What do guinea pigs actually eat?
A look into the bowl—and into the Andes. 🐹🌿
When we think of guinea pigs, we usually imagine cute little furry friends happily scampering around their enclosures or contentedly nibbling on haystacks. But did you know where their roots lie?
Our modern-day domestic guinea pigs originate from South and Central America—more specifically, from the highlands of Peru and the Andes region. There, their wild ancestors lived in dry grasslands surrounded by an incredible variety of grasses, herbs, leaves, and plant seeds. And it was precisely this plant diversity that provided them with everything they needed to survive: vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals—everything was right under their noses. 🌾
Today, of course, our guinea pigs no longer live in Peru (as sad as that is sometimes 😉), but with us – and so we are responsible for putting together the best possible menu for them.
Why food is so important
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves; they must obtain it daily from their diet. Depending on their age and condition, they need between 5 and 20 milligrams of vitamin C per day . A persistent deficiency of this vitamin can lead to serious health problems. That's why a well-thought-out feeding plan is so crucial!
But don't worry—you don't need to be a nutritionist. A few basic rules and the right instinct are all you need to take good care of your animals. 😊
This is what the ideal menu looks like:
On the plate (or in the enclosure) every day belong:
✅ Fresh hay – around the clock
✅ Green fodder – fresh leaves, herbs, wild plants
✅ Vegetables and some fruit – colorfully mixed
✅ Twigs – for nibbling & for dental care
✅ Herbs – fresh or dried
✅ Seeds – for energy and vital substances
It's all in the combination! Only through diversity can the animals receive all the different nutrients they truly need to stay healthy.
A word about dried herbs
I recommend:
👉 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per animal – 2 x per week
Dried herbs contain extremely high levels of minerals. This is why they are so valuable—but also so concentrated. Too much of them can quickly lead to bladder grit or even bladder stones.
Other types of food also need moderation:
➡️ Too much lettuce? It results in mushy stools.
➡️ Fresh herbs from the supermarket? Often full of bacteria due to long transport routes.
My tip: I feed dried herbs in addition to fresh ones – this way my piggies can decide for themselves what they need.
🌱 A word about seeds
You may have already guessed: seeds are an often underestimated but incredibly important part of a guinea pig's diet.
Why? Because they contain high-quality fats, proteins, trace elements, and minerals —exactly what little bodies urgently need, especially during stressful periods, during shedding, or in winter.
In nature, guinea pigs would naturally access seeds – with us, we have to consciously supplement them. But don't worry: It's not about "a lot," but about "the right amount."
That's why you'll find specially formulated seed mixes in my shop—seasonal, balanced, and, of course, tested by my own furry friends. 😊
What I have learned – and why I want to pass it on
I researched, tried, adjusted, compared, and combined (what felt like) endlessly – until I really got the feeding process for my own large group of pigs under control. And I can honestly say:
💛 It was more than worth it!
The animals are fit, happy, and lively – and I have far fewer food-related problems than many owners report in Facebook groups and forums.
And that's exactly why I want to share my knowledge - with you , with everyone who loves these little, wonderful creatures as much as I do.
Conclusion: Good nutrition = healthy pigs
Of course, many factors play a role in guinea pig care. But nutrition is key —just like with us humans. And with a little knowledge, attention, and love, so much good can be done. 🐹💚
So, if you're looking for valuable herbal blends, seeds, or helpful accessories, feel free to browse my shop. Everything you find there has been personally tested, loved, and approved by me.
I would be happy to help you and your furry friends.
Your Andrea
