Guinea pig diet structure — hay as the staple, daily fresh pellets, daily vegetables (RSPCA-derived)
Source: RSPCA pet care advice (rspca.org.uk), a copyrighted animal-welfare organisation. Per COPYRIGHT_POLICY §3, the points below are paraphrased derived fact summaries: numerical values and proper nouns are preserved from the source, but sentences are rewritten and not quoted verbatim.
Honest-gap note: the RSPCA page does not state a numeric hay:pellet:vegetable ratio (no percentages or measured amounts). Only the qualitative diet structure below is source-supported; the numeric feeding ratio requested in the manual supplement roadmap remains an open gap.
Claims
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Hay is the dietary staple: good-quality hay must be constantly available, and fresh grass should be given as often as possible, ideally every day.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* A fresh daily portion of grass-based guinea-pig pellets (quantity per the manufacturer's instructions) supplies essential vitamin C, which degrades over time and faster with air exposure — so a fresh portion must be given each day rather than just topping up the bowl.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Vegetables and herbs listed as safe to eat daily include parsley, celery, peppers, cucumber, gem lettuce and romaine lettuce; they are valued as sources of vitamin C.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Broccoli, spinach, kale, small pieces of carrot and a quarter of an apple are treats only — small amounts a few times a week, because of their high sugar or calcium content.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Iceberg lettuce, potato, garlic, avocado, coconut and citrus fruits are listed as harmful or poisonous for guinea pigs and must be avoided.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Lawnmower clippings must never be fed — they upset guinea pigs' digestive systems and make them ill.
- *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Fresh clean drinking water must be continuously available and checked twice daily; without water guinea pigs become seriously ill.