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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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Search Results:

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Daikon?
Daikon, also known as Japanese radish or white radish, is safe for guinea pigs to eat in small quantities as a treat. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dairy (butter, milk, cheese)?
No, dairy products can be difficult for guinea pigs to digest, and they can cause digestive upset, such as diarrhoea. Guinea pigs need a diet that is high in fibre and low in fat, and dairy products are high in fat and low in fibre.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dates?
It is generally not recommended to feed guinea pigs dates or any other type of dried fruit. While small amounts of fresh fruit can be a part of a balanced diet for guinea pigs, dried fruit is a concentrated source of sugar and can be harmful if fed in large amounts.
1
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Edamame?
It is generally not recommended to feed guinea pigs edamame beans. While beans do contain some nutrients that can be beneficial for guinea pigs, they are also high in protein and phosphorus, which can be harmful to guinea pigs in large quantities. Guinea pigs are sensitive to high levels of protein and phosphorus in their diet, and consuming too much of these nutrients can lead to kidney problems and other health issues.
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Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Eggs?
It is not recommended to feed eggs to guinea pigs as they are strict herbivores and do not require or benefit from consuming animal protein.
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Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Elderberry?
Elderberries are not toxic to guinea pigs, and they can be a part of a balanced diet for guinea pigs in small amounts. Elderberries are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients, and they can provide some variety in a guinea pig's diet. Ripe elderberries are typically dark purple or black in color, and they should be soft and easily mashed with a fork. If you are not sure whether the elderberries you have are ripe, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them to your guinea pig.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fennel?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat fennel. Fennel is a good source of fibre and vitamins for guinea pigs, and it can also help improve their digestion.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Figs?
Figs can be a part of a balanced diet for guinea pigs in small amounts, as they are a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Figs are a sweet fruit, and they are high in sugar, so it is important to feed them to your guinea pig in moderation. Too much sugar can cause digestive problems and contribute to obesity in guinea pigs.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Foxglove?
Foxglove is toxic to guinea pigs and should not be given to them. Ingestion of foxglove can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other digestive issues in guinea pigs. Some types of foxglove, such as Digitalis purpurea, contain compounds that can be deadly if ingested by guinea pigs. It is important to keep foxglove and other potentially toxic plants away from guinea pigs to prevent accidental ingestion.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Garlic?
As a rule, guinea pigs can't eat anything from a bulb, which includes onion and garlic. Garlic is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it is not a recommended part of their diet. It is high in oxalates, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body. This can lead to the development of bladder stones and other health problems like stomach aches and indigestion. In addition, garlic has a strong flavour that may not be appealing to your guinea pig and could cause digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Gourds?
Gourds, which include squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers, can be a healthy and nutritious part of your guinea pig's diet in moderation. Gourds are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and can help to keep your guinea pig's digestive system functioning properly.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat grapes in moderation. Grapes are a good source of vitamins and minerals for guinea pigs, and they can be a tasty treat. However, it's important to keep in mind that grapes should be given to guinea pigs sparingly, as they are high in sugar and can contribute to weight gain if given in large amounts. Make sure Grapes are seedless as the seeds can be harmful
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Green Cabbage?
Yes, green cabbage can be a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. However, it should be offered in moderation as a treat, as it is high in calcium. Great source of Vitamin C. can be fed frequently but only in small amounts
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Green Peas?
Green peas can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs in moderation. These vegetables are a good source of fibre and contain vitamins and minerals that can benefit guinea pigs.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Guava?
Guava can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs in moderation. Guava is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can be a tasty addition to a guinea pig's diet. However, it's important to remember that guinea pigs should not eat large amounts of fruit, as it is high in sugar and can contribute to weight gain.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Hazelnut?
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 Horseradish?
Horseradish is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it is not a recommended food for them. Horseradish has a strong flavour and can be irritating to the digestive system, which can cause digestive upset in guinea pigs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Iceberg Lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce is not a good choice for guinea pigs as it is low in nutrients and can cause digestive upset. While lettuce is generally a safe and healthy food for guinea pigs, iceberg lettuce is not a good option because it is mostly water and has very little nutritional value. In fact, iceberg lettuce can actually cause digestive problems in guinea pigs because it can interfere with their digestion of more nutritious foods. Better options are Red or Green leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, Boston lettuce, Romaine lettuce, etc.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is safe to eat but It is generally not recommended to feed jackfruit to guinea pigs, as it is not a part of their natural diet and may not provide the necessary nutrients that they need. This fruit also contains a fractional amount of fat and phosphorus, but a lot of sugar, which is not suitable for guinea pigs as it can cause some problems.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Jalapeno?
No, it is not safe to feed jalapeno peppers or any other type of spicy pepper to your guinea pig. Guinea pigs are prone to digestive issues and spicy foods like peppers can be irritating to their sensitive digestive system and will cause discomfort or other more serious issues.
1
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kale?
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. It is generally recommended to offer no more than a handful of kale per guinea pig per day.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kidney Beans?
No, it is best to avoid beans as a part of your Guinea Pigs diet. Raw kidney beans can be toxic to guinea pigs. They contain high levels of phytohaemagglutinin, a dangerous toxin.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kiwi?
Kiwi can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs in moderation. It is important to wash the kiwi thoroughly and remove the skin before feeding it to your guinea pig. Like other fruits, kiwi is high in sugar and should not make up a large portion of your guinea pig's diet.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Leek?
It is not recommended for guinea pigs to eat leek, as it can be harmful to their digestive system. Guinea pigs have sensitive digestive tracts, and leek is high in oxalates, which can cause bladder stones and other health problems in guinea pigs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lemon?
While it is safe for guinea pigs to eat lemons and other citrus fruits, they are high in acid, which can cause digestive problems for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs do not typically like the sour taste of citrus fruits. Feed very small amounts, not often.
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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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