Vitapol Karmeo for guinea pigs, 500 g is a premium food from the Polish brand Vitapol. According to the manufacturer, the Karmeo range contains less whole grain: some of it is replaced with meadow-hay pellets, giving more fibre for better digestion. The food is enriched with extruded ingredients that, the manufacturer says, make protein and fibre easier to digest. The recipe has 26 components: bran, alfalfa, pelleted hay, vegetables (carrot, parsnip, beetroot, celery), dried blackcurrant, thyme, parsley stalk, willow bark and more. Unlike Karmeo for hamsters, the first ingredients here are wheat bran and flour rather than whole grain.
How guinea pigs eat
Guinea pigs are strict herbivores. Their diet is based on unlimited hay, then fresh vegetables and greens, with pellets or a mix as a supplement. The key point: a guinea pig's body can't produce vitamin C, so it must come from food every day. More in guinea pig care and feeding and hay for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | mix with pellets and extrudates |
| For | guinea pigs |
| Components | 26 |
| Fibre | bran, alfalfa, pelleted hay, pea fibre, beet pulp |
| Vegetables and herbs | carrot, parsnip, beetroot, celery, parsley, thyme |
| Berries | dried blackcurrant |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Brand | Vitapol, Poland |
Pros
- Plenty of fibre sources. Bran, alfalfa, hay, pea fibre.
- Pelleted hay in the recipe.
- Vegetables and herbs. Carrot, parsnip, celery, parsley.
- Blackcurrant. A berry ingredient.
- Extrudates. Easier to digest, the manufacturer says.
- Less whole grain. Than classic mixes.
Cons
- No vitamin C supplement listed. Provide it separately.
- No analysis. Fibre and protein percentages aren't given.
- Contains soya, wheat and barley.
- No feeding guide.
Ingredients
Wheat bran, wheat flour, alfalfa meal, corn flour, rapeseed meal, pelleted hay, oat bran, soya, barley, wheat, linseed, pea flakes, dried carrot, dried parsnip, dried beetroot, pumpkin seeds, wheat flakes, dried blackcurrant, thyme, dried celery, dried parsley stalk, dried willow bark, dried alfalfa, pea fibre, beet pulp, carrot flour.
Vitamin C is a must
The ingredient list on the site doesn't mention added vitamin C, yet guinea pigs can't live without it. Give vitamin C-rich foods every day: bell pepper, parsley, dill, dandelion leaves and broccoli. If you're unsure your guinea pig gets enough, discuss a vitamin supplement with your vet.
How to feed it
The site doesn't give a feeding guide. An adult guinea pig usually gets one to two tablespoons of mix a day, with unlimited hay, fresh vegetables and clean water as the basis. If your guinea pig picks out only the tasty bits, reduce the portion. Introduce a new food gradually over a week.
What to add
Besides hay and the mix, a guinea pig needs fresh vegetables and greens every day, a mineral block and twigs for wearing down teeth. Treats and vitamins are in the small pet vitamins and treats section. For comparison, see another brand's mix: Special One for guinea pigs.
Storage
Store the food somewhere dry and cool in a tightly closed bag or container. Before feeding, check for any mouldy smell or insects.
Other Karmeo foods
The Karmeo range also covers other animals: hamsters, degus and chinchillas.
Who it suits
Guinea pig owners who want a high-fibre mix with pelleted hay, vegetables and herbs — provided the guinea pig gets vitamin C from vegetables or a supplement. More foods are in the small pet food section.
Verdict
Vitapol Karmeo for guinea pigs is a 26-component mix with bran, alfalfa, pelleted hay, vegetables, blackcurrant and herbs, with less whole grain. The downsides are that the ingredient list on the site doesn't mention added vitamin C, there's no analysis or feeding guide, and it contains soya and cereals.
FAQ
How many components does it contain?
26.
Does it contain hay?
Yes, pelleted hay and alfalfa.
Is vitamin C added?
The ingredient list on the site doesn't say — provide it through vegetables.
Can it be fed on its own?
No, the diet should be based on hay and fresh vegetables.
Is an analysis given?
No.
How much should I feed a day?
The site doesn't say; usually one to two tablespoons.
How much does the pack weigh?
500 g.
