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Vitamin C for guinea pigs – how much per day, sources & supplements
Guinea pigs are special: they cannot produce vitamin C themselves. Therefore, vitamin C must always be obtained through food (and sometimes via a supplement). This page explains what makes sense in practice: how much per weight, which sources are reliable, how to manage food's shelf life, and which supplement form works most reliably.
1) How much vitamin C does a guinea pig need?
A common guideline is 10–20 mg of vitamin C per kg of body weight per day for adult guinea pigs. This means, for example, that a 1 kg guinea pig needs roughly 10–20 mg per day. In some situations (growth, pregnancy, recovery), the requirement may be higher; in such cases, consult your veterinarian about what is appropriate.
2) Sources: Where do you get vitamin C from?
The basics always remain: unlimited hay + an appropriate portion of special guinea pig food (pellets) + vegetables daily. Special guinea pig food contains vitamin C; standard rodent food is not designed for this.
Shop: guinea pig food , guinea pig pellets , guinea pig hay and herbs .
3) Shelf life: Vitamin C decreases
Vitamin C is sensitive and degrades with storage. That's why "good pellets" work best if you also store them properly: seal the bag tightly, store in a cool, dry place, and buy a size that you can use quickly.
4) Supplements: what is practical?
For added security, many owners opt for a vitamin C tablet. A predictable approach, for example, is a small tablet daily (tailored to the product/strength and your guinea pigs). Drops in drinking water are more difficult to assess, because you don't know exactly how much is being absorbed and because vitamin C degrades more quickly in water.
For supporting products, also see: guinea pig health .
5) Signals to take seriously
If you have any questions about your guinea pig's nutrition or if your guinea pig is noticeably different (eating less, lethargic, exhibiting unusual behavior, or refusing to exercise), contact your veterinarian. Maintaining healthy appetite and digestive function is crucial for guinea pigs.
- Always: unlimited hay + fresh water.
- Daily: special guinea pig food (pellets) in appropriate portions.
- Daily: vegetables, build up slowly and vary.
- Storage: Close bag well, do not leave open for too long.
- For added peace of mind, choose a predictable supplement form if needed.
Can I rely only on vegetables?
Vegetables help, but it's difficult to estimate exactly how much vitamin C you're feeding. Special guinea pig food is the foundation; supplements allow for practical adjustments.
Is “rodent food” okay?
It is better to choose food that is specifically intended for guinea pigs, because guinea pigs have different needs.
How do I know when I need to make adjustments?
If you have any doubts about your condition, weight, appetite or energy level, check your basics (hay/food/vegetables) and consult your vet.
More guinea pig pages: guinea pig information . Background information: LICG .
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