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The Guinea Pig Diet
The Guinea Pig Diet. No, it’s not a book on the New York Times best seller list or a fad diet that is endorsed by a famous actor or musician. It’s actually an observation I made when we recently bought my son a guinea pig to have as a pet. We were lucky because, honestly, he was holding out for a lizard. My son named his guinea pig Cloud.
As soon as Cloud’s cage graced our home, I was on the internet researching about the care and feeding of our newest family member. What I learned is that guinea pigs are strict vegetarians, eating only a plant-based diet. They will forage throughout the day and consume large quantities of food, so he would always need lots of hay and vegetables and fruits readily available. It was clear that Cloud was going to be a “volume eater.” He and I had something in common right from the start of our relationship.
We tried many different vegetables in his feed rack. Cloud loves carrots, lettuce, cucumbers and sweet potatoes. He also loves many fresh fruits like kiwi, oranges, grapes and peaches. He enjoys a variety of fruits and vegetables – another trait we share.
So the Guinea Pig Diet includes whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as unlimited amounts of water. It occurred to me that Cloud has a healthier diet than the majority of Americans. Wouldn’t it be interesting if more Americans ate the Guinea Pig Diet? If they did, there would be fewer heart attacks, strokes, cancer and diabetes. It’s amazing what you can learn from a guinea pig. Now if I could only get Cloud to write a book!
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It is amazing how much we are inspired by our pets. I think about what we wouldnt do to ensure the health and well being of a pet. Now that I am on HMR and treating myself as well as I treat my pets we will all live a longer, healther and happer life together. My dogs are particularly happy about the PA because they go with me on my walks.
by Aitchdg on 04/24/2012
I'll definelty be looking for books by Cloud!! Do you think he'd run for office!?
by KarenLedesma on 04/17/2012
Great blog, Jon! Cloud is a cutie and an inspiration. Who knew that a guinea pig could be a role model!
by SandiBraithwaite on 04/17/2012
Great blog... says it all! I've got a cairn terrier and while his VF intake is far below Cloud's (he'll be devastated), it amazes me how much he loves raw sweet potato skins! I discovered this by accident. While peeling sweet potatoes, one mistakenly fell on the floor. He swept in and gobbled it up. I thought, "Oh, you're not going to like that..." and he went crazy wanting more. I always give him some whenever I make mashed sweet potatoes.
Thanks again, Jon!
by RickRiess on 04/17/2012
Oh Jon! So cute! I'm going to share with my granddaughter. Her 2nd grade classroom has a guinea pig for a class pet. The teacher lets them take turns taking it home for the weekend. Miss Mara loves to feed "Beanie." :>)
by PeggyatHMC on 04/17/2012
Lol Jon! So funny. Cloud is adorable and he is a lucky guinea pig to live with your family :) I try to give my dog an apple a day, and some green veggies at night. It is amazing that I am reinforced by my health habits to improve the health of my animal :)
by Chrissy78 on 04/17/2012
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