Salt Lake City/Taylorsville Utah's

Redwood Veterinary Hospital

(801)-966-3974

Logo for Redwood Veterinary Hospital located in Taylorsville, Utah
Salt Lake City/Taylorsville Utah's

Redwood Veterinary Hospital

(801)-966-3974
Guinea Pig in bed of grass and hay.

Tips for Feeding Your Guinea Pig

Feeding guinea pigs requires attention to their nutritional needs, as they have specific dietary requirements. Here are some tips for feeding guinea pigs:

Tips for Feeding Your Guinea Pig
  • Use Heavy Crocks and Sipper Bottles. Heavy ceramic crocks that don't tip easily usually work best as food containers, and water is most easily made available by use of a water bottle equipped with a "sipper tube".
  • Feed Pelleted Chows. Provide your pet with commercially available pelleted chows for a majority of their diet (80%).
  • Do Not Use Rabbit Pellets.Do not feed rabbit pellets as a substitute for Guinea Pig pellets.
  • Use High-Quality Hay. Provide your pet with Free-choice grass hay (such as Timothy or Bromegrass). This provides the fiber necessary to maintain normal intestinal tract function and promotes normal wear of guinea pig teeth.
  • Do Not Substitute Alfalfa Hay. Alfalfa contains a high level of calcium, and excess calcium may lead to the formation of calcium bladder stones in guinea pigs.
  • Feed A Small Amount of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables. Small amounts of fresh food (especially those high in vitamin C, like red and yellow bell pepper, leafy greens like spinach or kale, tomatoes, broccoli, kiwi fruit) can be offered daily. These foods should not make up more than 10-15% of the guinea pig's diet, and should be washed to remove any chemical residues prior to feeding. Do not overdo it on the veggies! Excessive consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables can cause diarrhea and bloating.
  • Provide Plenty of Fresh Water. Check the sipper tube often. Guinea pigs tend to contaminate and clog their water bottles by chewing on the end of the sipper tube and "backwashing" food particles into it For this reason, it is very important to clean and change the water container daily.
  • Avoid Radical Changes. Avoid making radical changes in the type of food or water containers as well. Guinea pigs are creatures of habit, and don't tolerate sudden changes in the presentation of their food or water, nor changes in the taste, odor, texture or form of the food itself.

Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian who is experienced in treating small animals. This helps ensure your guinea pig's overall health and allows for early detection of any potential issues.

Remember that individual guinea pigs may have different preferences and dietary needs, so it's essential to observe your pets and make adjustments accordingly. Always consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice based on your guinea pig's health and specific requirements.

Logo for Redwood Veterinary Hospital located in Taylorsville, Utah
Salt Lake City Veterinarians
Taylorsville Animal Hospital Since 1982