What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?

New to guinea pigs? Here’s the diet basics in one place.

The four food groups

Hay (unlimited, the foundation), guinea-pig-specific pellets (a small measured daily portion), fresh vegetables (a daily portion, ideally vitamin-C-rich), and water (fresh, changed daily).

Sample daily diet

Unlimited hay available at all times, a small measured pellet portion once or twice daily, a modest portion of fresh veg (bell pepper is a good vitamin C source), and an occasional small treat.

Foods to avoid

Rabbit or generic small-animal pellets (no vitamin C fortification), anything high in sugar or starch as a regular item, and any new food introduced suddenly rather than gradually.

Vitamin C explained

Guinea pigs can’t synthesise their own vitamin C the way most animals can, so it has to come from their daily diet — a guinea-pig-formulated pellet plus vitamin-C-rich fresh veg is the standard way to make sure they’re getting enough.

General small-pet care information, not veterinary advice — if your pet has a specific health condition, is a picky eater, or you are changing their diet, it is worth checking with an exotic-animal-savvy vet for guidance tailored to them.

FAQs

Do guinea pigs need a vitamin C supplement on top of food?

Not usually, if their pellet and fresh veg are appropriate and fresh — a fresh, guinea-pig-specific pellet plus a daily vitamin-C-rich veg is generally enough.

How much hay do guinea pigs need?

Unlimited, available at all times — just like rabbits, it’s the foundation of the diet, not an occasional extra.

Shop the essentials

Browse guinea pig food, or read our full Guinea Pig Care Guide and Vitamin C Guide.