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Can too much Vitamin C from fruits and veggies hurt guinea pigs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old

i love my guinea pig and try to give him everything he needs. i feed him fruit and vegetables every day that are rich in vitamin c as well as plenty of timothy hay, pellets and water. But I just read an article that suggested I was giving him too much of these vitamin c fruits and vegies. Is that possible? To give a guinea pig too much melon or tomatoes or strawberry or green pepper? Can it hurt him? He has access to it all.... can he really eat to much of anything that is good for him?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2018

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.
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Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
How much vitamin C do guinea pigs need daily and from what foods?
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!
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
Health & Wellness
Is a higher guinea pig supplement dose safe for younger pigs?
I am sorry for the delay in getting to your question. It is fine to increase it to the full amount. It will not harm the younger one. Vitamin C is a "water soluble" vitamin, meaning any excess beyond what the body can use is excreted in the urine and will not cause harm. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
What happens if I put Vitamin C drops in my guinea pig's water?
You can but it is not recommended because some guinea pigs don't like the taste of the water with the Vitamin C in it so they end up not drinking and get sick. It is best to give Vitamin C in a treat like these: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-vitamin-c-supplement-42-oz-5022783--1 )
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My guinea pig ate a multivitamin. Is it safe? Do I need a vet?
Given the small amount, it is likely your guinea pig will be fine. Monitor for lethargy, loose droppings or loss of appetite. See your veterinarian should your guinea pig develop any of these symptoms.
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
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

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