Housing and Nutrition of Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are easy to care for and a highly adaptable species. They tolerate a wide range of temperature and humidity levels that are comfortable for most owners (18–26°C [65–79°F] and 30–60% humidity).

Housing for this species is relatively simple; an enclosure with a solid floor is essential to avoid pododermatitis and foot/limb injuries. A minimum of 7.5 square feet for one guinea pig is recommended, with approximately 2–4 more square feet per additional animal. Because of the minimal risk of climbing and jumping, an enclosure with moderately tall wire sides and an open top is sufficient if there are no predators in the home. Good ventilation is required, as for other species, and glass aquariums are not recommended.

Bedding for guinea pigs may consist of recycled paper products, fleece, or other material that is free of loose fibers and strings. Wood shavings or chips should be avoided because they can be associated with respiratory irritation and disease secondary to aromatic oils. Multiple hiding areas are essential; there should be more hiding spots than guinea pigs in the enclosure (eg, three guinea pigs should have a minimum of four hiding spots). Enrichment items are essential and can be store-bought or made at home; however, materials must be nontoxic and safe.

Guinea pigs' water intake is higher with water provided in a bottle versus a bowl. They often will dirty the sipper tube on their bottles when they drink, and thus the water must be changed and nozzles must be checked often. Guinea pigs are known to soil their sleeping areas, eat and defecate in the same area, and produce feces indiscriminately. Regular, frequent cleaning of their enclosure is necessary.

Guinea pigs are obligate herbivores and hindgut fermenters and have evolved to eat a high-fiber, low-nutrient, poorly digestible diet. The recommended diet for an adult guinea pig includes a high-quality grass-based hay, supplemented with grass-based pellets formulated for the species and produce. Growing (< 6 months), pregnant, and lactating guinea pigs require alfalfa hay and pellets. Produce should be primarily vegetables, such as leafy greens, and fruits with low sugar, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Other fruits (including berries and oranges), carrots, and sugary treats should not be fed. All changes to the diet should be made gradually.

Guinea pigs lack L-gulonolactone oxidase, which is involved in the synthesis of ascorbic acid from glucose. Because of this, they require a regular source of vitamin C, which typically ranges between 10 and 25 mg/kg daily for adults and 30 mg/kg or more for growing, pregnant, lactating, or ill individuals (1). Many commercial guinea pig pellets contain a stabilized form of vitamin C, which is more shelf-stable and resistant to breakdown by heat and light.

Additional vitamin C can be provided through feeding fresh produce, as mentioned above. Red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, parsley, beet greens, and spinach have high levels of ascorbic acid. In a 2025 study, guinea pigs offered 7–10, or > 10, types of produce were significantly less likely to develop uroliths, suggesting a diverse diet is important for this species’ urinary tract health (2). Commercial hay-based vitamin C treats may also be used. Supplementation of vitamin C in the water is not recommended because it requires frequent changing and can give an unappealing flavor to the water, which could lead to a decrease in water intake. In general, guinea pigs should ingest their body size in hay, approximately 1–2 teaspoons of pelleted food commercially manufactured for guinea pigs, and 1–2 cups of fresh produce per day, with a focus on those containing high amounts of vitamin C.