Species nutrition
Rabbit and Guinea Pig Nutrition
Hay first, everything else second — why fibre drives both dental and digestive health in small herbivores.
The 85-10-5 rule
Roughly 85% of daily intake should be grass hay, around 10% fresh leafy greens, and no more than 5% pellets, with treats as a tiny occasional extra. A pile of hay the size of the animal's own body, every day, is the working target.
Why fibre is not optional
Rabbit and guinea pig teeth grow continuously and are worn down by the side-to-side chewing that long-strand hay demands. Pellets do not provide that. Long fibre also keeps the gut moving; without it, gut stasis can develop within hours.
Vitamin C in guinea pigs
Guinea pigs cannot synthesise vitamin C and need a dietary source daily. Use a vitamin C-fortified guinea pig pellet within its expiry date plus fresh peppers, broccoli or coriander. Never add vitamin C to drinking water — it degrades quickly and discourages drinking.
Foods to avoid
These are common causes of illness in small herbivores.
- Muesli-style mixes, which encourage selective feeding and dental disease
- Bread, cereal, crackers, yoghurt drops and commercial sugary treats
- Large quantities of fruit or carrot
- Any sudden diet change, which should always be made over one to two weeks