Small Pet Nutrition: What to Feed Your Rabbit, Guinea Pig, or Hamster

Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health for your small pet. But with conflicting advice, confusing labels, and endless product options, knowing what to feed your rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster can feel overwhelming. Get it wrong, and you risk serious health problems – from dental disease to digestive issues.

The good news? Once you understand the basics, feeding your small pet properly is straightforward. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly what to feed, how much, and what to avoid for the most popular small pets. Let's ensure your furry friend gets the nutrition they need to thrive!

Understanding Small Pet Digestive Systems

Herbivores vs Omnivores

Different digestive systems need different diets:

• Herbivores (rabbits, guinea pigs): Plant-based diet only, high fibre essential
• Omnivores (hamsters, rats, mice): Plant-based with some animal protein
• Hindgut fermenters (rabbits, guinea pigs): Digest fibre in large intestine, need constant food supply
• Continuously growing teeth: All small pets need abrasive food to wear down teeth

Why Diet Matters

Proper nutrition prevents:

• Dental disease (overgrown teeth)
• Digestive problems (GI stasis, diarrhoea)
• Obesity
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Bladder stones
• Shortened lifespan

Feeding Rabbits

The Rabbit Diet Pyramid

Proper proportions are crucial:

• 80-85% Hay: Unlimited, always available
• 10-15% Fresh vegetables: Daily variety
• 5% Pellets: Small measured amount
• Treats: Occasional only

Hay: The Foundation

Most important part of rabbit diet:

• Type: Timothy hay, meadow hay, orchard grass
• Amount: Unlimited – should be eating body-size pile daily
• Quality: Fresh, green, sweet-smelling, not dusty
• Why essential: Wears down teeth, provides fibre, prevents GI stasis
• Alfalfa hay: Only for young rabbits (under 6 months) – too rich for adults
• Storage: Cool, dry place to prevent mould

Fresh Vegetables

Daily variety is key:

• Amount: 1-2 cups per 2kg body weight daily
• Variety: At least 3 different types daily
• Introduction: One new vegetable at a time, watch for digestive upset

Excellent daily vegetables:

• Romaine lettuce (not iceberg!)
• Kale (in moderation)
• Spring greens
• Cabbage (small amounts)
• Broccoli (leaves and stems)
• Celery
• Bell peppers
• Herbs (parsley, coriander, basil, mint)

Occasional vegetables:

• Carrots (high sugar – treat only!)
• Spinach (high oxalates)
• Tomatoes (fruit only, no leaves)

Never feed:

• Iceberg lettuce (no nutrition, causes diarrhoea)
• Rhubarb (toxic)
• Avocado (toxic)
• Onions, garlic, leeks
• Raw potato
• Beans

Pellets

Supplementary, not primary food:

• Amount: 25g per kg body weight (about 1/4 cup for average rabbit)
• Type: Timothy-based pellets, not alfalfa (for adults)
• Quality: Plain pellets, not muesli mixes
• Why limited: Too many pellets cause obesity, reduce hay consumption
• Protein content: 12-14% for adults
• Fibre content: Minimum 18%

Water

Essential for health:

• Fresh water always available
• Change daily
• Bottle or heavy bowl (bowls often preferred)
• Check bottle spouts aren't blocked
• Increased water intake normal with vegetable-rich diet

Treats for Rabbits

Occasional only:

• Safe treats: Small pieces of fruit (apple, pear, berries), herbs
• Amount: 1-2 tablespoons daily maximum
• Avoid: Commercial treats with seeds, nuts, yogurt drops, honey sticks
• Best treats: Extra herbs or small piece of fruit

Foods Toxic to Rabbits

Never feed these:

• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Rhubarb
• Onions and garlic
• Tomato leaves
• Raw beans
• Wild plants (unless certain they're safe)
• Processed human foods

Feeding Guinea Pigs

The Guinea Pig Diet

Similar to rabbits but with crucial difference:

• 80% Hay: Unlimited timothy or meadow hay
• 15% Fresh vegetables: Daily variety
• 5% Pellets: Guinea pig specific
• Vitamin C: ESSENTIAL – guinea pigs can't produce it

Hay for Guinea Pigs

Foundation of diet:

• Type: Timothy hay, meadow hay (not alfalfa for adults)
• Amount: Unlimited, always available
• Quality: Fresh, green, sweet-smelling
• Why essential: Dental health, digestion, prevents GI stasis
• Consumption: Should eat body-size pile daily

Fresh Vegetables

Daily vitamin C source:

• Amount: 1 cup per guinea pig daily
• Variety: At least 3-4 different types
• Vitamin C rich: Essential daily

Excellent daily vegetables (high vitamin C):

• Bell peppers (especially red – highest vitamin C)
• Kale
• Parsley
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Romaine lettuce
• Coriander
• Spinach (limited)

Occasional vegetables:

• Carrots (high sugar)
• Cucumber
• Courgette
• Tomatoes

Guinea Pig Pellets

Must be guinea pig specific:

• Amount: 1/8 cup per guinea pig daily
• Critical: Must contain added vitamin C
• Type: Plain pellets, not muesli
• Fibre: Minimum 16%
• Storage: Vitamin C degrades – use within 90 days of opening
• Never: Rabbit pellets (insufficient vitamin C)

Vitamin C Requirements

Absolutely essential:

• Daily need: 10-30mg for adults, 30-50mg for pregnant/young
• Sources: Fresh vegetables, fortified pellets
• Supplements: May be needed if diet insufficient
• Deficiency signs: Lethargy, rough coat, swollen joints, bleeding gums
• Water additives: Not recommended (degrades quickly, affects water taste)

Water

Always available:

• Fresh daily
• Bottle or heavy bowl
• Check bottles work properly
• Multiple water sources for multiple guinea pigs

Treats for Guinea Pigs

Healthy options only:

• Best treats: Small pieces of fruit (strawberries, apple, orange)
• Amount: 1-2 tablespoons daily maximum
• Avoid: Commercial treats with seeds, nuts, yogurt drops
• Safe herbs: Extra parsley, coriander, basil

Feeding Hamsters

The Hamster Diet

Omnivores with specific needs:

• Base diet: Quality hamster mix or pellets
• Fresh foods: Small amounts daily
• Protein: Occasional animal protein
• Treats: Limited

Hamster Mix or Pellets

Foundation of diet:

• Amount: 1-2 tablespoons daily
• Type: Quality hamster-specific mix or pellets
• Pellets vs mix: Pellets prevent selective feeding
• Mix contents: Grains, seeds, dried vegetables
• Avoid: Mixes with too many sunflower seeds (high fat)
• Storage: Airtight container to prevent spoilage

Fresh Foods

Small amounts for variety:

• Amount: Teaspoon-sized portion daily
• Introduction: One new food at a time
• Remove uneaten: Within 24 hours to prevent spoilage

Safe vegetables:

• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Cucumber
• Courgette
• Bell peppers
• Cauliflower
• Peas
• Sweetcorn (small amounts)

Safe fruits (occasional):

• Apple (no seeds)
• Banana (small piece)
• Berries
• Grapes (seedless, cut small)
• Melon

Never feed hamsters:

• Chocolate
• Onions and garlic
• Raw potato
• Citrus fruits
• Almonds
• Tomato leaves
• Rhubarb
• Avocado

Protein Sources

Hamsters need some animal protein:

• Frequency: 2-3 times weekly
• Options: Mealworms, crickets, small piece of cooked chicken, hard-boiled egg, plain cooked fish
• Amount: Small portion (size of thumbnail)
• Why needed: Omnivores require some animal protein

Water

Fresh water essential:

• Bottle with metal spout (not plastic – they chew it)
• Change daily
• Check spout works
• Clean bottle weekly

Treats

Occasional rewards:

• Safe treats: Small piece of fruit, mealworm, sunflower seed
• Frequency: 2-3 times weekly
• Amount: Very small
• Avoid: Sugary commercial treats, chocolate drops, yogurt drops

Hoarding Behaviour

Normal hamster behaviour:

• Hamsters naturally hoard food
• Check hoards regularly
• Remove fresh food that's spoiled
• Don't remove entire hoard (causes stress)
• Account for hoarding when portioning food

Feeding Other Small Pets

Rats

Omnivores with varied diet:

• Base: Quality rat pellets or blocks
• Amount: 15-20g per rat daily
• Fresh foods: Daily variety of vegetables, occasional fruit
• Protein: Small amounts of cooked meat, eggs, insects
• Treats: Whole grains, small amounts of pasta, occasional nuts
• Avoid: Chocolate, raw beans, green potato, citrus (males only)

Mice

Similar to hamsters:

• Base: Mouse or hamster mix
• Amount: 1-2 teaspoons daily
• Fresh foods: Small amounts of vegetables
• Protein: Occasional mealworms or cooked egg
• Water: Fresh daily in bottle

Gerbils

Desert-adapted omnivores:

• Base: Gerbil mix or pellets
• Amount: 1-2 tablespoons daily
• Fresh foods: Small amounts, less than hamsters (desert species)
• Seeds: Sunflower seeds as treats
• Protein: Occasional mealworms
• Water: Fresh daily, though drink less than other rodents

Common Feeding Mistakes

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Avoid these errors:

• Too many pellets: Causes obesity, reduces hay consumption
• Muesli-style food: Selective feeding leads to imbalanced diet
• Not enough hay: Dental and digestive problems
• Too many treats: Obesity, reduced appetite for healthy food
• Sudden diet changes: Causes digestive upset
• Iceberg lettuce: No nutrition, causes diarrhoea
• No vitamin C (guinea pigs): Leads to scurvy

Hamsters and Other Rodents

Common mistakes:

• Too much fresh food: Causes diarrhoea
• Too many sunflower seeds: Obesity
• Sugary treats: Health problems
• Not removing fresh food: Spoilage in hoards
• Sudden diet changes: Digestive upset

Transitioning Diets

Changing Foods Safely

Gradual transition essential:

• Timeline: 7-14 days minimum
• Method: Mix increasing amounts of new food with old
• Day 1-3: 75% old, 25% new
• Day 4-7: 50% old, 50% new
• Day 8-10: 25% old, 75% new
• Day 11+: 100% new
• Monitor: Watch for digestive upset, adjust speed if needed

Introducing New Vegetables

One at a time:

• Introduce one new vegetable every 3-4 days
• Start with small amount
• Watch for soft stools or diarrhoea
• If problems occur, remove that vegetable
• Wait until digestion normal before trying another

Special Dietary Needs

Young Animals

Growing babies need more:

• Rabbits/guinea pigs: Alfalfa hay until 6 months, more pellets
• Hamsters/rodents: Higher protein content
• Frequency: More frequent meals
• Calcium: Higher needs for bone development

Pregnant and Nursing

Increased nutritional demands:

• Increased pellet portions
• More frequent feeding
• Higher calcium needs
• Alfalfa hay for rabbits/guinea pigs
• Extra protein for hamsters/rodents
• Always available fresh water

Senior Pets

Adjust for aging:

• Softer foods if dental issues
• Easier to digest options
• Monitor weight closely
• May need less food (reduced activity)
• More frequent small meals

Overweight Pets

Weight management:

• Reduce pellets, never reduce hay
• More vegetables, less fruit
• Eliminate treats temporarily
• Increase exercise opportunities
• Gradual weight loss only
• Vet guidance recommended

Signs of Nutritional Problems

Warning Signs

Watch for these indicators:

• Dental issues: Drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss
• Digestive problems: Diarrhoea, no faeces, bloating
• Vitamin C deficiency (guinea pigs): Lethargy, rough coat, swollen joints
• Obesity: Difficulty moving, inability to groom
• Malnutrition: Weight loss, dull coat, lethargy
• Selective feeding: Eating only favourite parts of mix

When to See a Vet

Seek veterinary care for:

• Not eating for 12-24 hours
• Diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours
• No faeces for 12+ hours
• Sudden weight loss
• Difficulty eating or drooling
• Lethargy with other symptoms

Food Storage and Safety

Proper Storage

Maintain food quality:

• Hay: Cool, dry place, good airflow, check for mould
• Pellets: Airtight container, use within 3 months
• Fresh foods: Refrigerate, use within few days
• Seeds/mixes: Airtight container, cool location
• Check dates: Don't use expired food

Food Safety

Prevent contamination:

• Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly
• Remove pesticides (organic preferred)
• No mouldy or spoiled food
• Clean food bowls daily
• Remove uneaten fresh food within 24 hours
• Don't feed lawn clippings (pesticides, fermentation)

Budget-Friendly Feeding

Cost-Saving Tips

Feed well without breaking the bank:

• Buy hay in bulk (cheaper per kg)
• Grow your own herbs and safe plants
• Buy vegetables in season
• Share bulk purchases with other pet owners
• Make your own treat mixes
• Buy pellets in larger bags (if use within 3 months)

What Not to Skimp On

Worth the investment:

• Quality hay (most important purchase)
• Fresh vegetables daily
• Species-appropriate pellets
• Vitamin C for guinea pigs
• Fresh water daily

Feeding Your Small Pet for Life

Proper nutrition is the single most important factor in your small pet's health and longevity. Get the diet right, and you prevent the majority of health problems these animals face – from dental disease to digestive issues to obesity.

For rabbits and guinea pigs, remember that hay is king. It should make up the vast majority of their diet, with vegetables providing variety and nutrition, and pellets serving as a supplement rather than the main meal. For guinea pigs, never forget that vitamin C requirement – it's literally life or death.

For hamsters and other small rodents, quality commercial food provides the base, with fresh foods and occasional protein adding variety and meeting their omnivorous needs. Keep portions appropriate and avoid the temptation to overfeed treats.

Every small pet is an individual with their own preferences and needs. Pay attention to what your pet enjoys, monitor their weight and health, and adjust their diet accordingly. When in doubt, consult with a vet experienced in small animal care.

With the right nutrition, your small pet can live a long, healthy, happy life. It's one of the most important gifts you can give them, and it starts with every meal you provide.

Here's to healthy, well-fed small pets from all of us at Petziverse!