A Complete Healthy Diet for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are herbivore animals. They have specific dietary needs. If they don’t get an appropriate diet, they could develop diseases like scurvy, bladder stones, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, abnormal tooth and bone growth, etc.  

Any responsible piggy owner would wish to provide the best diet for his/her piggies. And I know you fall among theresponsible piggy owner, that’s why you have come here to know which Food will be best for your Guinea Pigs and fulfill their nutritional need. 

Well, grab my hand and I will familiarize you with the best food for your Guinea pigs, ensuring your Guinea pigs will thrive. 

Together, we’ll explore the essential components of their diet, starting with the foundational role of hay and extending to the variety of complementary foods like vegetables, fruits, treats, etc. Now, let’s begin.

Hay or Grass 

As I told you in the beginning Guinea Pigs are herbivore animals, in nature they get all their necessary nutrient to survive from grass and plant. Besides, Grass contains high levels of fiber which is very crucial for their health. For example:

• Their digestive system relies on fiber to function properly beside fiber keeps their gut healthy.  

• Fiber helps to keep their ever-growing teeth in shape. 

So, when you are fostering Guinea Pigs in your home as pets, you should try to stick as close as possible to their natural diet. Make sure their daily diet contains 80% high-quality grass/hay.    

Note: Additionally, feeding Alfalfa to adult guinea pigs may cause obesity as it is rich in protein and calcium. However, Alfalfa can be beneficial for sick, pregnant, or juvenile guinea pigs (below 6 months) because of its heightened nutritional content. 

Pellets

Pellets should comprise 10% of your piggy’s diet. Feed pallets as a supplementary source of nutrients, not as primary food. Overfeeding pellets can cause health problems.    

Make sure the pellets you buy are suitable for Guinea Pigs. Never buy Pellets with added dried seeds and fruits. Because seeds and fruits contain high level of sugar and fat which is harmful for Guineapigs. 

Per day 1-2 tablespoon pellets should be enough for one Guinea Pigs.   

Vegetables 

Like pellets, feed vegetables as a complementary source of nutrients, not as primary food. Vegetables should form 5% of their diet in other words one teacup of green vegetables you should offer per Guinea pigs.  

Note: Introduce any new plant slowly to avoid any digestion problems. Below I am suggesting some vegetables you can feed your Guinea Pigs.        

• Romaine lettuce 
• Red and green
• leaf lettuce 
• Tomato 
• Broccoli 
• Carrots 
• Cucumbers 
• Celery leaves 
• Artichoke leaves 
• Green beans 
• Asparagus 

Treat/Fruit

Most owners can’t resist them self to offer their furry friends a special treat to make them happy. Besides, fruits contain some important nutrients that are very helpful for piggies’ health.  

Whereas overfeeding fruits can lead to health issues such as obesity and bladder stones.

So as a piggy owner, it is very important to know which fruit to feed and how much to feed.  

Fruit should be offered in very small quantities, comprising only 5% of a piggy’s diet. 

Here are some fruit lists you can feed your Guinea Pigs.  

• Kiwis 
• Strawberries 
• Citrus 
• Orange 
• Apple 
• Mango   
• Pears 
• Banana  
• Plum

Note: To avoid digestive problems like diarrhea, introduce any new food slowly.  

Water

Don’t forget the necessity of water. We all know no living creature on earth can’t survive without water. So, they must have easy access to clean water. 

Ensure Guinea Pigs are getting Adequate Vitamin C 

A responsible owner should ensure their furry friend receives sufficient vitamin C in their diet since Guinea pigs lack the enzymes needed to produce vitamin C by themselves.   

Without adequate vitamin C intake, they are at risk of developing health issues such as scurvy.   

To meet their vitamin C needs, consider incorporating vitamin C-rich Pellets, vegetables, and fruits into their diet. (above I have suggested some)    

Besides you can feed vitamin C supplements to fulfill their vitamin C demand. Consult with a veterinarian about suitable supplements and how to feed. 

What Not to Feed?

• Potatoes 
• Onion 
• Seeds and nuts 
• Avocado 
• Mushrooms 
• Garlic 
• Muesli 
• Iceberg lettuce

FAQ 

Tips

• Avoid sudden changes in their diet. Instead, gradually introduce new foods while decreasing the amount of their old diet. 
• Clean food bowl and uneaten food regularly.