Guinea pigs need unlimited fresh grass hay, clean drinking water, a daily variety of vegetables including vitamin C-rich bell pepper, and a small measured serving of plain guinea pig pellets. Fruit is an occasional treat, not a staple. Introduce new foods gradually and ask a guinea pig-savvy vet about illness or special dietary needs.
Guinea pigs commonly live around five to seven years, although veterinary sources give wider ranges of roughly four to eight years. A 2025 UK veterinary-record study estimated an average near four years in its sample. No age is guaranteed: steady feeding, safe housing, companionship and early veterinary treatment help protect health and welfare.
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Guinea pigs thrive on unlimited grass hay, measured species-specific pellets and varied vitamin C-rich vegetables—not sugary treats.
Most healthy adult guinea pigs should have unlimited access to fresh, good-quality timothy hay, day and night. Replace soiled or damp hay, refill whenever supplies run low, and place hay at several easy-to-reach feeding spots. Hay provides the fiber and chewing time guinea pigs need, but vitamin-C-rich vegetables and appropriate pellets remain important.
