What Should Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Eat in Summer? 5 Essential Foods

What should guinea pigs and rabbits eat in summer to stay healthy during hot Australian weather? With temperatures regularly climbing above 30°C, keeping your small pets cool and hydrated becomes a top priority. Guinea pigs originate from the cool Andes mountains, and rabbits cannot sweat or pant effectively. Temperatures above 26°C can quickly become dangerous for both species, making proper nutrition essential.

Here are the five foods every guinea pig and rabbit owner should know about for summer.

1. Why Is Hay Essential for Guinea Pigs and Rabbits in Summer?

No matter the season, hay should make up around 80% of your pet’s diet. Timothy hay is particularly important during summer because it supports healthy digestion and keeps the gut moving when heat might otherwise slow things down.

Good quality grass hay like timothy, oaten, or meadow hay provides the long-stem fibre your guinea pigs and rabbits need for proper digestion and tooth wear. Keep hay available at all times and store it in a cool, dry place.

Summer tip: Lightly mist hay with water before serving to add extra hydration.

2. Which Vegetables Help Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Stay Cool in Summer?

Water-rich vegetables are your secret weapon for keeping pets hydrated during hot weather. Feeding vegetables with high water content helps guinea pigs and rabbits in summer stay comfortable when temperatures rise.

Safe hydrating vegetables include cucumber, celery, cos lettuce, zucchini, and capsicum (bell pepper). Rinse vegetables in cool water before serving for an extra refreshing treat. Remove any uneaten portions after a few hours, as fresh food spoils faster in summer heat.

3. How Much Vitamin C Do Guinea Pigs Need in Summer?

Unlike rabbits, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and need 30 to 50mg daily to prevent scurvy. This makes vitamin C-rich foods especially important during summer when stress and heat can deplete their reserves faster.

Top vitamin C sources for your guinea pig’s summer diet include red and yellow capsicum (highest in vitamin C), parsley, kale, and broccoli. Consider adding a vitamin C supplement for extra peace of mind during heatwaves.

4. Should Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Eat Pellets in Summer?

Yes, but in moderation. Pellets provide essential nutrients that hay and vegetables alone may not supply. However, pellets should only make up a small portion of your guinea pigs and rabbits summer diet, around one to two tablespoons per day.

Choose plain pellets rather than muesli mixes. Muesli allows selective feeding, which can unbalance your pet’s nutrition. Overfeeding pellets can lead to obesity and digestive problems.

5. How Much Water Do Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Need in Summer?

Hydration is critical for guinea pigs and rabbits during Australian summers. These small pets can become dehydrated quickly, leading to serious health problems.

Summer water tips:

• Check water bottles multiple times daily
• Refill with cool, fresh water regularly
• Offer both a bottle and a shallow bowl
• Add ice cubes to water bowls on extremely hot days

What Foods Should You Avoid Feeding in Summer?

Some foods can cause digestive upset or are toxic to guinea pigs and rabbits. Avoid feeding iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, rhubarb, avocado, and seeds or nuts.

Keep Your Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Thriving This Summer

A proper guinea pigs and rabbits summer diet combines unlimited hay, daily fresh vegetables, a small amount of quality pellets, and constant access to fresh water. For guinea pigs, vitamin C supplementation is essential.

At WeLoveMochi, we stock everything you need to keep your small pets healthy during the warmer months. Browse our Guinea Pig Feeding range for vitamin C supplements, salt licks, and nutritious treats. Check out our Rabbit Feeding collection for hay accessories and dental treats. Our Grooming collection helps keep your pets comfortable with regular brushing.

Give your guinea pigs and rabbits the best summer diet. Shop our feeding range at WeLoveMochi today.