The 80/10/5 Rule
A healthy guinea pig diet should be approximately 80% unlimited hay, 10% fresh leafy greens, and only 5% high-quality pellets (roughly one tablespoon per pig, per day). Getting this ratio right prevents obesity, dental disease, and gut stasis.
The Critical Importance of Vitamin C
Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot synthesise their own Vitamin C. Without daily dietary supplementation, they develop scurvy — a painful condition causing lethargy, swollen joints, and bleeding gums. Bell peppers (particularly red and yellow) are the single best dietary source.
Best Pellets
1. Science Selective Guinea Pig
Uniform extruded nuggets that prevent selective feeding. Timothy hay-based with added Vitamin C. The vet’s favourite.
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2. Burgess Excel Guinea Pig Nuggets
Widely available across UK supermarkets and pet shops. High-fibre, with beneficial prebiotics for gut health. Available in multiple flavours.
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Best Hay
Timothy hay is the gold standard, but meadow hay is an excellent and cost-effective alternative. Buy from specialist UK suppliers (The Hay Shed, Happy Hay Co) for fragrant, dust-extracted bales.
What to Avoid
- Muesli mixes: Encourage selective feeding and are linked to dental disease.
- rabbit-food-uk/” title=”rabbit food”>Rabbit food: Lacks the essential Vitamin C that guinea pigs require and is NOT a substitute.
