10 Best Guinea Pigs Commercial Food
Are you looking for the best commercial food for your guinea pig? In the wild, cavies or guinea pigs eat different kinds of foods. Domesticated guinea pigs may not get all the nourishment from fruits and vegetables alone.
That’s why you need to feed your piggy high-quality commercial guinea pig food to meet all of its nutritional needs.
In this guide, we will talk about:
- Reasons why guinea pigs need commercial food
- What to look for in guinea pig commercial food
- 10 best guinea pigs commercial foods in the market
- And more…
Why Do Guinea Pigs Need Commercial Food?
Guinea pigs need commercial food to meet their crude protein needs. High-quality commercial foods contain almost 18 to 20% crude protein necessary for growth and lactation.
They also contain 10-16% fiber. Some are also fortified with omega essential fatty acids and vitamin C. Your cavy needs these ingredients for optimum health and well-being.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Good Commercial Food?
Feeding your cavy balanced nutrition is one of the most important things you can do for its health.
Different guinea pigs have different nutritional needs which is why you must take the following factors into account when buying commercial food for your guinea pig:
Contains Essential Nutrients
Cavies have different nutritional needs at different ages and life stages. So feed commercial guinea pig food according to your pet’s age. Your young or juvenile cavy needs protein to support its growth and muscles.
An old or senior cavy might need a senior formula that is easy to digest and tailored to its specific health needs. Your vet can guide you regarding the best nutrients as per your pet’s age.
In general, most cavies need 12-20% protein which fruits and veggies alone cannot provide.
Good commercial food should also contain EPA, DHA, and omega essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Likewise, the food should contain fiber for roughage and digestion.
The food should also provide Vitamin C to prevent scurvy and pro and prebiotics for optimum digestion and immunity.
Easy-To-Eat Texture
The food should be palatable and easy to eat. Look for food that consists of pellets designed for your pig’s small jaws.
Free from Unhealthy Ingredients
Some low-quality commercial foods contain unnecessary ingredients. These are fillers that provide no nutrition and just add empty calories.
Some experts recommend avoiding foods containing grains, seeds, and dried fruits. Seeds are high in calories and could also cause choking in some guinea pigs.
When in doubt, discuss the food you choose with your vet.
It is important not to feed your cavy foods containing animal by-products, corn, rice bran, vegetable fiber, sugars, molasses, and flours.
These do not provide real nourishment and sugar is highly addictive too. Please remember that guinea pigs are also lactose intolerant so avoid foods with dairy products.
Never feed food marked for rabbits to your guinea pigs. Rabbits and guinea pigs have different nutritional needs.
Now that you know what to look for in commercial guinea pig foods, we have 10 top picks for you!
10 Guinea Pig Commercial Food Reviews
We are reviewing the 10 best commercial guinea pig foods for your little pets.
We have based these choices on their nutritional levels, texture, age of guinea pig they are suitable for, and their cost.
Here are our top 5 picks
| Products | Nutritional supplements | Easy-to-eat texture | Cost around | Age and size of guinea pig |
| Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food | Yes | Yes | Under $12 | 6 months+ |
| Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food | Yes | Yes | Under $10 | All life stages |
| Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food | Yes | Yes | Under $15 | All life stages |
| Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food | Yes | Yes | Under $20 | 6 months + |
| Vitakraft Guinea Pig Food High Fiber Timothy Formula | Yes | Yes | Under $25 | All life stages |
Pick #1: Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food
The reason we picked Oxbow as our top pick is that it is 100% balanced nutrition. It is packed with fiber and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that will keep your little pet healthy and strong for life.
Oxbow Essentials guinea pig food also contains timothy hay which provides fiber for roughage. It enhances your pig’s digestive and dental health.
This great food is also recommended by vets and rescue shelters. The texture of the food is interesting and highly palatable for picky eaters.
Overview
- Made with hand-selected Timothy hay
- Fortified with vitamin C
- Free from seeds, fruits, and artificial ingredients
Oxbow Essentials is one of the few guinea pig foods that are free from sugar. This makes it suitable for diabetic pigs as well as those on a diet.
Many pigs with severe vitamin C deficiency have done well with this great food that is fortified with all the vitamins and minerals your buddy needs.
Vets and shelters recommend Oxbow Essential commercial guinea pig food to young guinea pigs and those with health issues.
Pro Tip
- One 5lb. bag of Oxbow Essentials easily lasts two caves for 5 to 6 weeks. Feed no more than 1/8th cup per cavy.
Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pigs Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Vet-recommended food – Support healthy digestion and immune system – Highly palatable and uniform formula for picky eaters – Smells fresh – Suitable for diabetic pigs and those with weight issues | – Some picky piggies refused to eat it. – Expensive |
Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food
Pick #2. Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food
Kaytee Forti-Diet is another popular vet-recommended guinea pig food brand. It has many great features that make it one of the best commercial guinea pig foods in the market.
First of all, it is packed with probiotics and prebiotics. These enhance your little cavy’s digestive system and also give a boost to its immune health.
Secondly, it contains omega essential fatty acids for weight management, heart health, and brain development in young cavies.
Last but not the least, Kaytee Forti-Diet only contains natural preservatives for ensuring its freshness.
Overview
- Omega-3 essential fatty acids
- Prebiotics and Probiotics
- Antioxidants
- Natural Preservation and
- Amino Acids
You will love the fact that Kaytee Forti-Diet commercial guinea pig food has been developed by an animal nutritionist and is highly recommended by exotic vets for small animals like cavies.
In addition to pro and prebiotics, this great food also contains antioxidants that boost your pig’s overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, the food has an interesting texture with large crunchy pieces that remove plaque and tartar and keep your cavy’s teeth in excellent condition.
Pro Tip
- One 5lb. bag of Kaytee-Forti Diet lasts 4-5 pigs roughly 6-8 months.
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Enhances digestion and immunity – Interesting texture and natural colors for picky eaters – Good for your pet’s teeth – Packed with antioxidants, omegas, and pre & probiotics – Naturally preserved – Affordable | – Pellets tend to crumble into powder leading to wastage. |
Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Guinea Pig Food
Pick #3. Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food
When you feed Mazuri Timothy-hay-based pellets to your guinea pigs, they won’t need any Vitamin C supplements.
In addition to stabilized Vitamin C, this great guinea pig food also contains fiber for optimum digestive health. It is also packed with vitamin A, flax seeds for omega essential fatty acids, and other antioxidants and minerals.
Overview
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
- Fortified with omega essential fatty acids
- Timothy-hay based pellets
- Great texture for picky eaters
- Contains stabilized Vitamin C
The best part about Mazuri Timothy-based guinea pig food is that it is free from colors, dried fruits, and artificial stuff. This makes it healthy for your pet. It is alfalfa-free so it is best for piggies that have health issues.
Pro Tip
Do provide your pet with hay even if you feed this food to your pig.
Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Contains stabilized Vitamin C – Fortified with probiotics and omega essential fatty acids – Lower protein and excellent mineral balance – Suitable for all life-stages – Free from dried fruits, colors, and artificial ingredients | – High calcium content – may not be suitable for pigs with kidney issues |
Mazuri Timothy-Based Guinea Pig Food
Pick. #4. Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food
Is your guinea pig’s coat looking dull? Perhaps it needs a change in food.
Supreme Science Selective guinea pig food is specially formulated to give your pet the soft and shiny coat it deserves.
This nutritionally balanced food is rich in vitamins and minerals as well as omegas for a healthy skin barrier. It is also free from artificial stuff and unwanted ingredients that provide no real nutrition to your piggy.
Overview
- Healthy balanced kibble
- Free from sugars, molasses, and fruit syrups.
- Contains high fiber
- Has natural ingredients like dandelion and fennel
- Contains stabilized form of Vitamin C
- Omega 3 oils from linseed for a shiny and soft coat.
Supreme Science Selective guinea pig pellets have an airy texture which picky eaters love. Each mouthful is packed with omegas, fiber, and vitamin C.
This great food is also recommended by vets.
Pro tip
The pellets are large for younger pigs. Only feed this to pigs older than 6 months.
Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Fortified with vitamins A, C, and D3 – Contain dandelion, nettle, and sugar beet pulp – Free from sugar, molasses, etc. – Extra hard texture keeps your pet chewing longer – great for dental health | – Contains alfalfa meal, wheat, and soybean. |
Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Food
Pick #5: Vitakraft Guinea Pig Food High Fiber Timothy Formula
VitaKraft premium guinea pig food may be on the higher side but that is because it has the highest bioavailability of nutrients.
The brand recently underwent some cosmetic changes and also improved its packaging based on user feedback.
VitaKraft food is complete nutrition for your guinea pig. It is made with timothy hay and contains high fiber. The food is also fortified with skin-enhancing omegas, DHA, and other healthy fats.
Overview
- Tasty kibble with veggies and grains
- Enriched with stabilized vitamin C
- High fiber
- Varying texture keeps picky eaters interested
- Made in the USA with premium ingredients
- Antioxidants to boost immunity and overall health.
The number one ingredient in VitaKraft guinea pig food is Timothy hay. It also contains balanced nutrition for enhancing your little cavy’s skin and coat. The enriched pellets from VitaKraft contain all the nutrition your pet needs on a daily basis.
Pro tip
Please provide vegetables and other fresh food like hay to your pet daily. Make sure there is plenty of water available for it to drink.
VitaKraft Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Fresh and tasty food – Interesting variety in texture – fussy eaters love this food – Highest bioavailability of nutrients – Contains flax seed, DHA, and omega-rich oils for healthy skin and coat | – More expensive than most guinea pig foods. |
Vitakraft Guinea Pig Food High Fiber
Pick #6. Blue Seal Kent Nutrition Furry Friends Guinea Pig Pellets With Added Vitamin C
If your picky pigs do not like anything in their pellets, this is the food to go for. Most pigs loved this food and will run to wipe their bowls clean.
The best part about Blue Seal Kent Nutrition is that it is fortified with vitamin C which is a must-have for cavies.
Overview
- Contains dehydrated alfalfa meal
- Enriched with vitamins A and C
- Contains probiotics for digestive health.
Blue Seal Kent even contains chelated minerals for maximum bioavailability. The food is enriched with Vitamin C which is vital for your Guinea pigs’ optimum health. It also contains fiber to eliminate the need to forage.
Pro Tip
- Provide orchard grass, nourishing treats, and plenty of water with this food.
Blue Seal Kent Nutrition Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – High bioavailability of nutrients – Tasty and nutritious – Loved by picky eaters – Great for digestive health Immune boosting formula | – More expensive than most guinea pig foods. Contains molasses |
Blue Seal Kent Nutrition Furry Friends Guinea Pig Pellets with Added Vitamin C 25 lbs.
Pick #7: Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet for Guinea Pigs
With Wild Harvest, your pet will get a wide variety of grasses and vegetables in every bowl.
This premium guinea pig food contains a blend of soybean hulls, timothy grass, and alfalfa meal.
This great-tasting mix provides everyday advanced nutrition to your pigs so they can thrive. The balanced formula is packed with omegas, 7 vitamins, and 5 minerals.
Overview
- Wild Harvest contains a blend of fruits, vegetables, hay, and grains
- It is also fortified with omegas, vitamins, and minerals.
Your pet will get advanced everyday nutrition and also plenty of fiber to prevent the need to forage. Wild Harvest food is also packed with Vitamin C to prevent scurvy. The great-tasting food is perfect for all life stages.
Pro tip
- Do check your pet’s urine from time to time. If the urine is white or milky, you need to change your fur baby’s diet.
- If you are concerned about the food’s seed content, limit your pet’s intake and feed it as an occasional treat.
Wild Harvest Advanced Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Affordable food under $10 – Great taste – Fortified with balanced nutrients | – Contains more calcium than most foods – Also, it contains seeds, fruits, etc. – Check with your vet before feeding |
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Diet for Guinea Pigs (Packaging May Vary)
Pick #8: F.M. Brown Tropical Carnival Gourmet Food
FM Brown’s Tropical Carnival guinea pig food is a treat and food combined in one. It is specially blended and contains great-tasting yet nutritious ingredients for your little friend.
The food contains crunchy and chunky wholesome bits that your pet will love to chew. It will also love the varied texture and flavors and also get all the nourishment it needs without having to forage.
Overview
- Contains fiber-rich timothy hay and alfalfa meal
- Packed with stabilized vitamin C
- Balanced-diet containing fruits, seeds, vegetables, sweet potato, bell peppers, apples, cranberries
- Contains a source of viable naturally occurring microorganisms
FM Brown Tropical Carnival gourmet guinea pig food will meet your furbaby’s dietary needs. It has 7.5 million CFU (colony-forming units) of probiotics to support your pet’s digestive system.
The fiber-rich, vitamin-fortified food is also great in taste – so your pet will love it.
Pro-Tip
Discuss with your vet first before feeding this food. It contains seeds and fruits. Seeds could be a choking hazard for young pigs.
F.M. Brown Tropical Carnival Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Great taste – Fortified with balanced nutrients – Supports digestive health and immune system – Fiber-rich | – The food contains seeds, fruits, etc. – Check with your vet before feeding |
F.M. Brown’s Tropical Carnival Gourmet Guinea Pig Food
Pick #9. Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay Pet Food
Small Pet Select Timothy hay is a brand you can trust because it is owned by real (small) pet owners. So, they know exactly what your little ones need.
The timothy hay packaged in Small Pet Select Perfect Blend is minimally handled. It is also packed right after cutting so your pets get the highest-quality and freshest hay.
Overview
- Contains a mix of leafy soft stems and heads of flowers
- 2nd cutting of timothy hay is the most delicious and nutritious
- The owners of the brand themselves hand-pick the hay to ensure the highest quality.
- Breathable packaging with holes to maintain freshness
Small Pet Select contains a tasty and nutritious blend of leaves, stems, and flower heads. It has the optimum ratio of protein, fats, and fibers which your guinea pigs need. Many picky eaters love Small Pet Select timothy hay due to the combination of texture and flavor.
Pro Tip
Store the hay boxes in a cool, dry location so it will remain fresh and tasty for up to 12 months.
Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Made by real small-pet owners – Great taste – Excellent packaging | – The hay quality is inconsistent. It depends on the time of the year when it was cut. – Often, the hay contains brown and inedible parts. |
Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Perfect Blend Timothy Hay Pet Food
Pick#10. Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Pet Food
Guinea pig owners can trust Kaytee Guinea pig food as it is a vet-recommended brand. It is corn-free, high in fiber, and the texture of its pellets supports your pet’s dental health.
Kaytee’s pre and probiotic content are also beneficial for your piggy’s digestive health and immune system.
Overview
- Free from seeds and sugary foods
- Contains tons of Vitamin C
- Fortified with probiotics and prebiotics
Kaytee Timothy hay food pellets encourage chewing in guinea pigs to wear down their teeth. This is important for your pet’s health to prevent dental abscesses. Its high-fiber content also supports your pig’s digestive health.
Pro Tip
It is a good idea to use this food as a treat instead of a complete diet for guinea pigs. This is because it has alfalfa which has higher protein and calcium content.
Kaytee Timothy Guinea Pig Food Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Contains pre and probiotics – Great for piggy’s dental health – High-fiber – Rich in Vitamin C | – Caused a stinky odor in some guinea pigs’ feces |
Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Pet Food, 5 Pounds
What Is The Healthiest Food For Your Guinea Pig?
According to experts, the healthiest food for guinea pigs is one that is free from corn, sugar, and dried fruits. It should also be free from seeds.
The food should provide balanced amounts of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and minerals. It should provide fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics which are very important for a guinea pig’s optimum digestive health.
Most importantly, the food should contain a stabilized form of Vitamin C. This is very important to prevent scurvy in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs also need vitamin C to support collagen biosynthesis, bone growth and wound healing.
Younger guinea pigs also need arginine, folic acid, and certain minerals. Foods with healthy fats or omega essential fatty acids are also important to maintain healthy skin and coat.
In general, guinea pigs will have different nutritional needs based on their life stages.
Conclusion – Final Recommendation
Guinea pigs need high-fiber food made with timothy hay and fortified with vitamin C. They also need food that can provide them with optimum levels of protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Food containing omega essential fats is beneficial for their coat and skin. The food should also contain probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health and immune support.
Based on these, we recommend the Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food. It has all of the above nutrients and is free from seeds, fruits, and dried fruits.
Do check out our other recommendations as well.
