Complete Guinea Pigs Food Guide

What Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and need it daily from food. Hay is essential, vegetables are critical.

🌾

80%

Hay in Diet

🥬

1 cup

Veggies Daily

🍊

10-30mg

Vitamin C Daily

🚫

Iceberg Lettuce

✅Safe Foods for Guinea Pigs

🌾

Timothy Hay

Unlimited, essential

🫑

Bell Peppers

High vitamin C, daily

🥬

Romaine Lettuce

Daily leafy green

🌿

Cilantro

Safe herb, vitamin C

🥒

Cucumber

Hydrating, safe

🍅

Tomato

Small amounts, vitamin C

🚫TOXIC Foods - Never Feed

🥬

Iceberg Lettuce

AVOID

Low nutrition, causes diarrhea

🥔

Potatoes

TOXIC

Solanine poisoning

🧅

Onions/Garlic

TOXIC

Blood cell damage

🥑

Avocado

TOXIC

Persin toxicity

🍫

Chocolate

TOXIC

Never give sweets

🥛

Dairy

AVOID

Cannot digest dairy

🍞

Bread

AVOID

Causes bloat, GI issues

🥬

Rhubarb

TOXIC

Oxalic acid poisoning

🍽️ Guinea Pigs Diet Basics

Unlimited Hay

Timothy hay 80% of diet. Essential for teeth and digestion.

Vitamin C Vegetables

Bell peppers, tomatoes daily. Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C.

Pellets

1/8 cup per pig daily. With vitamin C, timothy-based.

Water

Fresh daily in bottle or bowl.

🆘If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

1. Stay Calm

Note what was eaten, how much, and when.

2. Call For Help

ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 or your vet.

3. Don't Wait

Time matters. Don't try home remedies first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do guinea pigs need vitamin C?▼

Like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. Deficiency causes scurvy—lethargy, joint problems, death.

Can guinea pigs eat carrots?▼

Yes, but sparingly. Carrots are high in sugar. Carrot tops (greens) are healthier and can be fed more often.

How much hay should guinea pigs eat?▼

Unlimited! Guinea pigs should always have access to hay. It's 80% of their diet and essential for teeth and GI health.

Learn More About Guinea Pigs

Explore our complete care guides, cost estimates, and breed information.

Browse Breeds →Cost Guide