Guinea Pig Vitamin C Calculator
Enter your guinea pig’s weight to see how much vitamin C they need each day, and how much of common foods covers it. Based on guidance from veterinary references.
Work out the daily vitamin C
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so they need it from food every day. Results update as you type.
Most adults weigh about 700 g to 1.2 kg (1.5 to 2.6 lb).
Growing means under 6 months old.
How much vitamin C does a guinea pig need?
Like people, guinea pigs cannot make vitamin C, so a lack of it can lead to a serious illness called scurvy. Veterinary references advise that healthy adults need about 10 to 25 mg of vitamin C per kilogram of body weight each day, which is roughly 10 to 25 mg for an average guinea pig of 1 kg (2.2 lb). Growing, pregnant, nursing and ill guinea pigs need at least 30 mg per kilogram.
| Life stage | Vitamin C per kg per day | For a 1 kg guinea pig |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adult | 10 to 25 mg | 10 to 25 mg |
| Growing (under 6 months) | 30 mg or more | 30 mg or more |
| Pregnant or nursing | 30 mg or more | 30 mg or more |
| Ill or recovering | 30 mg or more, as your vet advises | 30 mg or more |
Best sources of vitamin C
Fresh vegetables are the best everyday source. Red and green bell peppers, parsley, kale and broccoli are all high in vitamin C. Fruits such as strawberries, kiwi and orange also contain it, but they are sugary, so keep them as treats. Many guinea pig pellets are fortified with vitamin C, but it breaks down over time with heat, light and moisture, so use fresh pellets and do not rely on them alone.
- Do not add vitamin C to the water. It breaks down quickly and makes it hard to know how much your guinea pig gets.
- Avoid general multivitamins. Some added vitamins can be harmful to guinea pigs.
- See a vet for signs of deficiency. These include loss of appetite, swollen or sore joints, weakness and bleeding.
This calculator is a guide, not veterinary advice. If your guinea pig is ill, pregnant or very young, ask an exotic animal vet how much vitamin C they need.
Frequently asked questions
How much vitamin C does a guinea pig need per day?
Healthy adults need about 10 to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight each day, which is roughly 10 to 25 mg for an average 1 kg guinea pig. Growing, pregnant, nursing or ill guinea pigs need at least 30 mg per kilogram.
Which foods have the most vitamin C for guinea pigs?
Red and green bell peppers, parsley, kale and broccoli are among the best vegetable sources. Strawberries, kiwi and orange also contain a lot, but they are high in sugar, so offer them only as occasional treats.
Do I need to give my guinea pig vitamin C supplements?
Many guinea pigs get enough from fresh vegetables and fortified pellets. Supplements can help in some cases, but ask your vet first. Avoid adding vitamin C to drinking water, because it breaks down quickly.
Can a guinea pig get too much vitamin C?
A little more than the minimum is fine, but very high supplement doses are unnecessary. Aim for the daily range shown by the calculator and ask your vet before using high-dose products.