Guinea Pig Diet Guide: What to Feed Your Guinea Pig

Guinea Pig Diet Guide: What to Feed Your Guinea Pig

Why Diet Is Everything for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs have very specific nutritional needs that, when met, lead to long, healthy, active lives. Unlike many small pets, guinea pigs cannot produce their own Vitamin C — which means their diet must supply it every single day. Get the foundation right and you'll have a thriving, happy piggy for years to come.

The Foundation: High-Quality Guinea Pig Food

A nutritionally complete pellet or blend should make up the core of your guinea pig's diet. Our fresh-milled blends are made in small batches to preserve nutritional integrity:

Feed approximately 1/8 cup of pellets per guinea pig per day, alongside unlimited hay and fresh vegetables.

Hay: The Most Important Part of the Diet

Timothy hay should make up 70–80% of your guinea pig's diet. It keeps their digestive system moving, wears down their continuously growing teeth, and provides essential fiber. Always keep the hay rack full — guinea pigs should have access to hay 24/7.

Young guinea pigs (under 6 months) and pregnant or nursing sows can benefit from alfalfa hay, which is higher in calcium and protein. Adult guinea pigs should stick to timothy or orchard grass hay.

Fresh Vegetables: Daily Vitamin C

Since guinea pigs can't synthesize Vitamin C, fresh veggies are non-negotiable. Aim for about 1 cup of fresh vegetables per guinea pig per day. Top choices include:

  • Bell peppers (especially red — extremely high in Vitamin C)
  • Leafy greens: romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, cilantro, parsley
  • Cucumber (hydrating and gentle on digestion)
  • Zucchini
  • Kale and spinach (in moderation — high in oxalates)

Treats: Keep It Occasional

Treats should be offered sparingly — no more than a few times per week. Our Timothy Bar Treat with Probiotics is a great option: it satisfies their natural urge to chew, supports gut health with added probiotics, and is made with ingredients safe for guinea pigs and other small animals.

Safe fruit treats (in small amounts): strawberries, blueberries, apple slices (no seeds), and watermelon.

Stimulation & Enrichment: Keep Your Guinea Pig Happy

A well-fed guinea pig is a healthy guinea pig — but a stimulated one is a truly happy one. Guinea pigs are social, curious animals that need mental enrichment and foraging opportunities to thrive. Boredom can lead to stress, repetitive behaviors, and even health issues.

We've put together curated enrichment boxes designed specifically for guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rabbits:

Rotate enrichment items regularly to keep things fresh and engaging. Even simple foraging — hiding pellets in hay or a forage box — can make a big difference in your guinea pig's daily happiness.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods are toxic or harmful to guinea pigs and should never be offered:

  • Iceberg lettuce (too much water, no nutrition)
  • Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives
  • Potatoes and rhubarb
  • Avocado
  • Dairy, meat, or eggs (guinea pigs are strict herbivores)
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Chocolate or sugary processed foods

Water: Fresh Every Day

Guinea pigs need constant access to fresh, clean water. A drip-style water bottle attached to the cage is ideal. Change the water daily and clean the bottle weekly to prevent bacterial buildup.

Feeding Tips for Happy, Healthy Guinea Pigs

  • Introduce new vegetables one at a time to watch for loose stools or digestive upset.
  • Remove uneaten fresh food within a few hours to prevent spoilage.
  • Weigh your guinea pig weekly — weight loss is often the first sign of illness.
  • If you have multiple guinea pigs, make sure there are enough feeding stations so no one gets bullied away from food.

Ready to set your guinea pig up for success? Browse our Guinea Pig, Chinchilla & Rabbit Supplies collection for food, treats, enrichment boxes, and everything else your piggy needs.

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