Hi!
Guinea pigs have two types of teeth. Self-sharpening incisors at the front, which act as cutters and molars and premolars after a gap at the back. The latter are used for chewing. They are being ground down by the silica in hay and grass, which should make over 80% of the daily food intake to keep teeth and guts fit and healthy. A mostly hay based diet is the single one thing that keeps your guinea pig well and contributes most to a longer life, as much as we can influence it.
With a good diet, the dental system is looking after itself perfectly and doesn't require any chewing toys. The majority of them are shop gimmicks anyway.
Please take the time to read the diet guide in our new owners' booklet. It talks about all food groups in detail, with precise amounts and frequency of feeding. We also feature a sample diet which you can use as a start for your own diet; but it is a diet which we have over the years made good experiences with in terms of minimising bladder problems (especially stones as well as some other health issues).
Our new owners' booklets also contains detailed guides on:
- Settling in and making friends with new guinea pigs
- Understanding behaviour
- Diet, housing and care
- Toys that actually work with guinea pigs (and usually cost very little money)
- Learning what is normal and not in the body and how to spot illness
- finding a good vet
Please click on the link:
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice
