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Guinea pig teeth – teeth and molars, signals & how nutrition helps
A guinea pig's teeth are designed to process fiber all day long. That's why hay is so important: it encourages prolonged chewing and supports natural wear. On this page, you'll learn how teeth work, what signs to recognize, and how to establish a good foundation with nutrition and furnishings. DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011.
1) How does the guinea pig bite work?
Guinea pigs are built to eat a lot of fiber. This means plenty of chewing, spread out throughout the day. Hay, an appropriate portion of pellets, and a consistent routine help keep their eating habits stable.
2) Signs to watch out for
- Pack less hay, but still choose “soft things”.
- Spilling, dropping pellets from the mouth or taking noticeably long to eat.
- Wet chin/chest (due to spilling or eating less neatly).
- Being less enthusiastic about eating, or “walking away” from the feeding area more often.
For nutritional support and basic products: guinea pig food and nutrition and guinea pig pellets .
3) Hay: the most important “dental helper”
Hay encourages prolonged chewing, making it the most important part of the diet for many guinea pigs. Is your guinea pig picky? It often helps to vary the texture (somewhat softer or coarser) and offer it extra "fresh."
Shopping links: guinea pig hay and guinea pig hay racks .
4) Routine: how to stimulate chewing
- Multiple hay spots: manger + extra tufts in different places.
- Place the hay rack in a logical place: near a favourite resting or feeding spot.
- Quiet feeding area: not on a busy walking route or in a draft.
- Enrichment: Foraged foods make eating more “active.”
See also: play & foraging and houses (rest and hiding places help with a relaxed meal).
5) When to call for additional help
If you notice significant changes in eating behavior or if hay is consistently refused, it's wise to seek professional advice. A good transport box is useful for transportation. For general basic supplies related to condition and care, you can find a wide range of products at guinea pig health .
- Hay in unlimited quantities and visibly fresh (change daily).
- Multiple hay spots + hay rack in a logical place.
- Pellets in appropriate portions (not too many “extras” at once).
- Watch out for spills, wet chins, or prolonged chewing without much absorption.
- In case of a clear change: seek professional advice.
- Never cut or “correct” teeth yourself.
- Build up feed changes gradually and avoid major fluctuations in routine.
- Keep the accommodation comfortable: dry, clean and with sufficient rest areas.
Which diet best supports teeth?
Hay is the most important foundation, as it encourages prolonged chewing. Hay racks and multiple hay patches often provide additional support.
My guinea pig eats pellets but not as much hay. What can I do?
Try fresh hay in several places, possibly a different hay structure, and offer it attractively via a manger and loose tufts.
Is gnawing material important?
It can provide variety, but hay remains the main focus. See guinea pig gnawing material .
Read more: Guinea pig information . Background information: LICG .
Questions about hay or feed? Then check out our service page .
