Guinea pigs require a diet rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and balanced nutrition to maintain their health and prevent common issues like scurvy and digestive problems. Unlike many animals, guinea pigs cannot produce their own Vitamin C and must get it from their diet. A proper guinea pig diet consists primarily of unlimited hay, supplemented with fortified pellets and fresh vegetables.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best guinea pig foods available on Amazon. We've evaluated each product based on Vitamin C content, fiber levels, ingredient quality, pellet formulation, and nutritional balance. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Our Top Picks
If you're in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food - High-fiber timothy hay, stabilized Vitamin C, balanced nutrition
- Best Vitamin C: Kaytee FortiDiet Guinea Pig Food - High Vitamin C, timothy hay-based, complete nutrition
- Best Premium: Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food - Premium timothy hay, no fillers, high quality
- Best Budget: Budget-Friendly Option - Good value, Vitamin C fortified, complete nutrition
What to Look For in Guinea Pig Food
When choosing guinea pig food, consider these important factors:
Vitamin C Content
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize Vitamin C and require 10-30 mg per day. Look for pellets fortified with stabilized Vitamin C. Check expiration dates, as Vitamin C degrades over time. Fresh vegetables also provide Vitamin C.
Fiber Content
High fiber content (18-20% minimum) is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps maintain gut motility and prevents gastrointestinal stasis. Timothy hay-based pellets typically provide the best fiber content.
Timothy Hay-Based
Adult guinea pigs should eat timothy hay-based pellets rather than alfalfa-based, which is too high in protein and calcium for adults. Alfalfa is appropriate for young guinea pigs under 6 months old.
No Added Treats
Avoid pellets with added seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or colorful pieces. These encourage selective eating and can lead to nutritional imbalances. Plain, uniform pellets ensure complete nutrition.
Ingredient Quality
Look for pellets made with high-quality timothy hay as the first ingredient. Avoid feeds with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, or low-quality grains. Natural ingredients are best for guinea pig health.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Base | Vitamin C | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxbow Essentials | Timothy Hay | Stabilized | Adult guinea pigs, complete nutrition | $$ |
| Kaytee FortiDiet | Timothy Hay | High | Vitamin C support, complete nutrition | $ |
| Small Pet Select | Timothy Hay | Fortified | Premium quality, no fillers | $$ |
| Budget Option | Timothy Hay | Fortified | Value, complete nutrition | $ |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food - Best Overall
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food is our top choice for overall quality and nutrition. This timothy hay-based pellet is specifically formulated for adult guinea pigs and contains stabilized Vitamin C, which is essential since guinea pigs cannot produce their own.
The formula is made with high-quality timothy hay as the primary ingredient, providing 22% fiber for digestive health and dental care. The pellets are uniform and don't contain added treats, seeds, or colorful pieces, preventing selective eating and ensuring complete nutrition.
Oxbow Essentials is veterinarian recommended and provides balanced nutrition with proper protein levels (14%) for adult guinea pigs. The stabilized Vitamin C helps prevent scurvy, and the high fiber content supports digestive health. This food is also suitable for chinchillas, making it versatile if you have multiple small pets.
Key Features: Timothy hay-based, stabilized Vitamin C, 22% fiber, vet recommended, uniform pellets, balanced nutrition
2. Kaytee FortiDiet Guinea Pig Food - Best Vitamin C
Kaytee FortiDiet Guinea Pig Food is an excellent choice for Vitamin C support. This timothy hay-based feed is fortified with high levels of Vitamin C to meet guinea pigs' daily requirements and prevent scurvy.
The formula provides complete nutrition with proper fiber content and balanced protein levels. The pellets are uniform and don't contain added treats, ensuring your guinea pig gets complete nutrition with every bite.
This food is affordable and provides good value while maintaining quality nutrition. The timothy hay base provides essential fiber, and the Vitamin C fortification ensures your guinea pig gets this critical nutrient daily.
Key Features: High Vitamin C, timothy hay-based, complete nutrition, uniform pellets, affordable, balanced nutrition
3. Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food - Best Premium
Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food is made with high-quality timothy hay and contains no fillers, providing premium nutrition for your guinea pig. These pellets are rich in fiber and fortified with Vitamin C.
The formula is made with premium ingredients and provides balanced nutrition without artificial preservatives or low-quality fillers. The pellets are uniform in size and composition, ensuring your guinea pig gets complete nutrition.
Small Pet Select focuses on quality ingredients and proper nutrition, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious guinea pig owners. The timothy hay base provides the fiber guinea pigs need for healthy digestion and dental wear.
Key Features: Premium timothy hay, no fillers, Vitamin C fortified, high-quality ingredients, uniform pellets
4. Budget-Friendly Guinea Pig Food - Best Value
Budget-friendly guinea pig foods offer good value while still providing essential nutrition. These timothy hay-based pellets are fortified with Vitamin C and provide complete nutrition at an affordable price point.
While these feeds may have simpler formulations than premium options, they still provide the core nutrients guinea pigs need, including Vitamin C, fiber, and balanced protein. The pellets are uniform and prevent selective eating.
When choosing a budget option, ensure it's still fortified with Vitamin C and made with timothy hay. Even affordable feeds should provide safe, complete nutrition for your guinea pig.
Key Features: Affordable, Vitamin C fortified, timothy hay-based, complete nutrition, good value, uniform pellets
Final Verdict
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food is our top choice for overall quality, providing stabilized Vitamin C and high fiber content. Kaytee FortiDiet offers excellent Vitamin C support at an affordable price. Small Pet Select provides premium nutrition without fillers, while budget options offer good value for complete nutrition.
Remember that pellets should only make up about 5-10% of your guinea pig's diet. The majority (80%) should be unlimited high-quality timothy hay, with fresh vegetables making up about 10-15%. Feed approximately 1/8 cup of pellets per day for adult guinea pigs. Always provide unlimited fresh water and check pellet expiration dates to ensure Vitamin C hasn't degraded. Supplement with fresh vegetables high in Vitamin C like bell peppers, kale, and broccoli.