Vitamin C is an essential vitamin in Man, Primates and Guinea Pigs (Cavies) – Without this critical vitamin, your animals will suffer from deficiencies and eventually develop the dreaded Scurvy.

Scurvy is the disease caused by a long standing Vitamin C deficiency. It is a progressive condition and symptoms can be quite severe.

Symptoms start with teeth, gum and skin disorders and progress to full or partial limb paralysis (particularly in the hind legs), eye disorders and death.

At Vetafarm’s on site vet clinic, Scurvy is a disease seen in Guinea Pigs all too often, the worst thing about these cases is how easily they could be prevented.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are a great source of Vitamin C and fibre, although much of the time the levels of the vitamin are unpredictable and deteriorate rapidly in the elements (air, heat, sunlight)

Most commercial rabbit and guinea pig diets claim to include Vitamin C, though these foods are usually subject to all the elements from the point of manufacture and are then shipped and stored for possibly weeks or months, these diets are a very unreliable source of Vitamin C for your animals.

Furry Friends Guinea Pig Diet is a totally cooked food, making it easier for the animals to digest and giving it an irresistible flavour. The diet is formulated by animal nutritionists and veterinarians and is fortified with a special form of Vitamin C (stabilised) that protects the vitamin from the elements. In fact the vitamin is only broken down when its protective layer is dissolved by enzymes in the gut, guaranteeing that your Guinea Pig gets the vitamins it needs.

Furry Friends Vita C Plus Tabs are an easy way to supplement Vitamin C, without changing the animal’s diet. The tablets also contain stabilised Vitamin C and are simply added to your animals drinking water, where they quickly dissolve ensuring protection against deficiencies and Scurvy.

It is important to remember you are your pet’s main source of nutrition, they cannot take their diets into their own hands.

Please do not hesitate to contact Vetafarm for any further information or support regarding Scurvy or any small animal questions. We are the specialists and it is our pleasure to help!