Quick Answer
Use the guide below to check if specific foods are safe for your guinea pig. Each food includes a safety rating, serving size, and health warnings.
What Can Guinea Pig Eat?
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and need it daily from food. Hay is essential, vegetables are critical.
✅Safe Foods for Guinea Pig
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
AVOIDLow nutrition, causes diarrhea
Potatoes
TOXICSolanine poisoning
Onions/Garlic
TOXICBlood cell damage
Avocado
TOXICPersin toxicity
Chocolate
TOXICNever give sweets
Dairy
AVOIDCannot digest dairy
Bread
AVOIDCauses bloat, GI issues
Rhubarb
TOXICOxalic acid poisoning
🍽️ Guinea Pig 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?▼
Can guinea pigs eat carrots?▼
How much hay should guinea pigs eat?▼
Learn More About Guinea Pigs
Explore our complete care guides, cost estimates, and breed information.
Explore More
Trusted sources: ASPCA Poison Control · AVMA Pet Care · Merck Vet Manual