Cavy owners may have a hard time switching up their pet’s diet.
Piggies have sensitive digestive systems. So, they can react badly after taking in the wrong foods.
Ever wondered whether broccoli would be a good fit for your cute and furry friend?
Here, we talk about feeding cavy’s broccoli.
Still curious? Keep reading!
What are the nutritional benefits of broccoli?
Not all fruits and vegetables can be fed to your pet.
So, you must select fruits and vegetables for your furry friend carefully.
Experts recommend broccoli, amongst other veggies. This is because of several reasons.
It is an excellent option for humans and some pets as well.
Broccoli is also very nutritious and healthy and is an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Broccoli’s head and stem are a hotspot for vitamin C. They contain more vitamin C compared to other parts of this veggie.
Your cavy needs these vitamins, which are essential to its well-being.
The vitamin C present in broccoli can strengthen your cavy’s immune system. This increases your pet’s well-being and strength.
It can also prevent your furry friend from having scurvy. Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C by themselves.
So, your piggy needs as much of this vitamin as it can get from the meals you give it.
These parts are also a rich source of fiber. Fibrous foods are great for your pet’s health.
One cup of broccoli contains: Vitamin K (245%), Vitamin C (135%), Chromium (53%), Folate (42%) Fiber (21%), Pantothenic acid (19%), Vitamin B6 (18%), Manganese (15%), Phosphorus (15%), Vitamin E (15%), Vitamin B2 (15%), Choline (15%), Potassium (13%), Vitamin A (13%), Copper (11%), Omega-3 fats (8%), Vitamin B1 (8%), Magnesium (8%), Calcium (6%), Protein (7%), Iron ( 6 %), Zinc (6%), Selenium (5%) and Vitamin B3 (5%).
This vegetable also contains antioxidants, helps digestion, and provides cardiovascular support.
Broccoli can also prevent your pet from having cancer. It has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Overall, these add up to making your cavy a very healthy animal.
Should you feed broccoli to your guinea pig?
It is not just about sharing a part of your meal with your furry friend.
It would help if you made sure that your cute piggy eats only the right foods and gets the required nutrients.
So, the answer is yes. These veggies can be given to your pet in little quantities, but only once in a while.
One or two times a week would be okay.
If it is your cavy’s first-time having broccoli, introduce it gradually. Make it a step by step process.
Feed some of this veggie and see how your piggy reacts. Based on your cavy’s response, decide what to do next.
Some guinea pigs love this veggie. Some cannot stand it. So, it’s clearly up to your pet.
If you notice any weird responses or behaviors, do not continue to feed your cavy with broccoli.
Also, let your piggy recover first before choosing to give anything else.
Broccoli stem, head, and leaves are rich in vitamin A. The stem and head of this veggie should only be fed once in a while.
You can also provide the leaves of this veggie. Give your furry friend these parts only in small amounts.
To be safe, rotate between feeding your cavy broccoli leaves and its stem/head.
Make sure to wash all kinds of vegetables thoroughly before feeding your piggy.
It is because of possible traces of pesticides or chemicals used in growing them.
These are poisonous and can cause harm to your furry friend when eaten. Also, ensure that your cavy eats only fresh veggies.
If your pet takes too much broccoli, it can have problems with digestion.
Remember that your furry friend’s tummy is sensitive. Its digestive system can also get worked up easily if fed the wrong things.
If this happens, your piggy can pass excess gas, become bloated, and experience diarrhea.
Some cavy owners recommend that you peel the stem/stalk of broccoli. Experiment with all possible options.
Wash then peel the stem of this veggie first before giving your pet some. Your furry friend may or may not enjoy it.
See how your pet responds and then feed your piggy based on what it likes.
A recommended size of broccoli for serving is half a floret with the stalk.
Can cavies eat cooked broccoli’s?
Feeding guinea pigs cooked food is not advisable.
This is because cavies find it difficult to digest them.
Your furry friend cannot digest cooked foods. Give your pet raw and fresh foods only.
Do not give your furry friend fruits and vegetables that look like they’re in bad shape or those you wouldn’t be able to eat.
Never give your furry friend unfresh or spoilt veggies.
Clear previous leftovers before you feed your cavy for the day. Do this, regardless of whether or not your cavy eats the previous meals.
These are rules that will ensure that your cute piggy is safe.
Broccoli would make a great addition to your cavy’s diet if fed in the right amounts.
It would be a reliable source of vitamins and minerals for your guinea pig.
Providing your guinea pig in small quantities will prevent it from any likely discomfort.
However, do not continue to feed this vegetable if you notice that your pet does not react or respond well to it.
Make sure to notice how well your piggy digests broccoli. You may observe weird behavior or soft poo.
You should see a vet first before giving new foods to your furry friend.
Visiting a vet should be your first call before making changes to your furry friend’s diet.
Has your guinea pig ever had some broccoli?
Think that there’s something we should know?
Great! We would like to hear from you!
Share your experience below!
