We recently mentioned the importance of vitamin C supplements in a guinea pigs diet on our Facebook page.
This is due to the fact that guinea pigs do NOT produce enough vitamin C on their own! Without us helping our little, furry friends get enough vitamin C into their diets on the daily, they run the risk of a deficiency and can even get scurvy (yikes!).
(Baweema getting a dose of Vitamin C)
How much vitamin C a guinea pig needs can vary and you should consult with your exotic vet and discuss the different options for getting your guinea pig the proper amount. If a guinea is pregnant, nursing, young or sick, they may require more. You can help your guinea pig get the right amount of vitamin C through a variety of veggies, like: romaine lettuce, parsley, dandelion greens, turnip greens, and red and green leaf lettuce, high quality pellets, Timothy hay and with the addition of a vitamin C supplement.
We use a vitamin C blend that our exotic vet makes in his office and we give a dose of that daily to our piggies!
The important thing is getting your guinea pig enough vitamin C. So talk to your exotic vet! Get your piggie on a proper diet that includes the right amount of vitamin C and this will help your guinea pig live a long, happy and HEALTHY life with you.