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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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Safe. Always in moderation.
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Search Results:

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lillies?
Lilies are toxic to guinea pigs and should not be given to them. Ingestion of lilies can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues in guinea pigs. Some types of lilies, such as the Easter lily, are highly toxic and can be deadly if ingested by guinea pigs. It is important to keep lilies and other potentially toxic plants away from guinea pigs to prevent accidental ingestion.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lima Beans?
Lima beans are not good for guinea pigs. Raw lima beans contain linamarin, which when consumed, decomposes into the toxic chemical hydrogen cyanide.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Macadamia 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.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mangetout?
Mangetout, also known as snow peas or sugar snap 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. However, it is important to remember that guinea pigs should not eat too many high-protein vegetables, as they can cause digestive problems. It is recommended to feed mangetout to guinea pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat, rather than a regular part of their diet. It is also important to make sure that the mangetout is fresh and not wilted or spoiled, as guinea pigs can be sensitive to spoiled or mouldy foods.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mango?
Mango can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs in moderation. It is important to wash the mango thoroughly and remove the skin and seed before feeding it to your guinea pig. Like other fruits, mango is high in sugar and should not make up a large portion of your guinea pig's diet.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Marrow?
Marrow is safe for Guinea Pigs to eat but it is low in nutrients and is mostly composed of water, which can lead to digestive problems in guinea pigs if consumed in large amounts. Best avoided in favour of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Meat?
Guinea Pigs can not eat any meat. Guinea pigs are herbivores and do not require protein from animal sources. These types of foods can cause digestive problems and must not be fed to guinea pigs.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Melon?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat melon as a treat. It is important to feed them small amounts of melon, as it is high in sugar and should not make up a large portion of their diet.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mint?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat mint. Mint is a safe and healthy treat for guinea pigs to eat in small amounts. Because of its aroma, they might not like it.
2
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mushrooms?
Mushrooms like white, button and portabello are safe and can be fed but they are not nutritious. Wild mushrooms can be toxic to guinea pigs and can cause serious health issues if consumed. It is not recommended to feed mushrooms to your guinea pig. stick to a diet of hay, vegetables, and a small amount of pellets to ensure their health and well-being.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Nectarine?
Nectarines can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs in moderation. Like all fruits, they should only be given as an occasional treat, not a regular part of the diet. Nectarines are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but they are also high in sugar and can cause digestive problems if fed in large amounts. It is also a good idea to remove the pit and any stems, as these can be choking hazards.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Okra?
Okra is not a suitable food for guinea pigs. While okra is a vegetable that is commonly eaten by humans, it is not a part of a healthy diet for guinea pigs. Okra is high in fiber and can cause digestive problems if consumed in large amounts by guinea pigs. Okra is high in oxalic acid and can act as a mild irritant. While it isn't poisonous, the oxalic acid content may stop your pet from absorbing important nutrients, and the sticky juice can act as an irritant to the mouth and digestive system.
1
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Olives?
No, olives are not suitable food for guinea pigs. Olives are high in fat and sodium, and they are not a natural part of a guinea pig's diet. Consuming high amounts of fat and sodium can lead to digestive problems and other health issues in guinea pigs.
1
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Onion?
No, onions are not suitable for guinea pigs to eat. Onions, along with other members of the allium family such as garlic and leeks, can be harmful to guinea pigs. These vegetables contain compounds that can cause anemia and other health problems in guinea pigs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Orange?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat oranges. Remove the peel and slice it into small pieces. Offer a small amount once or twice a week. It is safe for them to eat the peel too. Many guinea Pigs don't enjoy the sour flavour of citrus fruits so they may not eat it. Fruits in general are high in sugar and can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in excess.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oregano?
While oregano may not be toxic to guinea pigs, it is not a part of their natural diet and can potentially cause digestive upset or other problems if fed in large quantities. Oregano has high calcium content and little nutritional benefit.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat parsley as a treat in moderation. Parsley is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can provide some health benefits for guinea pigs when fed in small quantities.
3
Herbs
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsnip?
Parsnips can be an occasional treat for guinea pigs, but they should not be a regular part of their diet. Parsnips are a root vegetable that is high in sugar and can cause digestive problems if consumed in large amounts by guinea pigs.
2
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pasta?
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 Peanuts?
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 Pear?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat pears. Pears are a good source of vitamins and nutrients for guinea pigs, and they can be a tasty treat for your pet to enjoy. However, it is important to remember that pears should be given to guinea pigs in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. You should also cut the pear into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pickles?
It is generally not a good idea for guinea pigs to eat pickles. Pickles have been preserved in vinegar and spices, and while cucumbers can be a healthy part of a guinea pig's diet, the vinegar and spices in pickles can be harmful to them. In addition, pickles are often high in sodium, which can also be unhealthy for guinea pigs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pine 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.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple?
Pineapple can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs, but it should be fed in moderation. Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for guinea pigs as they are unable to synthesize this vitamin on their own and must obtain it through their diet. However, pineapple is also high in sugar and can cause digestive problems if fed in large amounts. When feeding pineapple to your guinea pig, it is important to remove the skin and cut the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pistachio 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

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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