Guinea pigs require vitamin C for collagen formation and other functions, and have high nutritional needs for arginine and folic acid.
Most animals can produce their own vitamin C, but guinea pigs (akin to pirates) cannot. Instead, they must obtain it through diet in order to prevent an illness known as guinea pig scurvy.
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Fruits
Like humans, guinea pigs do not produce their own vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), so it’s crucial for them to consume an adequate amount of it through diet. Without enough Vitamin C they could experience symptoms like diarrhoea and poor coat quality which could even result in death.
Guinea pigs require a varied diet to provide sufficient amounts of vitamin C. Vegetables like kale, broccoli and carrot tops contain significant quantities of this nutrient; other options may include spinach, beetroot and parsley.
Fruits can provide a good source of vitamin C; however, due to their high sugar content they should only be offered on occasion (once or twice every week).
Before feeding their food to guinea pigs, it is imperative that all fruits and vegetables be thoroughly washed to ensure any pesticides or chemicals found on the produce have been eliminated from its surface. Also ensure any seeds present might pose a choking hazard as this should also be addressed prior to feeding time.
Vegetables
Guinea pigs love eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs like leafy greens, carrots, celery, parsley (curly and flat-leaf), cucumber, and sweet bell peppers. For optimal safety, cut all food into matchbox-sized chunks so as to prevent your little friends from choking themselves while eating!
These vegetables provide an abundance of vitamin C, B vitamins, soluble fibre, potassium, and magnesium – essential components of overall good health. Furthermore, many also contain carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytonutrients – essential plant compounds which promote heart health, reduce cancer risks, enhance eye health and boost immunity.
Certain vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain high concentrations of oxalic acid or calcium that could potentially cause digestive issues for your guinea pig. Be mindful when giving these to them and provide alternatives as a supplement.
Pellets
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves and must obtain it through their diet. Without sufficient levels of this essential nutrient, even two weeks without enough nourishment could be enough for scurvy to develop. Most pellet formulas already include some form of vitamin C; when selecting one with stabilized forms it would be preferable.
Select a pellet without adding extra ingredients such as seeds and nuts that contain high levels of fat content that could cause obesity or dental issues in guinea pigs.
Pellets that come in uniform shapes and sizes help prevent selective eating by guinea pigs, who might opt for only specific components and therefore miss out on essential nutrition.
Water
Guinea pigs must always have access to fresh clean water as dehydration can quickly kill them.
Provide your guinea pig with an easily accessible water bottle and ensure it is installed in their cage. A heavy ceramic bowl may also work, however it will need regular rinsing and cleaning as it may become contaminated with droppings.
Vitamin C drops should never be added to a guinea pig’s water as this will encourage bacteria growth, potentially discouraging them from drinking enough and becoming dehydrated, which could be dangerous.
Your guinea pig should receive a diet rich in Vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables such as parsley, broccoli, red capsicum or Chinese vegetables such as bok choy or kai lan as these will meet their daily vitamin requirements. In addition, human liquid vitamin C (1/8 teaspoon daily) or animal-specific liquid vitamin C is available at most health food stores.
