Although growing your own food and foraging for your pet rabbits and guinea pigs was once a traditional way of feeding them, it slowly became a lost skill as pets became more commercialised.
Although we’ve become used to the more commercial ways of buying pet food, we’re starting to consider the benefits of ‘growing your own’. Not only is gardening a natural way of relieving stress and anxiety for people, growing fresh food for your guinea pigs is healthier for them, better for the environment and your wallet!
The best place to start is in your own garden, or if you don’t have access to your own green space, you could ask a friend or a family member if you can use a plot in theirs!
Luckily, the plants that are commonly found in most garden are safe for your small pets to eat. But if you’re not quite sure, we’ve compiled a list of pet-friendly plants for your guinea pig.
Once you familiarise yourself with these pet-friendly plants, you can go out for a spot of wild foraging. Just make sure you’re in a public place or obtain permission if you find yourself on someone’s private land.
Make sure the natural forage your picking is free from chemical sprays, litter or other toxins such as dog urine. Try to avoid picking forage at your feet or the edges of growth by reaching a little bit higher.
When you familiarise yourself with the types of forage, you can mix them up and give them to your guinea pigs. Introducing them to new varieties a bit at a time will help their digestive systems adapt. It’s also worth noting that fresh forage is hard to come by in the winter, so you might want to try drying out the forage you’ve collected in mesh trays first and then transfer to boxes or paper bags ready for the winter.
You can grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in your garden, allotment or even in pots on your balcony! What’s more, it’s a great activity for the whole family and teaches your children valuable life lessons. Pop into your local garden centre for some advice on how you can start. Don’t forget, gardening tools, seeds and pots can be picked up at most market stools or even charity shops!
If it’s not possible for you to grow your own forage, or you’d much prefer the convenience of buying it ready, there are a number of store-bought herbs and forage available. We recommend Burgess Snacks Country-Garden Herbs.
If you have any questions about foraging for your guinea pigs, or looking for any advice about your pet in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team are on hand to give you free advice and support.
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