Guinea pigs need a variety of fruits and veggies in their diets to stay healthy, as well as the usual guinea pig pellets and hay. However, guinea pigs have sensitive bodies, so pet owners should always make sure make sure that they only give their cavies food that is safe for them.
A popular veggie that people like to give guinea pigs is cucumbers, but newbie cavy owners may not know if this veggie is safe to feed their piggies all the time. To help guinea pig owners learn more about this vegetable, here is a quick guide.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat cucumbers as a great treat to supplement their diets. Cucumbers are full of water and nutrients to keep guinea pigs hydrated and healthy. Guinea pigs can eat a slice of cucumber a few times a week as a snack, especially during the summer.
Cucumbers are a great treat to give to guinea pigs a few times a week. While cucumbers are not part of a guinea pig’s daily diet, they are a great treat for almost any kind of guinea pig, especially overweight piggies.
The Health Benefits of Cucumbers
The best thing about cucumbers is that they are 95-97% water. Guinea pigs can enjoy a bit of cucumber on a hot day to stay hydrated and feel refreshed. That is why many pet owners love to give their piggies a slice during a heatwave. While they should not eat too many, it can be a healthy treat to keep a guinea pig cool.
Cucumbers are low in sugar, which makes them a great treat for any guinea pig, but especially good for overweight guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are smaller than humans, so they are more sensitive to sugar. Cucumbers are a great alternative to sugary snacks like grapes for overweight piggies.
Cucumbers are a great treat for overweight guinea pigs because they are low in calories, too. ½ a cup of cut cucumber only contains 8 calories. While a guinea pig cannot eat that much cucumber, that little calories means that an overweight piggy can fill up with a fun treat consuming too many calories. Plus, cucumbers are low in sodium and 0% fat.
Cucumbers contain vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot store or create vitamin C, so they need to consume vitamin C in their diets. Vitamin C deficiency, also called scurvy, is common in guinea pigs, and guinea pigs need at least 10-30 mg daily, while unhealthy piggies need about 100-200 mg every day.
Can guinea pigs eat ginger
Vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs can cause loss of appetite, rough fur, diarrhea, slowed wound healing, joint swelling, etc. While cucumbers do not contain a lot of vitamin C, cucumbers can add a small boost to a cavy’s diet when they have a weekly treat. Remember, guinea pigs can benefit from other veggies more than cucumbers for vitamin C, like parsley, but cucumbers can help.
Cucumbers have fiber that can improve a guinea pig’s digestive system. Plus, fiber can help guinea pigs maintain or lose weight and lower blood pressure. However, cucumbers are a relatively low source of fiber, having only 0.5 grams of fiber every 100 grams, so a guinea pig may only be able to consume 0.1 gram of fiber. Therefore, it would be best that a cavy relies more on other veggies for fiber, but cucumbers can be a great, small boost to their daily fiber intake.
Cucumbers have a relatively high potassium content, boasting about 41 mg of potassium. Potassium is crucial for growing and developed guinea pigs. Plus, potassium can help lower blood pressure, which is ideal for overweight guinea pigs.
Cucumbers also contain vitamin K to keep your guinea pigs strong. Cucumbers have low amounts of magnesium, vitamin A, pantothenic acid, manganese, and phosphorus. Cucumbers contain about 0.2 grams of protein, but that is good for guinea pigs because too much protein can lead to weight gain. Cucumbers also have about 16 mg of calcium, which is ideal since excessive calcium consumption can cause bladder stones.
The Side Effects of Cucumbers
Guinea pigs should stay hydrated, but they should not be overhydrated. Guinea pigs that eat too many watery fruits or veggies, like cucumbers, can experience stomach and digestive issues. They can experience abdominal pain. Plus, too much water in a cavy’s stomach will make them too full to consume their more nutrient-dense foods.
Since cucumbers contain a lot of water, it can make guinea pigs feel bloated and lethargic if they eat too many cucumbers. Excessive cucumber consumption in guinea pigs can also cause diarrhea. Therefore, guinea pig owners should not overfeed their guinea pigs cucumbers.
While cucumbers are great for guinea pigs, cucumbers are not ideal for a guinea pig’s daily diet. Cucumbers have nutrients and high water content to cool off guinea pigs during hot days. However, there are better foods pet owners can give guinea pigs every day that have more nutrients than cucumbers. Cucumbers are low in nutrients compared to other veggies, so they are not ideal for a cavy’s daily diet. Plus, too many cucumbers can make a guinea pig’s stomach upset.
What Kind of Cucumbers Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Most kinds of cucumbers are usually non-toxic and safe for guinea pigs. However, it would be best to buy pesticide-free cucumbers to avoid chemicals in a guinea pig’s body. Ideally, pet owners should get organic cucumbers to feed their guinea pigs.
If pet owners cannot grab organic cucumbers, they can wash the cucumber thoroughly before serving it to their guinea pigs. Some cucumbers may have a thin layer of wax on them, so guinea pig owners may peel off the skin if they want to stay on the safe side or wash them very well. However, the peel contains most of the nutrients, so opting for pesticide-free cucumber would be best.
How Many Cucumbers Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
Most healthy adult guinea pigs can eat a ½ inch slice of cucumber. They can eat that amount about 2-3 times a week, but not more than that. It may be tempting to feed a guinea pig another slice, but a ½ inch piece of cucumber is more than enough for most piggies for a few days.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, a baby guinea pig can eat cucumbers. However, it is important to remember that baby guinea pigs are smaller than adults, so it would be wise to give them less than adults. Additionally, it would be ideal to introduce this new veggie to baby piggies before giving cucumbers to them every week. You can introduce a quarter of a ½ inch slice of cucumber to a baby guinea pig. If there are no issues, they can eat half a ½ inch slice of cucumber.
However, guinea pigs that still drink their mother’s milk should not have cucumbers. Baby guinea pigs will nurse from their mothers for the first 3-6 weeks of their lives. After the first week, they will eat some greens and grass, but they are not ready for cucumbers yet. Baby guinea pigs can only eat cucumbers when they eat a completely solid diet and are fully weaned from their mothers.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumber Peel?
Given that the cucumber gets washed well and is free from pesticides and other chemicals, guinea pigs can eat cucumber peel. In fact, the cucumber peel contains most of the nutrients in a cucumber, while the flesh inside is mostly water. Therefore, it is actually preferable to feed a cavy cucumber with the peel. Plus, many guinea pigs love the crunchiness of cucumber skin, and the roughage can prevent diarrhea.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumber Seeds?
Guinea pigs can eat small amounts of cucumber seeds. Most cucumber seeds are very thin and small, so most guinea pigs will not experience any issues from cucumber seeds. However, that does not mean they can eat a lot of cucumber seeds. They can eat the seeds in the slice that they get, but not more than that. Additionally, if the seeds in the cucumber look larger than normal, it may be best to remove them before giving them to a cavy.

How to Feed Guinea Pigs Cucumber
Firstly, wash the fresh cucumber well. If there are oddly large seeds, remove them (thin, small seeds are ok to leave). If the cucumber is not pesticide-free or there is still wax, peel the skin. If it is an organic, pesticide-free cucumber, keep the skin. Cut a slice about ½ inch thick. Cut the cucumber slice to quarters, then serve.
In Conclusion
Cucumbers are a relatively healthy source of nutrients and water for guinea pigs. They are a great treat for overweight piggies, and they are great snacks on a hot summer day. However, cucumbers are only a treat that they can eat 2-3 times a week. Cucumbers are not a part of a guinea pig’s daily diet.\
References:
- AZEAH, ‘VITAMIN C RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUINEA PIGS’, https://azeah.com/guinea-pigs/vitamin-c-recommendations-guinea-pigs, Accessed – 7 May 2021
- The Spruce Pets, ‘Feeding Guinea Pigs’, https://www.thesprucepets.com/feeding-guinea-pigs-1236840, Accessed – 7 May 2021
- Sage Journals, ‘Importance of Potassium and Magnesium in Nutrition of the Guinea Pig’, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-71-17092, Accessed – 7 May 2021
FAQs
Are cucumbers bad for guinea pigs? ›
Cucumbers are low in sugar which is good but they are also high in water and quite low in vitamin C and fibre so although it is fine to feed a few times a week to your guinea pigs, don't give them large quantities. A half inch chunk is plenty as part of their daily veggie portion.
Can I give my guinea pig cucumber everyday? ›Are Cucumbers Bad For Guinea Pigs? As mentioned above, cucumbers have a very high water content. Because of this, excessive consumption of cucumbers can cause diarrhea and vomiting in guinea pigs. Eating too much can make your little friend feel bloated, which can cause digestive problems and stomach upset.
How much cucumber can I give my guinea pig? ›Guinea pigs can eat cucumbers regularly, a few times a week. Offer a couple of thin slices or one thicker half-inch slice per serving. Since it's so high in water, you shouldn't feed several slices all at once. You can feed cucumber every day, as long as you only feed a thin slice daily.
What is the healthiest vegetable for guinea pigs? ›Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale, cilantro and parsley should comprise the bulk of your pig's fresh produce. It's best to provide variety by feeding different greens each day.
What happens if a guinea pig eats too much cucumber? ›Ever heard of the saying 'too much of anything is bad'? Unfortunately, that applies to cucumbers for guinea pigs. Consuming too much of it can upset a piggy's stomach and lead to diarrhea, which can cause dehydration!
What vegetables are poisonous to guinea pigs? ›Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; ...
What veg can guinea pigs have everyday? ›Vegetables. Your guinea pigs should have fresh, washed leafy greens or weeds each day, such as kale or broccoli, which are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Guinea pigs don't naturally eat fruit or root vegetables, but you can give them in small amounts as treats, such as small pieces of carrot or an apple quarter.
Are tomatoes good for guinea pigs? ›Tomatoes are safe for guinea pigs to eat. Tomatoes have many beneficial dietary benefits including: Great source of fibre - necessary for correct digestive health. High in Vitamin C - A necessary vitamin in their diet.
What are the signs of vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs? ›Symptoms. A pig suffering from vitamin C deficiency may appear weak and lethargic, have difficulty moving, lose weight and stop eating, display a rough coat, or have diarrhea. Some pigs might have internal bleeding. You may also notice a small exterior wound bleeding excessively or not healing correctly.
Can guinea pigs have bananas? ›Dr Moyes says: “Guinea pigs don't naturally eat fruit or root vegetables, but you can give them in small amounts as treats.” This could be small pieces of carrot or celery, a cherry tomato, a little bit of banana or an apple quarter.
Can guinea pigs eat the green part of a cucumber? ›
Cucumber: Guinea Pigs can eat both the flesh, seeds (not too much) and the skin. Green beans:These contain vitamin C, and can be fed in a raw state.
What is guinea pigs most favorite food? ›The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given each day. Hay should be offered free-choice throughout the day.
What fruit can guinea pigs not eat? ›Fruit You Should NOT Feed Your Guinea Pig
Tomato stems and leaves – always remove greenery before feeding – also, never feed unripe tomatoes! Apple seeds – the seeds contain amygdalin, which produces cyanide when chewed – this is very poisonous to guinea pigs! Always remove apple seeds before feeding.
How should you go about feeding your guinea pig celery? The first thing you should know is that all parts, from the celery roots and stalks to its leaves, all are safe for piggy consumption. However, you should limit the consumption of celery to only a few times per week, and treat it as a snack.
Can you overfeed a guinea pig vegetables? ›A guinea pig's diet should be equivalent to 80% hay, 15% fresh vegetables and herbs, and 5% of commercial pellets. Overfeeding can be damaging to your guinea pig's digestion tract, and cause obesity.
Can guinea pigs digest cheese? ›Dairy, including yogurt, cheese, kefir, sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Again, the guinea pig GI tract is not meant for anything but plants. They simply don't have the enzymes and other things they'd need to digest dairy products.
Why can't guinea pigs have carrots everyday? ›Carrots have a high sugar content, which isn't good for your guinea pig because they increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. The sugar can also be a cause of tooth decay, which can be hard to treat.
Can guinea pigs have peanut butter? ›Aside from this, peanut butter also contains a lot of sodium, sugar and too many calories. Peanut butter also has a dangerous mechanical effect, it is a choking hazard for them! They have a small esophagus and can get stuck. Some of the symptoms of peanut butter toxicity are constipation and an upset stomach.
What can guinea pigs drink? ›Fresh, clean water with nothing added is the best drink for guinea pigs. But why can't guinea pigs have other drinks? It's unhealthy for guinea pigs to ingest high sugar, high salt, or high fat drinks. That eliminates soda, juice, dairy, sport drinks, and others.
What is a guinea pigs natural enemy? ›They are shy animals – and not without reason, as they have many natural enemies, including wild cats, coyotes, wolves, snakes, hawks, owls and humans. In some cultures, these cute little mammals are seen as a source of food or an ingredient in traditional medicines.
What foods have vitamin C for guinea pigs? ›
Fresh greens/vegetables
Guinea pigs' need fresh greens and vegetables every day to help them get enough vitamin C (they can't produce it themselves). Our vets' advise one teacup of greens and veg, per guinea pig, per day, which can be split into morning and evening feeds.
Can guinea pigs eat banana peel? We are so used to discarding our banana peel that you may not even have thought of feeding this part of the fruit to your guinea pig. In fact, the skin is very rich in nutrients and guinea pigs can eat the banana skin as well as the fruit.
Can guinea pigs eat apple Daily? ›They should also only be given apples once or twice a week as a treat. Guinea pigs should only be eating raw fruits and vegetables, so yes, guinea pigs can eat raw apple, and they can eat the skin—just make sure to wash it properly beforehand.
What do guinea pigs like to play with? ›Guinea pigs are very food-orientated, meaning they are more likely to interact and play with toys that reward them with treats, such as treat balls, hay stuffers, grass tunnels, or hanging vegetable toys. Consider buying nibblers and chew toys. These toys are usually made of a sturdy natural material, such as wood.
Can guinea pigs have grapes? ›Guinea Pigs Can Eat Grapes as an Occasional Treat
Grapes are also rich in antioxidants, which balance free radicals, and resveratrol, a plant compound that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to a high level of fructose (sugar), grapes are also very sweet and a favorite treat for most guinea pigs.
When taking into consideration all the nutrition factors, green bell peppers are the best for your guinea pig to eat, because of their lower sugar content. It has almost 2 g less than the other colors. However, all colors of bell peppers can be safely consumed by piggies.
Can guinea pigs eat corn? ›Overall, it is OK to feed your guinea pigs corn!
However, just remember that it should be regarded as a once-in-a-while treat! The starch can be harmful to your guinea pig, and it's important that we keep them safe and healthy.
Fortunately, guinea pigs can eat both the rind and the flesh of the pumpkin! You just have to make sure that you thoroughly clean the outside to rid the rind of any dirt and germs that may be there. We've mentioned time and time again that pumpkin is fine as long as it is served in moderation.
Should I put vitamin C drops in my guinea pigs water? ›For these reasons, adding vitamin C to guinea pig's drinking water is not recommended. The best way to supplement vitamin C is either through vitamin C tablets or liquids given directly to the guinea pig or through the fresh foods they eat. Abbott and Proctor and Gamble make flavored vitamin C liquids for children.
What fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C for guinea pigs? ›- Sweet Bell Peppers. Sweet bell peppers, also known as capsicums, are one of the best sources of Vitamin C for your guinea pig. ...
- Parsley. ...
- Kale. ...
- Guava. ...
- Oranges. ...
- Thyme. ...
- Dill. ...
- Mustard Greens.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in guinea pigs? ›
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in guinea pigs & rabbits include fatigue, depression, muscle weakness/aches/cramps, bone pain and dental issues. You can provide more vitamin D via certain foods and supplements.
Can guinea pigs have watermelon? ›Overall, it is OK to feed your guinea pigs watermelon!
Just make sure that you're only feeding it to them once in a while—this can prevent any health issues associated with consuming watermelon too much! It's the best way to keep them happy and healthy.
Guinea pigs can eat oranges in moderate amounts. This fruit is pretty sugary, and it's important to be careful with how much you feed it to your piggy—make sure to know all the information that you need in order to decide whether or not you want to include this juicy fruit in their diet!
Is cabbage okay for guinea pigs? ›The simple answer is yes! Guinea pigs can eat cabbage, and there are so many health benefits for them when they do. There are four main kinds of cabbage, and all are edible to your guinea pig. These varieties include green, napa, red/purple, and savoy!
Do you have to peel cucumbers for guinea pigs? ›It is usually not necessary to peel a cucumber or remove the seeds if you plan to eat it raw. If the cucumber skin has been waxed (to make it look shiny) or if you plan to cook the cucumber, remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Some large cucumbers have hard seeds.
Can guinea pigs eat pickles? ›You should not give pickles to your Guinea pigs, because that will increase their solidium content. And this is not good for the Guinea pigs because they can only proceed with fresh grass and veggies. If you try to feed your Guinea pig with pickles, it can lead to digestive problems which can be fatal for the pet.
Can guinea pigs have zucchini? ›Guinea pigs can eat zucchini, but do they like it? They do, in fact, enjoy zucchini! However, you might notice that they don't like the skin or the rind. The best way to ensure their 100% satisfaction is to remove the skin before you serve it to them.
What do guinea pigs love the most? ›Guinea pigs are constantly munching away and it's important they always have access to food. We recommend they have unlimited access to timothy hay (or orchard grass) and about one cup of vegetables per day. Variety is amazing for their diets, and lots of different colors and types of vegetables are good for them.
What is a guinea pigs Favourite treat? ›Each guinea pig is different, and most will have a specific favourite food or foods. Good bets are carrots and carrot tops, cucumber and dandelion leaves. If your guinea pigs don't have regular access to grass then a big juicy handful will elicit excited squeaks from most guinea pigs, young or old.
What is a guinea pigs favorite thing? ›Most of them love carrots and broccoli, and some love nothing better than fresh grass nibbled from a lawn. Some owners swear by shop-bought treats, but these are not essential, and you should check the ingredients to make sure you're not feeding th GPs sugar and colorings!
Can guinea pigs eat eggs? ›
At the most basic level, guinea pigs are herbivores. That means that they just eat fruits and veggies—no dairy, eggs, meat, or insects for these little guys. Fresh hay and fresh leafy vegetables should make up the bulk of your guinea pig's diet.
What things do guinea pigs hate? ›Generally many guinea pigs dislike being touched anywhere that isn't their head, shoulders, or their upper back. Everywhere else is a no-go zone, especially when it comes to their butt. In order to try to keep your piggies comfortable, keep your petting in the areas that they're OK with.
Can guinea pigs eat chicken? ›Cooked chicken can look more like plant matter than flesh. Even so, it's no good for them; guinea-pigs don't have the equipment for digesting meat and meat carries all sorts of bacteria that they shouldn't be exposed to.
Can guinea pigs have broccoli? ›Guinea pigs can eat the any parts of the broccoli! The stem, florets, and the stalk are enjoyed by guinea pigs and will also help to maintain their dental health by helping them keep their teeth at a healthy length.
Can guinea pigs have green beans? ›Guinea pigs can eat green beans, but do they like it? They do! So not only is it good for your little piggies, but they'll enjoy eating it too.
Can guinea pigs have strawberries? ›To sum things up, small portions of strawberries can be a treat for your guinea pig once or twice a week. Strawberries, because of their sugar content, are not fit to be included in your pig's diet every day. The stems and leaves are healthy for your pig, perhaps even better than the fruit itself.
Are carrots bad for guinea pigs? ›It is safe to feed your guinea pig carrots along with the green leafy tops. Feed in moderation due to the high levels of Vitamin A and sugar content.
Are tomatoes bad for guinea pigs? ›Tomatoes are safe for guinea pigs to eat. Tomatoes have many beneficial dietary benefits including: Great source of fibre - necessary for correct digestive health. High in Vitamin C - A necessary vitamin in their diet.
Are cucumbers high in calcium for guinea pigs? ›Cucumber is also low in calcium. It's very high in water content, which can help flush out the bladder and get more water in your guinea pig's system. However, don't go overboard, as too many watery veggies can cause diarrhea.
Can guinea pigs have cucumbers and green peppers? ›Guinea pigs can eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs with some of their most popular foods being lettuce, kale, parsley, coriander, cucumber, carrot, sweet bell peppers, tomato and apple.
Is celery bad for guinea pigs? ›
How should you go about feeding your guinea pig celery? The first thing you should know is that all parts, from the celery roots and stalks to its leaves, all are safe for piggy consumption. However, you should limit the consumption of celery to only a few times per week, and treat it as a snack.
Can guinea pigs eat cheese? ›Dairy products – dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt etc are derived from animals and should not be fed to your Guinea Pig.
What vegetables can guinea pigs have everyday? ›When it comes to feeding your guinea pigs daily, the only two vegetables they can be given daily are green bell peppers and romaine butterhead, or bib lettuce. Yellow and red bell peppers have too much vitamin C to be given daily and other types of lettuce don't have enough nutritional value.
What foods cause stones in guinea pigs? ›Recurrence is common. Diet: Because most urinary stones contain calcium, your guinea pig's diet should have just the right amount of calcium: enough, but not too much. You can get this balance by avoiding high-calcium foods, such as alfalfa hay, kale, dandelion greens, and spinach.
What foods can guinea pigs eat daily? ›The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given each day. Hay should be offered free-choice throughout the day.
What is the best fruit for guinea pigs daily? ›- Kiwi. Kiwis contain high levels of vitamin C and even small quantities of kiwi can be a massive boost for their vitamin needs. ...
- Blueberry. Blueberries contain antioxidants and vitamins, which makes them a great choice for guinea pigs. ...
- Watermelon. ...
- Cantaloupe. ...
- Apple.
The short and sweet answer is yes! Guinea pigs can eat pineapple, but in moderation. There are several different health benefits that this fruit can offer to your piggy, but there are a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of before you decide to include it into their diet.