Have you ever wondered why people talk so much about the vitamin C in orange juice? Humans cannot make Vitamin C, so we have to eat it. The same goes for guinea pigs. Your guinea pig needs vitamin C for its nutritional needs and to prevent other health problems. This vitamin, in fact, is essential for the health of your guinea pig.
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How Vitamin C Can Play a Critical Role in Guinea Pig Health
Your guinea pig can only get their daily dose of Vitamin C through their food or a supplement. Why do they need it, though?
The Importance of Vitamin C
Your guinea pig needs Vitamin C for things you might not think of, like wound healing, but it also helps build skin, bones, and blood vessels. Not to mention that having enough of this vitamin can prevent diseases or conditions like scurvy.
This is all part of your guinea pig’s normal development, but since they can’t do it themselves, you have to help them. This is especially true if they are pregnant, nursing or for young guinea pigs.
How to Give Your Guinea Pig Vitamin C
For most, you can meet their need for Vitamin C through their regular diet, although it depends on what you feed them. If you feed them a selection of vegetables high in Vitamin C and some fresh pellets, you should be fine. Note that although many commercially available pellets include vitamin C, it tends to degrade over time. You’ll want to store your food in a cool, dark place then, or buy vitamin C-stabilized pellets.
You can also buy Vitamin C tablets made specifically for guinea pigs.
Dosage of Vitamin C
Speaking of dosage, guinea pig supplements are usually around 50mg. This is normal, because Vitamin C is water soluble and breaks down. Of course, it also depends on body weight. Some guinea pigs will only need as little as 5mg, while others may need 30 to 50mg.
Ultimately, it’s important to talk to your vet about your guinea pig’s dosage, as it depends on their weight and health.
Foods with Vitamin C
If you want to avoid the dosage issue, you can try and meet their vitamin C needs through their diet. Of course, be sure to add any new foods gradually.
In this case, consider giving them options like bell peppers, mustard greens, green carrot leaves, and fruits like strawberries or kiwis. You can also give them options like oranges and tangerines, but be careful with them because they can cause inflammation. Give them only in small doses, usually as treats.
Does My Guinea Pig Need More Vitamin C?
If your guinea pig has a Vitamin C deficiency, you should notice signs such as a dull coat, swelling around their mouth, delayed healing, poor appetite, swollen joints, lethargy, or diarrhea.
Many diseases tend to present similar symptoms, so see your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation whether or not you suspect a Vitamin C deficiency.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is an important part of your guinea pig’s health. They need Vitamin C to heal, have a good coat, and prevent illnesses and other ailments. Because they can’t do it themselves—you have to make sure they’re getting enough on their own. It may be as simple as adjusting their diet, but if you have any questions, be sure to ask your vet.
