--- title: "Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide" description: "Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and need it daily. UK guide to vitamin C foods, PDSA feeding amounts, and spotting scurvy early." url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk" canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk" date_published: "2026-07-18" date_modified: "2026-07-18" source: "PETHEALTH+" --- # Guinea Pig Vitamin C — UK Scurvy Guide 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## Pellets, storage and supplements - **Pellets lose vitamin C over time** — heat, sunlight and long storage break it down. Buy small bags, store cool and dry, and don't use stale food - **Fresh greens are the most reliable source** — pellets should back up, not replace, the daily teacup of veg - **Supplements** — if your vet recommends one, follow the packaging guidelines; according to the PDSA, overdose is very unlikely when you do - **Change foods gradually** — the PDSA advises transitioning over two to four weeks to avoid tummy upsets ## When to see the vet Book a prompt appointment for stiff movement, swollen joints, weight loss, or a pig that's gone off its food. Remember: according to the PDSA, a guinea pig that stops eating is at risk of **gut stasis, a life-threatening problem** — not eating is always urgent in this species. For full daily care, see [Guinea pig care UK](/health/guinea-pig-care-uk). A swollen, hard belly is a different emergency — read [Guinea pig bloat](/health/guinea-pig-bloat-uk). ## FAQs ### Do guinea pigs really need vitamin C every day? Yes. According to the PDSA, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so they must get it from food — a teacup of vitamin-C-rich vegetables per pig per day, plus guinea pig pellets and unlimited hay. ### What are the first signs of vitamin C deficiency? Tiredness, a rough or thinning coat, weight loss and swollen, painful joints — often first noticed as reluctance to move or a stiff, hopping walk. Deficient guinea pigs also pick up infections more easily. See your vet promptly. ### Can guinea pigs overdose on vitamin C? According to the PDSA, overdosing is very unlikely if you feed a balanced diet and follow the guidelines on any supplement packaging. More is not better — stick to the recommended amounts. ### Can guinea pigs eat rabbit food? No. Rabbit pellets are not fortified with vitamin C, so a guinea pig fed rabbit food can develop scurvy. Always feed guinea-pig-specific nuggets or pellets. ### Which vegetables are highest in vitamin C? Bell peppers — especially red ones — are among the richest safe sources. Kale, parsley, red cabbage and spinach also provide plenty, but rotate them in moderation as part of a varied teacup of daily veg. ## Sources - [PDSA — Your guinea pig's diet](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/your-guinea-pig-s-diet) - [PDSA — Guinea pig health](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/guinea-pig-health) - [PDSA — Five common health problems in guinea pigs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/five-common-health-problems-in-guinea-pigs-and-how-to-prevent-them) - [RSPCA — Pets](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets) Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-vitamin-c-uk Last modified: 2026-07-18