As hoomans, we all know the importance of eating our veggies to grow strong and healthy. Well, the same goes for piggies! While the majority of a guinea pig diet consists of hay, fresh vegetables complement it by providing them with other much-needed nutrients.
Since guinea pigs are delicate animals, it’s important to know what vegetables can guinea pigs have to avoid any adverse reactions. Not all veggies are the same and as much as some are great for us hoomans, they could be dangerous for your furry friends. So read on to find our list of the best vegetables for guinea pigs!
The benefits of feeding vegetables to guinea pigs
While hay helps maintain good digestion and dental health in guinea pigs, it lacks certain nutrients. For example, guinea pigs can’t produce their own Vitamin C, so they rely on veggies rich in Vitamin C to avoid a deficiency. It’s recommended that you feed fresh vegetables to your piggies every day.
But as good as veggies can be, not all of them are safe for your furry friends. And even if safe, some vegetables like kale or spinach can only be fed in moderation once or twice a week due to their high calcium content. Too much calcium in a guinea pig diet could lead to the development of bladder stones!
How often should guinea pigs eat vegetables?
It’s recommended that guinea pigs eat about 250gr (one cup) of vegetables a day. Pick a few different veggies to keep their meals varied and offer them in small chunks. The best vegetables for guinea pigs are ones high in Vitamin C and not too high in calcium.
You can also hand out vegetables as treats. Whether you wish to reward your piggy for being a good champ during grooming or are trying to win their love with food (we’ve all been there!), they’re sure to appreciate a chunk of their favourite veggie.
The only thing you have to worry about in vegetables is pesticides. And as long as you wash the veggies thoroughly before feeding them to your piggies, they won’t cause any harm. You can also buy organic to reduce any worries, or if you have a garden & a green thumb, try to grow them at home!
What are the best vegetables for guinea pigs?
It’s best to feed vegetables to guinea pigs in small chunks and in moderation. But since they make up such an important part of their diet, it’s also best for guinea pigs to eat vegetables every day.
You can choose which vegetables your guinea pigs have based on seasonality, but ensure that anything you hand out is portioned based on its nutrients. You’ll soon notice that some piggies will have a preference for a few veggies over others. Thankfully, there are enough piggy-safe vegetables around to satisfy even the pickiest of palates!
Lettuce
Not only can guinea pigs eat lettuce, this leafy vegetable is recommended to be fed daily due to its high Vitamin C content. But note that not all lettuce is safe and equally nutritious! Gem lettuce and Romaine lettuce are the best types to feed guinea pigs as they’re rich in Vitamin C.
Guinea pigs should not eat Iceberg lettuce as it’s low in nutrients and high in water. This type of watery vegetable is more likely to give diarrhoea to your piggies than provide any benefits!
Broccoli
Guinea pigs can eat broccoli, and not just the florets but everything from the leaves to the stalks! While high in Vitamin C and fibre, broccoli should only be fed in moderation to guinea pigs as large quantities can cause bloating.
So while it wouldn’t be recommended to add broccoli to your rotation of daily veggies, it still makes a great treat a few times a week.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a safe vegetable for guinea pigs, even if not as high in nutrients as some other veggies. It’s best to feed cucumbers with the skin on as that’s the most nutritious part, some piggies may even prefer it! But don’t worry if your floof has more of a taste for the inner part.
This vegetable is low in sugar, fibre, and Vitamin C, but it’s high in water. While it’s best fed in moderation, it can be fed daily as it helps guinea pigs stay hydrated, especially in a heatwave.
Green Beans
Guinea pigs can also eat green beans, as they provide them with plenty of vitamins and fibre. This low-calorie and low-sugar veggie can be fed daily in small portions, and it’s fun for your piggies to chew on as they work on keeping their teeth in shape.
However, green beans are also high in calcium, so they shouldn’t be fed in large quantities to avoid causing health problems like bladder stones.
Spinach
Spinach is a safe vegetable for guinea pigs, so high in nutrients that it can be fed weekly alongside other veggies. More specifically, spinach is a great source of Vitamin C and contains very little sugar.
However, it still needs to be fed in moderation as it’s high in oxalic acid, which can potentially cause bladder stones in guinea pigs.
Bell Peppers
Can guinea pigs eat bell peppers? Yes, they can even eat their seeds and the pith in the middle! Many piggies love the taste of peppers, and are likely to have a specific favourite colour. You can feed small amounts of bell pepper to your guinea pigs daily alongside other fresh vegetables.
Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, even more than oranges. Plus, they’re sweet to the taste while being low in sugar, which is what makes them so appealing to piggies.
Asparagus
Guinea pigs can eat asparagus as they make a great treat rich in vitamins and minerals. But it’s also another vegetable high in oxalic acid, so it’s best to feed them asparagus weekly rather than daily.
As with most treats, moderation is key, and your piggies will be able to enjoy a variety of veggies in their diet without upsetting their tummies.
Can guinea pigs eat cooked or canned vegetables?
No, guinea pigs should not be fed cooked or canned vegetables. Cooking and canning these veggies will remove their nutritional benefits and increase the chances of an upset stomach for your guinea pig. Fresh vegetables are always preferred, and are less likely to contain extra ingredients that might not be safe for piggies.
Can guinea pigs have frozen vegetables?
No, frozen vegetables are more likely to upset your guinea pig’s stomach. Plus, their consistency won’t be as appealing to your piggies as some deliciously crunchy fresh veggies!
Conclusion
Fresh vegetables make up an important part of your guinea pig’s diet. It’s recommended you feed about 1 cup of veggies to your guinea pigs every day, and we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to what vegetables can guinea pigs eat. Above we’ve listed a few that will provide your piggies with plenty of nutritional benefits, but you can check out our list in the guinea pig care pack for more veggies piggies can eat and ones they should avoid. And if you’re curious about which safe fruits guinea pigs can eat, read this blog.
Just experiment with a few and see what your furry family likes the most, and make sure you introduce new foods gradually & in small portions to avoid any tummy upsets!
