Guinea pigs cannot make or store vitamin C, and they dislike changes to their food. Those two facts shape every packing decision for a trip.
Why vitamin C cannot wait
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that guinea pigs do not produce their own vitamin C and must get it from their diet. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine puts the supplement amount at 10 to 30 milligrams daily, and recommends including one or more high vitamin C foods each day, such as red or green peppers, kale, spinach, cabbage or a quarter of an orange.
Check the pellet date
UC Davis says guinea pig pellets contain vitamin C, but it breaks down, so pellets should be fed within 90 days of the mill date printed on the bag. Before you pack, check the date. An old bag may not give enough vitamin C even if your guinea pig eats it all. Choose timothy-based pellets made for guinea pigs; UC Davis advises against alfalfa-based pellets and hay because they are too high in calcium.
Hay, vegetables and the supplement
- Hay: high-quality timothy or other grass hay, available at all times, and green rather than brown or yellow.
- Vegetables: small portions of leafy greens, peppers, carrots and similar items. UC Davis says uneaten pieces should come out in a few hours.
- Supplement: UC Davis says a vitamin C tablet can be crushed and sprinkled over fresh vegetables. It does not recommend adding vitamin C to drinking water, because it is inactivated almost immediately.
- Treats: UC Davis does not recommend sugary rodent treats such as yogurt drops.
Packing for the stay
Guinea pigs develop strong food preferences and do not adapt readily to changes in type, appearance or presentation, according to UC Davis. Bring the same pellets, hay and vegetables they eat at home, in original bags or sealed containers, plus the supplement and a card that lists the amount and time for each item. The AVMA also advises including supplements when moving small mammals.
Happy Paws welcomes your own food and supplements for small pets, and may ask you to provide the cage. The price for small pet boarding is not on the rate sheet, so please ask at 707-678-6600, and mention whether you would like to bring fresh vegetables or ask how to handle them. See guinea pig boarding, guinea pig travel tips and the packing list.