If you’re asking what can guinea pigs eat? The answer is simple. Your guinea pigs require a balanced and varied diet with high-quality hay, pellets rich in vitamin C and leafy greens and vegetables daily.
At HayDay, we know the importance of feeding high-quality hay, and how it's key to ensuring your pet guinea pigs' health and overall well-being.
Our expert guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the best foods, why a varied diet is so important and daily nutrition tips.
Shop here > High-quality timothy and meadow hay for guinea pigs.
Key Takeaways
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A balanced diet for guinea pigs consists primarily of unlimited quantities of great quality hay, limited amounts of vitamin C-rich pellets and leafy greens. Together, they ensure they receive essential nutrients.
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Vitamin C is crucial for guinea pigs, as they cannot produce it themselves. Therefore, fresh vegetables high in this nutrient should be included in their daily diet.
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Understanding which foods to avoid; such as processed foods and toxic vegetables, is vital for maintaining guinea pig health and preventing any serious health issues.
Your Guinea Pig's Diet - The Basics
A balanced diet is key to a healthy guinea pig! As herbivores, they thrive on plant-based foods packed with fibre and nutrients.
The magic trio? Unlimited quantities, at free choice, of premium quality, barn-dried hay, guinea pig pellets and a variety of green vegetables. These deliver vital vitamins, minerals, and fibre for good dental and digestive health.
Not to forget, they need unlimited clean and fresh water, at all times, to stay hydrated.
Fun fact: guinea pigs have teeth which are known as hypsodont - meaning they erupt continuously throughout their life. Meaning naturally coarse hay, high in fibre, is their secret weapon!
High-Quality Hay
Hay should make up approximately 80 to 90% of a guinea pig’s diet—think of it as their dental and digestive health best friend!
Long-stem timothy hay is fibre-rich and ideal for adults. As timothy hay has naturally coarse stems, it helps support maintain healthy dental and digestive function.
Other hay types such as meadow hay, ryegrass hay and oat hay can be fed alongside timothy hay to ensure guinea pigs have a varied diet. It also prevents them from becoming bored, and helps keep them enriched.
If you struggle to encourage your guinea pigs to eat sufficient amounts of hay, here are some top tips from our nutritionist Briony:
"Waste will typically be reduced if a suitable quality and type of hay is offered. Furthermore, presentation of hay (such as racks and feeders) can help to further enrich the environment and reduce contamination, thereby increasing the amount eaten."
Guinea Pig Pellets
Guinea pig pellets should only be fed pellets additionally to hay which should only make up around 5 to 10% of their diet, rather than the full basis of it.
As guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, feeding pellets which are rich in this is key, to prevent any health issues such as scurvy. Pellets should be limited to approximately an egg cup-full per day to prevent any overfeeding. Just remember, pellets shouldn't replace hay within their diet.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are key to a guinea pig’s diet, offering hydration, vitamins, minerals, and variation! They should make up approximately 5 to 10% of their overall diet.
You should mix it up to keep nutrients broad and boredom low: wash well, chop into small pieces, and aim for about one handful per day.
The following subsections will delve into specific categories of vegetables, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables: to help you make informed choices for your guinea pig’s diet.
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Leafy greens: safe options include kale, romaine lettuce and spring greens, given daily after washing. Avoid iceberg lettuce due to its low nutritional value.
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Root vegetables: like carrots and turnips are tasty and nutritious but high in sugar, so offer them sparingly.
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Cruciferous vegetables: cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) provide vitamin C but can cause gas within the stomach if overfed. Include them in moderation within a varied diet, alongside hay and greens, and watch for digestive reactions.
Fruits Guinea Pigs Can Eat
Fruits
Whilst your pet's primary diet should consist of hay, pellets, leafy greens and water, fruits (in moderation) like apples, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes can also be tasty treats.
Due to high sugar, keep them limited - once or twice a week in small, seedless portions to avoid a high-sugar intake and obesity. Examples of safe fruits to feed include:
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Berries: strawberries and blueberries, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, are safe treats. Offer small amounts frequently, but limit sugar by sticking to a few pieces occasionally alongside hay and greens.
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Apples and Pears: apples and pears are enjoyable treats. Remember to remove seeds as they are often toxic.
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Other Fruits: melons and bananas can be suitable fruit treats, but fed minimally due to high sugar.
Herbs and Forage for Guinea Pigs
Herbs and natural forage can add variety and enrichment to a guinea pig’s diet.
Including a range of herbs and forage not only provides essential nutrients but also enhances the overall eating experience for your guinea pig.
Common herbs like basil, dill, and coriander are safe and beneficial for guinea pigs. They aid digestion and offer anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, wild plants like dandelions and plantain are nutritious options, provided they are picked from safe, pesticide-free areas.
Common Herbs
Common herbs such as:
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Basil, which aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties
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Dill, known for its anti-spasmodic qualities
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Coriander, which is also beneficial for guinea pigs
are excellent additions to a guinea pig diet.
Including these herbs regularly can enhance your guinea pig’s health and provide variety in their diet, making mealtime more enjoyable and nutritious.
Wild Plants
Foraging in the wild can provide your guinea pigs with a variation of different plants and twigs to enjoy as part of mealtime. It is key to educate yourself on which plants are safe vs toxic, some of which are safe, include:
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Apple twigs
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Basil
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Chamomile
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Willow
Foods to Avoid
Knowing what foods to avoid is just as important as knowing what to feed your guinea pig. Certain foods can be toxic and lead to serious health problems.
For instance, avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause heart failure in guinea pigs. Similarly, garlic, onions, and other alliums can cause haemolytic anemia by damaging red blood cells.
Avoid processed and cooked foods, as guinea pigs cannot digest these properly. A diet which replicated what guinea pigs would eat in the wild (fibrous foods) ensures their digestive and dental systems function properly.
Other hazardous items, such as lawnmower clippings, should never be fed to guinea pigs due to the risk of digestive issues and potential toxins.
Toxic Vegetables and Fruits
Certain vegetables and fruits can be dangerous for guinea pigs due to their toxic properties. Here are some examples to avoid:
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Citrus fruits, which can cause digestive upset
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Raw potatoes, which contain solanine and can induce lethargy and digestive distress
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Rhubarb, which has high oxalic acid content that can lead to calcium absorption issues and potential bladder stones
Always ensure that the vegetables and fruits you offer are safe to prevent any health issues. This practice is crucial for maintaining the well-being of your guinea pig.
Processed and Cooked Foods
Processed and cooked foods are harmful to guinea pigs because they cannot digest them properly. These foods can lead to digestive issues and other health complications, so it’s important to provide a diet that consists of natural, raw foods.
Maintaining a natural diet helps ensure that your guinea pig receives all the necessary nutrients without the health risks associated with processed foods. This approach is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Other Hazardous Items
Certain items, such as lawnmower clippings, pose significant risks to guinea pigs and should be strictly avoided. These clippings can contain harmful substances and pose a choking hazard, leading to severe health issues.
Always provide safe and appropriate foods to maintain your guinea pig’s health. Ensuring that only the best, safest options are available is crucial for their well-being.
Special Dietary Considerations
Different guinea pigs will have specific dietary needs that must be addressed to ensure their health. For example, young or pregnant guinea pigs require alfalfa hay to meet their nutritional needs (high in calcium and protein to support overall health and development).
Baby guinea pigs (up to 6 month) benefit from a diet primarily made up of alfalfa hay to support their growth.
It’s also important to monitor guinea pigs regularly for any changes in their health, such as changes in droppings or weight, which could indicate health issues. Regular weight checks, veterinary appointments (at least once a year) and a balanced diet help ensure that guinea pigs maintain a healthy weight and receive adequate nutrition.
Vitamin C Requirements
Guinea pigs require vitamin C as it is essential for their health. They are unable to produce it on their own, a deficiency may result in scurvy which is a serious health condition. To ensure they get enough vitamin C, include fresh vegetables high in this nutrient, such as bell peppers and kale, in their daily diet.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for guinea pigs ranges from 10 to 50 mg, depending on their health status. In some cases, vitamin C supplements may be necessary to meet their needs.
Overweight Guinea Pigs
Managing the diet of overweight guinea pigs is crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues. Reducing calorie-dense foods like pellets and eliminating fruits from their diet can help manage their weight. Additionally, adapting feed management by offering smaller portions more frequently can encourage movement and promote natural foraging behaviour, which is essential for their overall health.
It is recommended to consult a nutritionist or veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes ensures the health and safety of your guinea pig. Balance and moderation are key to maintaining a healthy diet for overweight guinea pigs.
Young or Pregnant Guinea Pigs
According to The Guinea Pig Forum "the healthier and fitter the mother, the healthier the babies". As alfalfa hay is higher in nutritional value than other types of hay (such as timothy and meadow hay) it is best suited to young, growing or breeding animals. Due to its high calcium and protein content, it's a great forage to feed those needing enhanced nutrition.
How To Introduce New Foods
Begin by introducing new foods to your guinea pig, gradually, over a period of 7 to 14 days. You should start with smaller amounts and gradually increase the portions as your guinea pig adjusts.
This gradual approach will help to prevent any stomach upset and encourages your guinea pig to accept new foods.
If your guinea pig shows any signs of stomach upset during the transition, slow down the process. You can also seek the advise of your veterinarian if you're unsure.
Feeding Schedule
A consistent feeding schedule is important for maintaining your guinea pig’s health. Guinea pigs should have access to hay throughout the day, but pellets, fresh vegetables and herbs can be offered at set points throughout the day to supplement their diet. Note that hay should always be available at free choice, as it supports their digestion and dental health.
Feeding a variety of different hay types will also keep your guinea pig's diet enriched and help entertain them with a range of tastes and textures.
Monitoring Eating Habits
Regularly monitoring your guinea pig’s eating habits is crucial for detecting potential health issues. Weigh them consistently to ensure they are eating properly and maintaining a healthy weight. Weight gain can indicate overfeeding, while a loss of appetite may signal health problems.
If a guinea pig stops eating, contact a vet immediately.
Summary
A balanced diet is essential for the health and happiness of your guinea pig. By providing them with high-quality hay, pellets, fresh vegetables and water, while avoiding harmful foods, you can ensure your guinea pig thrives.
Remember to monitor their diet and health regularly and consult a vet when needed. Here’s to happy, healthy guinea pigs!
Relevant Links
Best Foods for Guinea Pigs - HayDay HQ
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? - HayDay HQ
Guinea Pig Health: How To Spot Symptoms - HayDay HQ
Long Term Balanced Guinea Pig Diets - The Guinea Pig Forum
Understanding Guinea Pig Noises - HayDay HQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guinea pigs eat fruit every day?
Guinea pigs should not eat fruit every day due to its high sugar content. It's best to offer fruit as an occasional treat, maybe once or twice a week at most.
What vegetables are safe for guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs can safely enjoy leafy greens such as kale and romaine lettuce, along with root vegetables like carrots and turnips, and cruciferous options such as cauliflower and broccoli. It's essential to provide a variety of these vegetables for their health.
How can I ensure my guinea pig gets enough vitamin C?
To ensure your guinea pig gets enough vitamin C, include fresh vegetables like bell peppers and kale in their daily diet, and feed pellets rich in vitamin C. This will help maintain their health and well-being.
