Several human foods are considered safe for guinea pigs. There are also many human foods that are dangerous for guinea pig consumption. You should always research the specific food you plan to feed your guinea pig before doing so.
What You'll Learn
Guinea pigs are a great small pet for any household. Guinea pigs may be low-maintenance pets, but they also require high-quality care. Although cage life can be hard for these pets, providing them with the best food and a lot of love can help make sure that they remain in our lives as long as possible.
One of the biggest decisions a pet owner can make is what food to feed their pet. You should research specific human foods before you feed them to your guinea pigs or consult a veterinarian before doing so.
Guinea Pigs and Human Food
When feeding human foods to your guinea pigs, several things need to be considered. The first thing is that guinea pigs cannot digest food that has been cooked.
Besides being unable to eat cooked foods, there are many other human foods that are toxic to guinea pigs if consumed.
This toxicity primarily results from certain chemicals in foods that cause significant problems with health because of their small size.
Other reasons that a guinea pig may not be able to eat certain types of human foods include choking hazards, poor nutritional value, and excessive fat or sugar content.
Human Foods That Are Safe For Guinea Pigs
There are several “human foods” that are safe for guinea pigs to consume, primarily when it comes to fruits and vegetables.
- Romaine Lettuce
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Artichokes
- Tomatoes: While it is safe for guinea pigs to eat tomatoes in small doses, it is toxic for guinea pigs to consume the greenery of tomato plants.
These vegetables provide a lot of the vitamins and minerals that guinea pigs need to stay healthy. Guinea pigs can also chew on these vegetables to maintain their teeth in a healthy and natural way.
Guinea pigs can also consume several fruits that provide similar vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for their health:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Pears
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Peaches
- Cucumbers
While these foods are safe for guinea pigs to consume, it is important to note that these foods are specifically raw fruits and vegetables. With modern farming, many chemicals are being used, so all fruits and vegetables need to be washed completely before allowing your guinea pig to consume them. You should also make sure that fruits and vegetables are not served cold.
Guinea pigs are susceptible to a vitamin C deficiency, so supplementing their primary diet of guinea pig food pellets with citrus fruits will help provide your guinea pig with the vitamin C that they need to remain healthy.
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Guinea Pigs
Several foods can be dangerous for guinea pigs if consumed. There are a variety of reasons that a type of food could be toxic to your guinea pig: poisonous, lack of nutritional value, high levels of fats or sugars, or even choking hazards.
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Nuts
- Tomato Stems or Leaves
- Cereals
- Grains
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
These foods should not be given to a guinea pig under any circumstance. The consumption of these specific foods can result in lasting health issues for your guinea pig. If you have any questions about what to feed your guinea pig, there are extensive lists and books that can be referred to, along with other websites, such as the ASPCA.
Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
Although this article includes safe and unsafe foods for guinea pigs, it is important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive. If at any point you have a question about a particular food for your guinea pig, please consult with your veterinarian.
Raw fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins and minerals beneficial to your guinea pig’s health. However, they should not be the primary source of nutrition. It’s important to provide your guinea pig with an unlimited supply of timothy hay.
If something is not right with your guinea pig after consuming any food, it is important that you consult with a veterinarian, observe your guinea pig closely, and have your guinea pig examined by a professional.
Recommended For You