Guinea pigs can eat unlimited grass hay, a small amount of plain pellets, fresh leafy vegetables and herbs every day, and a little fruit as an occasional treat. Everything else should be introduced carefully, and some common foods are unsafe.
Everyday Foods
Hay and Grass
Timothy or orchard grass hay should always be in the cage. It supplies the fiber guinea pigs need for digestion and for keeping their teeth worn down. Fresh grass can be offered in small handfuls; see can guinea pigs eat grass.
Pellets
Pick a plain timothy-based pellet made for guinea pigs and fortified with vitamin C. Avoid mixes with seeds, nuts, or dried fruit. Serve a measured portion, since overfeeding pellets leads to less hay eating and weight gain.
Fresh Vegetables
Guinea pigs need a daily source of vitamin C, and vegetables are the best way to provide it. Good picks include:
- Romaine, red leaf, and green leaf lettuce
- Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers
- Cilantro, parsley, mint, and basil
- Cucumber, zucchini, and celery
- Carrot tops, dandelion greens, and bok choy
Offer about a cup a day per guinea pig, and rotate the types so no single food dominates. Kale, spinach, and parsley are higher in calcium, so mix them in rather than serving them every day. More options are in best vegetables for guinea pigs.
Foods to Limit
- Fruit: Apple (no seeds), strawberries, blueberries, melon, and kiwi are fine in small pieces a few times a week. The sugar can cause weight gain and soft stools if overdone.
- Carrots: Safe but sugary. Treat them like fruit, not a staple.
- Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower: Okay in small amounts, but they can cause gas.
- Iceberg lettuce: Not toxic, but it has little nutrition and can loosen stools.
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate, candy, and sugary snacks
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives
- Avocado, rhubarb leaves, and raw potatoes or potato skins
- Meat, dairy, bread, chips, and crackers
- Rabbit or hamster food, which does not have the vitamin C guinea pigs need
Our guide to toxic foods for guinea pigs covers more.
Feeding Tips
- Introduce one new food at a time and watch for diarrhea, gas, or lower appetite.
- Remove uneaten fresh food within a few hours.
- Wash produce well and avoid anything moldy or wilted.
- Always have fresh water available.
Bottom Line
Build the diet on hay, then add plain pellets, a cup of fresh vegetables, and a small piece of fruit now and then. If your guinea pig refuses food for more than a day, call an exotics vet promptly.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your guinea pig’s diet and any health concerns.
