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American Guinea Pig — cost & care
Calm, friendly, easygoing. Small shorthair guinea pig.
A American Guinea Pig costs roughly $6,500 over its lifetime (5–7 years), or about $1,040/year: ~$480 food, ~$120 insurance, ~$200 routine vet, ~$40 grooming. Purchase price runs $20–$50.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
0.125cups of pellets / day (~10.0 lb/mo)
0.5cups of water / day
6 yraverage lifespan (5–7)
Customize your estimate — tick only what you actually pay for
Your estimate: / year · lifetime
Compare pet insurance
Get American Guinea Pig insurance quotes — average plan ~$120/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A American Guinea Pig eats ~10.0 lb/month. Shop small-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $20–$50 |
| Food / year | $480 (0.125 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $120 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $200 |
| Grooming / year | $40 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $200 |
| Total annual | $1,040 |
| Lifetime total | $6,500 |
Breed stats
| Size | Small |
| Avg weight | 2.0 lb |
| Height | 8–10 in |
| Lifespan | 5–7 yrs |
| Group | Shorthair |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Friendliness | 5/5 |
| Grooming need | 1/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 |
Common health conditions
- Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
- Dental malocclusion
- Respiratory infections
- Bumblefoot
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a American Guinea Pig cost per year?
About $1,040 a year — roughly $480 food, $120 insurance, $200 vet and $40 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a American Guinea Pig?
Around $6,500 across its 5–7-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a American Guinea Pig eat?
About 0.125 cups of pellets a day (~10.0 lb per month).
How much water should a American Guinea Pig drink?
About 0.5 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the American Guinea Pig hypoallergenic?
No — the American Guinea Pig sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic.