesity due to the high protein. The high calcium levels increase risk of development of bladder stones in guinea pigs, too.

    When Alfalfa Is Okay

    • The rich protein and calcium content in alfalfa offer nutritional support to guineas in some instances. The Tri-County Humane Society recommends alfalfa hay only for pregnant or nursing guinea pigs and for little guinea pigs who are under 6 months old. When providing alfalfa as supplemental nutritional support in these instances, feed it in small amounts, gradually removing it from the menu as you slowly replace it with other types of hays.

    The Best Hay for Guineas

    • Hay is an important part of the cavy diet, and it provides a fun bedding and play material for pet guinea pigs. Fortunately, you can choose from a variety of hays for your guinea pig̵7;s diet and bedding material. One of the preferred types of hay for guineas is timothy hay. Guinea pigs love the sweet taste of timothy hay, and its nutritional content is just right for cavy diets. Other types of hay that are excellent for guinea pig diets and bedding include botanical hay, oat hay and orchard grass. Feeding your guinea pig a mixture of approved hays will help to add variety to her diet. And providing her with different types of bedding materials will help her to stay interested in her natural nesting and tunneling behaviors.

    Feeding Hay

    • Hay for food and bedding material in a guinea pig habitat should be as fresh as possible. Change the hay regularly, as wet hay can quickly develop mold. While your guinea pig will probably chew on hay bedding material, a little hay feeding trough designed especially for the pet guinea will help to keep her hay food clean and dry. Introduce new foods to her diet, including new types of hay, gradually to give her stomach plenty of time to adjust.