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How much vitamin C do guinea pigs need daily and from what foods?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male | unneutered

How much victim c do guinea pig need a day ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Megan, DVM, CVA

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on January 22nd, 2019

They need approximately 10mg of Vitamin C a day. It is best to give them through fresh fruits and vegetables. Below are some suggested serving sizes of foods that are high in Vitamin C. These serving sizes provide approximately 10mg of Vitamin C.

Green Bell Peppers - 1/7 of a pepper
Kale - 1/8 cup
Kiwis - 1/8 cup
Parsley - 1/8 cup
Red Bell Peppers - 1/14 of a pepper
Oranges - 1/7 of a fruit (~2-5/8 inch diameter fruit)
I hope this helps!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 24th, 2018

    The following vegetables have the highest amounts of vitamin C : dark, leafy greens, bell peppers, zucchini,broccoli, cauliflower. If you intend to give broccoli or cauliflower, only give once a week as your guinea pig may get gassy from these. Red and green bell peppers and zucchini can be given daily. Strawberries, and orange peel can be given also.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 27th, 2017

    Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin c so it is important to feed the avariety of veggies daily to supplement that on top of what you’re already feeding. Foods that are high in vitamin c are red/green bell peppers, kale, parsley, kiwi, oranges and broccoli florets. Also make sure he has something to chew on to help file his teeth down. i hope this helps!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Food & Nutrition
How many vegetables should my guinea pig eat daily for good health?
You should feed about one cup of fresh vegetables for each guinea pig every day. Leafy greens vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach, kale or parsley are the best. Add carrots, baby tomatoes, zucchini and sweet potato a few times a week. Fresh vegetables provide them with a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My guinea pig won't eat bell peppers. How can I ensure he gets vitamin C?
I would try a variety of fresh foods that are high in vitamin c like kiwi, kale, oranges, and different color bell peppers. If this doesn't work you could try to add tang powder (a human powdered drink) to his water and see if he will drink it this way. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Can too much Vitamin C from fruits and veggies hurt guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs can handle large doses of Vitamin C usually without issue. It is a water soluble vitamin so excess will be excreted in the urine. The only time it could cause an issue is if he has an underlying kidney problem or you are giving extreme, massive doses. What we recommend is 50mg per day of Vitamin C. Try not to go crazy with the supplementation and he will be fine.. Good question and thank you for asking. You need to be very careful where you get your information from over the internet so don't believe everything you read. Always ask a veterinary professional if you have questions about your animals.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Is my guinea pig getting the correct Vitamin C syrup dosage?
A guinea pig requires at least 90 mg vitamin C a day but do not forget he should get more than enough in his food if you are feeding him a good quality food so he might not need a supplement. in this syrup's case 90 mg would be just over 5 ml, but 1ml should be more than enough considering he is probably getting a lot through the food already.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Does my guinea pig need vitamin C? Is my old supplement still safe?
I recommend the following supplement, depending on your guinea pig's size you should give her between 1/2-1 tab: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-vitamin-c-supplement-42-oz-5022783--1
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Are vitamin C drops enough for guinea pigs instead of daily veggies?
Although vitamin c drops are a help they do not store ell and tend to reduce in efficacy over time. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a more reliable source and also provide environmental enrichment and both mental and physical stimulation to her daily routine
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Do guinea pigs need cooked sweet potatoes or zucchini before eating?
No you don’t! Most guinea pigs like the crunch. Also make sure you are feeding food that is high in vitamin C since they cannot produce their own vitamin c. Some of the foods highest in vitamin C are green and red bell peppers, kale, kiwi, oranges, broccoli and parsley. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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