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Nutrition
British Small Animal Veterinary Association , e6 (2026); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443903.2
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Nutrition

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A correctly balanced diet is essential to prevent intestinal bacterial overgrowth or dysbiosis, ileus, obesity and dental disease in guinea pigs. This chapter details the nutritional requirements of guinea pigs, including the role of coprophagy, the importance of providing varied sources of hydration and the use of nutrition as environmental enrichment. The chapter includes a client handout: Feeding your guinea pigs a healthy diet.

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2.1
(a, b) Guinea pigs require high-fibre diets and should be provided with hay. They are well adapted to derive energy from fibrous material. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.1 (a, b) Guinea pigs require high-fibre diets and should be provided with hay. They are well adapted to derive energy from fibrous material.
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2.2
Guinea pigs appear to prefer short rather than long grass for grazing. This may be due to increased nutritional value and/or palatability. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.2 Guinea pigs appear to prefer short rather than long grass for grazing. This may be due to increased nutritional value and/or palatability.
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2.3
Appearance of the abdomen of a guinea pig post mortem. Note the proportionally large caecum. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.3 Appearance of the abdomen of a guinea pig post mortem. Note the proportionally large caecum.
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2.4
Intraoral view of an anaesthetized guinea pig. There is partial entrapment of the tongue due to elongation of the lower premolar teeth. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.4 Intraoral view of an anaesthetized guinea pig. There is partial entrapment of the tongue due to elongation of the lower premolar teeth.
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2.5
Clinical signs of hypovitaminosis can resolve quickly with oral vitamin C supplementation. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.5 Clinical signs of hypovitaminosis can resolve quickly with oral vitamin C supplementation.
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2.6
Outdoor housed guinea pigs have more exposure to UVB light, from which they obtain vitamin D, but data to support the benefits of this are lacking. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.6 Outdoor housed guinea pigs have more exposure to UVB light, from which they obtain vitamin D, but data to support the benefits of this are lacking.
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2.8
Some guinea pigs may demonstrate a preference for water provision in a bowl or dropper bottle. It is advisable to offer both sources of water delivery. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.8 Some guinea pigs may demonstrate a preference for water provision in a bowl or dropper bottle. It is advisable to offer both sources of water delivery.
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2.9
Environmental enrichment is key to promoting good welfare for pet guinea pigs. (a–d) This enclosure for five guinea pigs includes good nutritional provisions, numerous hay-filled hides, multiple water sources, absorptive bedding and space to exercise. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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2.9 Environmental enrichment is key to promoting good welfare for pet guinea pigs. (a–d) This enclosure for five guinea pigs includes good nutritional provisions, numerous hay-filled hides, multiple water sources, absorptive bedding and space to exercise.
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© 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Feeding your guinea pigs a healthy diet

Client handout: Feeding your guinea pigs a healthy diet.

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