If you own or have ever owned a guinea pig, you may have noticed a few exciting things. Much like animals such as dogs and cats, guinea pigs tend to feel an insatiable need to chew on whatever objects they can get their tiny little paws on. However, many of these objects prove unsafe for a pet to chew on, considering what may be on them. Though the circumstances will differ between all pets, it is essential to understand your guinea’s type of objects they can chew on. Many owners have found their guineas munching on the wood of all types and wondered, can guinea pigs chew on cardboard? What is safe for guineas to chew on when they are bored?
Yes, it is safe for guinea pigs to eat cardboard. Since guinea pigs’ teeth are continuously growing, they must chew on cardboard objects and other toys to prevent future dental issues. Guinea pigs have robust digestive systems that allow them to chew on any wood-based product without risking illness, just as long as there are no chemicals over it.
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Is It Safe To Put A Cardboard Inside My Guinea Pig Cage?
It is safe to put cardboard in your cavy’s cage so long as there are no chemicals or toxic elements that may be present. If the cardboard you are giving to your guinea has been used to store any object deemed unsafe, refrain from giving it to them. Circular cardboard, such as what is found on toilet paper rolls, needs cut in half before placing in a guineas cage to prevent choking. You can also even provide them with cardboard tissue boxes and fill them with tasty greens as a quick treat.
It is safe to put cardboard in your cavy’s cage so long as there are no chemicals or toxic elements that may be present.
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How Much Cardboard Can Guinea Pig Eat?
Regarding how much cardboard your guinea pig can eat, they shouldn’t have much. The reason is that too much can cause possible blockage and be a choking hazard at that point. Cardboard is a good chew toy for a guinea because most guinea pigs chew it up and spit it out. This act will leave you to clean up a few pieces off the ground, but nothing more.
If you are to give your guinea pig cardboard, You should make them a small cardboard home and cut out the door. This home will provide the guinea plenty of room to play around, and the small piece from the door will be enough for them to chew on without it becoming a hazard.
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What Else Can You Give Guinea Pigs To Chew On?
Guineas are ready to chew on anything; however, there are safe and unsafe objects. This information is crucial because several items could immediately cause a choking hazard if swallowed. We all want precious cavies to be safe. Here is a list of objects suitable for a guinea pig to enjoy knowing.
- Wooden Sticks
- Paper Rolls & Crumbled Sheets
- Twigs (Hazelnut, Pear, Birch, Beech, Apple Branches)
- Hay
- Toys
- Grass Mats
All of these are perfectly safe and healthy for your guinea pig to chew on and make for excellent dental treatment. They will love all of these in their ways; however, it is best to stay away from treats that may be sweet or sugary.
It is also essential that all these chew toys and objects be thoroughly looked over before lending them to your guinea. As previously mentioned, many chemicals and other factors could lead to health issues if not properly checked. However, most of these will be perfectly safe for your guinea and incredibly beneficial.
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Why Does Guinea Pigs Chew On Wood?
Guinea pigs typically chew on wood because they are feeling bored. As with most animals, they find the nearest object to chew on and go at it. However, guinea pigs are born with an insatiable need to chew on things. It helps them keep healthy teeth throughout their lives while also giving them plenty to keep occupied. It is rather remarkable how simple a guinea pig wants can be learned. Guineas also love wood specifically because it is nice and rough for them to chew on and lasts a long time. Wood-based objects are the best chew toys you can give your guinea pig.
Guinea pigs are born with an insatiable need to chew on things. It helps them keep healthy teeth throughout their lives while also giving them plenty to keep occupied. Wood-based objects are the best chew toys you can give your guinea pig.
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Related Questions
Can Guinea Pigs Chew On Toilet Paper Rolls?
Toilet paper rolls are entirely safe for guineas to chew on. Since this is a form of cardboard, it falls under the same category and is therefore preferable! However, it is essential that if you are to give your guinea pig a toilet paper roll, you split it in half. If you are to leave it unsplit, a guinea pig could get its head stuck inside and become choked. If you are not paying attention, this could lead to death rather quickly. Make sure to split the toilet paper roll to where it is flat, and the guinea should have an enjoyable time chewing it up to make you clean it!
It is essential that if you are to give your guinea pig a toilet paper roll, you split it in half. If you are to leave it unsplit, a guinea pig could get its head stuck inside and become choked
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Can Guinea Pigs Chew On Tissue Boxes?
Guinea pigs will adore tissue boxes, especially with a little tweak to them. Many owners have found that leaving an open tissue box filled with grass, hay, or other enjoyable treats for a guinea, works like a charm. Other owners have made small homes of these for their guinea to sleep and lay in. While this may be unconventional, a guinea indeed loves it. Tissue boxes should be highly considered a useful chewing object, as it can be stuffed with enjoyable treats and the cardboard can be chewed on.
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Guinea Pigs Chew On Paper?
Paper is like cardboard in the sense that guinea pigs can safely chew it. They perhaps love paper just as much. They will usually, chew it up, and spit it out. Even if they are to swallow it, the paper will usually become soft enough not to cause a choking hazard. However, it can be a choking hazard if they consume too much of it, so it is best only to give them crumbled pieces or small pieces of paper as a chew toy.
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Conclusion
When it comes to cardboard, it could not be any safer for guineas to chew. Guinea pigs are born with an insatiable need to chew on things. It helps them keep healthy teeth throughout their lives and cardboard is what they will typically chew on most times, and most will spit it out once chewed. Guinea pigs need to chew on things throughout their lives as their teeth could get worn down if not and lead to dental issues. Any cardboard-based product or cardboard piece is completely safe so long as there are no residual chemicals or toxic chemicals on it.
As well as cardboard, guinea pigs can also eat plenty of other objects. These will include twigs, toys, wooden sticks, hay, grass, and many other things. If you check before providing, cardboard and these other objects will be perfect for a guinea pigs’ dental structure and health. It can also help cure their boredom, which many owners may crave with an active guinea!
