Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a component of coenzyme A, one of the most important molecules in metabolism. It is essential for breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into usable energy, and for synthesizing fatty acids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones. In practical terms, pantothenic acid keeps your guinea pig's metabolic engine running smoothly.
The name "pantothenic" comes from the Greek word "pantos" meaning "everywhere," and true to its name, this vitamin is found widely in foods. Timothy hay, leafy greens, and guinea pig pellets all contribute pantothenic acid. Cecal bacteria also produce it, and guinea pigs absorb it through coprophagy.
Because pantothenic acid is so widespread in plant foods, true deficiency is rare in guinea pigs eating a varied diet. Problems are most likely to occur in guinea pigs on severely restricted diets or those unable to eat their cecotropes.
Guinea pigs need approximately 8 to 20mg of pantothenic acid per kilogram of diet. This is comfortably met by hay, varied vegetables, and quality pellets.
0.03% of daily nutrient intake
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) makes up 0.03% of your guinea pig's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Poor growth, rough coat, skin irritation, reduced appetite, adrenal gland insufficiency, and general malaise. True deficiency is rare on a varied diet with normal coprophagy.
Pantothenic acid is water-soluble and excess is readily excreted. Toxicity from dietary sources is not a practical concern.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 8 | 20 | mg/kg diet | Per kilogram of diet dry matter. Widely available in plant foods and supplemented via cecotropes. |
Source: NRC 1995, general veterinary consensus
