It’s not just cats and dogs that we treat here at Pawsome Vets – we love seeing your rabbits and guinea pigs too! No matter what animal you decide to look after, we believe that any pet is always part of our Pawsome family.

So, as we steam-boat ahead into the festive season, let’s take a look at some totally festive treats that you can offer to your small furries and explore the wonderful world of Christmas treats for rabbits and guinea pigs.

Rabbit and Guinea Pig diet basics: What to know before offering Christmas treats

Before we delve into what can be offered as a Christmas treat, it’s important that we have a quick recap on the suggestions for a healthy balanced diet for our furry friends.

Rabbits and guinea pigs have extremely delicate digestive systems, so even small dietary changes can cause a health concern.

Fresh hay should make up the majority of their diet, as this helps to support healthy digestion and prevent dental disease. Hay can be accompanied with fresh leafy greens, along with a small amount of a commercial pellet feed.

Guinea pigs also require a daily intake of Vitamin C, as they cannot produce this themselves. Peppers, parsley, coriander, broccoli and kale all provide good amounts of Vitamin C.

By keeping your furry friend’s diet balanced, you can safely add some festive treats along the way!

Healthy Christmas Treat Ideas for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

When we think of Christmas treats, we think of mince pies, turkey and a sneaky chocolate (or 10!) But, for rabbits and guinea pigs, treats don’t need to be sugary – and ideally they shouldn’t be!

Fresh leafy greens – Already part of their diet, and already part of our Christmas dinner plate, fresh leafy greens are much loved by rabbits and guinea pigs.Try making a festive platter for your furry friends. Coriander, basil, parsley, mint and dill will make an excellent spread for their tastebuds, as well as giving them lots of variety to choose from.

Crunchy vegetables – Rabbits and guinea pigs sure love to nibble on vegetables, and they make a great festive treat – as well as all year round!Grab a festive cookie cutter and cut out some chunks of cucumber, bell peppers and celery. Carrot tops along with carrots also make a great addition. The famous festive “love it or hate it” brussel sprout can also make its way into your small furries diet, but should only be offered in small amounts.

Fruity snacks – A small amount of fruit can be offered as an extra festive treat, but this should only be offered in moderation due to the natural sugars. Slices of apple, strawberry and kiwi are sure to be appreciated.

If you want to be super festive, cranberries can also be offered in small amounts – just avoid cranberry sauce or dried cranberries due to possible additives.

By selecting fresh, plant-based foods and offering them in small portions, your rabbits and guinea pigs can enjoy the festive season without causing risk to their health!

DIY Christmas Treats and Enrichment Ideas for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

By offering your fur-babies a festive treat, you can also provide some fun and safe enrichment. Simple DIY ideas can make the Christmas period more interesting for your rabbits and guinea pigs.

  • Herb bundles – Tie some herbs together in small bunches and hide them throughout the enclosure. These could even be hung from the top of their house. This helps to encourage foraging behaviour.
  • Fresh greens Christmas tree – Arrange your fresh leafy greens in the shape of a Christmas tree. Add brightly coloured decorations with red and yellow peppers and pieces of carrot – yum!
  • Veggie stocking – You won’t be finding coal in your pets stocking this Christmas! Grab a cardboard tube or box and fill it with hay, vegetables and a little fruit. Your furry friends will enjoy nibbling their way through your festive creation.

Use this opportunity to scatter foods throughout their enclosure. This helps to encourage them to forage for food by using their natural instincts.

Keeping Rabbits and Guinea Pigs happy and healthy this Christmas

 Christmas is a brilliant time to celebrate with all members of your family – including your pets! You can help to provide them with some enrichment by offering them a wide range of Christmas treats for rabbits and healthy guinea pig snacks.

Remember, moderation is key. Hay should still make up the majority of their diet and festive treats should be offered in small amounts.

At Pawsome Vets, we love seeing your pets thrive. If you are concerned about your pet, or would like to discuss husbandry and diet, please contact us on 01623 203529.

Most of all, we wish you and your pets a safe and happy Pawsome Christmas!