Do guinea pigs need pellets, or is hay and veggies enough for them?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 14 days old
Many pet stores tell me that I should feed guinea pigs pellets but is it really? I watch videos who have healthy lively guinea pigs who only live on a diet of timothy hay and a variety of vegetable. Right now my 3 month guinea pigs are eating Kaytee's fortified daily diet pellets timothy hay and mostly leaf vegetables and a few bell peppers and carrots. In my area the pellets are getting expensive so do I have to buy them? Or is there a vegetable diet that gives them all there nutrition needed?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 14th, 2017
I do not think the pellets are bad but should be given in moderation. These are high in fat and can cause obesity. I recommend a large amount of roughage like Timothy hay all day long with moderate amount of veggies and small amount of pellets. The roughage is really good for their teeth too.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 24th, 2018
It's actually really important for your Guinea pig to eat some pellets. They get addicted to the junk in the pellets and quit eating the plain pellets. They should eat lots of Timothy hay, some fresh veggies like bell peppers, romaine, cilantro and endive and some plain pellets daily. I like Oxbow as a brand best but any Timothy based, adult GP food with no junk is ok.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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