What can guinea pigs eat?

For example potatoes, avocado and rhubarb. If your guinea pig ate some, call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away.

Hay: it should make up 85–90% of the diet (PDSA) and always be available. Fresh water must always be there too.

At least 10 mg per kg of body weight every day from food, more for pregnant or sick animals (Merck). Bell peppers, parsley and kale are rich in it (Merck), and bell peppers are low in sugar (NC State). Merck and PDSA don’t recommend adding vitamin C to the water.

PDSA suggests about one cup of vegetables per guinea pig a day, from five to six different kinds. NC State gives about 1/2 cup of greens per 2 pounds of body weight. The German TVT recommends about 200 g per kg.

Sources disagree. PDSA recommends one tablespoon of pellets per adult guinea pig a day and NC State 1–2 tablespoons, while the German TVT considers many pellet and grain mixes unsuitable and the Swiss animal welfare society says grain feed isn’t needed for indoor guinea pigs. All agree: no muesli mixes (PDSA, Royal Veterinary College).

That’s disputed. Most sources allow small amounts as treats, while the Merck Veterinary Manual advises against sugary fruit altogether. So we usually rate fruit “Only a little”.

Slowly, over 2 to 4 weeks (PDSA). Never feed lawn mower clippings: they ferment quickly (PDSA, RSPCA).