Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C for themselves, so they must obtain it through food sources. Without enough vitamin C, they become more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
Fortunately, there are several ways to provide your guinea pig with extra vitamin C. Start by choosing a pellet that contains stabilized vitamin C and feeding it along with hay and fresh vegetables.
Human vitamin C is not safe for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C on their own; they must obtain it through diet. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to various unpleasant health issues; a severe deficiency is known as scurvy.
Guinea pigs require 10-30 mg of vitamin C per kilogram of body weight, with pregnant guinea pigs and other young or sick guinea pigs needing up to 30 mg daily. This amounts to roughly 10 cups of vegetables or one cup fresh fruit daily.
Finding ways to provide your guinea pig with enough vitamin C isn’t hard; there are plenty of options. Red pepper, parsley, spinach and kale are all high in this important nutrient. For an additional treat, feed fruit such as apples, oranges, blueberries or strawberries as a treat from time to time.
Another option is taking a powdered form of vitamin C as an oral supplement, but be sure to take it quickly so it doesn’t lose its potency.
One of the disadvantages of this supplement is that it must be diluted in water before being administered to guinea pigs, meaning they’ll need to drink more fluids than usual and they also require feedings more frequently as not enough can lead to signs of scurvy.
Another option for treating your guinea pig’s ailments is giving them liquid vitamin C in tablet form, which works well if your pet is cooperative. These tablets can be found at pet stores and human health food stores and require very quick dissolving time with a pleasant lemon flavor most guinea pigs will enjoy.
To guarantee your guinea pig gets enough vitamin C, feed them a nutritious and balanced pelleted diet as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re unsure how much Vitamin C they require, reach out to your vet to discuss this with them.
Human vitamin C is not good for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are one of the few mammal species on Earth that cannot synthesize vitamin C on their own. Therefore, they require a diet rich in this water-soluble vitamin to avoid scurvy and keep their bodies healthy.
There are a number of natural foods that provide an abundant supply of this essential vitamin, such as green peppers, parsley, spinach and kale. Unfortunately, since these vegetables and fruits often degrade by the time they’re consumed, pelleted food with stabilized vitamin C is necessary to guarantee your guinea pigs get the most benefit from their food intake.
Guinea pigs require a daily dose of vitamin C to stay healthy, so it’s essential that they have access to this essential ingredient in their food. This is especially important for pregnant guinea pigs or those suffering from an illness or other health issue which could prevent them from absorbing vitamin C naturally.
Guinea pigs typically require 25 milligrams of this essential vitamin per day, though this amount may differ based on age, weight and overall health. To meet their daily requirement for vitamin C, most can benefit from a commercial pelleted diet with stabilized vitamin C that’s supplemented with hay or fresh vegetables.
Certain guinea pigs, such as those suffering from scurvy or being treated for it, may require more of this supplement than others. Therefore, it’s wise to discuss its use with your vet at an appropriate time.
If you choose to give your guinea pig this supplement, administering it through a syringe is recommended. Doing so ensures they get the correct amount of vitamin C each day and prevents overdose on the supplement which could harm their liver.
There are liquids on the market to provide your guinea pig with this essential vitamin, but be aware they often contain sugar and other additives which could be too much for their system. You could also try tablets designed for children; however, be mindful that these may not contain enough vitamin C to meet their requirements.
