Guinea pigs are naturally curious creatures, and they love to chew on things. But, the question is, does a guinea pig need something to chew on?
Guinea pigs need chew toys or something to chew on because their teeth grow continuously throughout their life. In order to keep their teeth at a manageable length, they need to gnaw on something frequently. Moreover, chewing is also important to give them mental stimulation and relieve stress.
However, there are many different types of chew toys available for guinea pigs, but not all of them are created equal.
Some chew toys are made from materials that can be harmful to guinea pigs if ingested, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Now, as you know chewing toys are one of the most important supplies for guinea pigs, in this article, you will also know which chew toys are best for them, what are the pros and cons of chew toys, and which things to consider before giving them chew toys.
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Can guinea pigs have chewing toys?
Guinea pigs can have chewing toys. In fact, it’s important for them to chew on things since they have continuously growing teeth. Chew toys help wear down their teeth and prevent overgrowth. However, you can’t give all chew toys like other pets, as it may be dangerous for them. Give them natural materials such as twigs and wood to gnaw on.
So, you need to put the chew toys in a playpen when they exercise and play, or inside the cage other times.
Why do guinea pigs need to chew on things?
Guinea pigs need to chew on things for two main reasons: to keep their teeth healthy and to satisfy their natural chewing instinct.
Let’s take a look at those reasons why guinea pigs need to chew on things or toys.
Prevent overgrowth of teeth
Chewing helps keep guinea pigs’ teeth clean and trimmed.
Like all rodents, guinea pigs’ teeth grow constantly throughout their lives. Chewing helps to wear down the teeth and prevent them from becoming too long.
If they don’t have anything to chew on, their teeth can become overgrown, which can lead to serious health problems.
To satisfy natural instinct
In addition, guinea pigs have a natural instinct to chew. Without something to chew on, they may become frustrated or even start chewing on their cage bars, which can damage their teeth.
Keep teeth clean and healthy
Chewing is good for their teeth because it helps to keep them clean, healthy, and sharp.
Provide mental stimulation and relieve stress
Chewing provides guinea pigs with mental stimulation. It also helps to relieve boredom and stress.
To entertain them
Guinea pigs need to chew on things to keep them entertained. They can get bored easily, so it’s important to provide them with chew toys to keep them amused and their minds active.
Prevent getting sick
If your guinea pigs don’t get something to chew on, they can mentally become sick.
Moreover, they may decide to chew on cage items that can be harmful to their teeth and health.
Prevent destroying cage environment
By giving your guinea pig plenty of things to chew on, you can avoid destroying their cage as well as your home in the process.
Otherwise, they may start chewing on other things in their enclosure.
As a toy to have fun
Finally, chew toys can be used as just toys for your little pigs. They will have fun with them.
Check out other toys for them.
What can guinea pigs chew on for their teeth?
Guinea pigs love to chew. Unfortunately, they often don’t know what’s good for them and will chew on just about anything, including electric cords and your furniture.
To prevent this, it’s important to provide your guinea pig with plenty of chew toys.
These can be store-bought or homemade, but they should be made of safe materials that your guinea pig can’t destroy easily.
The best type of chews for guinea pigs are those that are made of natural materials such as wood or hay.
Some popular options include hay balls, wooden blocks, and chew sticks.
Many guinea pigs enjoy chewing on cardboard, paper towel rolls, and bamboo skewers.
So, there are a variety of different chew toys available for guinea pigs, and the best one for your pet will depend on their individual preferences.
Let’s take a look at those.
Hay balls
Hay balls are one of the best and a popular option for guinea pigs to chew on. They are made of compressed hay.
Hay contains silica that helps their teeth to wear and prevents them from overgrowth.
Hay also provides a good source of fiber for your pet that regulates their digestive system.
You can provide them with hay on a hay feeder or hay rack. You can also give them hay balls to chew on.
Moreover, hay balls are also relatively cheap and easy to find.
You can get one that contains orchard or timothy hay from the online store.
Hay sticks
A hay stick is a long, thin piece of hay that has been rolled up into a tube.
Guinea pigs love to chew on hay sticks, and they make a great natural chew toy.
They are also good for your guinea pig’s teeth as they help to keep them clean and healthy.
Hay sticks are another popular option for guinea pigs to chew on.
Chew sticks are also relatively cheap and easy to find.
You can check out the online store for timothy hay sticks.
Twigs and branches
Twigs and branches are other types of chew toys that guinea pigs enjoy. They are a good option for guinea pigs who like to chew on things. Twigs and branches are also a good source of fiber for your pet.
However, make sure that they aren’t chemically treated or don’t contain any pesticides or chemicals.
It’s also very important to ensure that they don’t come from a plant that is dangerous to your guinea pig’s health.
Cedar and pine wood are harmful to your guinea pigs’ health. They can even be life-threatening. So, avoid these.
Popular options are apple branches, pear, beech, birch, and hazelnut.
Cardboard
Cardboard is another popular chew toy for guinea pigs. It’s soft, so it’s gentle on their teeth, and it’s also inexpensive.
You can find cardboard at most pet stores or online. You can simply use the cardboard that you use at your home for packaging and other purposes.
Paper rolls
Paper towel rolls or paper toilet rolls are good options for guinea pigs.
They’re soft, so they won’t damage your guinea pig’s teeth, and they’re also cheap. You can find paper towel rolls at most pet stores or online.
However, you should be aware of your guinea pigs eating the paper rolls as they can cause digestion issues.
Wooden blocks
Another popular choice for guinea pigs is wooden blocks. They are made of natural wood, and they are safe for your pet to chew on if you choose the wood that’s safe for their health.
All woods aren’t safe for your guinea pigs. Just like picking up twigs, stay away from pine and cedar as they can cause serious complications.
Moreover, you need to make sure those are untreated. You have to pick wooden blocks that don’t contain any chemicals or pesticides.
Wooden blocks provide a good source of mental stimulation for your guinea pig, and they can help to keep their teeth healthy and sharp.
Plus, they’re relatively cheap and easy to find.
Chew sticks
Chew sticks are an excellent choice for guinea pigs who enjoy chewing on things. They’re made of natural materials, so your guinea pig can chew on them without harm.
Bamboo sticks are a very popular choice and are also made of natural materials and safe to chew on.
You can give them rice pops that you can get from the online stores.
Wood hideout
You know that hideout is an essential component of the guinea pig’s cage or hutch. Next, wood that’s safe for them can be a good option to chew on for them.
So, why don’t you combine them both?
You can get a wood hideout and it will help them to chew on it when they need it.
Wood tunnels
Another important item of a guinea pig’s cage is a tunnel. You can also have a natural wood-made tunnel. This will help them to chew on it while running through it.
Grass mats
Similar to hay sticks, you can offer your guinea pigs grass mats that are made of natural timothy hay. Grass mats also help trim their teeth.
As grass mats are safe and edible, your piggies can get nutrition when they eat these. These contain fibers that are essential for their digestive tract.
What can’t you give a guinea pig to chew on?
You can’t give your guinea pig the following things to chew on.
- Chemically treated chews
- Wood stick with pesticides
- Cedar stick
- Pine sticks
- Chew that may choke
- Too hard objects
Things to consider before giving something to chew on
If you’re looking for something for your guinea pigs to chew on, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Safe material
Make sure the toy is made of safe materials that your pet can chew on without harming their teeth.
If you want to use wood chew, you must avoid cedar or pine wood. Choose those woods that are safe for your little pigs.
Size of the toy
Choose a toy that is the right size for your guinea pig. Too small and they may choke on it, too large and they won’t be able to chew it properly.
Edible vs. Non-edible
You’ll also want to decide if you want an edible or non-edible chew toy. Edible chews will be eaten and digested by your guinea pig, while non-edible chews will just be gnawed on.
Steer clear of anything that might be poisonous if ingested.
Nutritional value
If you choose an edible chew, look for one that has some nutritional value so it’s not just empty calories.
Guinea pig’s preference
Select a toy that will provide your guinea pig with the type of chewing they enjoy. Some guinea pigs like to gnaw on hard objects, while others prefer softer ones.
Avoid too hard object
Avoid anything that’s too hard, like bones or pieces of metal. These can break your guinea pig’s teeth.
Remember that guinea pigs like to chew, so anything you give them should be able to withstand some wear and tear.
Consider choking hazard
Watch out for anything that’s small enough to choke on. Keep an eye on your guinea pig while they’re playing with their new toy to make sure they don’t try to swallow it.
With these guidelines in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect toy for your guinea pigs to chew on.
Provide enough hay, food, and vegetables
You should also offer them plenty of hay and an adequate amount of food, vegetables, and pellets. This is important because if they don’t get enough food to chew on, they may decide to chew on anything that can be harmful to them.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are active and playful creatures, and they need to have toys to keep them amused. Chew toys are a great option for guinea pigs, and they can help to keep your pet healthy and happy.
FAQ about Guinea pig chews
Can guinea pigs have chews?
Guinea pig’s teeth grow continuously and they need to be trimmed regularly. So. they should have chews to prevent their teeth from getting too long.
Do guinea pigs need chew sticks?
A Guinea pig can have chew sticks to help keep their teeth clean, and healthy, and maintain growth. You can offer them hay sticks that can also help provide them with a lot of fibers. Wood sticks that are safe and made of natural materials can also be used as chew toys.
What wood do guinea pigs like to chew on?
A Guinea pig can enjoy chewing twig or wood branches such as apple, pear, beech, birch, hazelnut, and crabapple. On the other hand, they should never have cedar and pine woods as chew toys because they are dangerous to their health.
Can I give my guinea pig a toilet paper roll to chew on?
A toiler paper roll is a very cheap and readily available object that your guinea pig can chew on. However, make sure that they don’t make it their meal as it can cause digestion problems.
Can guinea pigs chew on cardboard?
Cardboard is a popular option that can be used as a chew for guinea pigs. It’s safe unless it doesn’t contain ink or other harmful chemicals.
Can guinea pigs chew on pine cones?
Chewing on pine cones is harmful to guinea pigs’ health because it contains aromatic oil that leads to respiratory problems and can also be life-threatening for them.
Do guinea pigs like to chew on things?
Guinea pigs like to chew on things due to satisfy their natural chewing instinct. Moreover, they do it to prevent the overgrowth of their teeth.
