Can guinea pigs eat grapes? In short, yes they can but not as frequently as you might think.
Guinea pigs are cute little animals that are often kept as pets. They eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. Can guinea pigs eat grapes?
Grape seeds contain high levels of tannins, which are bitter compounds that cause upset stomachs in humans. If you feed your pet grapes, they might get sick from them.
You should never feed your pet anything that you wouldn’t want to eat yourself. Grape seeds are toxic to dogs and cats because they contain cyanide.
Grapes are known to be toxic to many animals, but grapes are not as threatening to guinea pigs. However, that doesn’t go to say that you can give your guinea pig large amounts. They can only have grapes in small portions, typically 1 grape up to 4 times per week.
For those that are interested, we’ll take a closer look at why guinea pigs can eat grapes in greater detail, and consider the pros and cons.
Are Grapes Safe For Guinea Pigs?
If you feed your family a healthy diet, you know that an occasional nutritious treat can really lift their spirits on a hard day or just add a bit of fun at meal-times.
That’s just as true for guinea pigs as it is for people!
Fresh grapes are perfectly safe for cavies as treats, and they pack plenty of great vitamins into every bite—most importantly Vitamin C. Like humans, they can’t manufacture this essential nutrient, and they must get it from their food.
It is important to remember that 1-2 medium-sized grapes per week are plenty, and overfeeding can cause an upset stomach or other health issues.
They may be consuming enough calcium, but the guinea pig will suffer from a vitamin C deficiency if they consume too much oxalate.
Are Grapes Bad For Guinea Pigs?
The high sugar content in grapes and fruits of all kinds can cause piggies problems, and it’s best to keep their sugar intake from fruit to a minimum.
As the Human Society advises, “Fruit works well as an occasional treat that is offered once a day or several times a week. Keep the portion size small since fruit is high in sugar; a small wedge of orange or apple, several blueberries, or a thin slice of banana is perfectly adequate.”
You can add fresh grapes to this list, keeping portion sizes small–no more than one grape at a time, and no more than four times a week.
Side effects of guinea pigs eating grapes
- Stomach Pains
- Diarrhea
- Kidney Failure (this is an extreme case but could happen with excessive amounts of grapes)
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Green, Red, and Purple Grapes?
Red, green, deep purple–all colors of fresh grapes are fine. But it’s important that you buy seedless varieties, or remove the seeds before giving them to your furry friends as they can be choking hazard.
But keep in mind that there are better sources of Vitamin C: apples and oranges, for instance, and these also tend to be lower in sugar, too.
Can Guinea Pigs Have Grapes That Are Dried? A.K.A Raisins
If you’re tempted to offer your guinea pig a raisin or two, it’s best to resist!
Raisins and other dried fresh fruits are particularly high in sugar, and while your piggies may love their sweet flavor, too much sugar puts them at risk for weight gain and other health problems.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
All guinea pigs, big or small, young or old can have a small amount of fruit for a treat. However, be sure to bring new fruits into your guinea’s life slowly. You wait to avoid upsetting or distressing their stomach.
Alternatives To Grapes For Guinea Pigs
If you’re worried about the higher levels of sugar in grapes and want to give you guinea a low-sugar alternative, I recommend switching between fruits rather than giving them the same thing each time.
Here are some alternatives to grapes that are lower in sugar:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Kiwis
How To Feed Grapes To Your Guinea Pig
- Wash Grapes Thoroughly
- Cut grapes in half (makes it easier your guinea pig to eat)
- Remove all the seeds, if any. Seeds are a choking hazard
- Start off with one grape. After 24 hours if there are no changes in stool behavior then your guinea should be safe to eat grapes.
- Only feed your guinea 1-2 grapes no more than 4 times a week.
Final Thoughts
Let’s sum up:
- Guinea pigs need adequate nutrition, and fresh vegetables and hay are essential to their health.
- Commercial pellets are a great addition to any piggie’s diet.
- Occasional snacks of fruit like fresh grapes are a fantastic reward when you’re working on tricks, and they’re also a great supplement to increase Vitamin C consumption.
- All varieties of fresh grapes are fine–but always without seeds!
- Never give your cavie raisins or dried fruit.
If you stick to these basic guidelines, you’ll be doing everything you can to provide your furry friends the nutrition they need.
Guinea pigs can eat grapes as part of a healthy diet. Grapes are a good source of Vitamin C, which is essential for guinea pigs. Grapes also contain antioxidants, which can help protect the guinea pig’s health. Feeding your guinea pig grapes is a great way to give them a tasty and nutritious snack.