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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.
Small amounts only. Parts may be unsafe.
Unsafe. Toxic or zero nutrition.

Search Results:

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnips?
Turnips are a root vegetable that is a good source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as fiber. They are also a good source of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
3
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Vanilla?
No, guinea pigs should not eat vanilla. Vanilla is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it is not a natural part of their diet and does not provide any nutritional value for them.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Walnut?
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 Wasabi?
Wasabi is not a safe food for guinea pigs to eat. It is a type of mustard that is commonly used as a condiment in Japanese cuisine. It has a strong, spicy flavor and can be very hot and irritating to the digestive system. Guinea pigs have delicate digestive systems.
1
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Water Chestnuts?
Water chestnuts are a type of aquatic vegetable that is native to Asia. They have a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. Water chestnuts are a good source of fibre, potassium, and iron, as well as other nutrients.
3
Plants
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon can be a healthy treat for guinea pigs, but it should be fed in moderation. Watermelon is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. However, watermelon is also high in sugar and can cause digestive problems if fed in large amounts. When feeding watermelon to your guinea pig, it is important to remove the seeds and rind, and cut the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces
2
Fruit
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Yams?
Guinea pigs can eat yams as part of their diet, but they should only be given in moderation. Like other starchy vegetables, yams should not make up a large part of a guinea pig's diet, as they can contribute to weight gain and dental problems.
2
Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Yuca?
Yuca, also known as cassava or manioc, is a starchy root vegetable that is native to South America. It is a good source of carbohydrates and contains some fiber, as well as small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Guinea pigs can eat yuca as part of their diet, but it should be given in moderation. Like other starchy vegetables, yuca should not make up a large part of a guinea pig's diet, as it can contribute to weight gain and dental problems.
2
Vegetables

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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