We have probably all heard that we need a good amount of vitamin C in our diets to be healthy, but did you know it is also incredibly important for your guinea pig too? In this short blog, we will discuss why vitamin C is an essentialfor guinea pigs and how you can get plenty into your cavies’ diets.

Apart from us and guinea pigs, most animals synthesise their own vitamin C in their bodies. Therefore, it is essential that both humans and cavies get their vitamin C intake from their diet, hence why we are always told to eat our five a day. This vitamin is incredibly important for optimal health as it is used to make collagen, meaning it is integral for healthy skin, joints, and immune system. Without it, a variety of health problems can arise. A healthy, adult guinea pig needs approximately 20-30mg a day of vitamin C, whilst younger or pregnant piggies need 30-40mg a day.

You may have heard of sailors out at sea developing scurvy due to a lack of vitamin C -it is a very similar case for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs whose diet is lacking in vitamin C can suffer from lethargy, an unhealthy coat, and wounds not healing properly. Other signs also include poor appetite, painful teeth, diarrhoea, and weight loss. If their diet is vitamin C deficient then it will only take 2-3 weeks for signs to show.It is especially important for young guinea pigs to get the correct levels of vitamin C, as they can develop lifelong struggles with bone pain, arthritis, and abnormal posture. However, with correct veterinary treatment, most guinea pigs will recover from vitamin C deficiency when moved onto a proper diet, with only severe cases at risk from poor recovery. If you suspect that your guinea pig has a vitamin C deficiency, then you should take them to see your vet.

It is quite simple for your piggies to get enough vitamin C by simply giving them a balanced, healthy diet. Hay should always be available to your guinea pig and should make up to 85% of their diet – approximately a pile the same size as them. Meanwhile, 10% of their diet should be made up plants and vegetables, approximately a handful per day. Great veg with high vitamin C content to feed to your guinea pig includes peppers, kale, mustard greens, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, and red cabbage. Fruits, like kiwi and strawberries, are also good in small amounts. Alternatively, adding some of our delicious, dried forage into their diets is a fantastic way of adding vitamin C. Our Natural Nibbles ProCare+ Vitamin C functional treats are a natural, healthy choice to help ensure your piggie is meeting their vitamin C needs. As well as this, our Premium Vegetable Medley is ideal forage choice for mixing into their hay, encouraging their natural foraging behaviour, as well as providing a good level of vitamin C. 

If you have any further questions about your guinea pig’s diet, feel free to get in contact with us. If you have any concerns that your guinea pig has a vitamin C deficiency, then consult your vet.