Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cardboard? Other Chew Toys
Some people may be puzzled to hear the question of guinea pig owners “Can guinea pigs eat cardboard?” since everyone knows cardboard is not food. But for guinea pigs, it is a great tool to improve their teeth.
We answer that cardboard is not food, but guinea pig owners can give it for chewing. You might still be skeptical about giving your guinea pig a piece of cardboard. Maybe we can change your mind after reading this article, so keep on reading! Let’s find out more exciting things about guinea pigs and determine if guinea pigs can eat cardboard.
Guinea Pigs And Their Ability To Chew Twice
Guinea pigs can chew anything using their teeth. Chewing is a big pastime for them, so giving them something to nibble or chew is suitable for their health.
It keeps their teeth in good shape, minimizing their boredom. It can also get their minds working.
Being productive is one of the ways to prolong a guinea pig’s life. They also have a healthy digestive system that allows them to chew wood and other wood-based products like cardboard.
Guinea pigs are unique compared to other types of rodents. Aside from having 20 teeth—including their upper and lower incisors and premolars—their stomachs have some ruminant qualities that allow them to chew their food twice.
Can guinea pigs eat cardboard?
The digestive system of guinea pigs allows them to chew wood and wood-based products such as paper and cardboard without ill effects on their health.
If you have a guinea pig as a pet, it will benefit them if you let them chew or nibble on cardboards. It helps keep their teeth in good shape.
Also, it can get their minds working and minimize boredom. Finally, keeping them active is one of the best ways to maintain their health, including chewing.
You can also feed them fresh hay and hay cubes since chewing is suitable for their teeth.
However, corrugated cardboard isn’t recommended as a chew toy for Guinea pigs. Yes, their stomachs are quite strong, but these kinds of cardboard can threaten their digestive system.
Always put in mind that maintaining their health is a priority. You can also get some information on what does it mean when Guinea pig chatter their teeth?
Cardboard As A Chew Toy
Nevertheless, cardboards are beneficial as a chew toy for them. So starting from today, don’t hesitate to gather cardboard and give them to these lovely guinea pigs! For sure, they’ll enjoy chewing and nibbling on those.
But, can guinea pigs eat cardboard? They can’t; it should only be served as a chew toy.
Other chew toys for guinea pigs
Here are other chew toys you can give to guinea pigs:
- Paper towel rolls
- Toilet paper rolls
- Blocks of wood
You can also improvise chewing toys if you want. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you give them appropriate toys.
Why so? You should avoid giving them toys that are made from plastic in general. Also, it’s a good idea to stay away from ink.
Also, you should not use loose materials, smooth rubber, or any sharp edges when making their chew toys. Firstly, smooth rubber is dangerous for guinea pigs; they can often chew it up into many tiny bits—and then swallow them.
Before you make any toy for your pet, check with your veterinarian and make sure to get approval. It’s paramount to prioritize the safety of your pet.
Also, it’s worth noting that various kinds of toys are made explicitly for your guinea pigs; and they’re typically found in numerous pet stores.
Many veterinarians out there can recommend you well-known toys that are appropriate and safe for your lovely guinea pig. Or you can make toys for your guinea pigs yourself.
Another reminder. Guinea pigs love to chew anything. They do it all the time.
It’s essential to carefully watch over your guinea pigs when he’s out of their cage all the time.
Otherwise, they may be prone to chew cords and wires, which can be very dangerous. Well, they can’t tell which ones are toys and not. So, it’s best to keep these things away from their mouths.
Using Cardboards To Make A House For Guinea Pigs
Cardboards can also be helpful to guinea pigs in some ways. For example, you can use cardboards to build their houses.
Some use cardboard as the primary material for making their houses give Guinea pigs a relaxed and light atmosphere.
Cardboards are thin enough to put less pressure inside their houses. Thus, the air can still circulate freely and cool down the temperature.
Since guinea pigs cannot sweat, it is advantageous to use cardboards to regulate their body temperature.
Aside from having internal homeostasis, being inside a comfortable cage or house can stabilize their temperature. You can also get information about how much space do Guinea pigs need?
Precautions
It would help if you were cautious of feeding cardboard to your pet because, without precautions, it can be dangerous for the pigs.
- Please do not feed them chemical-based cardboard.
- Give them small pieces of cardboard as big pieces of cardboard can cause a choking hazard.
- Light cardboard is preferred over heavy cardboard as it is comparatively digestible if they eat it.
- Dirty or wet cardboards are also not recommended.
Additional Information
You see, cardboards are very beneficial to guinea pigs. If you’re a Guinea pig owner, try using these with your pet, whether a chew toy or a material for its cage or house.
Once again, please don’t feed your guinea pigs’ cardboard. Instead, treat is a toy or a tool for your pet to chew with their teeth.
Lastly, here is a list of things you should not feed your guinea pigs:
- sweets
- biscuits
- sugar
- beans (can Guinea pig eat beans)
- crackers
- oats (can Guinea pig eat oats)
- cookies
- rice
- bread(can Guinea pig eat bread)
- cereals(can Guinea pigs eat Cereal)
- beet green(can Guinea pig eat beet greens)
As I said earlier, guinea pigs are special and unique; they manifest different personalities. Some tend to be shy, while others are dominant and bold.
You see, guinea pigs are lovely animals. Raise them very well, in a friendly and cozy environment to live comfortably.
Also, remember to love them with all of your heart. And if you don’t have one, consider having a guinea pig as a pet. They are not only easy to take care of, but they are fun to be with.
Conclusion
Don’t forget the things we tackled a while ago. Guinea pigs love to chew and chew and chew as if there’s no tomorrow. So please give them appropriate chew toys to nibble and chew.
Now that you’ve got an answer to your question, what are you waiting for? Find some cardboard, and feel free to feed them to your lovely guinea pigs!
Also, test your creativity in creating houses for your guinea pigs using cardboard. Because, why not? Cardboards are very useful and eco-friendly at the same time.
As the primary material in making their houses, cardboards can give guinea pigs a calm and light atmosphere; it is thin enough to put less pressure inside their houses.
Thus, the air can still circulate freely and cool down the temperature. In addition, it can help them normalize their body temperature since they cannot sweat.
We have answered the question, “Can guinea pigs eat cardboard?” Nevertheless, remember that your pet’s health should be the top priority. Have a great day, and don’t forget to be awesome!
