Guinea pig · Guide

How do I choose food for a rabbit or guinea pig?

For both, unlimited grass hay is the base and pellets are a measured supplement. The key difference: guinea pigs require vitamin-C fortified pellets because they cannot synthesise it themselves. Rabbit pellets are not a substitute for guinea pig pellets.

Why they can't share food

Rabbits synthesise their own vitamin C; guinea pigs cannot. Feeding rabbit pellets to a guinea pig leads to deficiency and eventually scurvy, which is why the two are genuinely not interchangeable despite looking similar.

The reverse is less dangerous but still not ideal, since guinea pig pellets are formulated to different specifications.

Choosing pellets for either

Plain and uniform, not muesli-style. Mixes with seeds, corn pieces and coloured chunks encourage selective feeding — the animal eats the sugary parts and leaves the fibre, which is exactly backwards.

For guinea pigs, check the vitamin C fortification and the bag date. The vitamin degrades over time, so buying smaller bags more often is better than bulk.

Hay is the actual priority

For both species, hay does two jobs: it wears down continuously growing teeth, and it keeps the digestive system moving. Neither can be delivered by pellets.

Timothy or orchard hay for adults. Alfalfa is too calcium-rich for adults but suits growing youngsters.

Check your own pet — freeSnap a few photos, get a wellness score in minutes

A wellness check, not a diagnosis — and never a replacement for your vet. If something seems wrong with your animal, see a veterinarian.

Common questions

Can guinea pigs eat rabbit food?

No. Rabbit pellets lack the vitamin C fortification guinea pigs require daily and can lead to deficiency.

What kind of hay is best for rabbits and guinea pigs?

Timothy or orchard grass hay for adults, available unlimited. Alfalfa suits growing youngsters but is too calcium-rich for adults.

Are muesli-style small pet foods bad?

They encourage selective feeding — animals eat the sugary pieces and leave the fibre, which contributes to dental and digestive problems.