Guinea Pig Diet Calculator
Guinea pig pellets and veg from pig count.
What it does
Guinea pigs eat like small horses with a vitamin C problem. Grass hay stays unlimited at 85-90 % of intake while pellets measure a tablespoon per pig and veg a packed cup, with bell pepper covering the vitamin C they cannot make. One pig at 2.5 lb eats 1 Tbsp with 1 cup over endless hay.
The tool above runs PDSA rates with a weight-rule cross-check. Enter pig count and average weight, and it prints pellets, veg cups, and the NCSU weight-rule figure. Defaults show 1 Tbsp with 1 cup against a 0.63-cup weight rule; serve the larger cup.
Three welfare sources align. PDSA sets unlimited hay with a tablespoon of pellets and a cup of veg per pig, RSPCA frames hay-majority feeding with daily leafy greens, and NC State veterinary guidance gives 1-2 Tbsp pellets with half-cup-per-2-lb greens and pepper C rules. Fruit stays rare everywhere.
Vitamin C decides the menu details. Peppers beat oranges on C without sugar, water drops degrade too fast to trust, and pellet fortification fades in air. Rotate 5-6 veg varieties weekly and keep hay racks full around the clock.
How to use
- Enter the pig count.
- Enter the average weight.
- Read pellets first, then veg.
- Compare the weight-rule cups.
- Serve bell pepper daily for C.
- Keep grass hay unlimited.
Formula
- pigs
- Guinea pig headcount, 1 to 50.
- weight
- Average weight in pounds.
PDSA sets 1 Tbsp pellets with 1 cup veg per pig; NCSU gives 1-2 Tbsp pellets with weight-based greens and pepper C rules.
Worked example
Example: one guinea pig
Defaults: 1 pig at 2.5 lb average.
- Inputs: 1 pig averaging 2.5 lb.
- Pellets: 1 x 1 = 1 Tbsp.
- Veg: 1 x 1 = 1 cup.
- Weight rule: 0.5 x (2.5/2) = 0.63 cups.
- Hay unlimited. Tool shows 1 Tbsp pellets, 1 cup veg, 0.63 cups rule.
Reference table
| Pigs | Pellets | Veg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Tbsp | 1 cup |
| 2 | 2 Tbsp | 2 cups |
| 3 | 3 Tbsp | 3 cups |
Limits
- Adult pet rules only. Pups and sows differ.
- Planning rates; condition adjusts portions.
- Ignores dental and urinary cases.
- Vet guidance rules illness.
Common mistakes
- Seed-filled muesli mixes.
- Skipping daily bell pepper.
- Veg without hay as the base.
- Water-drop vitamin C.
- Fruit as daily food.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
2 pigs averaging 2.5 lb?
Pellets 2 x 1 = 2 Tbsp. Veg 2 x 1 = 2 cups. Weight rule 0.5 x (5/2) = 1.25 cups.
3 pigs averaging 2.5 lb?
Pellets 3 Tbsp. Veg 3 cups. Weight rule 0.5 x (7.5/2) = 1.88 cups.
Questions
How many pellets?
One tablespoon per pig daily (up to 2 per NCSU range). Here 1 Tbsp.
How much veg?
One packed cup per pig daily across 5-6 varieties with C-rich kinds inside.
What is the weight rule?
0.5 cups per 2 lb of pig. Here 0.63 cups; serve the larger 1 cup.
How do they get vitamin C?
1-2 Tbsp of bell pepper daily; never rely on water drops or pellet fortification.
How much hay?
Always unlimited grass hay, 85-90 % of intake.
Are treats allowed?
Yes. Fruit counts as rare treats only; grains and seeds stay out.
Sources
- PDSA: Guinea Pig Diet (1 Tbsp, 1 cup, hay 85-90%)
- RSPCA: Guinea Pig Diet (hay majority, greens)
- NC State Vet Hospital: Guinea Pig Care (weight rules, pepper C)