Feeding Guinea Pigs
Giving your guinea pigs the right nutrition is an essential part of helping them live a happy and healthy life. On the following pages we have endeavoured to provide you with all the information and tips you need to get started. Take the links below or use our drop-down menu to find out more.
GUINEA PIG NUTRITION OVERVIEW
When you’re getting guinea pigs for the first time it’s really important to have an understanding of how to best feed these gorgeous bundles of fluff! That way you’re giving them the best you can in terms of nutrition, in order for them to lead a healthy and happy life.
HAY
This should be unlimited. Guinea pigs do love hay to sleep in/play in/forage in too! As well as their bedding hay, you can provide feeding hay which is presented ‘off the ground’ to avoid it getting trampled on/soiled/wasted.
FRESH WATER
Keep it fresh and clean! Would you like to drink a two-day old glass of water?!
FRESH VEGETABLES
Approximately one cup per day, per guinea pig. Offer fruit in absolute moderation, as it’s high in sugars!! (But they will love it.) See our fruit and vegetable guide.
PELLETS
Make sure you get pellets that are suitable for guinea pigs! They should have the right balance of fibre to protein (higher percentage of fibre than protein). Also, Vitamin C added as standard, which helps to ensure they get their daily dose of this important vitamin.
VITAMIN 'C'
If you are feeding a diet as above, guinea pigs should be getting enough daily Vitamin C. However, particularly if they are sick or recovering from illness or injury then you might need to consider a supplement.