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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallA healthy adult guinea pig needs unlimited grass hay, a small measured portion of guinea-pig-specific pellets, a variety of fresh vegetables and leafy greens every day, a daily source of vitamin C, and clean water at all times. Fruit and richer vegetables are occasional extras. This guide answers “what should I feed my guinea pig?” with a practical chart, attributed portion figures and the foods vets and welfare charities say to avoid.
Daily diet chart
| Food group | How much and how often | Examples and cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Grass hay | Available at all times; it should make up most of the diet. | Timothy and other suitable grass hays. Choose clean, good-quality hay (Merck, RSPCA). |
| Fresh grass | Offer where suitable and safe. | Never lawnmower clippings; RSPCA and PDSA warn they can make guinea pigs ill. |
| Guinea pig pellets | A small measured daily portion of grass-based pellets made for guinea pigs. | Amount varies by source (see below). Vitamin C in pellets degrades, so check freshness. |
| Vegetables and leafy greens | A varied selection daily, including a vitamin-C-rich item. | Parsley, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, gem lettuce, romaine (RSPCA examples of foods to feed often). |
| Treats | Small and infrequent. | Broccoli, spinach, kale, small pieces of carrot, a quarter of an apple (RSPCA examples). Sugar or calcium is the concern. |
| Water | Clean and continuously available; check it regularly. | RSPCA advises checking twice daily. |
How much should a guinea pig eat?
No single portion figure is shared across the guidance, so treat these as general starting points rather than rules. Age, pregnancy, nursing, body condition and health all change what an individual needs.
| Source | Hay | Pellets | Fresh food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merck Veterinary Manual (adult, reviewed May 2026) | Roughly the animal’s body size in hay per day | About 1–2 teaspoons | 1–2 cups of fresh produce, focused on high vitamin C foods |
| PDSA (per guinea pig) | Unlimited | One tablespoon | One cup of vegetables, greens and foraged foods; a variety of types, at least five to six in its guidance |
Merck’s wording: “In general, guinea pigs should ingest their body size in hay, approximately 1–2 teaspoons of pelleted food commercially manufactured for guinea pigs, and 1–2 cups of fresh produce per day, with a focus on those containing high amounts of vitamin C.”
Hay and grass: the foundation
Guinea pigs are herbivores on a high-fiber diet. Hay supports gut function, and chewing it helps wear down their continuously growing teeth, so keep it topped up and never let it run out (VCA). Fresh grass is a good extra, but clippings from a lawnmower are not a safe substitute.
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Vegetables and greens
Foods to offer often
RSPCA’s examples are parsley, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, gem lettuce and romaine lettuce. Rotate vegetables and herbs for variety, and avoid feeding large amounts of just one food.
Foods to give as treats
RSPCA lists broccoli, spinach, kale, small pieces of carrot and a quarter of an apple. VCA adds that fruit should be occasional and small because its sugar can disrupt gut bacteria.
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Foods to avoid
- RSPCA: iceberg lettuce, potato, garlic, avocado, coconut and citrus fruits.
- PDSA, additionally: onion, mushrooms, tomato vine and leaves, rhubarb and its leaves, and chives.
- VCA: oats, seeds, nuts and dry cereals.
These are source-specific examples, not an exhaustive toxicology list. If a food is not named as safe by a reliable source, check with a vet before offering it.
Vitamin C
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and must get it daily from food. Bell pepper and other greens contribute, and fortified guinea pig pellets may contain stabilized vitamin C. Recommended amounts differ by source, so there is no universal number:
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- ADVANCED NUTRITION DIET: Created especially for guinea pigs.
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- DAILY NUTRITION: Feed ¼ to ½ cup daily per guinea pig. Adjust accordingly based on consumption.
- RESEALABLE: Freshness seal for easy storage.
| Source | Stated vitamin C need |
|---|---|
| Merck | 10–25 mg/kg daily for adults; 30 mg/kg or more for growing, pregnant, lactating or ill animals |
| VCA | 10–50 mg daily, depending on age, health, stress and pregnancy |
| UC Davis | 10–30 mg daily |
The vitamin degrades in stored pellets. RSPCA says to use them by the best-before date; VCA and UC Davis say within 90 days of manufacture (mill) date. Follow the label on your specific food. VCA and UC Davis advise against adding vitamin C to drinking water, and you should ask a vet before using supplements.
Changing foods safely
Guinea pigs can be wary of changes in food type or presentation, and sudden changes may lead to food refusal or digestive problems (VCA, UC Davis). Introduce new foods one at a time in small amounts. For a complete diet switch, PDSA describes a gradual change over two to four weeks.
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When to call a vet
If eating, drinking or toileting habits change, RSPCA advises contacting a vet promptly. A chart is no substitute for care for a sick animal or one with an individual dietary condition.
Quick Recap
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- IMPORTANT VARIETY: High-fiber pellets and a delicious mix of vegetables creates an irresistible blend to replicate diets found in a natural habitat and encourage foraging behaviors.
- DAILY DIET: Feed ¼ cup to ½ cup daily per guinea pig.
- WILD HARVEST BRAND: Offers a full assortment of nutritional and interactive engagement products.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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