Rabbit pellets are too high in calcium for guinea pigs and do not contain vitamin C. Guinea pigs are one of only a few animals that require a daily source of vitamin C in their diets because their bodies are not capable of producing this vitamin. A lack of vitamin C is the most common nutritional deficiency in guinea pigs. Guinea pig pellets are the best source of vitamin C; however, this vitamin deteriorates with time, so it is important to ensure that commercially prepared guinea pig foods are fresh and use a stabilized form of vitamin C. It is recommended to supplement guinea pig diets with fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C or to provide vitamin C tablets designed for guinea pigs. You can add vitamin C supplements to their water, but it breaks down quickly with light exposure and may decrease water intake, so you cannot predict vitamin C intake from water consumption.
These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
Welcome
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
eXtension: more mind reach
Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts
When I got my guinea pig, I was told not to feed it rabbit pellets. Why?
Last Updated: October 04, 2010
Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
This resource area was created by the: Companion Animals community
