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Guinea pig food selection guide – hay, pellets, vegetables, herbs & snacks
Good guinea pig food is surprisingly straightforward: hay (always), a suitable portion of guinea pig pellets, vegetables daily, and an occasional snack. The trick is finding the right proportions and choosing foods that guinea pigs won't "selectively" eat. On this page, we explain it step by step, with helpful links to the correct categories.
1) Basic: hay & water (always available)
Guinea pigs should be able to nibble all day long. Therefore, they should have unlimited hay and/or grass , and always fresh water. Hay helps with bowel function and supports healthy teeth.
Shop: guinea pig hay , hay racks and drinking solutions .
2) Pellets: how many and why prefer chunks
Pellets are a great addition to hay. They're more "complete" than mixed feed, as guinea pigs are less likely to pick out the tastiest bits. For many adult guinea pigs , about 20 grams of dry food per day is sufficient if they are fed plenty of hay and greens. For guinea pigs prone to obesity, it's best to calculate by weight and consider their body condition.
View: guinea pig pellets and all guinea pig food .
3) Vegetables: build up slowly and vary.
Daily greens provide variety. Gradually introduce new varieties: start with small pieces and only increase if things are going well. Variety helps prevent pickiness. Choose fiber-rich greens and alternate varieties.
Useful additions (also as a reward/variation): guinea pig snacks and dried herbs .
4) Herbs & extras: for variety and foraging
Herbs are a natural feeding habit: sniffing, selecting, and gently nibbling. You can alternate between dried and fresh herbs (if your guinea pigs are used to them).
Shop: guinea pig herbs and fresh guinea pig herbs .
5) Snacks: rewarding without it becoming “food”
Snacks are meant as a treat or to build rapport. Choose snacks that are suitable for guinea pigs (avoid strange mixes with lots of sugar) and keep portions small. Also use snacks cleverly for enrichment: hide small pieces in a sniffing area or spread the food around so guinea pigs have to search for it.
View: play & foraging and guinea pig snacks .
- Hay always available + fresh refill daily.
- Pellets: fixed portion (not unlimited), tailored to weight/condition.
- Vegetables daily, gradually building up to new varieties.
- Keep snacks small and use them for foraging.
- Always clean drinking water, clean bowls/bottles thoroughly every week.
Are muesli-like mixes suitable?
Many guinea pigs become selective eaters. Pellets provide more certainty that they're getting everything they need.
How often do I give vegetables?
Daily is common. Build up new varieties slowly and vary.
What is the most important “never on” rule?
Hay. That should always be available.
More guinea pig tips? Go to guinea pig information . For background information: LICG .
Need help choosing? Check out our service page .
