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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 Potatoes?
No, potatoes are not suitable food for guinea pigs and some potatoes can be toxic. They are not a natural part of their diet and can cause digestive problems if fed to them in large amounts. Potatoes are also high in starch, which can contribute to obesity in guinea pigs
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkin can be a healthy and nutritious treat for guinea pigs, as long as it is given to them in moderation. Pumpkin is high in fibre and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can benefit your guinea pig's health. When feeding pumpkin to your guinea pig, it's important to remove the seeds and any stringy parts before giving it to them.
3
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Radicchio?
Radicchio is a type of lettuce that can be fed to guinea pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can benefit your guinea pig's health.
3
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Radish?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat radishes in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. Radishes are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for guinea pigs, as they are unable to synthesize their own vitamin C. They also contain small amounts of other nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and folate.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raisins?
Raisins should be avoided as a treat for guinea pigs. While raisins are a good source of nutrients for humans, they are high in sugar and can cause digestive problems for guinea pigs if fed in large amounts. In addition, raisins do not provide the same nutritional benefits for guinea pigs as they do for humans, and they do not make up a natural part of a guinea pig's diet.
1
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raspberry?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat raspberries. Raspberries 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 to feed raspberries to your guinea pig in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. When feeding raspberries to your guinea pig, it is important to wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any pesticides or other contaminants.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rhubarb?
No, It is not recommended to feed rhubarb to guinea pigs. While rhubarb does contain some nutrients that can be beneficial for guinea pigs, it also contains oxalates, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium and lead to the formation of kidney stones. In addition, the leaves of the rhubarb plant contain high levels of oxalates and are toxic to guinea pigs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rocket?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat rocket, also known as arugula. Rocket is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals, and it can be a healthy addition to your guinea pig's diet.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Romaine Lettuce?
Romaine lettuce can be a healthy addition to a guinea pig's diet in small amounts. It is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Romaine lettuce is a good source of fibre and can help to keep your guinea pig's digestive system functioning properly.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rosemary?
Rosemary is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can provide some health benefits when fed in moderation. When feeding rosemary to your guinea pig, it is important to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides that may be present. You can also remove the stems and chop the leaves into small pieces to make it easier for your guinea pig to eat.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sage?
Sage is not poisonous to guinea pigs when fed in small quantities. However, this aromatic Mediterranean herb contains essential oils that can upset your guinea pig's stomach. Like oregano, sage is also incredibly high in calcium, which can lead to problems over time.
2
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Satsuma?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat satsuma. 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. Fruits are high in sugar and can cause gastrointestinal upset if fed in excess.
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Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Shallots?
No, similarly to onions, guinea pigs cannot eat shallots. They are too acidic for guinea pigs to eat and will make them unwell if they are eaten.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Soybeans?
No, raw soybeans contain compounds called trypsin inhibitors that can interfere with the digestion of proteins, and they should not be fed to guinea pigs. They also contain phytoestrogens, anti-enzymes, hemagglutinin, phytates, and goitrogens.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat spinach as a part of a varied and balanced diet. Spinach is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is important for guinea pigs because they are unable to synthesize their own vitamin C. However, it is important to feed spinach in moderation, as it is high in oxalates, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium and lead to urinary tract problems if consumed in large amounts.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spring Onion?
Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are not suitable for guinea pigs to eat. Like other members of the allium family, such as onions, garlic, and leeks, spring onions can be harmful to guinea pigs. These vegetables contain compounds that can cause anaemia and other health problems in guinea pigs.
1
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Squash?
Squash is a healthy food that can be fed to guinea pigs in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. Squash is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it can help to keep your guinea pig's digestive system functioning properly. However, it is important to feed squash in moderation because it is high in sugar and should not be a major part of your guinea pig's diet.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberry?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat strawberries. Strawberries 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 to feed strawberries to your guinea pig in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. When feeding strawberries to your guinea pig, it is important to wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any pesticides or other contaminants.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Swede (Rutabaga)?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat swede, also known as rutabaga or turnip, in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. Swede is a root vegetable that is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sweet Potato?
Guinea pigs can eat sweet potatoes. However, they contain a lot of starch and don’t offer a whole lot in the way of nutrition, so limit intake to once or twice a month.
2
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sweets?
Guinea Pigs should not eat any foods designed for human consumption. Sweets are 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. Treats for you are not the same as treats for your piggies. They would prefer a small amount of sweet fruit or their favourite veggies.
1
Other
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tarragon?
Tarragon is safe to feed to guinea pigs in very small amounts. It’s rich in many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C. However, high calcium levels can lead to problems in piggies over time.
2
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Thyme?
Yes, small amounts of Thyme will provide them with good amounts of vitamin C and calcium.
3
Herbs
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tomatillo?
The leaves and stalk of the tomatillo plant are toxic to guinea pigs. It is generally safe for guinea pigs to eat small amounts of fresh, ripe tomatillos as a treat. Like tomatoes, tomatillos are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as fibre. However, it's important to remember that guinea pigs should only eat a small amount of fruit as part of a balanced diet. Limited research available.
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tomato?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat tomatoes, but they should only be given to them in moderation as a treat. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins C and A, and they also contain some fibre. However, they also contain small amounts of oxalic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Be sure to remove the green top part, however, because it is toxic. The tomato plant is also toxic.
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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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