If you’re looking for a complete and exhaustive list of Guinea Pig food, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled the top essentials below. Just keep in mind that some of these items may not be necessary for all guinea pigs, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before starting your pet on a specific diet.
Here Is The Ultimate Guinea Pig Food List.
Due to guinea pigs being herbivores, this list only contains fruits, vegetables, and plants. I did not list every type of grass or weed, just the most common ones. If there’s something you think should be added to the list, just let us know in the comment section.
I have also reviewed a few other ‘all in one food’ you can purchase from Amazon that your guinea pigs can eat.
| Name | Edible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aa Choy | Yes | Aa Choy (Lactuca sativa) is fine. |
| Avocados | No | The skins of avocados seem to be toxic to guinea pigs. The inside of an avocado is not toxic and can be eaten, but avocados are high in fat. The high-fat content is not good for them and can slow down the digestive process. |
| Alfalfa | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat alfalfa and often do as alfalfa hay. However, it is high in calcium which can lead to bladder stone formation, so give it sparingly. It is fine for young, nursing, or sick guinea pigs who need extra nutrition. |
| Alfalfa Sprouts | Yes | Alfalfa sprouts are safe for guinea pigs. They have a high amount of phosphorus, however, so I wouldn’t feed it more than a couple of times a week. |
| Applesauce | Maybe | Guinea pigs can eat applesauce, but the concern is the sugar content. Store-bought applesauce can contain 50% (or more) sugar. In that case, no – it’s not good for them. Check the sugar content to see if it’s something you want to give to your guinea pig. A better choice would be apples   |
| Apples | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat apples. They can also eat the skin of the apple and the leaves of the apple tree, but the tree leaves are high in calcium, so limit their intake. They can also chew on the apple tree branches.  |
| Apricots | Yes | Apricots are safe for guinea pigs. They can also eat apricot tree leaves or chew on the branches.   |
| Artichokes | Yes | There are 3 kinds of artichokes – the globe artichoke (the one you normally think of), the Jerusalem artichoke, and the Chinese artichoke. Artichokes are safe for guinea pigs. They are a little high in phosphorous, so only feed them a couple of times a week at the most. Jerusalem artichokes are not toxic, but they contain high levels of sugar and phosphorus so they’re not an ideal food. Chinese artichokes are also high in sugar content and phosphorous, so they shouldn’t be given more than a couple of times per week. |
| Arugula | Yes | Arugula is good food for guinea pigs. It offers a pretty good amount of Vitamin C, as well.  |
| Asian Pear | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat Asian pears. But like most fruit, because it contains sugar, limit it to a couple of times a week.  |
| Asparagus | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat asparagus. It is a nutrient-dense food that provides vitamins A and C.  |
| Atemoya | yes | The atemoya is a hybrid between the cherimoya fruit and the sugar apple. They are not toxic but do contain a good bit of sugar, so limit their intake to once or twice a week.  |
| Azalea | No | Eating azaleas can result in vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling. Consuming a lot could cause a coma or death. |
| Bamboo Shoots | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat bamboo shoots. They are high in Vitamin C. Bamboo doesn’t have a high nutritional level, but it does offer lots of fiber. They can also eat bamboo leaves. |
| Bananas | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat bananas. Because of the sugar content, feed just a couple of times per week. They can also eat the banana peels and the banana plant leaves. Learn more on “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bananas?”  |
| Barley | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat barley. Barley provides Vitamin B3, manganese, selenium, magnesium, molybdenum, fiber, copper, Vitamin B1, phosphorus, and chromium.   |
| Basil | Yes | Basil is safe for guinea pigs. It contains a good amount of Vitamin C, but it also contains high levels of phosphorous and calcium, so you should limit intake to a couple of times per week in small amounts. |
| Bean sprouts | Yes | Bean sprouts are good for guinea pigs. They provide some Vitamin C as well. |
| Beets | Yes | Beets are safe for guinea pigs, but they have high sugar content, so you should limit their consumption to a couple of times per week at the most.  |
| Bibb Lettuce | Yes | Bibb lettuce is good food for guinea pigs. |
| Blackberries | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat blackberries. They have a good amount of Vitamin C as well. |
| Blueberries | Yes | Blueberries are good for guinea pigs. They are nutrient-dense and provide Vitamin C as well. As with all fruits, because of the sugar content, limit intake to a couple of times per week. |
| Bok Choy | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat bok choy. It has Vitamins A and C, but it also has a good amount of calcium, so limit it to once or twice a week. |
| Boston Lettuce | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat Boston lettuce. It is more nutritious than iceberg lettuce. |
| Boysenberries | Yes | Boysenberries are good for guinea pigs. They offer Vitamin C as well as very little calcium. |
| Broccoflower | Occasionally | This cross between broccoli and cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable. It is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it can cause gas and bloating and slow down the movement in the digestive system. If you do choose to feed it to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe him closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered/absence of stool production. |
| Broccoli | Occasionally | Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. It is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it can cause gas and bloating and slow down the movement in the digestive system. If you do choose to feed it to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe him closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered/absence of stool production. Learn more about guinea pigs and broccoli.  |
| Brussels Sprouts | Occasionally | Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable. It is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it can cause gas and bloating and slow down the movement in the digestive system. If you do choose to feed it to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe him closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered/absence of stool production.  |
| Burdock | Yes | Burdock is safe for guinea pigs.  |
| Cabbage | Occasionally | There are several types of cabbages. Cabbage is safe for guinea pigs and they can eat it. However, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, and all cruciferous vegetables can cause gas and bloating and slow down the movement in the digestive system. If you do choose to feed it to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe him closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered/absence of stool production. |
| Cactus | Yes | Cactus fruit is safe for guinea pigs. The problem is the seeds scattered throughout the flesh. You shouldn’t feed the seeds to them, so take the time to pick them out before feeding the cactus to your guinea pig. |
| Cantaloupe | Yes | Cantaloupe is safe for guinea pigs. It provides a good amount of Vitamin C.  |
| Carambola | Yes | Carambola (also called start fruit) is good for guinea pigs. It provides a good amount of Vitamin C. |
| Carrots | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat carrots. They are high in sugar, so limit the amount and don’t let them just sit and eat as many as they want. |
| Cassava | No | Raw cassava contains cyanide, and guinea pigs don’t need cooked cassava. Guinea pigs should not eat cassava. |
| Cauliflower | Occasionally | Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, and cruciferous vegetables can cause gas and bloating and slow down the movement in the digestive system. If you do choose to feed it to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe him closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered/absence of stool production. |
| Celeriac | Yes | Celeriac is also called celery root. It is safe for guinea pigs.  |
| Celery | Yes | Celery is safe for guinea pigs. It has high water content, though, so could cause more frequent urination if fed in larger amounts. They can eat celery leaves, as well. Learn more about “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery?” |
| Chard | Yes | The most common type of chard is Swiss chard, but there are other types as well, such as rainbow chard or Ruby Chard. All chards are safe for guinea pigs and are very nutritious. |
| Cherimoya | Yes | Cherimoyas are safe for guinea pigs to eat. They offer Vitamin C as well. |
| Cherries | Yes | Cherries are a good guinea pig food but be sure to remove the stems and pits before feeding them to your pet. Because they are high in sugar, limit their intake to small amounts a couple of times a week. |
| Chickpeas | No | Other than green beans, guinea pigs generally should not eat beans. They contain a toxin named phytohaemagglutinin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death in guinea pigs. |
| Chicory | Yes | Chicory is safe for guinea pigs to eat.  |
| Chili Peppers | No | Chili peppers contain capsaicin which should not be fed to your guinea pig. |
| Chinese Red Spinach | Maybe | Chinese Red Spinach or Malabar Spinach (Amaranthaceae Amaranthus) is ok in small amounts if used rarely. It does contain a large amount of potassium and calcium which sometimes leads to kidney problems, so use sparingly. |
| Chives | Yes | Chives are safe for guinea pigs. They contain Vitamin C, but they also contain a good bit of phosphorous, calcium, and sugar, so limit intake to small amounts once or twice a week. Some people say they are not safe because they belong to the allium family, but all research I’ve found states that they are safe.  |
| Chrysanthemum | No | Chrysanthemums are poisonous to guinea pigs. |
| Cilantro | Yes | Cilantro is healthy food for your guinea pig. |
| Coconut | Occasionally | Coconut is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it has a high amount of fat and phosphorous so if you feed it to your guinea pig, do so sparingly.  |
| Collard Greens | Occasionally | Collard greens are high in calcium, Vitamin A, and oxalates which aren’t very good for guinea pigs. Also, collard greens are cruciferous vegetables. Like all cruciferous vegetables, they can cause gas and bloating. If you do choose to feed these vegetables to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered or absence of stool production. |
| Corn | Yes | Corn is safe for guinea pigs. Corn itself has a high starch content, however, so feed sparingly. They can also eat corn silk, corn husks (watch out for pesticides), and even corn flakes, corn stalks, and corn hay. Be careful there are no pesticides, fungus, or bacteria on the stalks, hay, or husks! |
| Cranberries | Yes | Cranberries are safe for guinea pigs. You can also give them cranberry juice if it isn’t loaded with sugar, and if you dilute it a bit with water. |
| Crocus | No | Crocuses are not safe for guinea pigs. There are two Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn Colchicum autumnale). The spring plants are more common and are part of the Iridaceae family. These ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the Liliaceae family, which contains colchicine. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. |
| Cucumber | Yes | Cucumbers are safe for guinea pigs, and most guinea pigs love them. They have a high water content so too much can cause bloating or diarrhea. They can eat the outer skins of the cucumber, as well. They are not nutritionally dense, however. |
| Cyclamen | No | This flowering plant is toxic to guinea pigs. It can cause vomiting or even death. |
| Daffodils | No | Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant, or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. |
| Daikon | Occasionally | The daikon radish is high in oxalates and shouldn’t be a part of your guinea pig’s diet. The green leaves of the plant can be fed to them in a small amount once a week or even less often. |
| Dandelion | Occasionally | Dandelion greens are high in calcium, so their consumption should be limited to just once or twice a week. Dandelion flowers should only be given sparingly as an occasional treat. |
| Dates | Yes | Dates are safe for guinea pigs. They are high in sugar, however, so limit intake to once or twice a week at most. Be careful because some of the packaged dates you buy in the store are really coated with sugar. Stay away from those ones.  |
| Dieffenbachia | No | Eating this houseplant can cause oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. |
| Dill | Yes | Dill is safe for guinea pigs.  |
| Durian | Yes | Durians are low in fat, phosphorus, and calcium, and provide some vitamin C. They’re kind of acidic, though, so limit to once or twice a week.  |
| Edamame | No | Edamame is soybeans. Raw, unprocessed soybeans contain several substances that are very unhealthy for guinea pigs, including phytoestrogens, anti-enzymes, hemagglutinin, phytates, and goitrogens. |
| Eggplant | Yes | Eggplant doesn’t offer a lot of nutritional value, but it is safe for guinea pigs. It is a bit high in calcium and potassium so limit intake to once or twice a week. |
| Endive | Yes | Endive is good food for guinea pigs and can be fed on a daily basis. Endive has many vitamins and minerals, especially folate and vitamins A and K. It is also high in fiber.  |
| Escarole | Yes | Escarole, also known as endive, is healthy for guinea pigs and can be fed daily. |
| Fava Beans | No | Guinea pigs should not ingest fava beans. Fava beans contain many ingredients that are not good for guinea pigs. There are even a lot of humans who can\’t physically digest fava beans. |
| Fennel | Yes | Fennel is good food for guinea pigs. It contains no phosphorus, sugar, or oxalates, and has low amounts of fat. It has a good amount of Vitamin C. |
| Figs | Yes | Figs are healthy food for guinea pigs. Fresh digs have a high sugar content, so consumption should be limited to once or twice a week. Dried figs have less sugar content, however. |
| Garbanzo Beans | No | Other than green beans, guinea pigs generally should not eat beans. They contain a toxin named phytohaemagglutinin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death in guinea pigs. |
| Garlic | Occasionally | I found much debate online about garlic for guinea pigs. There were many people saying it was not safe for guinea pigs but did not offer scientific proof. So I researched scientific studies and various scholarly books, and I believe garlic is safe for guinea pigs. \’Diseases of Domestic Guinea Pigs\’ by Virginia C. G. Richardson, MA, VetMB, MRCVS says it has several benefits for guinea pigs. Raw garlic has a high phosphorus and calcium content. For that reason, it should not be given often and only in very small amounts. |
| Ginger | Yes | I could not find any documentation that indicated that ginger might be harmful to guinea pigs. It is low in calcium and phosphorus and contains a small amount of fiber. It is safe for guinea pigs.  |
| Gooseberries | Yes | Gooseberries are safe for guinea pigs. They offer Vitamin C. Because of their sugar content, feed once or twice a week.  |
| Grapefruit | Yes | Grapefruit is safe for guinea pigs. It is high in Vitamin C. |
| Grapes | Yes | Grapes are safe for guinea pigs. The seeds, however, are not good for them so give them seedless grapes or remove the seeds. It’s best just to give a 1or 2 at a time. More on Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes? |
| Grass | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat most types of grass, including bluegrass, wheatgrass, orchard grass, Bermuda grass, bromegrass, fescue, prairie grass, and other grasses. Grass provides carbohydrates, fiber, and some protein. Make sure the grass is clean and has no pesticides or other residues on it before feeding it to your guinea pig. |
| Green Beans | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat green beans. They provide Vitamin C but they also provide a good amount of potassium and calcium, so for that reason, you should not give it too often. Green beans also contain oxalic acid, so only feed 1-2 beans at a time, and no more than 3 or 4 times a week. They can eat the leaves of the green bean plant, however. |
| Green Onions | No | Green onions are not good for your guinea pig. He can eat the green tops, but there are better options to feed your guinea pig greens. They contain disulfide which can harm the red blood cells. It can destroy the cells’ ability to carry oxygen through your guinea pig’s bloodstream, causing weakness or anemia. It can also limit your guinea pig’s ability to breathe correctly. |
| Green Pepper | Yes | Green peppers are good for guinea pigs. You can feed them daily. |
| Guava | Yes | Guavas are safe for guinea pigs. They have a lot of Vitamin C as well. Because of their sugar content, only feed guavas once or twice a week. |
| Honeydew | Yes | Honeydew melon is safe for guinea pigs. Feed once or twice a week because of the sugar content. |
| Horseradish | Occasionally | Horseradish is not good food for guinea pigs because of it\’s pungent taste, but it is not toxic for guinea pigs. It does have a good amount of oxalates, however, so it shouldn\’t be given more than once or twice a month. |
| Hyacinths | No | Hyacinths are toxic to guinea pigs. Ingesting them can cause profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed. |
| Iceberg Lettuce | Yes | I say yes because it is not toxic for guinea pigs. However, there is almost no nutritional value in iceberg lettuce, so many owners advise against feeding it to them. Better options are Red or Green leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, Boston lettuce, Romaine lettuce, etc. |
| Jackfruit | Yes | Jackfruit is fine for guinea pigs. One jackfruit has about 19g of sugar, though, so I wouldn\’t feed it to them all the time. Once a week is fine. 1 jackfruit has about 13mg of Vitamin C which is great. |
| Jicama | Yes | Jicamas are safe for guinea pigs, and they provide a good amount of Vitamin C. Because of it\’s sugar content, feed no more than once or twice a week.  |
| Jujube | Yes | Jujubes are safe for guinea pigs and offer quite a bit of Vitamin C. Because of their sugar content, feed no more than once or twice a week. |
| Kale | Occasionally | Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, and like most cruciferous vegetables, it can cause abdominal distress, bloating, or gas. If you do choose to feed these vegetables to your pet, do so in small amounts only, and observe closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered or absence of stool production. More on Kale and Guinea Pigs |
| Kidney Beans | No | Raw kidney beans are toxic to guinea pigs. They contain high levels of phytohaemagglutinin, a dangerous toxin. |
| Kiwi | Yes | Kiwis are safe for guinea pigs. Because of their sugar content, feed no more than once or twice a week. |
| Kohlrabi | Yes | Kohlrabi is safe for guinea pigs and contains Vitamin C. |
| Kudzu | Yes | Kudzu is safe for guinea pigs. Kudzu hay typically has a 15–18% crude protein content and over 60% total digestible nutrient value. |
| Kumquat | Yes | Kumquats are good for guinea pigs. They have 53% Vitamin C, but they are high in calcium, so you should limit consumption to no more than once a week. |
| Leaf Lettuce | Yes | Leaf lettuce is safe for guinea pigs. |
| Leeks | No | Leeks are an onion, and no onions are good for guinea pigs. They can cause gas and intestinal disturbances. |
| Lemons | Yes | Lemons are safe and contain Vitamin C. However, their acidic content can cause intestinal upset so feed small amounts, and not very often. |
| Lentils | No | Lentil beans are not ideal for guinea pigs because they can cause abdominal distress, gas, and bloating. Lentil sprouts are okay, however. |
| Lettuce | Yes | Can guinea pigs eat lettuce? Yes, lettuce is safe for guinea pigs. Avoid iceberg lettuce, however. It is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it offers almost no nutritional value. Go with romaine, bibb, Boston, or leaf lettuce instead. |
| Lima Beans | No | Lima beans are not good for guinea pigs. Raw lima beans contain linamarin, which when consumed, decomposes into the toxic chemical hydrogen cyanide. |
| Limes | Yes | Limes are rich in Vitamin C. However, because of their acidity, feed sparingly to avoid intestinal distress. |
| Loquat | Yes | Loquats are safe for guinea pigs. They contain a good amount of Vitamin A, so don\’t feed too much, as too much Vitamin A can build up in the body. |
| Lotus Root | Maybe | Lotus root is iffy. It has a lot of calcium and phosphorus (100 mg per 100 g serving) which can lead to problems in guinea pigs if given in large amounts over a long period of time. So use sparingly. |
| Lychee | Yes | Lychees are safe for guinea pigs. They are high in Vitamin C. They are high in sugar, however, so limit to once or twice a week. |
| Malabar Spinach | Maybe | Malabar Spinach (Amaranthaceae Amaranthus) is ok in small amounts if used rarely. It does contain a large amount of potassium and calcium which sometimes leads to kidney problems, so use sparingly. |
| Mandarin oranges | Yes | Mandarin oranges are safe for guinea pigs. Because of the sugar and acid content, don\’t feed more than twice a week – and only feed in small amounts. |
| Mango | Yes | Mangoes are safe for guinea pigs. Because of their sugar content, feed no more than once or twice a week. |
| Mint | Yes | Mint is safe for guinea pigs. Because of its aroma, they might not like it, though. |
| Mulberries | Yes | Mulberries are safe for guinea pigs. They offer a good amount of Vitamin C, as well. |
| Mung Beans | No | Mung Beans are not good for guinea pigs, but mung bean sprouts are. |
| Mushrooms | Occasionally | There are many types of mushrooms. Don’t ever let your guinea pig eat wild mushrooms. Mushrooms offer very little nutritional content, so it\’s not a good idea to give them mushrooms. But most types of mushrooms are not toxic to guinea pigs. |
| Musk melons | Yes | Musk melons are safe for guinea pigs to eat. They also offer Vitamin C. |
| Mustard Greens | No | Mustard greens are cruciferous vegetables, and like most cruciferous vegetables, they can cause gas, bloating, and intestinal distress. If you do choose to feed these vegetables to your pet, do so in small amounts only and observe closely for signs of illness including diarrhea, bloating of the abdomen, disinterest in or refusing food, malaise, and lowered or absence of stool production. |
| Napa cabbage | Yes | Napa cabbage is not toxic to guinea pigs, but it might cause intestinal distress or gas, or bloating. Give in small amounts and watch for signs of intestinal discomfort. |
| Navy Beans | No | Navy beans are not good for guinea pigs. Navy beans contain the toxin phytohaemagglutinin. |
| Nectarines | Yes | Nectarines are safe for guinea pigs and offer Vitamin C. Because of the sugar content, limited to once or twice a week. |
| Okra | Yes | Okra is safe for guinea pigs to eat. It also contains some Vitamin C. |
| Olives | Occasionally | Olives are not toxic to guinea pigs, but they are cured with brine or lye and contain a lot of sodium, so it\’s not a good idea to feed them to your guinea pig. If you do, just give one or two, and not very often. |
| Onions | No | Guinea pigs should not eat onions. Onions are harmful to guinea pigs because they contain disulfide which can harm the red blood cells and ultimately destroy the cells’ ability to carry oxygen through the guinea pig’s bloodstream. This can cause weakness and anemia. It can also limit a guinea pig’s ability to breathe correctly. |
| Oranges | Yes | Oranges are safe for guinea pigs and offer Vitamin C. Because of the sugar content, feed once or twice a week. |
| Orchids | No | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and Beverages lists 15 orchids as poisonous: Cymbidium aloifolium , Cypripedium pubescens, Cypripedium species, Cypripedium spectabile, Dendrobium nobile, Eria stellata, Habenaria nigra, Neottia nidus-avis, Orchis coriophora, Orchid odoratissima, Orchis purpurea, Orchis simia, Phajus callosus, Phalaenopsis amabilis, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana |
| Papaya | Yes | Papayas are safe for guinea pigs and offer Vitamin C. Because of the sugar content, feed once or twice a week. Do not feed them the seeds, however. The skins are okay. |
| Parsley | Yes | Parsley is safe for guinea pigs. |
| Parsnip | Yes | Parsnips are not toxic to guinea pigs. You can feed them parsnips once or twice a week. |
| Passion Fruit | Yes | Passion fruit is safe for guinea pigs. It offers Vitamin C. Because of the sugar content, feed once or twice a week. |
| Peaches | Yes | Peaches are safe for guinea pigs. It offers Vitamin C. Because of the sugar content, feed once or twice a week. |
| Pears | Yes | Pears are safe for guinea pigs. Because of the sugar content, feed once or twice a week. |
| Peas | Yes | There are several types of peas, like green peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. All of them are safe for guinea pigs. Stay away from split peas, however. |
| Persimmons | Yes | Persimmons are safe for guinea pigs. They offer a good amount of Vitamin C. |
| Pickles | No | Guinea pigs should not be given any kind of pickled food. |
| Pineapple | Yes | Pineapples are safe for guinea pigs. They offer a good amount of Vitamin C. |
| Pinto Beans | No | Pinto beans are toxic to guinea pigs. They contain phytohaemagglutinin, a dangerous toxin. |
| Plantains | Yes | There are plantains which are the fruit that looks like bananas, and there is the grass called plantain. Both are safe for guinea pigs, however. |
| Plums | Yes | Plums are safe for guinea pigs. They offer a good amount of Vitamin C. |
| Pokeweed | No | Pokeweed is not safe for guinea pigs. |
| Pomegranates | Yes | Pomegranates are safe for guinea pigs. Because of their sugar content, feed no more than once or twice a week. |
| Potato Chips | No | Potato chips are not good for guinea pigs. |
| Potatoes | No | Potatoes contain harmful toxins which could be poisonous to guinea pigs. They have little nutritional content and are high in carbohydrates. Potato peels are also not good for guinea pigs. |
| Prickly Pear | Yes | Prickly pears are safe for guinea pigs to eat. |
| Prunes | No | Prunes are high in phosphorus which isn’t good for guinea pigs. |
| Pomelo | Yes | Pomelos are safe for guinea pigs. They offer Vitamin C as well. |
| Pummelo | Yes | Pummelos are safe for guinea pigs. They offer Vitamin C as well. |
| Pumpkin | Yes | Pumpkin is safe for guinea pigs. It is high in Vitamin A and sugar, however, so you should limit intake to small amounts no more than once or twice a week. |
| Quince | Yes | Quinces are safe for guinea pigs and offer some Vitamin C. |
| Radicchio | Yes | Radicchio is safe for guinea pigs. |
| Radish | Occasionally | Radishes are very high in oxalates which can combine with calcium and form oxalate stones, or bladder stones. So feed guinea pigs radishes sparingly, like once or twice a month. |
| Rambutan | Yes | Rambutans are fine for guinea pigs. I wouldn\’t give it more than 3 times a week though. |
| Raisins | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat raisins, but they don\’t offer your guinea pig much nutritional value. They have a little bit of fiber and lots of sugar content. Feed sparingly. |
| Raspberries | Yes | Raspberries are safe for guinea pigs. |
| Red Pepper | Yes | Red sweet peppers are good for guinea pigs. Red chili peppers are not. |
| Refried Beans | No | Guinea pigs should not eat cooked foods or beans (other than green beans). |
| Rhubarb | No | Rhubarb leaves contain poisonous substances, including oxalic acid, which is a kidney toxin, and corrosive acid. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting the leaves. The stalks also contain oxalic acid, although in smaller amounts. Rhubarb is not safe for guinea pigs. |
| Romaine Lettuce | Yes | Romaine lettuce is safe for guinea pigs. |
| Rutabaga | Yes | Rutabaga is safe for guinea pigs. It has a high amount of oxalic acid and sugar, so feed sparingly, like a couple of times a month. |
| Sauerkraut | No | Sauerkraut is too processed to be good for guinea pigs. Feed fresh greens instead. |
| Scallions | No | Scallions are not good for your guinea pig. He can eat the green tops, but there are better options to feed your guinea pig greens. They contain disulfide which can harm the red blood cells. It can destroy the cells’ ability to carry oxygen through your guinea pig’s bloodstream, causing weakness or anemia. It can also limit your guinea pig’s ability to breathe correctly. |
| Sea Vegetables | Yes | Sea vegetables are safe for guinea pigs. There are many kinds available. Watch out for the salt content, though. They can eat it fresh or dried. |
| Seaweed | Yes | Sea vegetables are safe for guinea pigs. There are many kinds available. Watch out for the salt content, though. They can eat it fresh or dried. |
| Shallots | No | Shallots belong to the onion family, and onions just aren’t good for guinea pigs. |
| Snow peas | Yes | Snow peas are safe for guinea pigs. |
| Sorrel | No | Garden sorrel is toxic to guinea pigs. Wood sorrel, however, can be eaten sparingly. |
| Soybeans | No | Raw, unprocessed soybeans contain several substances that are very unhealthy for guinea pigs, including phytoestrogens, anti enzymes, hemagglutinin, phytates, and goitrogens. To read more about what raw soybeans contain see http://www.wereyouwondering.com/did-you-know-that-raw-soybeans-are-toxic/ |
| Spinach | Yes | Spinach is good for guinea pigs. It is high in Vitamin C. However, it is rather high in oxalates, so limit intake to a couple of times a week. |
| Sprouts | Yes | There are many types of sprouts, but they are almost all safe for guinea pigs, including bean sprouts, radish sprouts, wheatgrass sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, etc. Brussels sprouts, however, are not good for guinea pigs because they can cause intestinal distress. |
| Squash | Yes | There are many types of squash, and they are all safe for guinea pigs to eat. Most offer Vitamins C and A. |
| Star Fruit | Yes | Star fruit is safe for guinea pigs. |
| Strawberries | Yes | Strawberries are safe for guinea pigs. |
| String Beans | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat green string beans. They provide Vitamin C but they also provide a good amount of potassium and calcium, so for that reason, you should not give it too often. Green beans also contain oxalic acid, so only feed 1-2 beans at a time, and no more than 3 or 4 times a week. They can eat the leaves of the green bean plant, however. |
| Sugar Snap Peas | Yes | There are several types of peas, like green peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas. All of them are safe for guinea pigs. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat sweet potatoes. However, they contain a lot of starch and don\’t offer a whole lot in the way of nutrition, so limit intake to once or twice a month. |
| Swiss Chard | Yes | The most common type of chard is Swiss chard, but there are other types as well, such as rainbow chard or Ruby Chard. All chards are safe for guinea pigs and are very nutritious. |
| Tangelo | Yes | Tangelos are safe for guinea pigs. They provide Vitamin C. Feed once or twice a week. |
| Tangerine | Yes | Tangerines are safe for guinea pigs. Remove the seeds, though. |
| Taro | No | Taro is not good for guinea pigs. |
| Tomatillo | Maybe | The leaves and stalk of the tomatillo plant are toxic to guinea pigs. The actual tomatillo fruit has no data on the effect on guinea pigs, so I am not sure if they should eat the fruit or not. |
| Tomato | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat tomatoes. Be sure to remove the green top part, however, because it is toxic. The tomato plant is also toxic. |
| Tulips | No | Tulips contain allergenic lactones. Eating them can cause profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed. |
| Turnips | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat turnips. |
| Turnip greens | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat turnip greens, but since they are high in calcium, limit intake to once or twice a week. Also be careful that it doesn\’t cause any intestinal discomfort, bloating, or gas. |
| Ugly Fruit | Yes | Ugly fruit is safe for guinea pigs. |
| Water chestnuts | Yes | Water chestnuts are safe for guinea pigs. |
| Watercress | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat watercress. It contains Vitamin C. |
| Watermelon | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat watermelon. Be sure to remove the seeds. Don’t feed too much or he may experience diarrhea. |
| Wax beans | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat wax beans, but limit intake to once or twice a week and feed in small amounts. |
| Winter Melon | Maybe | Winter melon is questionable. It’s not going to hurt them, but one winter melon has 3000 mg of sugar in it which isn’t good for guinea pigs. Once in a while is fine, but I wouldn’t overdo it. I’d stick to once or twice a month and small amounts. |
| Yams | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat yams. However, they contain a lot of starch and don\’t offer a whole lot in the way of nutrition, so limit intake to once or twice a month. |
| Yellow Pepper | Yes | Yellow sweet peppers are good for guinea pigs. |
| Wheatgrass | Yes | Guinea pigs can eat wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is a good source of potassium, a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, and has a negligible amount of protein (less than one gram per 28 grams). |
| Yucca | No | Raw yucca contains cyanide, and guinea pigs don\’t need cooked yucca. Guinea pigs should not eat yucca. |
| Zucchini | Yes | Zucchini is safe for guinea pigs. It offers several vitamins and minerals. |
Side note, if you are interested in getting hold of some treats for your little guy, check out this article here. It is really important that you give your guinea pig a diversified diet, don’t stick to just one type of food.
Try and look for something that has plenty of vitamin C or some natural probiotics within it.
thanx, very good tips
What happens if they eat a wild mushroom
As long as its not poisonous they should be fine.
Mine ate one that was growing in the cage and now he’s doesn’t move much or eat much of anything I gave him hay and he just kinda spit it out is he sick
I’m so sorry. It sounds like he needs to see a vet.
Are oranges safe for guinea pigs? My family has oranges but the peels being thrown away seems like a waste to me. So I’m just curious if its safe. I’m a little hesitant about giving them new foods that I don’t know if safe or not.
Yes, oranges and orange peels are safe for guinea pigs (if they’ll even eat them!)
I grow a large amount of Hops for homebrewing…can Guinea Pigs eat hop leaves? I’m hesitant to try since I can’t seem to find any information on whether hops are toxic or not to them on-line. BTW, my Guinea Pigs LOVE fresh mushrooms!
All my research says that hops are toxic to guinea pigs and should not be fed to them.
That settles it them…just gonna have to burn these extra hop vines… Thanks!
We have a guinea pig that likes Dried Catalpa Tree leaves. Can anybody tell me whether these are ok?
I honestly don’t know about the safety of catalpa leaves. Maybe someone else can chime in.
Well he has been eating them for a couple weeks, but mainly grazing, and he seems fine
Hi I’m new I just got my Guinea pig and he has a big variety of foods from this website ?
He loves my dads plants from the garden??????
He is a fatty and I feed him 5 times a day maybe to much ?
Pls reply I want to tell you things about my guinea pig?
I feed my guinea bamboo leafs is that ok? Someone pls tell me
Yes, bamboo leaves are fine for guinea pigs to eat.
Hey do you have a guinea pig ?
What about nuts can they eat them I feed mine hazelnuts and almonds
You shouldn’t feed them nuts. They are very high in fat content.
Ok I won’t feed him nuts anymore thx ?
My guinea pigs name is Noah named after my brother
Hey how bout your guinea what’s his/her name
Cookie
Cute name and I love your website ?????????
Ok thx
Hey I feed my guinea pig prosessed bran but i mash it and then freeze it to make a cold cookie is that ok?
Yep. That’s fine
Ok thanks
Hey you really helped me when I got my guinea Gavin
Thank you!
Your welcome
Do guinea pigs eat meat?
Oh I won’t be texting until 3:30pm because I have school tomorrow/ on Monday bye tell me if they like meat at 3:30 I’m having dinner now ? bye
Gavin where do you live I won’t stalk you I just want to know you more I live in Britain and I have of course a British accent and how bout you?
USA
Ok cool
Gavin do guinea pigs eat fig and lemon leaves ? ?
I’ve never heard of a guinea pig liking them, but I believe there’s no harm in them.
Ok by the way I love how you know literally everything about guineas
Gavin do guinea pigs like meat ?
Pls tell me
Hey its me again I’m on my mum’s phone
Hi it’s mum I love your website that was my mum
Do guinea pigs eat meat some one pls tell me
no
Never. They are strictly herbivorous.
But he bit my hole thumb once
I LOVE this website. Whoever made this website did a VERY good job. Now when i’m not sure what my guinea pig can eat, I just come to this website.
Thank you so much!
What about olive wood?
I have this statue carved as a camel out of olive wood, but I don’t want it, so I thought maybe he guinea pigs wild like it for a Christmas chew toy?
I believe olive wood is safe.
What about sourcrout is that ok if that’s how you spell it ?
what about rubarb
Rhubarb is NOT safe for guinea pigs to eat
Is bread ok?
Bread isn’t going to hurt them, but bread offers no nutritional value to your guinea pig. I’d stick with hay, fruits and veggies.
what about mushrooms are they allowed?
Mushrooms offer very little nutritional content, so it’s not a good idea to give them mushrooms. But most types of mushrooms are not toxic to guinea pigs.
what about dill
guinea pigs can eat dill. It does contain a good amount of phosphorus and calcium so i wouldn’t feed it to them very often.
what about human food can they eat any not fruit or veg?
What about sauerkraut
what about sour grass?
You can feed him sour grass in small amounts. Sour grass isn’t really a grass, it’s a type of sorrel, but it won’t hurt your huinea pig.
I have lots of Bidens bipinnata growing in my yard. Can I feed that to my guinea pigs?
Yes, they can eat Bidens bipinnata (Spanish needles), but try to make it no more than 5% of their diet. See Miller, J.H., and K.V. Miller. 1999. Forest plants of the southeast and their wildlife uses. Southern Weed Science Society.