Animals should be fed a fresh, wholesome, pelleted or seed combination feed specifically recommended for the species of pet involved. Feeding the proper feed is important for rabbits and guinea pigs. Guinea pigs must have vitamin C in their diet, or they will die of scurvy within a few months. Although guinea pig feeds contain vitamin C, kale and cabbage have large quantities of this vitamin. Lettuce and carrots are not good sources.
Many pet feeds sold in pet shops are unacceptable because of low protein content.
Dietary supplementation with salt, fruit, table scraps or field crops is not recommended as a routine practice. Purchase a quality, pelleted feed and do not vary the diet. The feed should be supplied from hopper feeders attached to the side of the crate. The use of crocks or pans as feeders or watertroughs promotes the spread of disease. Housing and Bedding Cages should be secure from escape and predators, provide protection from cold, wind, damp and direct sun and be easily cleaned.