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can guinea pigs eat

Intro to Guinea Pig Diets

Guinea pigs are herbivores, which means they should primarily eat a diet of fresh vegetables to ensure they get all the nutrients they need with unlimited access to hay. Hay should make up the majority of their diet, as it helps to keep their teeth trimmed and provides important nutrients.

They also need a source of vitamin C, as they are unable to synthesise it on their own. This can be provided through pellets/nuggets or by including vitamin C-rich foods in their diet, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. Fruit is a good source of vitamins and can be offered as an occasional treat, but it should not make up a significant portion of their diet as it is high in sugar.

It's also important to provide your guinea pig with a consistent source of clean, fresh water via bottle or a heavy, tipped-proof bowl.

black and orange Guinea Pig curled up in a floral print Cuddle Cup

Search food Library

Want to check whether specific food types are safe for guinea pig consumption? Use the bar below to search our food safety database. Results will display below as you type. Disclaimers

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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Acorns?
No, guinea pigs should not eat acorns. Acorns contain tannins, which are bitter-tasting compounds that can be toxic to guinea pigs and other small animals if ingested in large amounts. Additionally, acorns are hard and may pose a choking hazard to guinea pigs if they try to eat them. It is important to provide your guinea pig with a diet that is specifically formulated for their nutritional needs
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Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Almond?
No, guinea pigs should not eat nuts as part of their regular diet. Nuts are high in fat and protein, which can be harmful to guinea pigs if they consume too much of these nutrients. Guinea pigs are not made to digest the rich fats and salt that nuts have. This can cause digestive problems, like diarrhoea. This can also cause quite serious gastrointestinal upset for guinea pigs and can also be a pain to clean up.
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Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Anise?
Anise is not a safe food for guinea pigs to eat. Anise is a plant that belongs to the carrot family and is commonly used as a spice in cooking. While it is safe for humans to consume in small amounts, anise can be toxic to guinea pigs if ingested. Ingesting large amounts of anise can cause digestive upset and other health problems in guinea pigs, including tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
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Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple?
Yes, apple is safe for Guinea Pigs to eat. Remove the seeds and stem, and slice the apple into small pieces. Offer a small amount once or twice a week. Fresh fruits can be a tasty and nutritious treat for guinea pigs, but they should not make up a large portion of their diet. Fruits are high in sugar and can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in excess.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apricots?
Yes, apricot is safe for Guinea Pigs to eat. Remove the pit and slice the apricot into small pieces. Offer a small amount once or twice a week. Fresh fruits can be a tasty and nutritious treat for guinea pigs, but they should not make up a large portion of their diet. Fruits are high in sugar and can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in excess.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Artichoke?
Yes, but they must be prepared correctly. You must remove the outer leaves and remove the thorny part of each leaf before serving it to your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can only eat green and white leaves of an artichoke. Artichokes belong to the thistle family and can be difficult for guinea pigs to digest due to their high fibre content. Please note artichokes contain compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic to guinea pigs if consumed in large quantities.
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus can be a healthy and tasty treat for guinea pigs in moderation. Guinea pigs can benefit from the nutrients and fiber found in asparagus, but it should not make up a significant portion of their diet. As with any new food, it is important to introduce asparagus to your guinea pig's diet gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust. Offer small pieces of asparagus to your guinea pig a few times a week, and always monitor their reactions to ensure they are tolerating it well. Asparagus should be washed thoroughly before feeding to remove any pesticides or dirt.
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Aubergine (Eggplant)?
Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is not toxic to guinea pigs and can be included in their diet in small amounts. However, it is not a particularly nutritious food for guinea pigs and should not be a staple of their diet. Guinea pigs require a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar, and aubergines are low in fiber and contain a moderate amount of sugar. It is important to feed aubergines to your guinea pig in moderation and as a occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet. As with any new food, it is also important to introduce aubergine to your guinea pig's diet gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust. Always make sure to wash the aubergine thoroughly before feeding it to your guinea pig to remove any pesticides or dirt.
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Avocado?
No, Guinea pigs can not eat avocados. The skin, leaves, and pit of the avocado contain persin, which can be toxic to guinea pigs and other small animals. Ingesting even a small amount of avocado can cause gastrointestinal irritation and other symptoms in guinea pigs, such as difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen, and heart. It is important to keep avocado and any products containing avocado, such as guacamole, out of reach of your guinea pig.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bananas?
Yes, banana is safe for Guinea Pigs. Slice the banana into small pieces. Offer a small amount once or twice a week. They can also eat banana peels and banana plant leaves. Fresh fruits can be a tasty and nutritious treat for guinea pigs, but they should not make up a large portion of their diet. Fruits are high in sugar and can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in excess.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Basil?
Basil is not toxic to guinea pigs, and a small amount of fresh basil can be a nutritious addition to your guinea pig's diet as a treat. Basil is a good source of antioxidants and has a number of potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.
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Herbs
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bay Leaves?
It is unconfirmed whether bay leaves are toxic but they have a particularly strong taste that will likely put off Guinea Pigs. It is best to avoid feeding your guinea pigs bay leaves.
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Herbs
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Beetroot?
Beetroot, also known as beet, can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a guinea pig's diet in moderation. Beetroot is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it is also high in fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system in guinea pigs. However, it is important to feed beetroot to your guinea pig in moderation and as a occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet. Guinea pigs have sensitive digestive systems and can easily become overweight if they consume too many high-calorie treats.
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bell Peppers?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat bell peppers. Bell peppers are a healthy and nutritious treat for guinea pigs, as they are high in vitamins C and A, and low in sugar. You should remove any seeds or stems from the bell pepper before feeding it to your guinea pig.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Biscuits?
Guinea Pigs should not eat any foods designed for human consumption. These foods are typically high in sugar content and contain other additives that may not be safe for guinea pigs to eat.
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Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blackcurrants?
Blackcurrants can be fed to guinea pigs as a treat in moderation. As with all fruits, it is important to introduce blackcurrants gradually to your guinea pig and to feed them in small amounts as part of a well-balanced diet.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberry?
Blueberries can be a healthy and tasty treat for your guinea pig, but it is important to remember to feed them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bok Choy?
Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a guinea pig's diet. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it is also low in sugar, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight in guinea pigs. However, it is important to feed bok choy to your guinea pig in moderation and as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet. Guinea pigs have sensitive digestive systems and can easily become overweight if they consume too many high-calorie treats.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Boysenberry?
Yes, boysenberries are good for guinea pigs. They offer Vitamin C as well as very little calcium. Berries should always be a treat for guinea pigs and not a mainstay of their diet.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brazil Nuts?
No, guinea pigs should not eat nuts as part of their regular diet. Nuts are high in fat and protein, which can be harmful to guinea pigs if they consume too much of these nutrients. Guinea pigs are not made to digest the rich fats and salt that nuts have. This can cause digestive problems, like diarrhoea. This can also cause quite serious gastrointestinal upset for guinea pigs and can also be a pain to clean up.
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Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bread?
Guinea Pigs should not eat any foods designed for human consumption. These foods are typically high in sugar content and contain other additives that may not be safe for guinea pigs to eat.
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Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat broccoli as part of a balanced diet. However, it should only be offered in small quantities as a treat, as it is high in calcium and may cause bladder stones if fed in large amounts. Give a 1/2 Florette serving a few times per week
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs, but should also be offered in small quantities as a treat. Be careful of overfeeding, Brussels sprouts are high in calcium, which can lead to bladder stones if fed in large amounts.
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Buttercups?
Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) are toxic to guinea pigs and should not be given to them. Ingestion of buttercups can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other digestive issues in guinea pigs. It is important to keep buttercups and other potentially toxic plants away from guinea pigs to prevent accidental ingestion.
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Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that is safe for guinea pigs to eat in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. Like other types of squash, butternut squash is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and it can help to keep your guinea pig's digestive system functioning properly. However, it is important to feed butternut squash in moderation because it is high in sugar and should not be a major part of your guinea pig's diet.
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Fruit

Disclaimer

All information on this site is sourced and collated from other online resources. We recommend Guinea Pig owners carry out independent research and take caution when making decisions in the interest of their pet. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a knowledgeable breeder to determine the specific dietary needs of your guinea pig. Every guinea pig is different, and the specific diet that works best for one guinea pig may not be ideal for another.

Suggest an Edit

We want this food guide to be useful to all Guinea Pig owners and need the help of the community to achieve that. If you would like us to add a food item or If there is information in the database which you do not feel is correct or perhaps requires more information or further context, please contact us at hello@penthousepiggies.co.uk and we will be happy to make amends.

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