Guinea Pig Diet: Fruits and Vegetables Made Easy!

Fresh vegetables and fruits (occasionally) are an important part of your guinea pigs diet. I've broken down fruits and vegetables into 5 rough groups to help you plan your piggies meals!
BUT - don't forget that a constant supply of fresh hay is the most important part of any guinea pig diet!
1. Big and leafy! This group includes all lettuces (do not feed iceberg), spring greens (cabbage type vegetables not often) and other leaves like watercress, rocket and spinach (spinach is high in calcium). Try to feed one or two a day from this group.
2. Herbs! Some good herbs include coriander, parsley (high in calcium), dill, mint and basil. Add one to your piggies veggie meal to increase variety.
3. Vitamin C boosters! Red bell peppers are great (don't feed chilli peppers!) and come top for vitamin C content. Other ones high on the list are parsley, spinach, kale, broccoli, green peppers, sprouts, dill... See the full list in the link provided below! Try to give one thing high in vitamin C every day.
4. Fruits! Only feed one small piece once, or twice a week. See what you have in the house, you shouldn't have to buy anything especially. You never know, it might even get you eating more fruits!
5. 'Filler' veg! All other veggies you can feed, such as celery, cucumber, carrots, courgettes, beans, see a full list in the links below. Try to offer at least two from this group in addition to the other categories.
Useful links:
Vitamin C chart: www.guinealynx....
Lists and descriptions: jackiesguineapi...
List and what not to feed: wheekandsqueak....
Comprehensive nutrition charts: www.guinealynx....
--------------MY LINKS---------------
Facebook: / squeakdreams
Etsy: www.etsy.com/s...

[@votecurtistheguineapigforp9603]

Why the heck is it just absolute bliss to feed piggies??? Lol, straight to their hearts right through the bellies!!

[@belle6459]

You literally saved my guinea pigs!! I was giving them completely the wrong stuff and not enough! Thank goodness you made this vid! You're a life saver OMG I love you XD

[@sfhibbs]

i want a guinea pig so bad

[@cerysmeatloaf]

wow ive just realized how little veg im giving them off to buy a selection tomorrow thank you :-)

[@charlottebevear4563]

I'm getting a piggy from Gold Coast Guinea pig rescue in November 2015 and I'm rescuing it❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@miamay2696]

Sorry I'm a bit late, I just got mine in December (24th/4 days ago), what did you name yours! Mine are Piglet and Prince (Prince is my sisters,) I wanted to adopt but the one I wanted didn't get on with other guinea pigs x

[@claire-ez9qn]

Charlotte And The Horses NO IT NEEDS A CAGEMATE

[@maryhelgesen5309]

When you start making videos again can you do one on Basil and mint! I love your vegetable videos. Miss you!

[@lexiisaway]

Kale is pretty good too. My friend used to have guinea pigs (he had to give them to his friend because he has cancer) and they LOVED carrots and kale.

[@kkuper.6894]

how is your friend doing?

[@natalynnvanhorn5920]

Your channel is the one I go to watch when I need information. I could use this info later in the future. Thanks :D

[@SqueakDreams]

Awh thank you I'm glad I could help! :D

[@juliafaith_06]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a new Guinea pig mom and I really want to make sure I give them the right foods. Thank you so much ❤😊

[@ericfarmer7259]

I just got a new pig and I have two now and they really like grapes lettuce and carrots

[@BudgetBunny]

So lovely to see another video from you! :D I hope there will be more in the future! ;) Great, informative video! Ahhhh dill is an absolute favourite around here with both the pigs and the buns! You will have to let me know how the girls enjoy it!

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you! There will! :) I will film them trying out the dill for the first time! :D

[@natalynnvanhorn5920]

hi budgetbunny i love your channel!

[@mammacee8829]

Awww we were told cabbage was good for nearly every day or a few days a week. Need to make a list get my glitter pens out by the cage to I can always keep track

[@fuzzycupcakeslps3183]

Hi Squeak Dreams! I love all your videos, and the piggies! My mom recently said 'yes' to me adopting 2 sweet 2 year old guinea pig brothers from our local BCSPCA! Your videos have good info so I'm ready for the long years ahead! Thanks again!!

[@SqueakDreams]

This is so lovely to hear! Especially because you are giving some lovely rescue piggies a home :) I'm so glad the videos have been useful :D

[@stephanieallen3176]

congrats!

[@jodienowak8296]

my little girl loves cucumber and tomatoes!

[@awsomeguy665]

Thank you so much. I'm so nervous about my New Guinea pig and I keep referring tot this vid

[@SqueakDreams]

Awh best of luck with the new piggies.

[@Amelia-lu8fm]

love your piggies just started watching ur videos i have one piggie named friday he is a short haired piggie and is 1 yr old and im getting another one that im gonna name saturday!!!

[@littlepiggies3996]

You're actually so good with piggies you're videos are fab I'm a huge fan hahaa!:D

[@guineapigsever]

best chanel ever im getting a guinea pig because of you it was my dream do get one!!!!!!!!

[@SqueakDreams]

Awh yay thank you! :D

[@guineapigsever]

make a video when picking your guinea pig

[@randomblonde]

Thank you! I promise I watch your videos, in case I missed an answer in the video. I was trying to take notes, but I get easily distracted with your cute piggies!

[@SqueakDreams]

Awh haha well they can be very distracting with their cuteness! :D

[@kerryjohnson4197]

Hello, I glad I come across your channel lots of great information thank you. Im hoping to get me and my 3yr old daughter two piggys. So im getting as much information as possible. I have had piggys before but I was very young so my mum cared for them and I just supplied them with cuddles "). Im a mum of two so need to make sure im finding out everything I need to know as I dont want to take it light heartily with caring for them and giving them our time along with my two babies "). Thank you again x

[@claire-ez9qn]

AMAZING video! Just what I needed! I don’t know how to thank you, but I’m so grateful you made this video! Thank you so much!

[@shannonsibs9405]

this video helped me out so much with my 3 week old piggies i just bought, THANK YOU!!!!!

[@SqueakDreams]

Molly Mooney As vegetables vary so much in nutrient value, weight and water content - even if a cup is an official measurement I don't think it can be generalised for all different veggies, it is still confusing! :)

[@SqueakDreams]

No I wouldn't :)

[@carolalmeida220]

Squeak Dreams I give my Granddaughter's Piggy Roman and Red Lettuce at least one piece of Tomato... carrot... One Broccoli....Celery...one Blueberry...Sliced Cucumber....Herb of Cilantro. The next week all the same but I add at least one new veggie such as Red Bell Pepper. Then the next week I do the same. Rotating. I'm afraid to add too many new things that could Bloat or cause diarrhea...But she is having her bowl everyday and Happy with what we give her! She is a Tomato Lover! Plus we have her dried fruit seed ball treats from the Pet Store....Pellets and Hay!!! Oreo is only 9 weeks old so all in Moderation!!

[@Zephi8]

Romaine lettuce and oranges cut up today! Loving your videos!

[@queensgirl58]

I'm glad you are back

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you! :)

[@frienjie7148]

Hi. I love your channel already. This is about the 4th one I’ve watched so far as I’m trying to get a crash course in guinea pigging 101. Lol. Anyway, my neighbors got an unexpected litter from the pair of “brothers” they’d recently gotten, and I was offered one of the babies. I suppose I should’ve declined, but one look at their tiny selves skittering about and my heart melted. 💕 I wish I could’ve taken them all! So now I’ve got Ollie (short for Oliver) and I hope I don’t get blasted for not taking at least two, but this is very new to me, and he won’t be ignored or alone enough to get lonesome. There were so many factors I considered, such as my level of familiarity (nil and initially I probably was almost as scared as he was and was worried about him nipping me and how much it would hurt lol), the fact that I had to run out and buy *so much stuff* ...and there’s still so much more to get. Also, his former family isn’t very knowledgeable. They haven’t had the piggie parents very long - I believe they’re babies themselves. They unintentionally bought opposite genders, and got a surprise litter whose exact age isn’t truly known... he is guesstimated to be about two months or so. 😒 If I’m not mistaken, guinea pigs are considered mature at that age, no? I envisioned getting two mis-gendered ones and being in the same boat and I cannot have that happen so one for now. When Ollie gets settled, I’ll look into a companion for him. I already love him to bits despite having had him only since yesterday. I’ve only held him once so far - when I was removing him from the carrier to place him in his temporary home, and it was the absolute best! I took advantage and cuddled him for an extended period and held him on my lap for a bit before putting him down, and he surprisingly was pretty calm with me holding him. Im sorry for the essay; I’ll close now. I intend to binge watch your videos, they’ve been so helpful already! Thank you! Your voice is so soothing, and your girls are beautiful! 🙂

[@WarioMarioLuigi12]

Omg when you started shaking the bags my piggies went crazy haha! Great video :)

[@SqueakDreams]

Haha! Thank you! :)

[@KatySarah8]

This is great, thank you! I always like to try and give mine different vegetables, but do find it a bit tricky avoiding the high calcium ones (especially as I know they love those ones!) I did have a pig that had bladder/kidney stones who is no longer with us, so am concious of this aspect. I have 2 pigs and give them one bowl between them, just once a day though as one of them was getting an upset tummy, once I reduced the intake of veg, he has been a lot better. Anyway, keep up the good work with these videos! (I know this one was done in 2014, but I've only just found your channel!) :)

[@reannefinney1801]

I give mine a yellow, green or red mostly red pepper a day with some curly kale, carrots, cucumber, broccoli occasionally, and also apples and strawberries 1-2 times a week xx

[@AmbiCahira]

This made things VERY logical! I'm in the study stage of my future piggy life so you just got yourself another subscriber. :)

[@creamhammie1684]

Good to see your back! Great vid aswell :)

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you!

[@lillypifer3847]

Omg ypur back your back!!!!!!! Yay yay yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@mylocampbell]

Great to see a new video up on your channel - brilliant video. I just got two boars (peruvians) so videos like this really help me! Also if you and Annie wouldn't mind, you could maybe do a video on grooming your long haired piggie! I look forward to more of the same fantastic videos :D

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you! Oh lovely! Peruvians are gorgeous! I have a video where I trimmed Annie's hair - you should be able to find it pretty easily on my channel as I don't have tonnes of videos. Apart from that and the occasional bath I don't brush her hair - I explain why in the video :)

[@alsuth5435]

Our two 2 month olds don't eat peppers at least not yet. They like snap peas, carrots and raisins, but not nearly a cup, just bits here and there. We've only had them a week. 😊♥️🐹

[@ohgeez3642]

How are your babies?

[@justtosubscribe229]

don't forget the kale! XD my piggies love kale and other veggies of course so I started a raised garden bed with tomato, lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, kale, carrots, strawberries, basil, and parsley! they absolutely love it! I really recommend it!

[@SqueakDreams]

That sounds amazing - very jealous!! :) Kale is great for vitamin C but it is in the cabbage family so it's not advised to feed everyday.

[@S0LAAARRRRR]

mine are not very much of a kale fan

[@densefrosty2882]

Thanks for the info I was giving spinach daily luckily I've only had them a week I will definitely have to change it up for them

[@SqueakDreams]

Yes spinach is very high in calcium. Glad this video helped and congrats on the new piggies 😊😍

[@densefrosty2882]

@@SqueakDreams thanks I went out and got some red peppers and carrots and butter lettuce and romain and some grapes and dandelion greens yesterday then I found out the dandelion greens have more calcium than spinach so i didnt give them any yet oh and kale

[@densefrosty2882]

@@SqueakDreams one more question how important is it to give them just a plain pellet food? the stuff I got them has sunflower seeds and dried veggies and stuff mixed with pellets

[@SqueakDreams]

Great work on the veggies! Some high calcium things are okay occasionally, but best to be aware😊 a plain food prevents selective feeding, and I have heard sunflower can be dangerous for piggies too, I would definitely try to get a plain one if possible.

[@densefrosty2882]

@@SqueakDreams ok thank you I'll get them new food tomorrow

[@itsissy6850]

You like Morrisons don't you😂 haha I love it too you can get a lot of good stuff there! Great video!!!

[@tazminporter2398]

I give my piggies 1 and a half - 2 cups a day , my piggies always get red peppers, this was a great video I have had piggies for five years now but it is always handy to refresh my mind! :)

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you so glad to hear it is useful for seasoned guinea pig slaves too! hehe :)

[@dianabanana981]

My veterinarian recommended feeding four cups of veggies for two pigs. She says the majority of their veggies should be leafy (ie. lettuces and herbs). My piggies thrive on a routine with at least three leafy things a day and a selection of other veggies like snap peas, bell pepper and beans. This is a great video! Good for everyone to know!

[@dianabanana981]

Piggles Piggies From what I understand, they can have green beans in their pods.

[@flppynerd4794]

You. Are. Amazing. (Even though this vid is old)

[@Poppy15111]

Thank you for this helpful video I took in a female gunieapig for a friend of mine and this video was helpful. I just hope that I can find her a friend really soon I've called a few pet stores and they carried males only so I might have to travel a little but I'll prb try to find a shelter or rescue that has a female I'd rather do that.

[@colezy14]

all your videos are so helpful

[@7kintanar]

Yay! You're back!

[@SqueakDreams]

Yep! :)

[@saltyavacado3980]

Your channel is great I get all of my Guinea pig facts from here

[@rallanr2277]

My guineas love live love red bell peppers

[@avaggdu1]

The proportions I go by are 80-85% hay (usually meadow hay from Pillow Wad as my 6 piggies get through loads and it's cheaper than timothy hay and just as good in my opinion) but basically as much hay as they want. 10-15% veggies (about 10% body weight) - always bell pepper. Favourites include fennel (in season), kale, romaine lettuce, a variety of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, coriander, mint, sage, basil, thyme). I rotate through carrot, parsnip, spring greens, tomatoes and occasionally fruits - mostly apple, pear and banana. Other very occasional treats include baby corn, seasonal veg and foraged stuff from my garden - dandelion, marigolds, climbing roses, nasturtiums, etc.. My piggies don't really like cucumber, courgette or squash but I'll add small amounts just for variety. Breakfast is 2 tbsp pellets per piggy from Small Pet Select.

[@Borrisssa]

I rlly appreciate this. Im always worrying if I'm giving the right veg and vitimins

[@summeremmons2587]

I love it videos especially this one

[@michaelmcpherson4600]

thanks for the video i found it very useful. as this is my first time owning guinea pigs

[@diannesmyth5637]

very good information

[@mammacee8829]

I'll chop everything up from now on too

[@jasminbasabanda1374]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS soooooooo much u are the best youtuber in the world and im getting a guinea for my birthday im turing 10 ;]]]]

[@guineapiglove-vr5qu]

thx you gave me some really good tips for my new guinea pig im getting!!!

[@SqueakDreams]

Thanks glad I could help! :)

[@rebeccalabs3931]

I tried feeding my guinea pig romaine lettuce and red peppers, but he only ate the carrots and some spinach... I'll have to try different lettuce and see whether he'll like it or not.. I also haven't tried the celery, so I'll need to cut some up for him as suggested.. Thanks for the video! Love your little piggies!❤️❤️

[@nicholasjohnson6373]

In the US a cup is actually a measurement. We have measuring cups that we use for baking and stuff. A cup measurement is a certain size and it is smaller than a drinking cup.

[@Talantea]

my guinea pigs love celery :3 usually some other veg are left out but never celery :)

[@perrinedull2176]

I have white guinea pigs and I give them guinea pig mix too

[@melslife4715]

I know this is 4 years ago but I would love to just say omg they are beautiful and my 9 piggys get so rhodiccio green leaf or red leaf lettuce also some red pepper and cucumber 3 times a week and one mini carrot a day the get coriander a piece each when we have lap time and once a week bok choy I don't really change up there diet and they are very happy 😁😁😁😁

[@liammcclifty8750]

That was a great help

[@Hayley0412]

A CUP is an American measurement, when measuring food ideas are in cups, get yourself a cup measure and it will make it easier, you can buy them from eBay or Amazon, they come with little to large cups, I use them quite a lot!

[@Emleach28]

My guinea pig is very picky

[@HaileyStopkaok]

happy your right

[@HaileyStopkaok]

i mean happy your back

[@TheHatOfJustice]

Annie is asleep for the entire first half of this video haha sleepy piggle! I hope everyone liked the view of our nice kitchen and the MASSIVE CELERY! :)

[@stephaniemena8863]

Loved the video very helpful

[@susangrimshaw2050]

I don't think I have been giving my young piggies enough veg . A small bowl each twice a day and grass in the evening, I weigh them every week and they are gaining weight but unlike ur piggies who were eating all at once mind snack on their veggies all day, is this om? Love ur vids I look forward to seeing ur piggie family, I'm not a young piggie owner but a 59 yr old female lol, they are in a C&C c cage in my living room, my grandkiddies love torch them

[@SqueakDreams]

+Susan Grimshaw It sounds like you are doing a great job with your guinea pigs :) It is probably a better idea to feed their veggies less and more often, so they don't gorge on them all at once! The grass will be really good for them too so I wouldn't change what you are doing :)

[@julielps5674]

My guinea pig would start pop corning like crazy after giving her mint :)

[@zoesmith6752]

I have 3 piggies, their favourite veggie seems to be carrot and apple. They dont seem to eat tomatoes or peppers. I also have another piggie by herself because she's having babies :D

[@LiliG-j3c]

Can you pls make a updated version of this video? unless nothings changed that is

[@carislittlepiggies]

Have totally missed your videos!!! So happy you are back!!! And so happy to see the cuties again!!! I feel the same way whether or not my girls are getting enough because I cut up the veggies...so I'm not sure whether a cup is cut up or a cup of whole veggies?!? Confusing hehehehe. I give them a small bowl each pig twice a day so I think that's working. Hugs from me and the girls!!!

[@SqueakDreams]

Hi Cari! Thank you! :) I don't know either haha! If it's working and they're happy piggies that's all that matters :D

[@chanxiaoqi2011]

I have seen quite a few video from you, and they really helps a lot i would say. Love that you don;t shake you hand as much as others :P I realise my piggies pee a lot after they have cucumber.. I was thinking of cutting down a bit of that?

[@SqueakDreams]

Haha thank you! :) It shouldn't be doing them any harm, just extra water! Cucumber is mostly water and has little nutritional value so you might want to consider replacing some of it with a different vegetable perhaps :)

[@CrazyCupcake190]

I got my guinea pigs today (this evening) they're not eating or drinking and sometimes scared of me. Even though, when I do get to pick them up they act like they've know me for ages!

[@JenZofunworld]

Can u please make a video bout how u made it where u got the ladder or ramp in ur cage? Thx for ur time and I love ur channel keep it comin:)

[@seajay632]

Cucumber is also a fruit!

[@lynfairbairn]

My guinea pigs adore celery and eat them leaves and all. They love Capsicums and eat them with the seeds. Do you ever give your Guinea pigs bread? Mine enjoy a chew on a slice now and then.

[@starrh4590]

I just got 2 guinea pigs - I love all your videos they are so helpful. My piggies are picky veggie eaters. They won’t eat lettuce, asparagus, or celery. I’ve only gotten them to eat spinach, green peppers and carrots. All things they should only have a few times a week. I’m going to try other veggies, but do you have any tips about fussy eaters?

[@MoyToy84]

Coriander has high vitamin c, but is also high in calcium.

[@miatreadwell1874]

I’m always changing my piggies diet

[@danaesteele7082]

Hi love your work don't stop and how much are guinea pigs and the cage grids

[@kylekenzitt5514]

Hi I'm a new viewer I just bought 2 male guinea pigs I month ago

[@littlepinkstars44]

you can get corn husks in lidl and aldi x

[@SqueakDreams]

Thanks! Had a look in Aldi but they didn't have any, have found some in Morrisons :)

[@carolalmeida220]

Tomatoes are Oreo's Fav!! But she only eats the 1 Blueberry I give her...not a big fruit fan.

[@pigglespiggies8558]

All I have is sweet mini peppers and they come in the colors red yellow and orange so can I feed them those different color peppers

[@akyrissler]

Thank you so much for posting...really enjoy your videos as I am a new piggy owner and still learning their care. I did want to ask a questions about red peppers...I have read on numerous sites that even though red peppers are high in vitamin C that they also contain quite a bit of sugar and should only be used a couple times a week. A lot of people recommend green and yellow and then adding red/orange twice a week. Any thoughts on this or do you have a different opinion on this? Just curious :) I look forward to seeing more videos and I am glad I found such an informative channel. Blessings

[@SqueakDreams]

Hi Angela - yes it seems people do say to not feed everyday! But looking at the nutrition chart on guinea lynx (link in description), the sugar content of red peppers looks to be only slightly above average, and combined with other low sugar foods I'm sure it is fine to feed more often than a few times a week :) Green is a bit lower in sugar content but comes in 6th from the top for vitamin C so this could be a good alternative if you are worried. Hope I helped!

[@JenZofunworld]

Thx this video was great!!

[@marlineharrold1937]

Really liked the video.

[@carolhuang8691]

cute

[@emmaforan2600]

I’ve only got one Guinea pig named ozzy, but I don’t know if I should get another one I really want too though?

[@MegaStarlightexpress]

Easier said than done. One of mine is Diabetic so I have to give her less fruit/ veg, and what I do give her has to be no sugar. She can't have too many pellets because of the sugar content, so her main diet is Readi Grass and Timothy Hay.

[@D-Row]

A cup is referring to the US measurement system. A US cup is about a quarter liter.

[@mamamiafamilygaming6192]

I got my piggies from the pet store when they were babies and I've had them for about 6 months. We got 2 females and one ended up being pregnant and giving birth to a suprise litter of 4 babies. We re-homed 2 of them and kept one of the females and the male who is blind (he's getting neutered soon so they can all cage together) But I can NOT get them to eat any typical veggies. Elsa (mommy pig) loves apples but I know its not good for them to have all the time so they only get a slice of apple every once in a while. I tried giving them leafy lettuce and spinach after watching some of your videos and they came over and sniffed it but wouldn't eat it, same with carrots and peppers. They eat their pellets and hay just fine, just not sure how to get them used to eating veggies.

[@PawsnWhiskershamster]

I get corn with the husks on from my local grocery store. I live in west sussex though and from your accent I am guessing you are from the north of england :)

[@lucylovepig7722]

awesome video :D

[@joannachi5073]

Went on petfinder and found a guinea pig! I don't know whether I can get him or not, still need to check with my parents.

[@pigglespiggies8558]

So can I use different colored peppers like yellow and orange red and green

[@w9771]

I have a question when you are going to pet a guinea are you okay to pet them while they are eating I know it sounds will but I always like to double check Ty soo much 😁

[@SqueakDreams]

Yes you can definitely try and pet them while eating, usually they won't mind being stroked on the neck and top of their back 😊 they might get jumpy if you touch their sides or bottom though. It's a good way to help tame them when they are distracted by yummy treats 😍

[@w9771]

@@SqueakDreams TY SOOO MUCH there always eating and I have neglected to pet them

[@Zephi8]

I need guinea pig and rabbit nick nacks too!

[@sillywench]

Do a video on how to groom your guinea pigs

[@vimistejeda7585]

How many times could I give them a bowl of vegetables per week

[@siya4ful]

+Vimis Tejeda One cup per guinea pig per day! So everyday.

[@donnakasuske2222]

Donna My pigs have all liked banana peel. But not so much the banana itself.

[@preppypiggy2735]

Just got a piggy for Christmas

[@Dra9ontail2]

+Kailee Nuckles Did you give it a cagemate? Guinea pigs are group animals. They can't live alone. They are awesome pets. I hope you enjoy them a lot :)

[@charity9660]

+Dragontail1992 not everybody can have more than one

[@Dra9ontail2]

CherryPie :D Well if you can't have more than one, get none. These are living creatures and you letting it suffer because you want to cuddle something is wrong and making me angry. Two piggies or none. Period.

[@charity9660]

Dragontail1992 calm down. It's recommended two or more not a necessity so don't ever try to make a person feel bad for that. You don't know what is okay for everybody. You are rude, have a nice day. Good bye.

[@preppypiggy2735]

I have 3