Guinea Pigs make perfect pets

Originally published in LEO on February 23, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Choosing a child's first pet is an important decision, and few animals are better suited for the job than the friendly, gentle guinea pig. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains why guinea pigs have remained one of the world's most popular small pets while offering practical advice on housing, nutrition, safety, and enrichment.

Although our understanding of guinea pig nutrition and husbandry has advanced over the past two decades, the qualities that make these affectionate rodents wonderful family companions have remained unchanged.

Original 2000 Column

The following article is transcribed from the original publication with only minor formatting changes for online readability.

It's a fact that most kids like animals. It's just natural—they are drawn to them like an ant to a picnic. Most parents, at one point or another, are faced with the decision of what should be a child's first pet. Might I suggest the Guinea Pig?

For centuries now, Guinea Pigs have been popular pets. First domesticated in England, Guinea Pigs have spread across the world as a fun-loving and spirited rodent. These little pets are easily kept inside your house—even in your child's bedroom. They are friendly creatures and can withstand the attention a child will give them. Guinea Pigs weigh from one to three pounds—which means you don't have to add another room onto your house for their cage. But what exactly is needed to keep a healthy Guinea Pig? I'm glad you asked.

When choosing an enclosure for your pig, keep some things in mind. A Guinea Pig likes familiarity in its home, so make a "safe" place for it. This should be the area where it sleeps and has an ample supply of food and water. You may want to have a covered box or hutch inside the cage that can be a private retreat. You may also be creative when selecting suitable living space for this family addition. Don't limit yourself (or the pig) to a typical square wire cage. You can build or add onto the cage to keep your pig with an area to explore. You will be rewarded with a few squeals and whistles.

Bedding is another important part of setting up your first Guinea Pig cage. Choose a low-allergen base, such as pine shavings. Do not use cedar chips, because some animals are allergic to cedar oil. You may also want to avoid using newspaper or other bedding that can discolor the fur of your pig. Also, be aware that Guinea Pigs will chew anything within their reach, so do not put anything in the cage that could be toxic.

Another important factor in owning a Guinea Pig (or any other pet for that matter) is to know its dietary needs. Most of the rodent-family pets have pelleted diets that are readily available at pet stores. And they should also have supplements. It is important to feed a mix specifically for Guinea Pigs, since they have certain dietary needs that differ from rabbits or mice. Timothy Hay is a great source of fiber that Guinea Pigs require. NEVER feed a pig lettuce or celery, since they are stringy and tend to cause diarrhea in some animals. You should, however, supplement carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oranges and other non-stringy fruits and vegetables. This will keep your pig pleased and oinking for more.

Now that you have picked out the right cage, bedding and food, you will want to consider exercise for your piggish friend. Guinea Pigs aren't known for being the most active animals, and you will find very few toys and accessories for them at most pet stores. This will require you to be creative. You can buy a tiny harness and take it for a short walk outside. Be cautious of lawns that may have been sprayed with chemicals. Lawn service sprays can be fatal to Guinea Pigs.

Finally, always remember to keep an eye on your child's new pet when they're playing together. As a parent, you will need to supervise and be ultimately responsible for both the child and the pig. If you don't have kids and are getting (or have) a Guinea Pig for yourself, congratulations on choosing a neat little friend who should provide you with several years of fun and companionship.

Guinea Pigs make perfect pets: The Pet Guy Perspective Today

Guinea pigs remain one of the best first pets for families—but we've learned much more about their care since this article was originally published.

Today, veterinarians recommend providing guinea pigs with spacious enclosures that allow plenty of room to run, hide, and explore. Unlimited grass hay remains the cornerstone of a healthy diet, but we now also recognize the importance of daily vitamin C, which guinea pigs cannot produce on their own. High-quality guinea pig pellets and a variety of fresh vegetables help support their long-term health.

One recommendation from the original article has changed with current veterinary guidance. While pine bedding was commonly used at the time, many veterinarians today recommend paper-based bedding or kiln-dried aspen as safer alternatives because they produce less dust and fewer aromatic oils. Likewise, iceberg lettuce is generally discouraged due to its low nutritional value, but many leafy greens—including romaine, red leaf, and green leaf lettuce—are now considered healthy choices in moderation.

The biggest lesson, however, hasn't changed at all. Guinea pigs are social, affectionate animals that thrive when given proper care, gentle handling, and plenty of interaction. For many families, they continue to be one of the most rewarding first pets a child can experience.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

This article is part of The Pet Guy Archives, a growing collection of Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns preserving decades of trusted pet care advice, memorable animal stories, and practical guidance for pet owners.

Explore more articles covering dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotic pets, animal behavior, training, and responsible pet ownership.

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve the original newspaper columns written by Jeff Seidenfaden, nationally recognized pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, and animal advocate. Originally published beginning in the 1990s, these articles have been carefully restored for today's readers while preserving the original voice and perspective of each column.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is an entrepreneur, former television host, newspaper columnist, and lifelong animal advocate best known as The Pet Guy. For more than three decades, he has educated pet owners through television, newspapers, radio, public appearances, and community outreach, helping families build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.