The Best Guinea Pig Food
We think that guinea pigs are some of the best pets known to man. And they're quite easy to feed once you find the right product. But that's not always an easy task with the number of guinea pig foods available today. Which will work best for your pet? Do you need it to be fortified with vitamins and minerals? Do you have to serve other foods alongside it? We'll dive into these answers, as well as the top guinea pig food products on the market today, in the post below.
What to Look For
Considering the main ingredients, added vitamins and minerals, and foraging pieces, we found and rated the top guinea pig foods on the market today. We looked into every detail, so you can just scroll through the list and take your pick. For example, if you’re looking for a complete mix for your pet, the Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition food is filled with essential nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids and iron. And if you want something for your young, growing guinea, Oxbow Essentials is worth checking out. Read on to learn more about each of these guinea pig foods, as well as our other favorites.
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Guinea Pig Food
Everything you need and more
This mix offers every nutrient that the average guinea pig needs. It’s made of alfalfa, timothy hay, and vegetables, and it’s also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3 fatty acids for ideal overall health. Among the pellets, your pet will find natural foraging foods, including corn, soybeans, and peas, for nutrition and stimulation. You can also offer this food to guinea pigs of all ages — start with half a cup and adjust based on how much they consume each day.
Pros:
- The bags are resealable to keep your pet’s food fresh between feeding sessions.
- A stabilized form of vitamin C is included, which is essential for guinea pig health.
Cons:
- Your pet may need a different mix if they already consume a large amount of timothy hay.
Vitakraft Menu Guinea Pig Food
Favorite flavors
This guinea pig food is designed for both flavor and nutrition. The first flavor your pet will taste is honey, making it an ideal option for picky pets. The main ingredient is alfalfa, followed by numerous grains, vegetables, and fruits. Natural foraging bits are included, as well as additional vitamins and minerals like vitamin C.
Pros:
- Guinea pigs of any age can use this mix.
- It supports skin and coat health, digestion, dental health, immune health, and more, thanks to probiotics and vitamins A, D, and E.
Cons:
- Your pet will still need access to timothy hay and fresh fruits and vegetables alongside this food.
Ecotrition Essential Blend Food for Guinea Pigs
Fun to forage
This blend includes every nutrient your guinea pig needs. It’s made with a scientifically-formulated mix of fruits, vegetables, and fortified timothy hay that includes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Foraging ingredients are included, as well as brightly-colored pellets for added stimulation. The 5-pound bag is resealable for freshness, too.
Pros:
- If need be, this mix can be the only food item your pet eats.
- The flavor is a fan favorite among guinea pigs.
Cons:
- The colored pellets include artificial dyes, but they’re still specially designed to be healthy for your pet.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food
Complete nutrition
These pellets are jam-packed with nutrition. To start, they’re fortified with all of the typical vitamins that guinea pigs need. These include vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and more. The food also contains prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion. And antioxidants are included for overall and immune health. The prices are affordable, whether you choose to go with the 5-pound or 25-pound package.
Pros:
- Buying the bulk bag can save money since it’s cheaper per pound.
- The pouches are resealable for freshness.
Cons:
- This mix has colored foraging pieces but not natural varieties.
Oxbow Essentials Young Guinea Pig Food
Growing pets
This guinea pig food is designed specifically for younger pets to meet the needs of their growing bodies. It’s been recommended by many veterinarians from around the globe. The main ingredient, alfalfa hay, is hand-picked to ensure overall quality. Moreover, the pellets are fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal health in the early stages of life. No foraging ingredients are included to prevent selective feeding habits that typically form at younger ages.
Pros:
- An adult version is available, so you won’t have to find new food once your guinea pigs outgrow this one.
- The 10-pound bag is convenient and affordable.
Cons:
- Some pets may miss the natural food pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my guinea pigs only pellets?
Some pellets offer full nutrition, while others do not. It’s best practice to offer timothy hay as well as fresh fruits and vegetables alongside your pet’s pellets. However, if you’re looking for guinea pig food that will cover all of your pet’s nutritional needs, choose a version that lists the following ingredients: hay, fruits, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals.
Do all guinea pigs need foraging pieces in their food?
Foraging pieces aren’t necessary, but they are enjoyable. They taste good for pets, and they provide stimulation, which is essential for all small critters. You can always add your own if you choose to serve food with no foraging pieces.
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