Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a key player in energy metabolism, working as a coenzyme in the flavoprotein enzyme systems that convert food into ATP — the energy currency of cells. It supports growth, red blood cell production, and the health of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
For guinea pigs, riboflavin is particularly important during growth periods and pregnancy, when energy demands and cell division rates are highest. A growing guinea pig or pregnant sow with insufficient riboflavin may show poor growth, skin problems, or eye issues before other deficiency signs appear.
Like other B vitamins, riboflavin is produced by cecal bacteria and absorbed through coprophagy, but dietary sources from hay, greens, and pellets remain important to ensure adequate daily intake. Riboflavin is relatively stable during storage but degrades when exposed to light, which is another reason to keep pellets in a sealed, opaque container.
Guinea pigs need approximately 3 to 4mg of riboflavin per kilogram of diet. Timothy hay, dark leafy greens, and quality pellets provide adequate riboflavin together.
0.01% of daily nutrient intake
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) makes up 0.01% of your guinea pig's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Poor growth (especially in young guinea pigs), rough or thinning coat, crusty skin around the nose and eyes, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), and reduced appetite.
Riboflavin is water-soluble and excess is excreted safely in urine (which may appear bright yellow — this is normal and harmless). Toxicity is not a concern.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 3 | 4 | mg/kg diet | Per kilogram of diet dry matter. Provided by hay, greens, pellets, and cecotropes. |
Source: NRC 1995, general veterinary consensus
