Which nutrient must be provided in the diet of guinea pigs?

Which nutrient must be provided in the diet of guinea pigs?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin A
• D. Vitamin K

Answer: (A)

Guinea pigs must receive vitamin C in their diet because they cannot synthesize it themselves. They lack the enzyme needed to produce ascorbic acid, so without dietary vitamin C they can develop scurvy, which shows up as swollen or bleeding gums, joint pain, lethargy, and a rough coat. To prevent deficiency, provide vitamin C daily through fortified guinea pig pellets and fresh vegetables high in vitamin C. Remember that vitamin C is unstable and degrades with time and heat, so use fresh feed and replace it regularly. Other vitamins are important, but vitamin C is uniquely essential for guinea pigs because they cannot make it on their own.

Guinea pigs must receive vitamin C in their diet because they cannot synthesize it themselves. They lack the enzyme needed to produce ascorbic acid, so without dietary vitamin C they can develop scurvy, which shows up as swollen or bleeding gums, joint pain, lethargy, and a rough coat. To prevent deficiency, provide vitamin C daily through fortified guinea pig pellets and fresh vegetables high in vitamin C. Remember that vitamin C is unstable and degrades with time and heat, so use fresh feed and replace it regularly. Other vitamins are important, but vitamin C is uniquely essential for guinea pigs because they cannot make it on their own.