Search

please note! we now sell exclusively through etsy

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

filter library

NameSafety
Name A-ZName Z-A
UnsafeSafe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

icon key

Safe. Always in moderation.
Small amounts only. Parts may be unsafe.
Unsafe. Toxic or zero nutrition.

Search Results:

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots?
Yes, carrots can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for guinea pigs' vision and skin health. They also contain other important nutrients, such as vitamin C and fiber. However, carrots should be offered in moderation, as they are high in sugar and can contribute to obesity if fed in large amounts.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cashew Nut?
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.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cassava?
Cassava, also known as yuca or manioc, is not a common food for guinea pigs. While it is not toxic to guinea pigs, it is not a good source of nutrients for them and should not be a regular part of their diet. Guinea pigs require a diet that is high in fibre and low in sugar, and cassava does not meet these nutritional needs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cauliflower?
Yes, Piggies can eat the leaves, stalk and florets of a Cauliflower. too much may cause bloating. Like other brassica vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower is high in calcium and may cause bladder stones if fed in large amounts.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celeriac?
Celeriac, also known as celery root, can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. It is a good source of vitamin C and fiber, and can be a tasty treat for your guinea pig. However, like all vegetables, it should be offered in moderation as part of a varied diet.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery?
From roots to stalks, celery is edible for Guinea Pigs. Celery can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. It is a good source of vitamin C and fibre, and can be a tasty treat for your guinea pig. However, like all vegetables, they should be offered in moderation as part of a varied diet.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cereal?
It is generally not recommended to feed cereals to guinea pigs as part of their diet. Cereals are high in sugar and other additives that are not suitable for guinea pigs.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chard?
Chard, also known as Swiss chard, can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. It is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients and can be a tasty treat for your guinea pig. A great option for your piggies' vegetable medley.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cherries?
Cherries are safe for Guinea Pigs to eat. Remove the pit and slice the cherry 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.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chervil?
While it is believed that chervil is a delicious herb for Guinea Pigs, the research on its nutritional benefits is inconclusive. It is best to avoid if unsure but if you attempt to introduce any food to a guinea pig's diet you should do so slowly and in small amounts while monitoring their response.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chestnut?
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.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chicory?
Chicory, also known as endive, can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. It is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients and can be a tasty treat for your guinea pig. It is important to wash the chicory thoroughly before offering it to your guinea pig, as pesticides and other contaminants may be present on the surface. You should also avoid feeding your guinea pig the stems of the chicory, as these parts can be difficult for them to digest.
2
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chives?
Guinea pigs should not eat chives. Chives can cause blood abnormalities in guinea pigs’ bodies which can be quite dangerous. Chives can also cause gastrointestinal distress if fed in large quantities.
1
Herbs
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Chocolate?
Guinea Pigs should not eat any foods designed for human consumption. Chocolate is toxic to Guinea Pigs. Guinea pigs have fragile and very sensitive digestive systems because of that they cannot digest sugars well. Consuming sweets causes them cramps and pains or even stool changes.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat clementines. Remove the peel and slice the clementine into small pieces. Offer a small amount once or twice a week. It is safe for them to eat the peel too. However, many guinea Pigs don't enjoy the sour flavour. 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.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Coconut?
Coconut is not a safe food for guinea pigs to eat. While coconut does contain some nutrients that can be beneficial for humans, it is not a natural part of a guinea pig's diet and can cause digestive issues if ingested. Coconut is high in fat and can be difficult for guinea pigs to digest. It can also cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhoea, and may lead to other health problems if consumed in large amounts.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Collard Greens?
Yes, collard greens can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your guinea pig's diet. Like other leafy greens, collard greens are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and can help to keep your guinea pig's digestive system functioning properly.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Coriander?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat coriander (also known as cilantro). It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and can be a tasty and healthy treat for guinea pigs. However, it should only be offered in small amounts as part of a balanced diet, and not as a main source of nutrition.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corn?
Corn can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs, but it should be offered in moderation as a treat. While corn is not toxic to guinea pigs, it is high in sugar and can contribute to obesity if fed in large amounts. It is also important to note that corn is a starchy vegetable, which means it does not provide as much nutritional value as leafy greens and other vegetables that are high in fibre. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your guinea pig is getting a sufficient amount of fibre in their diet from other sources.
2
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Courgette (Zucchini)?
Courgette, also known as zucchini, is a type of summer squash that is native to the Americas. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, as well as other nutrients. Guinea pigs can eat courgette as part of their diet, but it should only be given in moderation.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Crackers?
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.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cranberry?
Cranberries are safe for guinea pigs. You can also give them cranberry juice if it isn’t loaded with sugar, and if you dilute it a bit with water. Berries should always be a treat for guinea pigs and not a mainstay of their diet.
3
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cress?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cress as a part of a balanced diet. Cress is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals and can be a nutritious addition to a guinea pig's diet. It is important to remember to feed cress in moderation, as it is a high-moisture food that can contribute to bloating if fed in large amounts.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumber?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cucumber as a part of a balanced diet. Cucumbers are a good source of hydration and contain vitamins and minerals that can benefit guinea pigs. It is important to introduce any new food to a guinea pig's diet slowly, to ensure that they are able to tolerate it and to avoid digestive problems. Cucumbers should be offered in small amounts as a treat and not as a main part of the diet. It is also important to make sure that the cucumber is washed thoroughly before offering it to your guinea pig.
3
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Daffodils?
No, guinea pigs should not eat daffodils. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are toxic to guinea pigs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death if ingested. It is important to keep daffodils and other potentially toxic plants away from guinea pigs to prevent accidental ingestion.
1
Plants

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.

Advice, tips & tricks for Guinea pig parents

Guinea pig with black fur curled up in a fleece cuddle cup with floral print

Penthouse Products: Fleece Accessories

Introduction to Penthouse Piggies fleece products collection including product overviews and FAQs
Two guinea pigs perched on a wooden log with a small cottage behind them

Introduction to Guinea Pig Enrichment

We discuss the benefits of enrichment for guinea pigs and provide some ideas for creating an enriching environment for your pets
Guinea pig with white and brown fur surrounded by yellow flowers

Five tips on reducing Guinea Pig odours

Here are five tips to help you better understand the cause of guinea pig odours and how to reduce and prevent them