Why Guinea Pig Digestion Breaks Down Before You See It
Guinea pigs eat frequently and produce continuous digestive output. Their digestive system relies on steady fermentation in the cecum to process fiber, extract nutrients, and support vitamin synthesis. When fiber structure is too soft, too fine, or paired with rapidly fermenting carbohydrates, microbial balance shifts quickly. Unlike some herbivores, guinea pigs often show digestive disruption through stool changes long before appetite or behavior changes. Inconsistent droppings, soft stool, gas, or bloating are early warning signs that fermentation speed has exceeded the gut’s ability to regulate itself. Digestive health in guinea pigs depends less on how nutritious a diet appears and more on how predictably it ferments over time.
