With special thanks to Natalie Riggs
A balanced diet consisting of unlimited grass hay complemented by a timothy hay-based pellet and fresh veggies is essential. There’s no doubt about that. But guinea pigs are natural foragers. In the wild, small animals don’t eat the same thing daily. Instead, they eat a tidbit here and a morsel there, based on what is available seasonally. Without this variety, they can suffer a lack of trace minerals and other nutritional components. Plenty of safe herbs and flowers can be offered regularly to help a guinea pig thrive. Still, there are other supplements for guinea pigs that may be useful for specific health problems or during recovery periods.
Check with your vet first!
Your trusted exotic vet knows your cavy best. Please remember to check with your piggie’s vet prior to starting any new supplements for guinea pigs.
Vitamin C
You may have heard that guinea pigs, like us, can’t make their own vitamin C. Fresh vegetables add variety to the diet and ensure your guinea pig is getting all the vitamin C she needs. Bell peppers in particular – any color - are packed with vitamin C but still low in calcium, sugar, and acid. Do you have a picky eater on your hands? High-quality guinea pig pellets with stabilized vitamin C can provide extra assurance your pig is getting the nutrients she needs.
Guinea pigs recovering from illness, injury, or surgery and those not eating normally are most at risk for vitamin C deficiency. However, being deprived too long can lead to scurvy. A guinea pig with scurvy will generally look unwell and lethargic with poor body condition, a dull coat, and sunken eyes. In addition, they may show signs of pain or tenderness when touched. Scurvy is treatable, but prevention is ideal for a guinea pig already under the weather.
When vitamin C supplementation is required, avoid putting drops in the water. Vitamin C will degrade quickly in water; the next day, it’ll already be less than half as potent. In addition to being an unreliable way to dose, adding anything to the drinking water can change the taste. If it isn’t your guinea pig’s cup of tea, this could cause them not to drink as much as they should. As an alternative, the drops can be given via syringe. Or, you can quarter a 100 mg children's chewable tablet and offer the 25 mg portion as a treat. Make sure it’s a vegan formula without added sugar, sweeteners like xylitol, artificial colors, flavors, or hard-to-pronounce preservatives.
Echinacea
Vitamin C may tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to supplements for guinea pigs, but Echinacea offers some immune system-boosting powers as well. One of the most trusted go-to herbs for immune support, Echinacea helps the immune system work to its full potential. It can also act as a mild pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. While not a replacement for piggie-safe antibiotics, this superpower herb makes a nice complement for those recovering from a URI or other infections. The stalks, stems, and leaves are safe for guinea pigs to consume. Try sprinkling on some hay a few times a week as a forage surprise.
Linden
Linden leaves, and flowers are secret weapons for high-strung small animals. Known for its calming properties, linden is a great treat to give before stressful events like a car ride or vet visit. It’s also a great detox herb, anti-inflammatory, and mild anti-spasmodic, which makes linden a good supplement for guinea pigs with sensitive tummies or prone to bloat.
Plantain
Linden leaves, and flowers are secret weapons for high-strung small animals. Known for its calming properties, linden is a great treat to give before stressful events like a car ride or vet visit. It’s also a great detox herb, anti-inflammatory, and mild anti-spasmodic, which makes linden a good supplement for guinea pigs with sensitive tummies or prone to bloat.
Shi Lin Tong
Shi lin tong is a Chinese herbal supplement recently investigated by cavy slaves in the fight against bladder stones. In humans, it is thought to help maintain a healthy urinary tract. Also known as Gold Coin Herb, it’s believed to relax the urethra so crystals can pass through before accumulating to form larger stones in the bladder. Coupled with dietary changes, it’s a great preventative for guinea pigs prone to bladder stones.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine may be a helpful to line the bladder walls and soothe irritation in those piggies that suffer from interstitial cystitis or bladder sludge. About 100 mg of a vegan formula is a good dose to start. Try sprinkling the powder directly on some moist veggies like cucumber. Scientific studies (in guinea pigs!) have shown that glucosamine also reduces the destruction of cartilage and slows the progression of osteoarthritis. That’s pretty cool news for our senior friends. Remember that, unlike fast-acting prescription pain medications, glucosamine is a supplement for guinea pigs that takes effect over time. It may take a few weeks to start seeing results. Guinea pigs suffering from arthritis may still need to see the vet for a safe pain medication like meloxicam to keep comfortable in their golden years.
As small animals get more attention from the veterinary and nutrition communities, there is an increase in knowledge about just how much variety these little friends need to stay truly healthy. But remember, whole foods are the way to go. Multivitamins should not be used because of the potential for toxic overdose of certain vitamins. While some supplements in excess will safely exit the body through the urine (like Vitamin C), a heavy dose of other vitamins and minerals can make your guinea pig sick or cause long-term health problems. And please, always talk to your exotic vet before adding a regular supplement to your guinea pig’s diet.
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