What amounts of fruit do you feed a guinea pig?

Answer 1

Very little. Guinea pigs have a natural deficiency in vitamins A and C, so the occasional offering of citrus fruit, cucumber and red or green peppers can be beneficial. However, pet-food guinea pig food is already vitamin enriched to help with this deficiency.

Assuming you are feeding a foundation diet of decent-quality pet-store guinea pig food, no fruit is necessary. Fruit also contains sugars and is soft; both is bad for a guinea pig. The sugars make it fat, and the softness prevent it from exercising its teeth - vital for any rodent, as the teeth never stop growing.

A good diet for a guinea pig in captivity, therefore, is a base supply of vitamin-enriched pet-shop guinea pig food, accompanied by plenty of hey and fresh tough grass, dandelions, raspberry leaves and some herbs (oregano, parsley and mint are particularly popular). Touch leaves (such as banana leaves) are also a good choice.