https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/guinea-pig/what-do-guinea-pigs-eat
*Guinea pigs thrive on companionship and good care. The Guinea Pig Education Hub covers housing, daily routines, proper diets, and how to decode their unique squeaks and behavior. Start here for a guide to happy, healthy cavies.
A healthy guinea pig diet starts with hay - specifically high-fiber varieties like timothy or orchard grass - which supports both dental and digestive health.
Because a guinea pig’s teeth grow continuously, regular chewing on hay helps prevent overgrowth and conditions like malocclusion, which can lead to malnutrition or even starvation.
Hay also provides vital enrichment and satisfies their natural need to chew and burrow.
For young, pregnant, or nursing guinea pigs, nutrient rich options like alfalfa or clover hay are suitable, but adult guinea pigs should avoid these due to their high calcium content, which can contribute to bladder or kidney stones.
Alongside unlimited hay, guinea pigs should be given a daily portion of fresh, vitamin C rich vegetables such as bell peppers, leafy greens, or parsley, since they can’t produce this nutrient on their own.
Occasional fruit treats, like strawberries or blueberries, are fine in small quantities, but high sugar options and toxic foods like avocado must be avoided.
In addition to hay and veggies, plain timothy based pellets - limited to 1 to 2 tablespoons per day - act as nutritional insurance, covering any gaps in essential nutrients.
Treats should be healthy and high in fiber, with natural options like edible flowers or hay based snacks from brands like Oxbow being preferred over sugary commercial products.
Fresh, clean water should always be available, ideally through a water bottle to keep it sanitary.
While most healthy guinea pigs don’t need supplements, vitamin C supplementation may be necessary if their diet lacks fresh greens.
Proper feeding, including portion control and variety, not only keeps your guinea pig physically healthy but also helps prevent common issues like obesity, GI problems, and dental disease.
As always, consult your vet for specific dietary needs, especially if your guinea pig has medical concerns or is a picky eater.
Chewy editorial team consulted with guinea pig savvy veterinarians to bring you expert guidance on what and how much to feed, along with simple tips to make mealtime easy for you and nutritious for your furry friend.
