Vitamin C

[Alicia]

My guinea-pigs get vegetables every morning but when I took Barry to the vet recently to get an ivermectin injection the vet told me that it would be a good idea to get some Vitamin C tablets and give them to the guinea-pigs. She said don't put them in their water, which I wouldn't because I know it can change the taste and stop the guinea-pigs drinking it. She said it would lower the risk of guinea-pigs getting ill. What vitamin c tablets do I use? They sell some in the local pet shop, or do I get the same as the ones for humans? Do I crush them up and mix them into their food mix or what?

 

[Wiebke]

Frankly, if you give your piggies a good mixed diet that contains at least one veg high in vitamin C each day, there is no need at all to give them artificial vitamin C. Parsley, peppers of any colour and broccoli are especially rich in vitamin C and much better than artificial vitamins!
Laura has figured out a balanced diet that also provides sufficient vitamin C to keep a guinea pig healthy. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=37030

Remember that their pellets also contain vitamin C; so if you feed a good quality one, you have your piggies well covered and no need to add extra crushed vitamin C tablets.

Leave that for when one of your piggies is actually ill!

 

[jojowelsh]

When Boris was poorly i gave them tablets mixed with there water but now there ok i dont bother x

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I agree, the only time supplements are really necessary is if they are not getting a decent diet or if they are ill. Dose is around 50mg for a poorly pig, but closer to 20mg a day for a healthy pig, which is more than covered for by a minimum of a handful of a variety of veggies.

I use Oxbow Daily C tablets when necessary.
https://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/Health+%2526+Hygiene.12/Daily+C+:+Vitamin+C+Tablets.252.html