Vegetables & Fruits

In addition to ongoing access to fresh hay, clean water and an optional plain pellet; guinea pigs and rabbits require a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure they are provided with all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay happy and healthy.

Like humans, guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own ascorbic acid (more commonly referred to as vitamin C), and need this supplemented through their diet. Cavies require 20-30mg of Vitamin C daily to ensure they remain at optimum health. Pregnant and Lactating Sows require 30-50mg daily.

The good news is, you can top up your piggies' Vitamin C levels easily every day simply with fruit and veggies! Read on for more info!

What Vegetables & Fruits Are Best?

Variety is the spice of life!

Some veggies can be fed daily, while fruit and certain vegetables are best in moderation due to their higher calcium, acidity or 'bloat' content (check out our "Veggie" Table below for ideas on what's best! 👇). 

Remember to load up on veggies high in Vitamin C - as piggies can't produce this vitamin by themselves (just like us hoomans!). We recommend capsicums everyday to make sure your pets get their daily dose - they just LOVE them (seeds and all!)!

A wide range of piggy-friendly options ensure your cavies' digestive system maintains sufficient gut movement and gives them the necessary vitamins and minerals they need.

How much?

Guinea pigs require one cup of vegetables a day. Fruits can be fed once or twice per week, as they are higher in sugar and can lead to obesity issues if fed too often! Always provide vegetables that include a good source of vitamin C.

Vegetables can be fed twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. Some guinea pigs may not be interested in certain types of vegetables. A great way to overcome this is to cover the unwanted vegetables with pure, non sweetened, all natural orange or fruit juice.

Usually a cavy will smell the fruit juice and be more inclined to lick or taste the vegetable, which most pigs will soon find that they do enjoy!

Preparation

Guinea pigs require one cup of vegetables a day. Fruits should be fed once or twice per week, as these are higher in sugars and can lead to obesity issues if fed too often! Always provide vegetables that include a good source of vitamin C.

Vegetables can be fed twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. Not only do vegetables provide an essential source of vitamins and minerals but they also provide your guinea pig with variety in their diet. Some guinea pigs may not be interested in certain types of vegetables. A great way to overcome this is to cover the unwanted vegetables with pure, non sweetened, all natural orange or fruit juice. Usually a cavy will smell the fruit juice and be more inclined to lick or taste the vegetable which most pigs will soon find that they do enjoy! Give it a try sometime!

Sample Diet

Below is a sample diet that can show what vegetables and fruits can be fed to your pets. This diet is an approximate amount per pig. Quantities can vary depending on diet, medical needs and the individual piggy preferences. In addition to vegetables and fruits always include a constant supply of fresh grass hay!