Top Rated Pellet Food for Guinea Pigs – Reviews & Guide
If you want to get the best pellets for guinea pigs, but don’t know how to go about things or you have limited time at your disposal, Dr. Fox can give you a hand. After going through dozens of reviews and product specifications, the conclusion that our specialist has reached is that the Small Pet Select GPEL-05 is the product you should consider. One of the most important benefits ensured by this alternative is that it has been created using quality ingredients. The pellets were added vitamins and minerals, so you can rest assured that they promote the healthy development of your pet. In case you have no means of trying out the Small Pet Select GPEL-05, it would be a good idea to give the Oxbow Essentials OCC200 Timothy Based a shot.
Comparison table
These pellets have made many guinea pigs run around with joy. The recipe is enhanced with Timothy Hay and essential vitamins and minerals, and the product is milled in limited batches, to ensure the pellets’ freshness. Additionally, it is produced in the USA by a family business.
Because no product is perfect, some customers didn't like that the zip-lock bag, although a nice and useful addition, malfunctions on occasions.
The conclusion is that the pellets are fresh, they pack many of the things your pet needs to thrive, and their taste appeals to the furry creatures. The bag is also convenient most of the time.
The brand shows you can create a delicious product without chemicals. Furthermore, the product comes in a 5lbs bag, which will save you time and make sure you'll always have something to feed your pet with. Its recipe is specially formulated for guinea pigs as well.
As a setback, we will mention its taste. Although most guinea pigs seem to adore it, there are the occasional demanding ones that will refuse it.
Ultimately, one word to describe the natural product is convenience. From the size of the bag to the texture of the bits, everything is designed to make the pet's and your life easier.
Another choice that has balanced levels of fibers and vitamins is this one from Kaytee. It has an impressive ingredient list which contains natural seeds and grains, vitamin C and natural preservatives. The product is also artificial color and flavor-free, which is ideal for the well-being of your pet.
One thing that a customer pointed out is that these bits are not pellets per se, as they contain more ingredients than traditional products usually do.
Lastly, you need to know that it packs many natural proteins, fibers, and oils. The food stays fresh for a long time even if you keep it in its bag, and it will keep the pet’s GI tract healthy.
Our Top Choice 
2nd Best
Also To Consider
5 Best Guinea Pig Pellets (Reviews) in 2021
Based on the research that we have undertaken, it appears that the following products are the most highly spoken of nowadays. Given the amount of appreciation they have gathered, it wouldn’t hurt if you checked them out.
1. Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food Pellets
If your cavy has reached adulthood, the GPEL-05 is the right option that you should take into account. We’ve had to add this comment because this product is Timothy-based, and therefore contains less calcium than alfalfa alternatives that speak to the needs of young cavies and pregnant ones, too.
Another reason to consider this alternative is that it has been fortified with both vitamins and minerals, which eliminates the need for you to add them in the guinea pig water or use a separate supplement.
Also, it’s worth noting that the Small pet Select GPEL-05 has been manufactured in the U.S., which should give you a pointer as to whether or not it was packaged appropriately. Some owners have reported that they have noticed that this variety is considerably fresher compared to others that their guinea pigs have tried in the past. As for affordability, it’s a subjective matter as some other choices are more budget-friendly while others are pricier.
Pros
The GPEL-05 is a Timothy-based alternative that suits the nutritional requirements of adult cavies.
Having been supplemented with vitamins and minerals, the product eliminates the need for you to ensure these dietary demands in some other way.
Another advantage that you should take into account is the fact that the GPEL-05 has been manufactured in the United States, unlike so many other choices that might be less safe to utilize.
Most of the consumer reports we have analyzed in relation to this product praise its high quality and freshness.
Cons
Several buyers have reported that the zip lock top did not work, so they had no means of closing the bag so as to preserve the freshness of the pellets for an extended period of time.
Other owners say that they have managed to find a similar product with almost the same ingredients for a more affordable price.
2. Cavy Cuisine Adult Guinea Pig Food
The OCC200 is mostly destined for adult guinea pigs, and that’s worth noting because the product is made from timothy grass meal. It comes with a high fiber level that all cavies require in order for their digestive systems to function properly, but it does not contain the same high amount of calcium and protein that alfalfa options ensure.
The neat thing about this Oxbow Essentials choice is that it comes in a bag that is resealable. It stands to reason that the variety is available in a good array of sizes, but the 5lb bag is one of the popular ones because the pellets won’t go stale ahead of time.
In order to make sure that we are would be able to suggest products that are truly worthy of your attention, we went through the user reviews gathered by the OCC200. Most of the owners whose opinions we have consulted appear to be perfectly satisfied with this option as it seems to make their guinea pigs happy. It comes with an added vitamin C content and is usually recommended by veterinarians.
Pros
It’s one of the few brand varieties that has been endorsed by veterinarians who recommend them for adult guinea pigs.
The product is made from timothy grass meal, so it contains lower calcium and protein levels, thus addressing cavies that are older than six months.
The price for the 5lb bag isn’t exaggerated, at least judging by the ratings that the choice has acquired in this sense.
Something else that you might benefit from is that the bag is resealable, and this feature will allow you to keep the pellets fresh for a longer time.
Cons
Some of the owners have complained about this brand not being affordable enough for their budget. However, their cavies love it.
3. Kaytee Supreme Guinea Pig Food
Unlike some of the other choices that we have showcased in our selection, the Kaytee Supreme Diet is different in that it contains grains, seeds, and pellets so that it ensures all of the dietary requirements of your guinea pig aside from those coming from real hay.
This brand has a long history of making quality products destined for pets, whether they are cages and hutches or food varieties. Therefore, the over two hundred favorable user reviews that it has garnered on some retail websites practically speak for themselves when it comes to estimating the quality of this product.
The food includes vitamin C and has been manufactured without the use of any artificial flavors or colorings, which brings us to the conclusion that it is entirely healthy for your pet. You have the freedom to select the 5-pound or 25-pound size, depending on your preferences. Just make sure to store it properly if you do decide to buy in bulk because the last thing you’d want to do is let it go stale.
Pros
This food comes with all the healthy ingredients that a guinea pig needs for healthy development.
The alternative has been manufactured using natural grains, seeds, and pellets that can offer the right nutrients to your pet.
The added vitamin C is a neat benefit ensured by the formula of this product.
Unlike some of the other options we have come across, this one is available both as a 5-pound and 25-pound alternative. You can get the bigger size if you have more cavies than one or two.
Judging by the feedback that this product has received, it seems that guinea pigs consider it quite delicious.
Cons
In the end, the fact of the matter is that the Kaytee Supreme Diet is not a brand of pellets. It comes with a lot more ingredients, so if you’re in the market for separate pellets, it might not be the right choice.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Whether you want to get a guinea pig hutch, some guinea pig toys, or a guinea pig water bottle, our website is made to help you. Today, we’ll share with you some tips on how you can select the right pellets for the age of your pet. Our buyer’s guide will also include info on what ingredients you should, at all cost, steer clear of.
We’ve also tackled the matter of those things that make the difference between one kind of pellet and the other. So, if you’re new to owning and caring for guinea pigs, you’ll find all the info regarding pellets below.
The three core aspects you need to take into account
Normally, you’d have to decide on a brand of pellets based on freshness, but it’s clear that you can’t know just how recently they have been manufactured just by reading a product description online. So, although this is one of the first factors that you ought to bear in mind, it’s perhaps less important compared to ingredient quality and quality control.
Obviously, most brands that have a long history of making good food for guinea pigs are safe. However, there are some other things that you should be on the lookout for and we’ll detail them below.
Avoid these ingredients at all cost
As with any other product that you might want to consume yourself, it’s important to have a good, long look at the ingredients of the pellets you’re going to feed your pet. First off, your cavy is not an omnivore, so there shouldn’t be any animal products in the brand. Stay away from beet pulp, corn bran, germ, or ground corn, as well as rice bran or rice flour.
Seeds, nuts, and oils should also be avoided because they contain far too much fat for a healthy cavy diet.
Artificial substances to steer clear of
Some of the substances that you ought to be on the lookout for include sucrose, any kind of food colorings, corn syrup, and any type of sodium nitrite, nitrate, or metabisulfite. These ingredients either pose a risk to the health of your guinea pig or might have been linked to the occurrence of chronic diseases.
If you have little to no idea when it comes to the type of colorings, preservatives, and sweeteners you should avoid, it might be a good idea to check out the best guinea pig pellets reviews. Fortunately, there’s a strong guinea pig community all over the world, with specialized forums where owners share their opinions, mishaps, and experiences. You can learn a lot from them.
Another pointer that we can give you is to go online and do a bit of research. There’s the Association of American Feed Control Officials that sets guidelines and definitions for any type of animal feed, including that destined for pets.
What’s the difference between Timothy and Alfalfa?
The simplest answer to this question is calcium. Whenever you decide to put a new pellet brand in your guinea pig cage, you need to make sure that you use the right one. Because of its high calcium content, alfalfa is suited for pregnant guinea pigs and those that are young and still growing. Timothy-based choices are destined for adults. So, whenever you’re in the market for a new variety for sale, consider this factor, as well.
» Check the information from past years
Time might be short for you, but we do have the information needed to find the best food for guinea pigs. Dr. Fox evaluated different products based on value and overall nutrition performance and found the clear market choice, the Oxbow Animal Health Essentials. Truly a great product for sale, this guinea pig food mix is formulated from Timothy grass meal to supply a high degree of fiber that is essential for the nutritional needs of adult animals. That is without too much protein, calcium, and calories compared to pellets predominantly containing alfalfa. Don’t worry if the Oxbow Animal Health Essentials runs out of stock as you could get the second best option, the Kaytee Fiesta.
5 Best Foods for Guinea Pigs (Reviews) in 2021
We believe the following products featured here deserve your consideration. In terms of nutritional value, optimum digestibility, and overall value, they ought to be in your shopping cart right now. Let us show you why.
Petlife Oxbow Cavy Cuisine Complete Feed for Adult Guinea Pig
Although guinea pigs are essentially vegans, a pregnant, young, or nursing guinea pig has different nutritional needs compared to an adult creature. The Oxbow Animal Health Essentials is formulated with the exact type of components needed for an adult guinea pig food diet. To keep the body healthy, it is formulated with optimal levels of calcium-to-phosphorus ratio along with stabilized Vitamin C to prevent digestive issues.
Made from Timothy grass meal, a guinea pig favorite, this product provides the fiber-packed diet that adult guinea pigs thrive on. However, it has lower levels of protein, calcium, and calories compared to pellets made from alfalfa, which is too rich for adult creatures and can lead to health problems when consumed in excess.
Providing stabilized nutrition for adults, this product can be partnered with Oxbow grass hays and treats for a balanced and complete nutrition suitable for adults, eliminating the guesswork in suitable stage feeding.
Formulated for the essentially different digestive system of adult guinea pigs, this choice is Timothy hay-based to suit the adult cavy.
For a healthy adult body, this guinea pig food has sufficient levels of calcium-to-phosphorus ratio along with stabilized Vitamin C to enable senior species to absorb the nutrient well enough.
Thanks to the Timothy-based formulation, this cavy food is ideal for the digestive system of adult pets without having too much protein, calcium, and calories compared to alfalfa-based varieties.
High in fiber, this option also has Vitamins A, D, and E to ensure the health and well-being of your adult pet.
This product can be combined with Oxbow grass hays and treats for a complete and stabilized nutrition for your cavy.
While most pet owners have proven how their cavies love this product, one customer who owns a picky pet decided to donate what they purchased to the animal shelter since their pig doesn’t seem to like this.
Kaytee Fiesta Guinea Pig Food
From a pet food manufacturer that understands the unique dietary needs of guinea pigs comes the Kaytee Fiesta. A popular choice for guinea pig owners, this option features the textures and shapes that promote the natural chewing activity that, in turn, supports optimal dental health.
Your guinea pig will love the variety of gobbling it can do on every piece of the product that also enables optimal salivary activity for driving away stubborn morsels between the teeth for bonus dental maintenance.
This pet food features probiotics and prebiotics that encourage the development of tummy-friendly bacteria for a healthy digestive system and a reduced incidence of digestive issues. It also contains assorted veggies and fruits that not only provide extra enrichment and variety but also supply fiber to a healthy diet.
Nutritionally engineered to be rich in natural antioxidants, this pet food is what your guinea pig needs for general health and immune support.
Encouraging healthy eating habits, this guinea pig food incorporates the good shapes and textures that your chew-loving guinea pig prefers while supporting dental health through the natural chewing process.
It is also processed using assorted vegetables and fruit to add variety and ample nutritional enrichment for a healthy animal.
A guinea pig’s digestive health gets ample support thanks to the integrated prebiotics and probiotics that encourage the proliferation of healthy tummy flora.
Rich in natural antioxidants, this guinea pig food is suitable for sustaining general health and strong immune support.
Your pet will thrive thanks to the Vitamin C in the formulation of this nutritionally fortified gourmet diet blended with seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables for optimal variety, chewing fun, as well as small animal nutrition.
Most pet owners have observed how their cavies like the colored bits more than the plain pellets in the food mix.
Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Food Mix for Guinea Pigs
If you are looking for a premium gourmet food for your guinea pig, the Higgins Sunburst Gourmet should be on your shopping list now. This product is loaded with natural goodness, as it is formulated with wholesome fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, legumes, nuts, and plenty more healthy ingredients.
The variety of textures in this gourmet offering will provide a delightful chewing experience for your pet. It enables the animal to enjoy sustained dental health with the ample level of activation of the salivary glands. This ensures that potentially dental disease-causing food particles are easily taken out of the tooth crevices as the creature munches on every piece.
Enriched with DHA omega fatty acids as well as tummy-friendly probiotics, this pet food supports the optimal growth and health of your pet. It has no artificial colors and preservatives so your furry friend enjoys all-natural goodness with every bite. It has enough fiber from oats, wheat, alfalfa pellets, barley, shelled peanuts, safflower, pumpkin seeds, and more.
Remarkably natural and healthy, this gourmet guinea pig food offers the textures and nutrients that support your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
It contains healthy vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and revolutionary diet discoveries such as barley, safflower, and alfalfa pellets, for nutritive fiber and wholesome ingredients.
This product contains no artificial preservatives and colors so your pet enjoys the goodness of natural ingredients and none of the disease-causing additives.
The digestive probiotics infused in the product ensure tummy friendliness for healthy digestion. The DHA omega fatty acids ensure good health and optimal physical stamina.
The product ships in a resealable bag to ensure that the taste and freshness are preserved so your pet can enjoy every serving every time.
According to one customer, their pet tends to eat more of the fruits and veggies servings and less of the pellets in the bag, which may be attributed to a taste issue.
Sunseed Vita Prima Guinea Pig Food
This Guinea pig food has everything your pet needs for a balanced diet. There will be no need to worry over whether you manage to include everything he or she should eat in the daily food you provide, as the Sunseed Vita Prima Guinea Pig Food covers all the bases.
First of all, it is based on Timothy hay, and it is rich in fiber, something that Guinea pigs need to have plenty in their daily meals to maintain a healthy digestive system. Furthermore, the formula is fortified with vitamin C, so you will make sure that your furry friend has proper protection against diseases.
The same food contains plenty of omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, and probiotics, which are all included for sustaining optimal health. You will be pleased to learn that all these great ingredients are delivered in such a way that the stomach of a Guinea pig can process them so that they become available to the biological processes as soon as possible.
Another thing that will make you happy is that this formula is made in the US, so there are no cheap ingredients included or obtained from sources that don’t offer the required credibility.
A formula based on high-quality ingredients, this food for Guinea pigs will provide your pet with all that is needed for optimal health and long life.
The content of vitamin C will boost the immune system of your Guinea pig and will ensure protection against various illnesses.
Due to the added content of omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, and probiotics, your pet will benefit from optimal digestive health and overall resistance to aging and diseases.
All the nutrients in the formula are readily available, and easy to process by the Guinea pigs fed with it, so most of them will be used, without creating waste.
Because it is based on Timothy hay, it is rich in fiber, and, an aspect that’s also important, it appeals to the appetite of these small critters that will find it delicious.
Since it is a food made from various ingredients, don’t be too surprised to see some picky Guinea pigs going through it to get only the tasty bits.
Vitakraft Vita Smart Adult Guinea Pig Food
Guinea pigs need high-quality food to lead long, happy lives, and that’s precisely what this formula from Vitakraft offers. Some foods on the market focus only on one aspect or another, while others prefer a more holistic approach. This formula belongs to the latter category, so it would be a good idea to get it for your Guinea pigs, especially if they are mature or in their senior years.
The main point of a diet is to provide the essential nutrients for healthy living. In this case, you will be pleased to hear that the base is made of Timothy hay, an excellent source of fiber that Guinea pigs love. Since it’s essential that your pet likes the food so that he or she can benefit from all the nutrients, a tasty formula is always a good idea.
Furthermore, this food contains antioxidants, ideal for boosting the little one’s immune system, as well as various minerals and probiotics. On the list of ingredients, you will also find DHA omega 3’s, for complete nutrition.
While it is ideal for growth and healthy development, the formula is suitable for feeding Guinea pigs in their mature and senior years, as it successfully postpones the effects of aging.
This premium food line is created to provide holistic care for your Guinea pig’s health throughout his or her entire lifetime.
Due to the presence of antioxidants, it is a good pick for fighting off illnesses and provides Guinea pigs with all they need to live healthy and happy.
Your young Guinea pigs, as well as those who are older, will benefit from this complex formula that caters not only to healthy development but also to the maintenance of a healthy body.
Its content of Timothy hay ensures that your Guinea pigs will get enough fiber in their diet so that their digestive system doesn’t suffer.
All the nutrients have excellent bioavailability, which means that they will be processed with the utmost efficiency by the tiny bodies of your furry friends.
Since this food is a mix of ingredients, you might have to work toward making your Guinea pigs eat the pellets, too, and not just the treats.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Guinea pigs are vegan, which means there’s no shortage of plants to feed them with. However, although they eat almost anything that grows on the ground, guinea pigs kept as pets cannot just be let loose in your garden if you are to have a good-looking property at all. Take note of the following elements when choosing commercial guinea pig food.
Fresh grass and hay
The natural instinct of cavies is to eat what sprouts from the ground. They like hay, which is a staple. This item comes on top in any guinea pig food guide, so there has to be plenty of it. Freshly picked grass is fine, but not lawn cuttings.
Look for hay-based commercial foods. Alfalfa pellets are what pregnant, lactating, and young animals less than 6 months old should be fed with. However, alfalfa hay is extremely rich for seniors and can lead to health problems when taken in excess.
A heavy guinea pig favorite is Timothy hay. Other types of hay for guinea pig consumption include botanical hay, oat hay, and orchard grass. Because alfalfa hay is too calcium-rich for senior pigs, it is not suitable for older pets. Calcium stones may form when there’s too much of the nutrient in the diet.
Pregnant or nursing pigs need the nutrient though for the development of the young, which is why young pigs also need optimal amounts of it. Grass hay controls teeth growth and aids in digestion. Give guinea pigs plenty of mixed grass or Timothy hay to prevent any stone formation.
Vegetables and fruit
The main fresh ingredient in the best guinea pig food is vegetables, especially during the winter season when fresh grass is impossible to come by. Hay cannot be completely replaced with veggies, though. That said, for proper diet, you pig needs such varieties as green eggplants or aubergines, green corn, Chinese cabbage, celery (peel if root variety), and cavy-popular cucumber.
Fresh hay has to be provided permanently. Regulate the amount of asparagus, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, and inner chicory leaves. Endive is appetizing and rich in vitamins and minerals, as is fennel, which is helpful for digestive complaints. Green oats, frisee, parsnip, parsley root, turnip, and rutabaga are others.
Some fruits should be served in a restricted amount to prevent health issues. They include apple, banana, grape minus the nubs, kiwi, mandarin, melon, pear, and orange. Strawberry can be fed with the green, and rosehip can be dried or fresh, as it is rich in Vitamin C. Once-a-week fruit servings are recommended due to the fruit acids and fructose, which can worsen diabetes.
Vitamin C
Preserving your guinea pig’s health is easy with Vitamin C. Because the creature is unable to generate its own vitamin C, the diet is the sole source of this nutrient for your furry pet. The pellets, veggies, and fruits you feed to it give your pet its vitamin C, but you can opt to give supplemental vitamin C especially to the senior and sick animals that are unable to enjoy optimal nutrient absorption.
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