Guinea Pig Food & Vitamin C Calculator

Guinea Pig Nutrition Guide

Hay — 80% of the Diet

Timothy hay (or other grass hays — orchard grass, meadow hay) must make up 80% of a guinea pig's diet and be available at all times. Hay provides: the fibre needed to maintain correct gut motility (a guinea pig's digestive system must never stop — GI stasis is rapidly fatal). Dental wear — guinea pig teeth grow continuously; hay grinding is essential to prevent overgrown teeth. Essential micronutrients. Never reduce hay access. Lucerne/alfalfa hay is too high in calcium for adult guinea pigs and

The Vitamin C Requirement

Guinea pigs cannot synthesise Vitamin C (like humans, they lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase). Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) develops within 2-4 weeks without adequate intake and is a common cause of illness in pet guinea pigs. Symptoms: lethargy, reluctance to walk (joint pain), rough coat, dental problems, slow wound healing. Daily requirement: 10-30mg/kg body weight (pregnant females need 30-40mg/kg). A 1kg guinea pig needs 15-30mg/day minimum. Best food sources: bell peppers (red: 190m

Fresh Vegetable Feeding

Fresh vegetables provide Vitamin C, hydration, and variety. Serve approximately 1 cup (100-150g) of fresh vegetables per guinea pig per day. Ideal vegetables: bell peppers (red, yellow, orange — highest Vitamin C), fresh herbs (parsley, coriander, dill), dark leafy greens (romaine lettuce, kale, spinach in moderation — high oxalates). Introduce new vegetables gradually to avoid digestive upset. Avoid high-sugar fruits as regular treats. Always provide fresh vegetables rather than relying on Vita

Foods Toxic to Guinea Pigs

Absolutely never feed: onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (toxic to red blood cells). Potatoes and all nightshade family plants. Rhubarb (extremely toxic). Buttercups and foxglove. Mushrooms. Processed human foods. Dairy products. Meat. Iceberg lettuce (not toxic but causes diarrhoea due to high water content). Avocado. Seeds and pits of most fruits (apple seeds, cherry pits). Items to limit: high-sugar fruits (grapes, apple, pear) to occasional treats — no more than 2-3 times per week, small qua