Guinea pigs feed mainly on plants. Hence, you may wonder if guinea pigs can also eat clover. To get answers to all your queries about this topic, continue reading all sections of this article.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clover?
Yes, clover is safe for guinea pigs’ consumption. It is an excellent forage plant that you can add as an occasional treat for guinea pigs.
Clover is a small fragrant flower with three-lobed leaflets mostly found in gardens, yards, meadows, and fields. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that guinea pigs need to fight and prevent diseases.
Meanwhile, clover plants come in diverse species grown in different parts of the world. But, only a few species are recommended for consumption.
The species of clover that are considered healthy and safe for guinea pigs include red, white, and yellow. The white species of clover is most preferred for consumption as it has moderate calcium content.
Pet owners who have fed the above species of clover to their pets have spoken well about its significant benefits to their guinea pig’s health. Let’s take a look at some health benefits of clover to guinea pigs.
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Nutritional Value Of Clover
The table below shows the nutritional value of 85g clover sprouts.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 25 |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fats | 0.5g |
| Vitamin C | 10% |
| Iron | 4% |
| Fiber | 8% |
What Can Guinea Pigs Benefit From Clover?
Prevention of scurvy: Scurvy is a common disease among guinea pigs caused by vitamin C deficiency. This disease can make guinea pigs lose weight and appetite. It can also make them have watery stool, inflammation of the gums, fatigue, unhealed wounds, and eventual death.
Based on research, a proper administration of vitamin C works well in improving cases like this and preventing it. Feeding clover to your guinea pigs occasionally will give them enough vitamin C to ward off this deadly disease.
Digestion: Another benefit of serving clover to your guinea pigs is that it contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Lack of dietary fiber can lead to gastrointestinal stasis.
Gastrointestinal stasis is a situation when bowel movement suddenly stops. This can be very dangerous for your guinea pig’s health and should be avoided.
Boost Immunity: Clover contains vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals that cause certain cancers. Put together, these vitamins help in keeping guinea pigs healthy.
Other benefits of clover to guinea pigs include good vision, bone and teeth development, and improved cardiovascular well-being.
Clovers are pretty safe for guinea pigs but are to be served in moderation. Also, you must be careful about the type of clover you feed your pets because not all clover plants on your lawn are safe for consumption.
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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clover Hay?
No, clover hay is not safe for your guinea pigs. Previously, we mentioned that guinea pigs could munch on every part of a clover plant (flower, stem, and sprout), but hay is out of it.
Here is the reason – hay has a larger amount of calcium and protein which guinea pigs cannot handle. Excessive calcium intake may lead to kidney and bladder stone formation, which can be a severe case for guinea pigs.
Is Clover Stem Safe For Guinea Pigs?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat clover stems but make sure they are well supervised. Before you serve your guinea pigs clover stem, ensure they are hygienic and free from pesticide and animal wastes. Better still, stems should be adequately washed before they are served to your pets.
What Quantity Of Clover Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Because too much of everything can be detrimental, it is vital to know what quantity of clover you can feed your pets. Guinea pigs love clover and are happy to eat them. This may tempt you into feeding it to them several times.
That is not ideal because you may end up harming your pet. Clovers should be given in small portions at least three times a week.
Conclusion
Overall, clover is a good option for guinea pigs because it is rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and lots more. However, they should be given in bits and occasionally.
Guinea pigs can eat clean clover flowers, grass, stems, and sprouts but not clover hay. This is because of the high protein and calcium contained in the hay.
I am a huge animal lover and have four dogs, a Labrador, Jack Russell, Pug, and Teacup Yorkie. I also have a cat and a Cockatiel. I have had pets since I was a toddler, and there was not a day when there wasn’t an animal in my house.
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