List of Safe & Unsafe Foods for Guinea Pigs

Written by Goran in Diet & Nutrition,Housing & Care

list of safe and unsafe foods for guinea pigs

List of Safe Foods for Guinea Pigs

Vegetables

  1. Bell Peppers (rich in Vitamin C)
  2. Carrots (and carrot tops)
  3. Cucumbers
  4. Lettuce (Romaine, Red leaf, Green leaf)
  5. Tomatoes (fruit only)
  6. Zucchini
  7. Peas (sparingly)
  8. Broccoli (sparingly)
  9. Spinach (sparingly)
  10. Kale (sparingly)
  11. Parsnips
  12. Asparagus (sparingly)
  13. Beet greens (sparingly)
  14. Brussel sprouts
  15. Bok choy
  16. Artichoke leaves
  17. Corn husks and silk (sparingly)
  18. Endive
  19. Escarole
  20. Fennel

Fruits (in moderation due to high sugar content)

  1. Apples (without seeds)
  2. Blueberries
  3. Strawberries
  4. Pears (without seeds)
  5. Oranges
  6. Kiwi (sparingly)
  7. Pineapple (sparingly)
  8. Papaya
  9. Melon
  10. Mango (sparingly)
  11. Cranberries
  12. Blackberries
  13. Cherries (without pits)
  14. Peach (without stone)
  15. Plum (without pit)
  16. Raspberry
  17. Apricot (without stone)
  18. Cactus fruit (sparingly)
  19. Nectarine (without pit)
  20. Watermelon (mostly water, so very sparingly)

Herbs

  1. Parsley
  2. Cilantro
  3. Dill
  4. Mint
  5. Basil
  6. Thyme
  7. Rosemary
  8. Oregano (sparingly)
  9. Sage (sparingly)
  10. Tarragon
  11. Watercress
  12. Wheatgrass
  13. Rocket (arugula)
  14. Clover
  15. Coriander
  16. Lemon balm
  17. Marjoram
  18. Mint (peppermint, spearmint)
  19. Chamomile (sparingly)
  20. Lavender (sparingly)

Hay

  1. Timothy Hay
  2. Orchard Grass
  3. Meadow Hay
  4. Bluegrass Hay
  5. Oat Hay
  6. Bermuda Grass Hay
  7. Rye Grass Hay
  8. Barley Hay
  9. Wheat Hay
  10. Alfalfa Hay (only for young or pregnant guinea pigs due to calcium)

Others

  1. Pellets (timothy based, without seeds or colored bits)
  2. Fresh grass (not treated with pesticides)
  3. Dandelion leaves (ensure they’re not treated with pesticides)
  4. Marigold
  5. Rose petals (ensure they’re not treated with pesticides)
  6. Sunflower petals (ensure they’re not treated with pesticides)
  7. Carrot tops
  8. Beet tops
  9. Radish tops (sparingly)
  10. Squash (various types, sparingly)

List of Unsafe Foods for Guinea Pigs

Vegetables

  1. Potatoes (and potato tops)
  2. Onions
  3. Garlic
  4. Avocado
  5. Leeks
  6. Chives
  7. Mushrooms
  8. Rhubarb
  9. Shallots
  10. Bok choy (in large amounts)
  11. Radishes (can cause gas)
  12. Cabbage (can cause gas)
  13. Cauliflower (can cause gas)
  14. Iceberg lettuce (low nutritional value and can cause diarrhea)
  15. Raw beans
  16. Raw sweet potatoes
  17. Eggplant (especially the leaves and stem)
  18. Jalapeños or any spicy pepper
  19. Okra (the seeds can be a choking hazard)
  20. Pickles (due to vinegar and spices)

Fruits

  1. Grapes/Raisins
  2. Bananas
  3. Cherries (the pits are toxic)
  4. Coconut (high in fat)
  5. Fruit pits and seeds (e.g., apple seeds, peach pits)
  6. Citrus fruits (other than sparing amounts of orange)
  7. Dates
  8. Figs
  9. Prunes
  10. Fruit jams or jellies
  11. Dried fruits
  12. Persimmons
  13. Starfruit
  14. Lychee
  15. Pomegranate
  16. Passion fruit
  17. Mango (high in sugar)
  18. Kiwi (in large amounts)
  19. Pineapple (in large amounts)
  20. Apricot (high in sugar and the pit is toxic)

Plants and Others

  1. All parts of the Allium family (onions, garlic, chives, leeks)
  2. Tomato leaves and vines
  3. Potatoes (especially green parts and eyes)
  4. Rhubarb leaves
  5. Bulbs (e.g., tulip, daffodil, lily)
  6. Houseplants (many are toxic)
  7. Flowers (unless you are sure they are safe like roses)
  8. Bread, crackers, or any baked goods
  9. Chocolate or any caffeinated foods
  10. Dairy products
  11. Meat or fish
  12. Nuts and seeds
  13. Iceberg lettuce
  14. Corn kernels
  15. Any candy or sugary treats
  16. Any salty snacks
  17. Any alcohol
  18. Any caffeine
  19. Any dairy
  20. Any food with artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol
  21. Honey

This comprehensive list should offer a broad perspective on the dietary options and restrictions for guinea pigs. Always remember that even safe foods should be given in moderation, and any changes to your pet’s diet should be introduced gradually to prevent digestive upset. It’s also essential to provide fresh water daily and consult with a veterinarian for tailored dietary advice.

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