What Vegetables Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

Whether you’re thinking of getting a family pet or are pet sitting, you might be wondering what vegetables can guinea pigs eat?

The truth is, they can eat a lot of different things! Read on to discover more about what fruits and vegetables can guinea pigs eat.

A Guinea Pig’s Diet

Guinea pigs are herbivores. This means that they don’t eat other animals or meat and their diet is purely plant-based.

They should have a diet that is rich in guinea pig hay, guinea pig food in pellets and fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.

Dietary Warnings for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs should be introduced to new foods gradually as abrupt changes can cause them to have problems like diarrhea.

Guinea pigs also require a good feeding schedule that is consistent. For example, they should be fed once in the morning and once in the evening.

It is important to understand that guinea pigs will overeat if they are given the opportunity. In order to avoid obesity, you should leave their food in their cage only for one hour. In terms of fruits and vegetables, they can be left in the cage for up to 24 hours before you should discard them.

You should never add new food into your guinea pigs cage before getting rid of the previous food. You should also wash all fruit and veg before giving it to your pet in order to remove any traces of pesticides.

Don’t forget – a guinea pig needs constant access to fresh water that is filtered and free of chlorine.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Vegetables?

Yes! Guinea pigs love eating vegetables. In fact, it is recommended that a guinea pig eats one cup per day of fresh vegetables. They should, however, be introduced to your guinea pig gradually one at a time.

Which Vegetables Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

The best options for guinea pigs are greens that are grown organically. Foods like Romaine lettuce, the tops of carrots, peas, broccoli, cucumbers, artichokes, spinach, and kale are great choices. These are rich in vitamins and minerals and are really beneficial to a guinea pig’s health.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Fruits?

Yes. They should eat more vegetables than fruits since fruits contain more sugar. Small portions of fruits daily are great for your guinea pigs as they provide Vitamin C. Guinea pigs really need Vitamin C in order to avoid developing scurvy. They are pretty susceptible to this because they are not very capable of synthesizing Vitamin C. Guinea pigs need between 30 and 50 mg of Vitamin C per day.

Guinea pigs love oranges, pears, blueberries, kiwis, peaches, and papayas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can Guinea Pigs Eat?

Guinea pigs should have a constant supply of hay or grass. This needs to make up 80% of their diet as it is good for their digestive system and their teeth. They should also have guinea pig pellets and some fresh greens each day. The greens should be varied each day but need to be introduced slowly so that you know if your pet tolerates them. Don’t forget – they also need constant access to clean, un chlorinated water.

Can a Guinea Pig Eat Apples?

Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and flavoring so they are really healthy. However, there are a few things to consider before you give one to your guinea pig. Begin by cutting up a small piece of apple and leave it in the cage. If they try it but it doesn’t disappear, then they probably don’t like it very much. If your guinea pig is a young or new pet and they don’t like apple at first, try again later.

Can a Guinea Pig Eat Grapes?

If you’re also a dog or a cat owner, you’ll know that grapes and raisins are toxic to these animals. However, guinea pigs can eat grapes in small quantities. Even though a grape is small for you, to a guinea pig, one grape is the size of a melon to a guinea pig. For this reason, you need to make sure you only give grapes in small quantities. A sliver or two is probably enough for one guinea pig.

Can a Guinea Pig Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C but they are also very high in sugar. Because of this, they should only be given in small quantities as a treat. It’s even better if you leave the tops on too. This green part is actually better for your guinea pig than the fruit itself. So, even if you’re having the strawberries to eat yourself, save the tops for your pet! Be aware that strawberries are among the worst for pesticides and chemicals so be sure to wash them thoroughly.

Can a Guinea Pig Eat Celery?

In very small quantities, celery won’t harm your guinea pig. However, lots of veterinarians warn against regular feeding of celery because it contains oxalates. Whilst these are a naturally occurring product, they do increase your pet’s chances of getting kidney stones. Guinea pigs are quite prone to getting stones in their urinary tract so it is best to avoid all foods that are very high in oxalates.

To summarize

If you’ve been wondering what kind of vegetables can guinea pigs eat, we hope we’ve been able to provide you with some answers! In summary, there is nothing that is really off limits but some things need to be limited due to sugar content (high-sugar fruits like strawberries) or their oxalate content (like celery). If in doubt, speak to your vet.