Pets Depot AIAI pet wellness
Guinea pig · Guide
What should I feed a guinea pig?
Unlimited grass hay is the base of the diet — Timothy or orchard hay, available at all times. Alongside it: a measured portion of vitamin-C fortified pellets and a daily serving of fresh vegetables. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so that fortification matters.
Why hay comes first
Two reasons. Guinea pig teeth grow continuously throughout life, and the prolonged chewing that hay demands is what wears them down. Without it, teeth overgrow into a painful condition requiring veterinary correction.
Second, their digestive system depends on constant fibre intake to keep moving. Gut stasis in guinea pigs is a genuine emergency.
Pellets and vegetables
Pellets should be plain, vitamin-C fortified, and measured — roughly an eighth of a cup daily for an adult. Avoid muesli-style mixes with seeds and coloured pieces; guinea pigs selectively eat the sugary parts and leave the fibre.
Fresh vegetables daily: bell pepper (excellent vitamin C), leafy greens, small amounts of carrot. Introduce new vegetables gradually.
What to avoid
Alfalfa hay for adults — it's too high in calcium and contributes to bladder stones, though it suits growing youngsters. Also avoid iceberg lettuce, which offers little nutrition and can cause loose stools.
Any sudden diet change risks digestive upset. Move gradually.
Check your own pet — freeSnap a few photos, get a wellness score in minutesA wellness check, not a diagnosis — and never a replacement for your vet. If something seems wrong with your animal, see a veterinarian.
Common questions
How much hay does a guinea pig need?
Unlimited — it should be available at all times and forms the bulk of the diet.
What vegetables can guinea pigs eat daily?
Bell pepper, leafy greens and small amounts of carrot work well. Bell pepper is particularly valuable for vitamin C.
Can guinea pigs eat rabbit food?
No. Rabbit pellets aren't fortified with vitamin C, which guinea pigs require daily.