Vitamin C and Multi-vitamin supplements - which one?

[Dilly's Piggies]

I've had to limit my pigs pellets and vegetables due to bladder problems so I'm worried they aren't getting enough vitamin C. Most people use normal human vitamin C tablets however I can't work out the dosage as human tablets contain very high dosages for guinea pigs, so I wanted a brand specifically made for guinea pigs so I can be sure they are getting the right amount. I used to use Oxbow vitamin C hay tablets which were great, however when you have 10 guinea pigs, those are way too expensive...

I would also like a multi vitamin to make sure they are getting the right amount of everything, if you can recommend something that would be great.

Looking around online I've seen Beaphar make their own vitamin C tablets specifically for guinea pigs and the price is much more suitable for my situation. Here is a link if anyone wants to check them out: Beaphar Vitamin C Tablets - Supplement for Guinea Pigs

So yeah I am looking at using these, but I wanted to come here to see if anyone else has used these and what you think of them. If you know of another brand that is more cost efficient please do drop your suggestions in the comments below... thanks!

 

[PigglePuggle]

The Pro-C probiotic powder with vit C is very good and very cheap, you can put it in a water bottle as long as they have at least one other water bottle with just plain water.
Some other vitamins and minerals can be toxic in high doses, and might also affect the kidneys and bladder, and there isnt much research on exact requirements for piggies so I would stick to just vit C supplements unless your vet specifically recommends anything else or identifies any other possible dietary deficiencies.

 

[dannif_piggies]

Before I lost Honey, they suggested she may need topping up of vitamin C. They advice a soluble vitamin C human tablet, as any excess Vitamin C would just be weed out, therefore they said Vitamin C cannot be overdosed. I had been giving her to Pro C mentioned above, however when the vet looked at the details on the label, it didn't have very high content of vitamin C at all and she basically said it wouldn't be having much affect. I threw mine away when I got home. But everyone is entitled to make their own decision. I hope this helps

 

[Dilly's Piggies]

The Pro-C probiotic powder with vit C is very good and very cheap, you can put it in a water bottle as long as they have at least one other water bottle with just plain water.
Some other vitamins and minerals can be toxic in high doses, and might also affect the kidneys and bladder, and there isnt much research on exact requirements for piggies so I would stick to just vit C supplements unless your vet specifically recommends anything else or identifies any other possible dietary deficiencies.

I actually do already have the pro c professional powder, thank you, I will grab my spare water bottles and give it a go!

 

[Deleted member 131797]

I’ve used this before, crushed up and sprinkled over veggies.

There are mixed opinions about vit c in water as they may not like normal water after anymore and also I’ve read that the vitamins dissolve after 15 mins. I don’t know what’s true, but because of the mixed views I’ve stayed clear.

The below are so cheap you can also crush up a tiny piece and put it in their mouth with your finger (if they aren’t bitey pigs) or my secret is to give sick pigs some fibreplex which they LOVE with a tiny piece put on the end of the syringe.

 

[Dilly's Piggies]

I’ve used this before, crushed up and sprinkled over veggies.

There are mixed opinions about vit c in water as they may not like normal water after anymore and also I’ve read that the vitamins dissolve after 15 mins. I don’t know what’s true, but because of the mixed views I’ve stayed clear.

The below are so cheap you can also crush up a tiny piece and put it in their mouth with your finger (if they aren’t bitey pigs) or my secret is to give sick pigs some fibreplex which they LOVE with a tiny piece put on the end of the syringe.


View attachment 105712

Yeah I've never put anything in water bottles due to the fact it changes the taste of the water so they may not drink as much, plus that the vitamins degrade so fast, so I use pro c but I give it directly via syringe, my pigs love it but it's a faff to mix up every time, so I was looking for a tablet I can just give to them.

I don't want to sprinkle anything on food either as my pigs live in large herds, there's no way to tell how much everyone is getting... If I was to get those boots tablets, how much of one tablet should each pig get?

 

[DM030819]

@CavyConnoisseur Is there any chance you can give them fresh grass? That would ensure they're getting all of the right things.

I made sure my Anselmo had a nice big piece of red pepper when his diet was limited. Lots of Vitamin C in those!

 

[eileen]

ive used the Beapher vit c tablets for my ill piggies.ive found them useful,as can be split in half.i obtained these tablets from vetsend .co.uk.

 

[Deleted member 131797]

Yeah I've never put anything in water bottles due to the fact it changes the taste of the water so they may not drink as much, plus that the vitamins degrade so fast, so I use pro c but I give it directly via syringe, my pigs love it but it's a faff to mix up every time, so I was looking for a tablet I can just give to them.

I don't want to sprinkle anything on food either as my pigs live in large herds, there's no way to tell how much everyone is getting... If I was to get those boots tablets, how much of one tablet should each pig get?

It’s been a long time since I’ve had to use it but it’s one of those thing in my pig med cupboard. I crush it under the back of a spoon and then give them a piece the size of hmm, like the boble on top of a sewing pin. Like 1 millimetre square (the tablets are quite small, so about a 10th of a tablet suppose). Not enough to cause any kind of harm if it’s a little bit too much they’ll pee it out.

(And then I eat the rest of the tablet because.. you know, vitamins for humans too!) :-)