How to Feed a Guinea Pig a Healthy Diet
Keep your guinea pig healthy with the right mix of hay, fresh vegetables, pellets and vitamin C. Learn what to feed and what to avoid.
Guinea pigs have specific dietary needs, and getting their food right is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Their teeth grow continuously, their digestive systems need lots of fiber, and they can’t make their own vitamin C. A balanced daily routine keeps them healthy and happy.
Make Hay the Main Event
Hay should make up the bulk of your guinea pig’s diet and be available at all times. Chewing hay helps wear down their constantly growing teeth and keeps their digestive system moving.
- Timothy hay and other grass hays, such as orchard grass or meadow hay, are ideal for adult guinea pigs.
- Alfalfa hay is richer in calcium and protein. It’s often recommended for young, pregnant or nursing guinea pigs, but generally isn’t suitable as the main hay for healthy adults.
- Choose hay that’s fresh, green and sweet-smelling, never dusty, damp or moldy.
Refill the hay rack or pile several times a day so there’s always plenty. Fresh hay also gives guinea pigs something to forage through, which keeps them busy and supports natural behavior throughout the day. Store spare hay in a dry, ventilated place.
Add Fresh Vegetables Daily
Offer a variety of fresh vegetables each day. Wash them well and introduce new ones gradually to avoid stomach upset. Good options include:
- Leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, cilantro and parsley
- Bell peppers, which are a great source of vitamin C
- Cucumber, carrot tops and small amounts of carrot
Some greens, like spinach and kale, are high in calcium or oxalates and are best given in moderation. Fruit can be offered occasionally as a small treat because of its sugar content.
Provide Pellets and Vitamin C
A small daily portion of plain guinea pig pellets helps round out the diet. Choose pellets made specifically for guinea pigs, since rabbit and other small-animal pellets don’t contain the vitamin C they need. Avoid mixes with seeds, dried fruit or colorful pieces, which encourage picky eating.
Because guinea pigs can’t produce vitamin C, they need it from their diet every day. Vitamin C–rich vegetables and fortified pellets usually cover this. Ask your vet whether your guinea pig needs a supplement.
Set a Simple Daily Routine
- Morning: refresh water, top up hay and offer a portion of vegetables.
- Midday: check hay levels and remove any uneaten fresh food.
- Evening: give the remaining vegetables and the daily pellet portion, and top up hay again.
Always provide clean, fresh water in a bottle or heavy bowl, and check it at least once a day.
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado and potatoes
- Bread, cereal, crackers and other processed human foods
- Dairy products and meat
- Iceberg lettuce, which offers little nutrition and can upset digestion
If your guinea pig stops eating, eats less hay or produces fewer or smaller droppings, contact a vet experienced with small animals promptly, as this can quickly become serious.
