Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?

Yes — guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C. Provide daily fresh vegetables and species-appropriate pellets. Deficiency causes scurvy with lameness and poor coat.

Can guinea pigs live alone?

No. RSPCA and PDSA recommend compatible pairs — same sex or neutered mixes. Solitary guinea pigs often develop stress-related illness.

When should I take my guinea pig to the vet?

Same day if not eating, breathing fast, bloated, or producing fewer droppings. Small furries deteriorate quickly.

Small Pet Health

Guinea Pig Care in the UK — Diet, Housing & Health

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20261 min read

Quick answer

UK guinea pigs need daily vitamin C, unlimited hay, compatible company, and a spacious indoor setup with daily exercise. Not eating for 12 hours is an emergency — contact your vet the same day.

Diet

Hay — unlimited timothy or meadow hay (dental wear and gut health)
Pellets — measured daily; avoid muesli-style mixes
Vegetables — bell pepper, coriander, kale — introduce gradually
Water — fresh daily from bottle or bowl

Never feed rabbit-only pellets (guinea pigs need added vitamin C).

Housing

Minimum space for a pair per RSPCA: large indoor pen with hiding places, tunnels and safe flooring. Outdoor hutches need predator-proofing and weather protection. Daily supervised floor time.

Common illnesses

Problem	Signs
Dental disease	Drooling, weight loss, selective eating
Respiratory infection	Sneezing, discharge, laboured breathing
Bloat	Hard abdomen, pain, not eating
Mites	Itching, hair loss, crusty ears

Preventive care

Annual vet checks, nail trims, and weight monitoring. Neuter mixed-sex pairs to prevent unplanned litters.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

Related guides

When to See an Emergency Vet in the UK — Signs You Should Not Wait

Frequently Asked Questions

Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?: Yes — guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C. Provide daily fresh vegetables and species-appropriate pellets. Deficiency causes scurvy with lameness and poor coat.
Can guinea pigs live alone?: No. RSPCA and PDSA recommend compatible pairs — same sex or neutered mixes. Solitary guinea pigs often develop stress-related illness.
When should I take my guinea pig to the vet?: Same day if not eating, breathing fast, bloated, or producing fewer droppings. Small furries deteriorate quickly.