What is Produce For Piggies?
P4P is a service project designed to donate fruits and vegetables to local animal rescue(s). More
Is P4P a nonprofit?
P4P does not have the 501c3 status due to its small size, but it is a nonprofit; there are no employees and no fees.
P4P sounds like a good idea, how can I help?
You can make your own branch of P4P- more information can be found here or contact us
You can also donate your money and time to your local animal rescue or shelter.
Why do I need to feed my guinea pigs fruit and vegetables?
Guinea pigs are unable to produce their own Vitamin C, so they require it to come from other sources. A vitamin c deficiency could lead to scurvy and a weak immune system susceptible to other diseases. High qualities pellets do have a certain amount of vitamin c, but it is not an adequate amount. Their diet requires vegetables filled with vitamin c, or vitamin c tablets.
What else, other then fruits and vegetables, can I feed my guinea pig(s)?
Guinea pigs should always have pellets available to them. Hay should be given to them twice a day, or whenever you see their hay bucket empty. If they do not eat all of their hay and pellets, change it out every other day or so. You also feed your guinea pigs calcium treats, honey sticks, "yogurt" treats, and other such things available at your local pet store. Guinea pigs also enjoy grass, and it is okay to bring them outside if its warm enough (figure if you don't want to be out there with them, don't bring them out there). Guinea pigs outside should always be supervised, in case dogs, cats, or birds come along, or they run (you might find this surprising at first, but your little pig(s) can really hoof it when they want to; keep a careful eye on them!). You should inspect the area you want to have your guinea pigs before you bring them there- is it sunny or shady? does it have any bushes or such that your guinea pigs can hide under? are their any poisonous plants, such as lilies and tomato plants nearby? Is the grass green, or dying? Have any pesticides been used on it? Have any of your neighbors used pesticides near it? Is it a low spot in the lawn, where all the water and mud is? Does it have clover- lots of guinea pigs like that! Think carefully about where you put them, but if you think you've got a good spot, go for it! Your guinea pigs will love it!
Is iceberg lettuce good for my guinea pig(s)?
Iceberg lettuce is not the most nutritious of lettuces- your guinea pigs would prefer some greener stuff, like Romaine- but its not unhealthy either. However, it may cause diarrhea if your guinea pigs eat too much of it. As long as you mix in it with some greener lettuce, you should be fine.
Can guinea pigs eat broccoli?
Yes, but in moderation. Too much broccoli causes gas.
Can guinea pigs eat tomatoes?
Yes, many guinea pigs love tomatoes. Like all treats though, don't give too much of it to them, because they will get bored with eating the same thing over and over. Tomato plants however are poisonous to them- do not them eat it. Too many tomatoes can cause sores in their mouths, or tumors.
My guinea pig(s) are not eating their treats- what do I do?
Guinea pigs, like humans, don't what to eat the same thing all the time. Try mixing up their diet- but don't forget that they will always need hay in pellets. Try giving them lettuce and carrots, or carrots and parsley, or a mix like so. You may also be feeding your guinea pig(s) too much. Think about how big- and old- your guinea pig is. If you are feeding them more food then their stomach can reasonably handle, try cutting back a bit; we all like to spoil our piggies, but they don't need to much. Older guinea pigs are also likely to eat less and slower then growing guinea pigs. Third, watch out for other signs of illness. Not eating for a day or two is not unheard of, a bit of a strike if they don't like what your feeding them or something, but if you start noticing sluggishness (more then normal), blood in their pee or stool, coughing, sneezing, hair loss, unnatural aggressive behavior, or other signs of something being wrong, take them to your vet right away.
