9 Best Guinea Pig Pellets
Keeping guinea pigs as pets is fun because these rodents are adorable, friendly and adaptable. However, it can get a bit stressful, given the fact that guinea pigs require some care and maintenance.
For the health and safety of your furry friend, it is important to be careful about the pellets you buy. Choosing pellets for a guinea pig is harder than it sounds, in part because there are so many options to choose from.
We have done some research and made a list of the 9 best guinea pig pellets. Our goal is to help you make informed buying decisions. Read on to learn about our top picks.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Need Pellets?
Guinea pigs can survive without pellets, but keeping guinea pigs is a lot easier if you feed pellets. Pellets are a convenient alternative to natural foods for guinea pigs, and provide essential fiber, vitamins and other nutrients.
High-quality pellets can keep your piggy healthy and active. Feed your guinea pig pellets even if the animal is consuming fruits and vegetables.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Good Pellet for Guinea Pigs?
The pellets you choose for your guinea pig largely determine the health and well-being of the animal. There are different types of guinea pig pellets on the market, and not all of them are good.
In order to choose a good pellet, make sure you know what to look for in a pellet. Here are some factors to take into consideration:
Essential Nutrients Your Guinea Pig Needs
Ideally, pelleted foods should contain roughly 15-25% crude fiber, 10-15% crude protein, and 3-6% crude fat. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for guinea pigs, because just like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce this vitamin.
And vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which is a fatal condition.
Zinc amino acid complex, L-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate, manganese amino acid complex, cobalt glucoheptonate, copper amino acid complex, vitamin E, and cobalt glucoheptonate are some other nutrients to look for.
Easy-To-Eat Texture
Yes, the texture of the pellets you are choosing deserves some attention. Pellets are available in different textures, and guinea pigs find some of them hard to chew and eat.
Make sure they are not too large. Badly shaped pellets can be harmful for your piggy’s dental health.
Do Not Have Toxic Ingredients
Steer clear of guinea pig pellets that contain artificial colorings, sweeteners and preservatives such as corn syrup, propyl gallate, sucrose, potassium sorbate, ethoxyquin, sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, and butylated hydroxyanisole.
Also, avoid pellets with animal products, corn products, beet pulp, nuts, seeds or oils, vegetable fiber, and rice bran. These ingredients can cause serious health issues in guinea pigs.
Easy to Digest
Digestive issues can severely affect the overall well-being of guinea pigs, and make it harder to clean the enclosure. That’s why it is so important to choose easily digestible pellets for guinea pigs.
As a rule of thumb, you should opt for pellets that are high in fiber. Pellets fortified with probiotics also reduce the risk of digestive problems in guinea pigs.
9 Guinea Pig Pellets Reviews
To help you choose the best pellets for your piggy, we have identified the 9 best ones. When picking these products, we have taken the above-mentioned factors into consideration. You can’t go wrong with any of these products. Let’s dive in.
| Products | Nutritional profile | Texture | Age range | Cost (around) |
| #1 Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food | Ideal levels of protein, vitamins and minerals | Smooth and uniform | Suitable for guinea pigs of all ages | $8 |
| #2 Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food | Fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, and magnesium oxide | Easy-to-eat texture | All ages | $8 |
| #3 Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Pet Food | Timothy hay, Omega-3, Chelated minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and amino acids | Uniform in size, easy to eat | All ages | $10 |
| #4 Oxbow Fortified Nutrition | Timothy hay, orchard grass, tomato pomace, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement | Uniform in size and shape, does no stick together | Adult | $12 |
| #5 Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food | Ground Timothy hay, wheat middlings, dehulled soybean meal, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, magnesium oxide | Non-sticky, uniform | Small breeds, all ages | $14 |
| #6 Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food | Alfalfa meal, wheat feed, whole wheat, flaked peas, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, Vitamin C 800 mg, Vitamin A 23000 IU, VitaminD3 1500 IU | Crunchy and airy | All ages | $15 |
| #7 Vitakraft Guinea Pig Food | Dehydrated alfalfa meal, wheat middlings, soybean hulls, ground corn, calcium carbonate, dried yeast, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, yucca schidigera extract, magnesium oxide, choline chloride. | Varied textures, good for dental health | All life stage | $10 |
| #8 Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C Supplement | Stabilized vitamin C, fiber and other ingredients | A tough texture, great for gnawing | For guinea pigs for 7 months | $10 |
| #9 Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food Pellets | Crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamins C, D and E | Easy-to-eat texture | All life stages | Starts at around $20 |
1. Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food
Oxbow Essentials is one of the most well-known guinea pig pellets, packed with important nutritional properties for adult guinea pigs.
The main ingredient of these pellets is high-quality Timothy hay, which is a highly recommended food item for guinea pigs and other rodents.
Oxbow Essentials manages to maintain the optimal levels of vitamins, minerals and protein. And that makes this product suitable for guinea pigs of all ages.
It is to be noted here that many branded pellets on the market are intended for guinea pigs of particular age groups.
The pellets have a small, uniform, smooth texture that is suitable for selective eaters. If your guinea pig is a picky eater, both you and your piggy will love these pellets.
The food has very low calcium levels, and that’s a good thing because pellets high in calcium can cause bladder stones in guinea pigs.
This product has an ideal phosphorus-to-calcium ratio, and that is good for the proper development of your pet’s bones. The pellets have stabilized vitamin C, which can prevent scurvy.
Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Most guinea pigs love the taste – Ideal levels of protein, vitamins and minerals – Contains vitamin C | – Some guinea pigs may dislike the taste – Packaging is not very good |
2. Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food
Kaytee is a brand that’s frequently recommended by veterinarians. If you are looking for nutrients-rich packaged food for your guinea pig, Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro is one of the best options out there.
These pellets come in large, crunchy pieces that guinea pigs find easy to chew and digest. The product contains probiotics, which help digestive health of guinea pigs.
The nutritional properties such as protein, vitamins and minerals are well-balanced, so you will have some peace of mind, knowing that your piggy is getting the nutrients it needs.
Rich in natural antioxidants, Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro can boost your guinea pig’s immune system, and thus prevent many diseases.
If your guinea pig is a picky eater, rest assured that the animal will love the taste of this diet. You can rely on Kaytee, because the company is over 150 years old.
The product is naturally preserved, and therefore you have to be careful about maintaining its freshness. Once you have opened the bag, reseal the food tightly and store it in a cool and dry place. The food must be used within 45 days.
For extended storage, you may consider storing the food in a refrigerator. Introduce the food gradually over a period of 7-10 days, and see how your guinea pig responds to the new food. Thus you can prevent digestive upset.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Naturally preserved – Supports digestive health – Large, crunchy pieces | – Packaging is not very good |
3. Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Pet Food
Here is another reliable Kaytee product, recommended for guinea pigs that have difficulty digesting foods. These pellets are known for their proper nutrition levels, and frequently recommended by nutritionists and veterinarians.
This food is made mostly from Timothy hay, which is rich in fiber and vitamin C. It is fortified with probiotics that promote proper digestion.
The pellets also contain a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential nutrition for guinea pigs.
The recipe for these pellets came from an expert animal nutritionist, who designed it while taking many ideal combinations of vitamins and minerals, which your guinea pig needs in order to stay healthy and active.
It has additional antioxidants, amino acids, but no added sugar. Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Pet Food has a crunchy texture, which is good for your guinea pig’s dental health.
Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Pet Food Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – High fiber content – Stabilized vitamin C – Fortified with probiotic strains | – Some guinea pigs may not like the taste – Packaging is not very good |
4. Oxbow Fortified Nutrition
There are a host of reasons why this guinea pig food is one of our top picks. It has well-balanced nutritional properties that guinea pigs actually need. Its fresh aroma and flavor trickle the nostrils of guinea pigs.
Other ingredients of this guinea pig food include Timothy grass, orchard grass, oat grass, canola meal, oat hulls, whole barley, and tomato pomace.
Oxbow Garden Select Adult Guinea Pig Food has perfect levels of calcium sulfate, lignin sulfonate, canola oil, salt, sodium bentonite, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, and riboflavin.
This guinea pig food is the result of long, combined efforts of some leading nutritionists and veterinarians. As a guinea pig owner, you can rely on this product for the health and well being of your pet.
Thanks to the oat hays, high fiber Timothy and orchard, guinea pigs find these pellets very easy to chew and digest. They are darker in color, and hold together.
Guinea pigs and other small pets tend to have selective eating behaviors. The uniform shape and convenient texture of the food can prevent unhealthy selective eating.
Oxbow Fortified Nutrition Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Ideal levels of nutritional properties – Uniform texture – Most guinea pigs love the taste | – A bit pricey compared to other pellets |
5. Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food
Mazuri has a reputation for providing high-quality food items for exotic animals. This Timothy-based food is designed to meet the nutritional requirements of guinea pigs of all ages.
The brand is often recommended by animal nutritionists and veterinarians. Many zoo professionals give this food to their guinea pigs. .
These pellets are great for gut health and optimal digestion because they contain probiotics. The ingredients include Omega 3 rich flax seeds that contribute to the overall well-being of your guinea pigs.
Mazuri Timothy-based guinea pig food does not contain any artificial flavoring. The food is fortified with Vitamin C, which is good for the immune system of your guinea pig.
If you are looking for a complete nutritional solution for your piggy, you can’t go wrong with this high-quality food. Rest assured that you will not have to invest in a supplement.
Tips:
Older guinea pigs should not be given large amounts of alfalfa hay, in part because this grass is low in protein. Large amounts of alfalfa hay can cause obesity in older guinea pigs.
So, if you have older guinea pigs and are feeding alfalfa-based food, you should probably replace it with this Timothy-based guinea pig food
Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – High in Omega 3 fatty acids – Contains stabilized vitamin C – Complete nutritional solution | – Strong odor – Some guinea pigs don’t like it |
6. Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food
Supreme Petfoods is one of the most renowned brands producing high-quality food items for guinea pigs and other pet animals.
Veterinarians often recommend Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food for guinea pigs that are picky eaters.
The food contains natural, healthy and balanced nutrition. So, if your piggy has the problem of selective eating, this food will make things easier.
The pellets are relatively large, and that means guinea pigs spend more time consuming this food. It is actually good for the overall well-being of guinea pigs because spending long periods of time feeding is a natural behavior of rodents.
The pellets have a crunchy, airy texture that guinea pigs find very easy to chew. Feel free to feed this food regardless of the age of your guinea pig.
This food has natural flavors, so you will have some peace of mind, knowing that your piggy is not consuming fruit syrup, unhealthy sugar, or molasses.
It contains high levels of fiber, vitamin C which keep the digestive system of your pet in order and are unlikely to develop scurvy. It is rich in Omega 3 oils that keep your piggy’s coat healthy, thick and shiny.
Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Natural flavors – High fiber levels – Stabilized vitamin C | – The bag is not resealable |
7. Vitakraft Guinea Pig Food
Vitakraft is one of the most popular manufacturers of guinea pig food, and Vitakraft Menu is widely recognized as an ideal guinea pig treat that contains fortified pellets, seeds, grains, seeds, fruits and veggies.
Vitakraft Menu is tasty, but that’s just one of the reasons why so many guinea pig lovers choose this product. It contains natural probiotics, and plenty of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
It is good for the digestive system of your guinea pig, and it keeps your guinea pig’s coat healthy and shiny.
Vitakraft Menu’s nutritional properties include 16% crude protein, 3.5% crude fat, 18% crude fiber, 13% moisture, and 49.5% other ingredients such as dehydrated alfalfa meal, wheat middlings, soybean hulls, ground corn, dehulled soybean meal, carob pods, oats, puffed wheat, vegetable oil, dehydrated carrots, and many more.
The large, crunchy pieces are good for your piggy’s dental health. The pellets contain fortified vitamins A, D, and E.
With that said, it is important to be careful when introducing new pellets. If your guinea pig is on other pellets, introduce Vitakraft guinea pig food slowly. Otherwise, it may cause digestive issues.
Vitakraft Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Probiotics promote healthy digestion – A variety of textures, good for dental health – A healthy mixture of fruits and vegetables | – So many types of dried fruits may not be good for some guinea pigs |
8. Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C Supplement
Regular intake of vitamin C is necessary for preventing scurvy in guinea pigs. This high-fiber supplement contains not only stabilized vitamin C but also other beneficial ingredients.
The product is basically hay-based, which means it is good for your piggy’s digestive system.
All the ingredients are natural; there are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The supplement is designed to ensure the overall wellbeing of guinea pigs and other small animals.
The ingredients include Timothy grass, oat groat flour, barley flour, flax seed meal, guar gum, brewers dried yeast, mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract, fat product, and rosemary extract.
The product has been formulated by some leading nutritionists and veterinarians. The nutritional properties of this supplement is worth paying attention to.
It has 10% crude protein, 9% crude fiber, 5% crude fat, 8% ash, 8% moisture, 0.70% calcium, 9 mg/kg copper, and 25 mg ascorbic acid.
It is important to consult a veterinarian before you add any supplement to your guinea pig’s diet. Veterinarians usually recommend 1 tablet per day for guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas. The dosage may be higher in times of stress.
Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C Supplement Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Premium ingredients – Veterinarian recommended – No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives | – A bit costly – Many guinea pigs don’t eat the tabs |
9. Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food Pellets
Here is another Timothy hay-based pellet that contains all nutrients your guinea pig needs. The food is fortified with vitamins and minerals recommended by nutritionists and veterinarians.
Just feed this pellet with high-quality grass hay, and you will not have to worry about the well-being of your piggy.
The hay is collected from Ellensburg, WA, which is known as the hay capital of the world. The product has been around since 2012, and it’s from a family-owned and operated company.
The nutritional properties of Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food Pellets includes 25% crude fiber, 14% crude protein, 2% crude fat, 0.4% calcium, 0.6% phosphorus, 0.25% salt, 0.75% vitamin A, 400 mg/lb vitamin C, 400 IU/lb Vitamin E, and 8,650 IU/lb Vitamin D.
This product is particularly good for overweight guinea pigs. If your piggy tends to eat large amounts of food, you can’t go wrong with this product. It includes 25% crude fiber (higher than the recommended level of 18-20%).
If your guinea pig is currently on a low-fiber diet, introduce this food slowly. Otherwise, this food can lead to diarrhea or constipation.
Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food Pellets Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Timothy hay is the primary ingredientFortified with vitamin C – Good for overweight guinea pigs | – Low in protein and high in fiberExpensive |
How Much Pellets Should You Be Giving Your Guinea Pig?
As a rule of thumb, an adult guinea pig should consume about ⅛ cups of pellets once a day. However, pellets are not enough for guinea pigs.
Make sure your guinea pig also eats hay, fruits and fresh vegetables. What foods guinea pigs can eat and what foods should be avoided.
Final Verdict
While pellets meet nutritional requirements of guinea pigs, pellets should be served with hay, fruits, and vegetables. Even if you buy the best pellets, do not just rely on them.
If you want just one recommendation, we would recommend Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food.
This food is nutritionally balanced and has no artificial colors or added sugar. Your guinea pig will soon fall in love with the crunchy texture of these pellets.
For those who are on a budget, Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food can be a great option. Chances are that your piggy will love the large, crunchy pieces. If not, try another product. Let your guinea pig have the final say!
