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What Can Guinea Pigs Eat: Daily Dietary Needs

Guinea pigs are natural herbivores and eat a diet rich in plant-based foods. In the wild, they eat a variety of grasses and wild plants. It’s important to replicate this diet as closely as possible to keep your guinea pig fit and healthy. Guinea pigs need three types of food every day:

  1. Hay: Must be available at all times
  2. Fresh Vegetables & Fruit: About a cupful
  3. Pellet Food: 2 tablespoons per guinea pig

This article gives detailed information on exactly what to feed your guinea pig, how much to give them, plus lists of safe vegetables and fruit. It also has useful nutrition information to help you provide the best food for your guinea pigs.

Guinea Piggles Website Thumbnails Fruit And Veg Thumbnail

1. Guinea Pig Hay

Hay is the most important part of your guinea pig’s diet, forming approximately 80% of their daily food intake. 

guinea pigs in timothy hay
Guinea pigs love Timothy hay

What Is The Best Hay For Guinea Pigs?

The best type of hay for guinea pigs is grass hay, particularly Timothy hay, meadow hay and orchard hay. For specific dietary needs, babies and nursing mothers can eat alfalfa hay, which is richer in calcium.

The hay should be fresh and green with long stems and a low dust content. Guinea pigs prefer fresh hay and gain more nutritional benefits from it. 

As they consume large quantities of hay, purchasing high quality hay in bulk from reputable suppliers like Small Pet Select can be more cost-effective than purchasing small bags of low-quality hay from the pet shops. If you use our discount code REFER-GPIGGLEUK at checkout, you will receive a 15% reduction on your purchase.

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    How Much Hay Should Guinea Pigs Eat?

    You must provide good quality hay in unlimited quantities, and it should be available for your guinea pigs at all times, as they will graze on it throughout the day. Give them a generous pile of hay at feeding time and replenish it during the day if necessary.

    Why Do Guinea Pigs Need Hay?

    Guinea pigs need hay for many reasons. Apart from the overall nutrition it contains, it also provides vitamin C and fibre

    The long hay stems aid digestion and provide the fibre that keeps your guinea pig’s digestive system moving smoothly. This is especially important for these small pets because of how their digestive system works.

    Your guinea pig’s teeth are constantly growing, and the abrasiveness of the hay on their teeth keeps them filed down and prevents them from overgrowing, which can cause serious health problems. 

    How to Give Hay to Guinea Pigs

    While you can place some of the hay directly on the cage floor, using a feeder like the Small Pet Select Hay Manger or the Trixie Log Feeder is recommended to keep the hay fresh and clean. Guinea pigs will not eat hay if it becomes soiled. Avoid wire ball feeders, as they pose serious safety risks to your pet. 

    Guinea Pig In Clean Enclosure

    Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fresh Grass Instead of Hay

    Grass cannot replace hay in your guinea pig’s diet. Hay’s rough and fibrous texture is essential for healthy teeth and proper digestion.

    However, fresh grass is good for your guinea pigs and can be given daily. You can pick it for them, or they can eat directly from a lawn free from toxic weeds or plants. The grass must be uncontaminated by pesticides, weed killers, pet waste, or urine. Guinea pigs should never be fed lawnmower clippings.

    guinea pig eating fresh grass

    2. Fresh Vegetables, Leafy Greens, Herbs and Fruit

    Fresh foods are the second most important part of your guinea pig’s daily diet. Choose fresh produce that is not mouldy or wilted to provide the best nutrition for your guinea pigs and prevent illness. It is important to provide variety in their meals.

    How Much Fresh Food Should Guinea Pigs Eat?

    A daily serving should be about a cupful and consist mainly of leafy greens plus a mix of other vegetables, herbs, and an optional small portion of fruit. This provides a good balance of essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and variety to their meals. Our popular food charts, meal planner and nutrition guide will help you organise weekly meals.

    Guinea Pigs Eating Fresh Vegetables

    Be careful not to give excessive amounts of any single food as they can become bored with the taste and refuse to eat it for a significant period.

    Fresh food can be served in a non-tip bowl like this one from Haypigs.

    What Vegetables and Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

    Guinea Pigs Eating Fresh Vegetables

    Guinea pigs can eat many different vegetables and herbs. Some of their favourites are basil, carrots, celery, cucumber, dandelion leaves, kale, mint, parsley, sweet peppers, Romaine lettuce and spring greens. Please refer to the table below for a more comprehensive list of safe vegetables and herbs for guinea pigs.

    We also have full colour downloadable PDF food charts with a meal planner & nutrition guide that many guinea pig owners have found very helpful.

    Guinea Pig Vegetable List

    Vegetable / HerbHow Often?
    BasilFew times a week
    Beet GreensOccasionally
    BeetrootOccasionally
    Bok Choy (Pak Choi)A few times a week
    BroccoliOccasionally
    Brussels SproutsOccasionally
    Butternut SquashOccasionally
    Cabbage (red/white/Savoy)Occasionally
    CarrotsA few times a week
    Cauliflower and stalk Occasionally
    Cauliflower leavesA few times a week
    CeleriacA few times a week
    Celery Stalks (and leaves)A few times a week
    Collard GreensA few times a week
    Coriander / CilantroA few times a week
    Cress (garden cress)A few times a week
    CucumberA few times a week
    Dandelion Leaves (greens) & FlowersA few times a week
    DillA few times a week
    FennelOccasionally
    Green beans (french beans)A few times a week
    KaleA few times a week
    KohlrabiOccasionally
    Lambs LettuceA few times a week
    Lettuce (Romaine/Cos/Butterhead/Red/Green LeafA few times a week
    MintA few times a week
    ParsleyA few times a week
    ParsnipOccasionally
    PeasOccasionally
    Peppers (Sweet Bell – all colours)A few times a week
    PumpkinOccasionally
    RadichioA few times a week
    RadishOccasionally
    Rocket Salad / ArugulaA few times a week
    SpinachOccasionally
    Swede / RutabagasOccasionally
    Swiss ChardOccasionally
    ThymeOccasionally
    TomatoOccasionally
    TurnipOccasionally
    Turnip GreensOccasionally
    WatercressA few times a week
    Buy and Download the Food Chart >
    Safe vegetables and herbs for guinea pigs

    Guinea Pig Food Charts: Fruit & Veg Printable PDF

    Guinea Pig Food Charts with Safe Fruit and Vegetables

    Colourful food charts featuring safe fruit and vegetables, a meal planner, and a nutrition chart to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for your guinea pig.

    Food Chart Details
    • Cover with adorable guinea pig illustration
    • Five food charts with safe fruits and vegetables
    • Daily food planner
    • Guinea pig illustrations on every food sheet and meal planner.
    • Nutritional information table for fruits and vegetables (in black and white), covering vitamin C, calcium, fibre, etc.
    • Downloadable, printable PDF in full colour on A4 and US Letter.

    Price: £4.99 or see the huge money-saving bundle of Guinea Piggles PDFs

    Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fruit?

    Guinea pigs can eat fruit, but you should feed it in moderation because it has a high sugar content. Too much fruit can cause diarrhoea or other health issues. Some of the best fruits they enjoy are apple, strawberries, blueberries and melon. Please see the table below for a more comprehensive list of safe fruits for guinea pigs:

    Guinea Pig Eating Watermelon Fruit

    Guinea Pig Fruit List

    Fruit NameHow Often?
    AppleOccasionally
    ApricotOccasionally
    BlueberriesOccasionally
    CherriesOccasionally
    Grapes (white/red)Occasionally
    MangoOccasionally
    Melon (all varieties)Occasionally
    NectarineOccasionally
    OrangesOccasionally
    PapayaOccasionally
    PeachOccasionally
    PearOccasionally
    RaspberriesOccasionally
    StrawberriesOccasionally
    Buy and Download the Food Chart >
    Safe fruits for guinea pigs

    During the spring, summer and autumn months, you can find lots of wild food suitable for your guinea pigs. Find out more about foraging for your guinea pigs here >

    Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked, Canned or Frozen Fruits and Vegetables?

    Guinea pigs can not eat cooked, canned or frozen vegetables or fruit, as this will likely lead to digestive problems. Vegetables and fruit must be served fresh and raw. 

    3. Guinea Pig Pellet Food

    Guinea pig pellets are the least important of all three foods, but good quality nuggets are formulated to include essential vitamins that keep your guinea pigs healthy.

    guinea pig pellet food - daily portion for 2 guinea pigs
    Daily portion of pellets for two guinea pigs – bowl available from Haypigs

    How Much Pellets to Feed a Guinea Pig

    Guinea pigs should have about an eighth of a cup (2 tablespoons) of pellet food each day. While this may not seem like a lot, it is plenty for them. The Haypigs mini food bowl takes about the right amount of pellets for two guinea pigs.

    You should never feed them a diet of just pellet food, as this will cause serious health problems.

    Guinea Pig Eating Pellets

    What Pellet Food is Best for Guinea Pigs?

    High-quality nuggets such as Small Pet Select Food are some of the best pellets for guinea pigs. Timothy hay or grass hay will display first on the ingredients list, meaning it is the main ingredient. Though visually appealing, mueslis and pellets with added pieces often lack nutritional value, so it is best to choose plain brown pellets.

    Can Guinea Pigs Have Alfalfa Pellets?

    Alfalfa pellets are suitable for specific life stages: pregnant or nursing guinea pigs and babies under six months. For all others, standard adult guinea pig pellets are recommended to ensure a balanced diet.

    Can Guinea Pigs Have Rabbit Food?

    Guinea pigs can not eat rabbit food as it does not contain the vital nutrients your guinea pig needs. They should not eat any other small pet food besides those specially made for them.

    Video with information on what to feed your guinea pigs every day

    Guinea Pig Nutritional Requirements

    Understanding the nutritional needs of your guinea pig is helpful to ensure they receive the necessary vitamins and minerals. 

    Fibre and protein

    The main parts of a guinea pig’s diet are fibre and protein, with fibre making up most of their intake. The role of fibre is to ensure the proper movement of food through the gut. Their diet should be low in sugars, carbohydrates, and fats. 

    Calcium and other minerals

    Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are vital minerals for guinea pigs. These nutrients are abundant in fresh vegetables, forage, and good-quality pellet food

    Many believe avoiding calcium or providing a low-calcium diet will prevent bladder stone formation, a common problem in these pets. This is not the case. You can learn more about this on our page about urinary stones in guinea pigs.

    guinea pig's daily food
    Guinea pig daily food

    Vitamin C

    Guinea pigs require around 10-30 mg of vitamin C every day as their bodies can’t produce it like other animals, such as rabbits. A deficiency can lead to scurvy, a serious health condition. Therefore, it’s vital to provide them with food that contains vitamin C. 

    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, making bones stronger. Since guinea pigs have a plant-based diet, sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Allowing them safe outdoor time, with access to shade, will help meet their vitamin D needs, supporting overall bone health.

    Our full colour food charts and meal planner will help you organise meals and provide optimum nutrition for your guinea pigs. Many guinea pig owners have found these invaluable.

    guinea pig eating fresh, nutritious leaves

    FAQs

    How Should I Introduce My Guinea Pig to New Food?

    Gradually and in small quantities, introduce new foods, including fresh vegetables, foraged food, or dry pellet food. Guinea pigs might initially resist new tastes but usually adapt over time.

    How Often Should You Feed a Guinea Pig? 

    Feeding guinea pigs once a day in the morning is ideal and convenient for most owners. Alternatively, you could feed fresh food in the morning and pellets in the evening or vice versa. However, ensure hay is always available and replenished regularly.

    My Guinea Pig Has Stopped Eating. What Should I Do?

    A guinea pig not eating indicates a serious problem, particularly if they are not consuming hay. Contact your vet immediately for advice. In the meantime, syringe-feeding ground pellets mixed with warm water or a special powdered food called “Critical Care” mixed with water can be a temporary solution to prevent weight loss and digestive issues, but this won’t solve the underlying problem.

    guinea pig next to food bowl

    Should I Put My Overweight Guinea Pig On a Diet 

    You should not put your guinea pig on a diet, as restrictive diets are unsuitable for these small pets. Firstly, confirm with a vet whether your guinea pig is overweight. If so, check you are feeding good quality pellet food and that your portions are correct. Consider reducing the amount of pellets and eliminating fruit from their daily meals.

    How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Food?

    Guinea pigs can not and should not be left without food. They need constant access to food, particularly hay, to prevent dental and digestive issues. If you’re away, ensure someone reliable can provide daily care, including ample food and water.

    Why Is My Guinea Pig Eating His Poop?

    Eating poop is part of a guinea pig’s natural behaviour. They consume softer caecotrophs, rich in essential nutrients like protein and vitamins, directly from their body. This behaviour is a natural way to replenish vital nutrients.

    What Is The Best Guinea Pig Food Brand?

    The best guinea pig food brand that I recommend is Small Pet Select for their natural ingredients and ethical practices. Use code REFER-GPIGGLEUK for a 15% discount on your total order. Other reputable brands include The Little Hay Co for hay and Burgess for pellet food.

    Guinea Pig Food Chart