# Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk): Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide — Quick answer. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and must get it from food every single day. According to the PDSA, each guinea pig needs a teacup of vitamin-C-rich vegetables daily, a tablespoon of guinea pig pellets, and unlimited hay. Without it they develop scurvy — painful joints, lameness and a rough coat.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk): Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide — Why guinea pigs need daily vitamin C. According to the PDSA, guinea pigs are unusual among mammals in that they cannot produce their own vitamin C — just like humans. Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin, gums, joints and wound healing, and for a working immune system. Because their bodies can't make or store it well, the supply must come from food, every day. A diet that falls short leads to scurvy — a painful, debilitating deficiency disease that also leaves guinea pigs vulnerable to other infections.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk): Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide — How much do they need each day?. According to the PDSA, a healthy daily diet for each guinea pig is: - 85–90% hay and grass — unlimited timothy or meadow hay for teeth and gut health (never lawnmower clippings) - One teacup of fresh, guinea-pig-safe vegetables and herbs — chosen for high vitamin C content; split between morning and evening if you like - One tablespoon of guinea pig nuggets — a complete pellet formulated with vitamin C, not a muesli-style mix - Constant fresh water — bottle or bowl, refreshed daily Never feed rabbit pellets — they contain no added vitamin C.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk): Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide — Best vitamin C foods. | Food | Notes | |------|-------| | Red and green bell peppers | Among the richest safe sources; PDSA-recommended | | Kale | High in vitamin C — feed in rotation, not daily | | Parsley | Good source — small amounts | | Red cabbage | Good source, well tolerated | | Spinach | Vitamin C rich — small amounts in rotation | | Coriander and other fresh herbs | Variety keeps picky pigs interested | The PDSA advises against potatoes, onion, garlic, mushrooms, avocado, rhubarb, chives, iceberg lettuce, and tomato leaves or vines — the tomato fruit itself is safe.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk): Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide — Signs of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). According to the PDSA, a lack of vitamin C causes scurvy, with symptoms including: - Tiredness and lethargy - Weight loss and reduced appetite - Swollen, painful joints — a stiff, sore or "bunny-hopping" walk - Rough, thinning coat and flaky skin - Sore or bleeding gums - More frequent infections — the PDSA notes guinea pigs low in vitamin C are more at risk of problems such as respiratory infections See your vet promptly if you spot these signs — scurvy is usually reversible with treatment and diet correction, but it worsens the longer it's left.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk