What Food Can Guinea Pigs Eat? | 150+ Food List (Must Read!)

Unfortunately, it is so incredibly hard to find a full list of the food that guinea pigs can eat on the Internet. That’s why our article will become a real savior for the thousands and thousands of owners out there.

What food can guinea pigs eat? Guinea pigs need to consume pellets, hay, and fresh vegetables and fruits. They require vitamin C-rich foods in their daily diet. Some of the specific food that they can eat are apples, fresh bananas, alfalfa hay, raw broccoli, and so on.

The fact that your guinea pig can eat a particular food does not mean that it would necessarily want to eat that food. Guinea pigs have strong personal tastes, so make sure to take them into consideration. Read on to learn more.

What Food Can Guinea Pigs Eat? | 150+ Food List

We have made a full list of what food can guinea pigs eat (150+ food lists). With the help of this full guinea pig food list, you will find out whether the guinea pig can eat a specific kind of food or not. Moreover, we are going to describe the main effects that every type of food might have on your fluffy ball of happiness.

Note: These lists provide health benefits, risks, and nutritional facts that these foods can provide guinea pigs along with some fun facts about these foods. There are links to our articles that correspond to the food’s name under the category “Name of the Food.”

Name of the FoodCan Guinea Pig Eat It?What Are the Pros and Cons?
Acorn squash Yes Guinea pigs can eat only the raw orange parts of the squash. Don’t give them seeds, stems, and the skin.
Alfalfa hay Yes Alfalfa hay is recommended to baby guinea pigs, pregnant, and nursing sows as a source of protein and calcium. Unfortunately, alfalfa contains too many calories that can lead to obesity in an adult guinea pig.
Almonds No Almonds are high in fat and can cause a severe allergic reaction in your guinea pig.
ApplesYesApples are high in fiber which is great for the cavy’s digestion. However, there is a lot of sugar in apples, so you should give them in moderation.
Apple tree leaves Yes Simply remember to wash the leaves thoroughly and make sure that there are no sharp bits (if you decide to give a whole stick).
Apricots Yes You can give apricots as a treat once or twice a week (a small slice).
Arugula (rocket) Yes Arugula has vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. You can mix the thing with other vegetables and leaves and give it a few times a week.
AsparagusYesAsparagus has vitamin C that is vital for guinea pigs. But bear in mind that the vegetable has to be introduced into the diet slowly and carefully.
Aubergine (eggplants) Yes (however, the leaves are poisonous You can give aubergine (eggplant) as a rare treat to your cavy as the little fellows tend to love the vegetable. But the thing won’t really do the guinea pig any good.
AvocadoThe skin is toxic.
The inside can be eaten but is not beneficial.
Avocado is extremely high in fats and does not contain any essential fibers. Moreover, guinea pigs tend to hate the taste.
Bananas Yes (only fresh bananas) This fruit is a great sweet treat and guinea pigs love it. Moreover, they can become an additional source of vitamin C. But bananas are high in sugar, so moderation is key.
Basil Yes Give this herb to your guinea pig as an occasional treat and a source of vitamin C.
Bean sprouts Yes Bean sprouts are a great additional source of vitamin C.
Beetroot Yes Beetroot also contains vitamin C. As well as calcium and phosphorus that have to be given only occasionally.
Blueberries Yes Blueberries are high in vitamin C and, unfortunately, sugar. So, the berries have to be given in moderation.
Bok choy (Chinese cabbage) Yes Guinea pigs tend to love bok choy but it’s a gassy type of food, so don’t give your beloved pets too much of it.
Bread No Bread would certainly not kill your pet. But soft bread can stick to its teeth. Moreover, too much bread can make your guinea pig bloated. As this product has no nutritional benefits for the animal, vets don’t recommend including it in the diet.
BroccoliYes (only raw)Moreover, cavies can even eat the stems and leaves. But make sure to introduce this product into your pet’s diet slowly. Broccoli has high levels of vitamin C, A, and B5.
Brussels sproutYesYou can feed Brussels sprout to your cavy a maximum of a few times a week as this product can cause gas and bloat. It is packed with vitamin C. But Brussels sprout also has a lot of oxalic acids.
Butternut squashYesCan be given a few times a week but not more often as butternut squash has high levels of oxalic acid and calcium.
Cabbage Yes It is better to feed your guinea pig with red cabbage, though green cabbage can be given once a week as well. This vegetable is a source of vitamin C but can cause bloating.
CarrotsYesEven though you might think that carrots are the number one vegetable for guinea pigs, it’s not quite true. They should also be given in moderation, as carrots have a lot of natural sugar.
Carrot tops Yes Remember to wash the tops thoroughly. Bear in mind that they are high in calcium.
Cauliflower Yes (leaves), do not feed the flower itself Cauliflower leaves can become an additional source of vitamin C. Give the vegetable in moderation.
CeleryYes (leaves and stalks), do not give the peel from the stalksCelery can be given to your cavy from time to time but bear in mind that this vegetable has a lot of water in it. Moreover, it can cause gas and bloat.
CherriesYesCherries can be given as a rare treat as they are high in sugar.
Cheerios No Give your guinea pig only natural products.
CilantroYesGuinea pigs can eat the leaves, stems, and floral parts. Make sure to cut the vegetable into medium pieces. Cilantro has vitamin C, as well as calcium and phosphorus. That’s why it has to be fed in moderation.
Courgette (zucchini)YesCourgette is high in vitamin C. Moreover, the vegetable has a low level of oxalic acid and a great calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
CrackersNoYour cavy will not die if it accidentally has a bite. But crackers are certainly not healthy for the little guy.
CucumberYesCucumbers can become a great treat for your cavy. Don’t forget to thoroughly wash the skin or simply peel it off.
Daisies Yes However, there are different types of daises. Some can be poisonous. If you’re not sure if the flower in front of you is a common daisy or not – do not feed it to the guinea pig.
DandelionsYesGuinea pigs can eat both, dandelion greens and flowers. But make sure that they are not sprayed with chemicals.
Dandelion flowers Yes Try to introduce dandelions into your guinea pig’s diet slowly.
Dandelion greens Yes Don’t overfeed dandelions as they can cause a variety of side effects. For example, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea.
Dandelion leaves Yes Make sure to wash the leaves thoroughly.
Dates No Dates are bad for the cavy’s digestion. Moreover, they will most definitely get stuck in the teeth of the poor fellows.
DillYesDill can be occasionally fed to guinea pigs but be careful as it has high levels of calcium.
Dried apricotsNoIt’s better not to give your guinea pig any dried fruits as they are extremely high in sugar.
Dried bananasNoDried fruits have a lot of natural sugar in them. Moreover, they can contain different additives that are bad for a cavy.
Eggs No You should not give any animal products to your beloved pet.
EggplantYes (but the leaves are poisonous)A lot of guinea pigs love the taste of eggplants but the thing doesn’t really have any nutritional value and can only cause some side effects if not fed in moderation.
EndiveYesYou can even give this vegetable daily in small amounts. It has low levels of sugar and phosphorus and is rich in minerals and vitamins.
EscaroleYesEndive is sometimes called ‘escarole’. As we already know, it is great for cavies. By the way, it’s a source of fiber.
FennelYesFennel can be rarely fed to guinea pigs.
Ferns No Little is known about how ferns can affect the health of a guinea pig. However, the majority of these plants are toxic to humans.
Figs Yes Figs can be given to guinea pigs only once a week and a small piece at a time as they contain a lot of sugar.
FruitOnly certain typesThe diet of a cavy has to include fresh fruits and vegetables. However, there are some fruits that have to be avoided.
FlowersOnly certain typesGuinea pigs can eat dandelions, marigolds, roses, and chamomiles. Make sure that the flowers weren’t sprayed with chemicals.
French friesNoDo not give your cavy processed or fried food.
Frozen peas Yes You can give your guinea pig frozen peas. However, those will have less nutritional value than fresh peas.
Garlic No Garlic might cause a strong allergic reaction and it’s high in oxalic acid.
Ginger No Raw ginger would be too harsh on the guinea pig’s gently digestive system. Pickled ginger is not alright as well as cavies can’t have anything pickled.
GrapesYesHowever, make sure that your beloved guinea pig is not allergic to grapes. They are a great source of vitamin C but if your cavy eats too many grapes it might have health problems.
Grape tomatoes Yes In fact, any type of tomato is great for your cavy. Though grape and cherry tomatoes are considered to be a bit better. These are a great source of vitamin C but are quite acidic, so do feed tomatoes in moderation
GrassYesOne of the foods that guinea pigs can have every day. The grass is great for the cavy’s digestive system.
Greens Yes Such greens as cabbage, spinach, and broccoli are absolutely safe for your pet
Green apples Yes Bear in mind that the apple should not be sour. Don’t give your cavy any apple seeds as the poor thing might choke on them. Moreover, seeds contain a chemical that is poisonous to guinea pigs.
Green beansYes (raw)Another source of vitamin C. But green beans have to be fed in moderation as they contain phosphorus and calcium.
Green onions Yes (the green tops) The chances are high that your cavy might not like the taste. However, green onion tops can be fed a couple of times a week.
Green peppersYesBy the way, green peppers do not have as much sugar as orange and red ones.
Hamster foodOnly certain typesGuinea pigs need food that has vitamin C. Moreover, hamster food usually contains seeds, nuts, and artificially colored bits that can be dangerous for the cavy’s health.
Hay Yes Hay should be present in the cage at all times. Timothy hay is the best option for an adult guinea pig.
Haylage Yes The thing is not bad for your cavy. But make sure to check if it’s fresh and that there’s no mold. Can be added to timothy hay as a supplement.
HerbsOnly certain typesThyme, coriander, parsley, endive, dill, mint, fennel, basil, and rocket can be fed to the guinea pig.
HoneyNoHoney contains too much sugar. Moreover, it is sticky.
Honeydew (melon) Yes Cavies can eat both, the green flesh and the rind. Make sure to get rid of the seeds. Give honeydew only occasionally as it contains a lot of sugar.
Horse hayYesSimply make sure that the hay doesn’t have any mold, is fresh, and is not full of plat parts that can be dangerous for the guinea pig.
Iceberg lettuceNoThis food has no nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.
Ice creamNoGuinea pigs should not eat dairy and anything that contains too much sugar.
Italian parsleyYesBear in mind that Italian parsley is a little higher in calcium, so you wouldn’t want to give too much of it.
KaleYesKale is packed with vitamins and fiber. Moreover, it is low in sugar. That’s why some owners tend to give small portions of kale on a daily basis.
KiwiYesKiwi can be given as an occasional treat and as a source of vitamin C. But the thing is high in sugar.
Lambs lettuce Yes Bear in mind that lambs lettuce is high in calcium, so it should be fed in moderation.
Lavender Yes Lavender has the power to calm your pet if it’s in a state of stress. However, the taste is extremely specific, so make sure to check if your piggy likes it or not.
Leaves Only certain types Rhubarb, beetroot, and spinach leaves should not be given to a guinea pig. Apple, willow, and pear tree leaves are ok.
LeeksNoThis food is part of the garlic family and contains sulfides that can be harmful to the health of your piggy.
Lemons Yes You can occasionally feed the inside part and the rind (a few times per month). But the chances are high that your cavy won’t eat the lemon.
Lettuce Yes Red lettuce, Boston, and Romaine lettuce can be included in the guinea pig’s diet. However, don’t give too much of those, as lettuce can cause diarrhea.
LimesNoLimes are just too sour and your guinea pig won’t like them.
Little gem lettuce Yes Any type of lettuce is ok for your guinea pig. But don’t give too much of this product as it might act as a sedative.
Mango Yes Don’t give the skin or pit to your cavy. The inside of the mango can be given once or twice a week as a treat.
Mange toutYesMake sure to not overfeed your guinea pig as mange tout might cause gas and bloat.
Mango skinNoMango skin might contain a lot of chemicals. It’s better to give your cavy only the flesh.
MarigoldsYesCavies seem to like fresh marigolds more than dried ones. Can be fed as an occasional treat. Remember to rinse the flowers.
Meat No Guinea pigs are herbivores and their body is not designed to consume meat.
Melon Yes Melon can be occasionally given to your piggy as a treat and a source of vitamin C.
Mint Yes Mint can occasionally be given to your guinea pig. Bear in mind that your pet would either love it or hate it.
Mushrooms Only certain types Wild mushrooms can be dangerous for the animal’s health, while others simply won’t do any good.
Mustard greensYesYou can give mustard greens to your cavy once or twice a week. However, too much might cause gas and bloat.
Nectarines Yes Bear in mind that the pit has to be removed. Guinea pigs can have nectarines as a treat due to their high sugar content.
NutsNoNuts might cause a severe allergic reaction or get stuck in the guinea pig’s teeth. Moreover, the majority of nuts contain a lot of fat.
Oats No Guinea pigs don’t need grains.
Oatmeal No Sometimes a tiny amount of oatmeal might be recommended by the vet to help your guinea pig gain weight.
Okra Yes You can occasionally give raw okra without seeds. The thing can become an additional source of vitamin C.
Olives No Olives are high in water, sodium, and fat.
Onions No Onions contain disulfide which can be dangerous for the guinea pig’s health.
OrangesYesOranges are an amazing source of vitamin C.
Orange peels Yes Orange peels have a lot of vitamin C but make sure to wash the skin thoroughly as it might contain chemicals.
Orange peppers Yes You can give orange peppers to your cavy as a treat and as a source of vitamin C. But bear in mind that this vegetable has high sugar levels.
OreganoYesThe taste is quite strong, so bear in mind that your cavy might not like the herb.
Papaya Yes Papaya can be a great source of vitamin C. Make sure to take all the seeds out and feed them to your cavy only one or two times per week.
Parsley Yes But parsley is high in oxalic acid, so be careful.
ParsnipsYesParsnips can be fed once or twice a week. However, the majority of guinea pigs don’t seem to like the taste.
Peanuts No Peanuts are high in fat, acidic and they can present a choking hazard for a guinea pig.
Pears Yes You can give your guinea pig a small slice once in a while. Unfortunately, pears are high in sugar and quite acidic.
Peppers Yes Cavies can eat all bell peppers. However, green ones contain less sugar.
Pineapple Yes Pineapples can be given as a treat but they are high in sugar.
PumpkinYesBear in mind that pumpkin seeds are dangerous. However, the flesh of the pumpkin can be given to guinea pigs once in a while. It is high in vitamins C and A.
Popcorn No Cavies should not be given any processed food. Moreover, popcorn bits can be dangerous for cavy’s digestive tract.
PotatoesNoPotatoes might contain toxins that are dangerous for the health of the cavy.
Pumpkin Yes Bear in mind that pumpkin seeds are dangerous. However, the flesh of the pumpkin can be given to guinea pigs once in a while. It is high in vitamins C and A.
Quaker oatsNoIn general, guinea pigs do not need oats. But your vet might tell you to give the cavy a little if it needs to put on some weight.
Rabbit food No Guinea pigs need an additional source of vitamin C. Moreover, rabbit food might contain some bits that are dangerous for the cavy’s digestive tract.
Raisins No Raisins contain too much sugar and are sticky which is terrible for the guinea pig’s teeth.
RaspberriesYesRaspberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. But just like any berries, they have quite a lot of sugar.
Red cabbage Yes Cavies can have red cabbage several times a week as it has a lot of vitamin C. At the same time, it’s low in fat, sugar, and calcium.
Red peppers Yes You can give red pepper as a treat to your cavy as it contains sugar.
RocketYesBut bear in mind that the thing is high in calcium. Feed rocket to your cavy 2 or 3 times per week.
Romaine lettuceYesRomaine lettuce can be fed to guinea pigs nearly every day.
Rosemary Yes Bear in mind that rosemary is high in calcium, so you can only give it to your cavy once or twice a week.
Runner beansNoRunner beans are poisonous to guinea pigs.
Savoy cabbage Yes This vegetable can be fed up to 4 times per week but in small quantities as savoy cabbage leads to gas and bloating.
StrawberriesYesBut just like all the other berries, strawberries have a lot of sugar in them. Moderation is key.
SpinachYesSpinach can be fed to cavies once or twice a week. It’s high in vitamin C and low in sugar. However, it does contain a lot of oxalic acids.
Sprouts Yes Guinea pigs can eat raw sprouts in moderation as it is a gassy food.
Squash Yes Squash can become one of the sources of vitamin C but it has to be given in moderation.
Sunflower seedsNoSeeds can get stuck in the guinea pig’s teeth and gums or even become a choking hazard.
SwedeYesSwede can be an occasional treat as it’s high in sugar and phosphorus.
Sweet potato Yes Sweet potatoes can become an occasional treat for your cavy as they contain oxalic acid and starch. But they also have low levels of fat and phosphorus.
TangerinesYesTangerines are an amazing source of vitamin C. However, they are acidic and contain sugar.
ThymeYesCavies can have the stems and the leaves once or twice a week. Bear in mind that your piggy might not like the taste.
ToastNoGuinea pigs will not get poisoned by a slice of bread. But it simply won’t be able to do any good to them.
Tomato leavesNoTomato leaves are poisonous for guinea pigs.
Tortillas No Do not feed your cavy processed food.
Turnip Yes Turnips can be given once or twice a week as they are high in oxalic acid and sugar.
Turnip greens Yes Guinea pigs can have turnip greens up to two times per week. They are yummy but, unfortunately, high in calcium.
Walnuts No Walnuts may cause an allergic reaction and the sharp bits might cut the cavy’s digestive tract.
Watercress Yes Another great source of vitamin C. But give watercress in moderation as it can cause bloating and vomiting.
Watermelon Yes Guinea pigs can eat both, the flesh and the rind. But bear in mind that the flesh contains a lot of sugar.
Watermelon rind Yes The rind is even better than the flesh as it has less sugar. But make sure to wash the rind thoroughly.
Weeds Only certain types Some weeds are poisonous for guinea pigs. However, they can have chickweed, cleavers, oxalis, white clover, yarrow, plantain, and nutgrass.
Weetabix No Don’t feed your guinea pigs with processed foods.
Wheatgrass Yes Wheatgrass is yummy and will provide your guinea pigs with a lot of minerals and vitamins.
White cabbage Yes White cabbage should be given in moderation as it can cause gas and bloating. The vegetable is a source of vitamin C.
YogurtNoGuinea pigs are lactose intolerant.
YamsYesYams can become a source of vitamin C. Can be fed up to two times per week.
Yellow bell peppersYesBell peppers are high in vitamin C. But yellow peppers are also high in sugar, so make sure to give them to your guinea pig once or twice a week.
Yellow squash Yes Squash is high in vitamin A and C. Do remember to feed it in moderation.
Yogurt No Guinea pigs are lactose intolerant.
ZucchiniYesZucchini is not only a great vitamin C source but is also low in sugar, sulfur, and salt.

Summary

If you are not sure what to give them but believe your little piggies deserve some great treats, please check our Helpful Guide to the Best Guinea Pig Treats to get some ideas.

Be sure to also check our recommended products page for everything you will ever need to assure a happy life for your guinea pigs. Hope this information was helpful and you have found the answer you were looking for.

List of Sources

Vitamin C Requirements of the Guinea-Pig

Nutrient Requirements of the Guinea Pig

Dietary Requirements of the Guinea Pig with Reference to the Need for a Special Factor