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Guinea Pig Care Guide for a Happy, Healthy Chomper

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
Photo of a white and caramel colored guinea pig being carried by a kid to illustrate a blog about guinea pig care guide

We have put together a guinea pig care guide for all wanting to give their little ones a better and healthier life. If you just adopted a guinea pig and need help caring for them, this is for you. These facts can also interest those who simply want to learn more about these little chompers. Lastly, even experienced guinea pig parents can learn something or two with these tips we put together.

Let’s jump straight to it, shall we?

Creating A Safe Space For Your Piggie

Our living space is very important. The same goes for a cavy, another name for guinea pigs. These little furry animals are always on high alert because of their inborn instinct as prey in the wild. So they tend to be cautious moving into a new environment with strange surroundings. That’s why you should always try your best to make them feel safe in your home. 

The first step is to ensure their “house” is in a dry, quiet area with no direct sunlight. Cavies find loud noises threatening. For this reason, we also recommend placing them far from your washing machines, radios, or anything consistently loud.  As a matter of fact, providing them with a seclusive space with minimized stressors is the best. 

Their cage should be made of stainless steel, durable plastic, or wire with an opening (on the top) for ventilation and solid ground to prevent any injuries. Their beds should be composed of clean paper or fleece-based materials, such as paper shreds. 

Be Gentle and Patient

As mentioned earlier, guinea pigs are very cautious. Therefore, it is completely normal if they have their guard up at the beginning, even with their new furmom/furdad (i.e. you). Slowly introduce yourself, so they can warm up to you and eventually become comfortable around you. Here are some easy and safe ways to do that:

  • Hang your clothes near their cage, so they remember your scent.
  • Place your hand near them (in a safe position), so they know you won’t harm them.
  • Speak to them in a soft tone/voice.

At some point, they will trust you so much that you will be able to hand-feed them. Chopping some veggies and/or fruits into bite-size pieces and putting them in the palm of your hands makes for a great bonding activity! Who wouldn’t instantly fall in love with the person who gives them food? But what exactly should you feed your little one? Keep reading to find the answer to that.

A Guinea Pig Care Guide Starts with the Right Diet

Image of a hand feeding a peace of green leaf to a brown guinea pig to illustrate a blog with a complete guinea pig care guide

Like bunnies, guinea pigs are herbivores. As such, grass hay is vital in their diet. This ingredient is full of nutrients like fiber, which are very healthy for your little one. So, go ahead and put as much hay as you want in the corner of their cage!

Guinea pigs can’t produce their own Vitamin C, so we should give them fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

A fun fact you may not know about these cute rodents: their teeth grow persistently and continuously throughout their life! And the only way to stop our guinea pigs from being actual, walking “choppers” is to offer them grass hay to munch on. It is because the abrasiveness in grasses can hinder their teeth’s growth.

It is also essential for you to feed your guinea pigs fruits and vegetables every day because they can’t produce Vitamin C on their own. Apples, broccoli, pears, and kale are excellent sources of this vitamin.

Remember to keep your guinea pig hydrated as well! Install a sipper bottle in their cage so they can always access water.

Exercise & Health in Guinea Pigs

Regular exercise is key to any pet’s health. Unlike hamsters, please don’t give running wheels to your guinea pig, as these may cause danger to your little one. Instead, let them out daily to roam around.

If you notice your little one isn’t as playful, has less energy than usual, and isn’t as interested in their surroundings, please visit a specialist. Your guinea pig might be dealing with a health condition. You may also check out our other blog about common diseases that can affect your little potato.

Guinea Pig Care Guide for Proactive Support

Natural supplements can work alongside a balanced diet and a healthy exercise routine to give your guinea pig even more support. Our formulas are 100% natural and safe for pets of all sizes for proactive support and to help address a confirmed health condition.

So even if your little piggies don’t have any health concerns, they can still take supplement their diets with vet-formulated blends like ours. These are our main recommendations for proactive and overall support: 

NHV Multi Essentials can promote a healthy coat, help with your little one’s energy level, and give them that extra nutritional boost. 

NHV Turmeric, on the other hand, helps support the joint and muscles of your furkid. The antioxidant-packed extract also supports guinea pigs’ liver, heart, and circulatory functions.


We hope this guinea pig care guide has been helpful! Like every other pet, guinea pigs require special care, full attention, and all the love you can give. They are more likely to thrive with a safe home, the right meals, a solid routine, and gentle supplements. Seeing these tiny balls of sunshine bouncing around energetically is worth every work you put into caring for them. If you have any questions about guinea pigs or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our pet experts! We are always here to help your furmily.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: March 8, 2023

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