What Can Guinea pig Eat? Food Safety Checker
Enter a food name to quickly check if guinea pigs can eat it
40
Safe
42
Caution
19
Dangerous
101
Total Foods
Category:
Safety:
🍎
Apple
Fruits
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, fingernail-sized piece
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in Vitamin C and dietary fiber
Risk Warning
Must remove seeds - apple seeds contain cyanide
Apples are one of the fruits guinea pigs can safely eat. They are rich in Vitamin C and dietary fiber, which are beneficial for the guinea pig digestive system. Always remove apple seeds before feeding, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide that could cause poisoning in small guinea pigs. Cut the apple into small pieces about the size of a fingernail and feed 2-3 times per week. Do not feed the core or stem, only the flesh. When first introducing apples, start with a tiny amount and observe for 24 hours for any signs of diarrhea or discomfort before feeding normally.
🍌
Banana
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains potassium and Vitamin B6
Risk Warning
Very high sugar content, easily causes obesity and diarrhea
Although bananas contain potassium and Vitamin B6, their sugar content is extremely high, making them unsuitable for frequent feeding. A guinea pig digestive system cannot process large amounts of sugar, and overeating can easily lead to obesity and diarrhea. When feeding, only give a thin slice, about the size of a grain of rice, up to 1-2 times per week. Choose ripe but not overripe bananas and avoid portions with black spots. If the guinea pig is already overweight, it is recommended to avoid feeding bananas altogether.
🍓
Strawberry
Fruits
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, half a berry
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in Vitamin C
Risk Warning
High water content, overfeeding causes diarrhea
Strawberries are a relatively suitable fruit for guinea pigs, rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. However, strawberries have high water content, and overfeeding can easily cause diarrhea. Feed only half a strawberry each time, cut into small pieces for easy handling. Always wash strawberries thoroughly before feeding to remove pesticide residue. Choose organic strawberries or soak and wash thoroughly before feeding. Strawberries spoil easily; remove any uneaten portions from the cage within 2 hours to prevent the guinea pig from eating spoiled food.
🫐
Blueberry
Fruits
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, 1-2 berries
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in anthocyanins
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Blueberries are nutritious berries rich in antioxidants. However, blueberries have moderate sugar content, so feed in moderation. Wash thoroughly before feeding.
🍉
Watermelon
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small fingernail-sized piece
Nutritional Benefit
High water content, good for hydration in summer
Risk Warning
Too much water causes diarrhea, seeds cannot be eaten
Watermelon has water content over 90%. In summer, a small amount can help supplement hydration, but quantity must be strictly controlled. Give only a small piece of flesh about the size of a fingernail, at most once per week. Watermelon seeds must never be given to guinea pigs as they may cause intestinal blockage. Watermelon sugar content is also not low, and overeating can cause health problems. Remove all seeds and white rind when feeding, giving only a small amount of red flesh. If the guinea pig is already getting enough water, there is no need to specifically feed watermelon.
🍇
Grape
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, half a grape, seedless
Nutritional Benefit
Contains vitamins
Risk Warning
May burden the kidneys, must remove seeds
Grapes contain various vitamins and minerals, but feeding guinea pigs requires special care. Grapes may pose kidney burden risks in some animals, and although research on guinea pigs is limited, it is recommended to feed only small amounts. All grape seeds must be removed before feeding, as they are potentially toxic to guinea pigs. Give only half a grape's worth of flesh at most once per week. Raisins are also not recommended as their concentrated sugar content is extremely high. If the guinea pig shows any signs of kidney problems, grapes should be completely avoided.
🍊
Orange
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Feed as little as possible
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin C
Risk Warning
Too acidic, irritates stomach and cheek pouches
Although oranges are rich in Vitamin C, they are highly acidic and can irritate the guinea pig digestive system and cheek pouches. Guinea pig have the habit of storing food in their cheek pouches, and acidic foods left in the pouches for extended periods can easily cause cheek pouch inflammation. If feeding is necessary, give only a tiny amount of flesh and ensure the guinea pig does not store it in its cheek pouches. Also try to remove the white pith. Overall, oranges are not ideal guinea pig food; consider other Vitamin C sources like strawberries or broccoli.
🥝
Kiwi
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
High in Vitamin C
Risk Warning
High acidity, may irritate the stomach
Kiwis rank among the highest fruits for Vitamin C content, but similarly have acidity issues. The acidity of kiwis may irritate the guinea pig's mouth, esophagus, and stomach lining, causing discomfort or even inflammation. If feeding, give only a tiny amount, about the size of a mung bean, at most once per week. Peel before feeding and give only the sweeter central flesh, avoiding the more acidic portions near the skin. After first feeding, closely observe the guinea pig's reaction and stop immediately if any discomfort occurs.
🥭
Mango
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin A and C
Risk Warning
High sugar, may cause allergic reactions
Mangoes are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, but have high sugar content and are not suitable for frequent feeding. More importantly, mango is a common allergenic fruit, and some guinea pigs may be allergic, showing symptoms like skin redness, itching, or breathing difficulties. For first feeding, give only a tiny amount and observe for 48 hours to confirm no allergic reaction before considering continuing. Mango flesh is sticky and can easily stick in the cheek pouches; watch if the guinea pig normally clears its cheek pouches after eating. Overall, mango is not an essential food; safer fruits can be used as alternatives.
🍍
Pineapple
Fruits
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Too acidic, contains bromelain, irritates mouth and stomach
Pineapple is not suitable for guinea pigs for multiple reasons. First, pineapple is extremely acidic and will severely irritate the guinea pig's mouth, esophagus, and stomach lining. Second, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein and damages oral and digestive tract mucosa. This is why humans feel a "stinging" sensation when eating pineapple, and small guinea pigs would suffer even more. The combination of high acidity and enzymes could cause serious problems like mouth ulcers and gastroenteritis. Never feed pineapple to guinea pigs.
🥕
Carrot
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
3-4 times per week, 1-2 thin slices
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in Vitamin A
Risk Warning
Sugar content is relatively high for vegetables
Carrots are one of the most commonly fed vegetables for guinea pigs, rich in beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A in the body, benefiting vision and skin health. Cut into thin slices, 1-2 pieces each time, 3-4 times per week. Note that carrots have relatively high sugar content among vegetables and should not be overfed, as it may lead to obesity. Raw carrots are more suitable for guinea pigs to gnaw on and also help with dental wear. Do not feed the green tops. Start with a small amount when first introducing and increase only after confirming normal bowel movements.
🥒
Cucumber
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
3-4 times per week, 2-3 thin slices
Nutritional Benefit
High water content, good for hydration in summer
Risk Warning
High water content, overfeeding may cause diarrhea
Cucumbers have high water content and low calories, making them a good choice for hydrating guinea pigs in summer. Cut into thin slices, 2-3 pieces each time, 3-4 times per week. The downside of cucumbers is their high water content; overfeeding can easily cause diarrhea. Avoid feeding cucumbers for multiple consecutive days; alternate with other vegetables. Choose fresh, crisp cucumbers and peel before feeding as the skin may have pesticide residue. If diarrhea occurs after feeding, stop immediately and observe.
🥦
Broccoli
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, one small floret
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in Vitamin C
Risk Warning
Gas-producing vegetable, overfeeding may cause bloating
Broccoli is nutritionally rich, containing large amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fiber, making it a premium choice among guinea pig vegetables. Feed one small floret each time, 2-3 times per week. Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family and can produce gas in the intestines, possibly causing bloating discomfort if overfed. Serve raw or lightly steamed without salt or seasonings. For first feeding, give one small piece and observe for any bloating or diarrhea before normal feeding. The florets are more suitable than the stems.
🥬
Lettuce
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, 1-2 leaves
Nutritional Benefit
High water content, good texture
Risk Warning
High water content, overfeeding causes diarrhea
Lettuce has a crisp texture and most guinea pigs love it. Lettuce has relatively high water content; moderate feeding can supplement hydration, but overfeeding easily causes diarrhea. Give 1-2 leaves each time, 2-3 times per week. Choose romaine lettuce over iceberg lettuce as romaine has higher nutritional value. Wash thoroughly before feeding to remove possible pesticide and bacteria residue. Lettuce spoils easily; remove uneaten portions from the cage promptly. If the guinea pig has diarrhea tendencies, reduce or stop feeding lettuce.
🌿
Spinach
Vegetables
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains iron and vitamins
Risk Warning
Contains oxalic acid, affects calcium absorption, may cause stones
Although spinach contains iron and various vitamins, its oxalic acid content is very high. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate, affecting calcium absorption in guinea pigs, and long-term heavy consumption may increase stone risk. Guinea pig are small, and stones pose much greater danger to them than to humans. If feeding spinach, at most once per week, only give 1-2 leaves. Consider using vegetables with lower oxalic acid content, like broccoli or cucumber, which offer good nutrition and are safer. Guinea pig with urinary system issues should completely avoid spinach.
🥬
Cabbage
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, one small leaf
Nutritional Benefit
Contains vitamins and moisture
Risk Warning
Relatively high water content, feed in moderation
Cabbage is a common affordable vegetable containing Vitamin C and moderate moisture, generally well-accepted by guinea pigs. Give one small leaf, washed, for guinea pigs to nibble on, 2-3 times per week. Cabbage has relatively high water content and should not be overfed, or it may cause diarrhea. The white stem portion has more water than the leaves; prioritize feeding green leaf portions. Cabbage easily retains pesticides; soak and wash thoroughly before feeding. Cabbage is inexpensive and readily available, making it a good daily vegetable supplement.
🍅
Tomato
Vegetables
Caution
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in lycopene
Risk Warning
High acidity, green leaves and stems are toxic
Tomatoes contain lycopene and various vitamins, but feeding guinea pigs requires attention to several points: First, tomatoes are quite acidic and should not be overfed; second, tomato green leaves and stems contain solanine, which is toxic to guinea pigs and must never be fed; third, unripe green tomatoes also contain toxins and only fully ripe red tomatoes can be fed. Give a small piece of red flesh, removing all green parts, 1-2 times per week. Tomatoes have high water content and may cause diarrhea if overeaten. Cherry tomatoes can also be fed, but remove stems and green parts.
🎃
Pumpkin
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in Vitamin A
Risk Warning
Sugar content is relatively high for vegetables
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin A, beneficial for guinea pig vision and immunity. Pumpkin has a soft, sweet taste that most guinea pigs love. Can be fed raw or steamed; steamed pumpkin is easier to digest. Give a small piece each time, 2-3 times per week. Pumpkin has relatively high sugar content among vegetables and should not be overfed, or it may cause obesity. Pumpkin seeds are extremely high in fat and are not recommended. Choose mature old pumpkins over young ones as they are more nutritious. Pumpkin stores well; steam a batch and divide into multiple feedings.
🌽
Corn
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, a few kernels
Nutritional Benefit
Contains carbohydrates
Risk Warning
Relatively high sugar, do not overfeed
Corn contains carbohydrates and dietary fiber, and guinea pigs generally love eating corn kernels. Feed a few raw or cooked corn kernels, twice per week. Corn has relatively high sugar content among vegetables and should not be overfed. You can give the guinea pig a whole small corn cob to nibble on, serving as both food and a chewing toy, but watch the total quantity. Sweet corn has higher sugar than waxy corn; choose regular corn. Frozen corn kernels from stores are also usable, but avoid corn with added sugar or salt.
🫛
Peas
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, 2-3 peas
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and fiber
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Peas contain plant protein and dietary fiber, making them a nutritionally comprehensive vegetable. You can feed fresh or thawed frozen peas, 2-3 peas each time, 2-3 times per week. Both raw and cooked peas can be fed; cooked peas are softer and easier to digest. Do not feed seasoned peas, salt-roasted peas, or pea snacks, as these processed foods contain large amounts of salt and additives. Peas are small and guinea pigs easily store them in cheek pouches; watch the cheek pouch condition to prevent food from rotting in the pouches and causing cheek pouch inflammation.
🥬
Celery
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, small stalk
Nutritional Benefit
Low calorie, contains fiber
Risk Warning
Coarse fiber, cut into small pieces
Celery is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy vegetable choice. Celery fiber is relatively coarse; always cut into small pieces before feeding to prevent choking or fiber tangling in the cheek pouches. Give one small stalk each time, 2-3 times per week. Celery has moderate water content and is less likely to cause diarrhea than lettuce. Celery leaves have higher nutritional value than the stalks and can also be fed in small amounts. Be especially careful when washing as the grooves easily trap dirt; rinse each stalk separately before cutting.
🥬
Celery
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 times per week, small stalk
Nutritional Benefit
Low calorie, contains fiber
Risk Warning
Cut into small pieces to prevent choking
Celery, similar to celery stalk, is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable suitable for guinea pigs in moderate amounts. Always cut into small pieces before feeding as celery fibers are very long and may tangle in the guinea pig's cheek pouches or digestive tract, causing danger. Give one small stalk each time, 2-3 times per week. Celery contains certain volatile components; some guinea pigs may not like its smell. If refused, do not force-feed. Celery leaves can also be fed in small amounts with nutritional value equal to the stalks. Remove dirt from grooves when washing.
🌻
Sunflower Seeds
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
2-3 seeds per week, must be raw
Nutritional Benefit
Contains unsaturated fatty acids
Risk Warning
Extremely high fat, roasted seeds with salt cannot be fed
Seeds are foods guinea pigs naturally encounter, containing unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, but their fat content is extremely high and intake must be strictly controlled. Only 2-3 raw seeds per week; never feed human roasted seeds, salted seeds, or seasoned seeds, as their salt content and additives are fatal to guinea pigs. Sunflower seeds are the most common; pumpkin seeds can also be fed, also raw. Seeds can be used as training rewards, but do not let guinea pigs develop the habit of only eating seeds, or nutritional imbalance will result.
🥜
Peanut
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
1-2 peanuts per week, must be raw
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein
Risk Warning
Extremely high fat, easily causes obesity, moldy peanuts are toxic
Peanuts contain protein and fat, but their high fat content makes them unsuitable for frequent feeding. At most 1-2 raw peanuts per week, must be unsalted and unseasoned. Roasted peanuts, salted peanuts, honey peanuts, and other processed products must never be fed. Peanuts easily mold and produce aflatoxin, which is highly toxic to guinea pigs; always check peanuts are fresh and mold-free before feeding. Shell peanuts before feeding as shells may contain mold. If the guinea pig is already overweight, do not feed peanuts; use other low-fat protein sources instead.
🥜
Walnut
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Omega-3
Risk Warning
Extremely high fat, small amount only
Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, but their fat content is among the highest in nuts. Give only one small piece of walnut meat at most once per week. Walnut meat is quite hard; break into smaller pieces for easier gnawing. Do not feed sugar-coated walnuts, amber walnuts, or other processed products. Walnuts have limited shelf life and may oxidize and go rancid during storage; smell before feeding for any off-odors. Although good, walnuts are too fatty; occasional snacks only, not recommended for frequent feeding.
🌰
Almond
Nuts
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Bitter almonds contain cyanide, sweet almonds are too fatty
Almonds are not recommended for guinea pigs for two reasons: bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which decomposes in the body to produce cyanide, posing a fatal danger to guinea pigs; common sweet almonds on the market, while cyanide-free, have extremely high fat content far exceeding guinea pig daily needs. Average consumers find it difficult to distinguish between bitter and sweet almonds; for safety, it is recommended to completely avoid feeding almonds to guinea pigs. If providing nut nutrition, choose safer sunflower seeds or small amounts of walnuts.
🥜
Cashew
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein
Risk Warning
High fat, salted versions cannot be fed
Cashews contain protein and various minerals, but have relatively high fat content and can only be fed in small amounts. At most one small piece of raw or plain cashew per week. Salted, charcoal-roasted, or honey-glazed cashews must never be fed; salt and additives are extremely harmful to guinea pigs. Cashews are relatively soft, making them easier for guinea pigs to chew, but also easy to overeat, so quantity must be controlled. Break into smaller pieces before feeding to avoid the guinea pig storing whole pieces in cheek pouches and causing cheek problems.
🌲
Pine Nuts
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
1-2 nuts per week
Nutritional Benefit
Contains unsaturated fatty acids
Risk Warning
Extremely high fat
Pine nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, but their fat content ranks among the highest in nuts. Give only 1-2 nuts at most once per week. Pine nuts are small; guinea pigs may stuff many into cheek pouches at once, so observe closely. Raw pine nuts are more suitable than roasted, but truly additive-free raw pine nuts are hard to find; check ingredient lists when purchasing. From a cost-effectiveness perspective, sunflower seeds are better value for guinea pig nut snacks. Pine nuts oxidize quickly and easily spoil if stored improperly.
🌰
Hazelnut
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin E
Risk Warning
High fat, feed in moderation
Hazelnuts contain Vitamin E and minerals, but have high fat content and should only be occasionally fed in small amounts. At most one small piece of unsalted, unseasoned plain hazelnut per week. Hazelnut shells are very hard; do not let guinea pigs chew shells themselves as teeth or mouth may be damaged. Hazelnut meat is also quite hard; cut into small pieces before feeding. Chocolate hazelnut spread, hazelnut-flavored snacks, and other processed products must never be fed. Hazelnuts can be used as occasional snack rewards but are not recommended as regular food.
🌾
Oats
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
3-4 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Rich in dietary fiber
Risk Warning
Choose plain oats, not seasoned
Oats are an excellent grain supplement for guinea pigs, rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, promoting digestive health. Choose plain oat flakes or oat groats; do not choose instant oats, flavored oats, or fruit oats, as these contain large amounts of added sugar and creamers. Give a small amount of oat flakes each time, 3-4 times per week. Raw oat flakes can be fed directly or softened with a small amount of warm water. Oats can also be scattered in cage bedding for guinea pigs to forage, adding activity enjoyment.
🌾
Millet
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
Can be mixed into staple food
Nutritional Benefit
Contains carbohydrates
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Millet is a common grain component in guinea pig staple food, containing carbohydrates and small amounts of protein, with good palatability generally loved by guinea pigs. Millet can be mixed directly into guinea pig main food without additional additions. Raw millet can be fed directly or slightly cooked for guinea pigs. Do not feed seasoned millet porridge or millet pastries, as these contain large amounts of sugar and additives. Millet grains are small and guinea pigs easily store them in cheek pouches; this is normal behavior and not a concern.
🍚
Brown Rice
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
Can be mixed into staple food, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
More nutritious than white rice
Risk Warning
Must be cooked before feeding, raw rice is too hard
Brown rice retains the bran layer, containing more dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals than polished white rice, making it more nutritious. Brown rice must be cooked before feeding; raw brown rice is too hard for guinea pigs to chew and may damage the digestive system. After cooking brown rice and letting it cool, mix a small amount into staple food. Do not add salt or any seasonings when cooking. Cooked brown rice is somewhat sticky; do not put too much in the cage at once to avoid sticking in cheek pouches or spoiling. Brown rice is more suitable for guinea pigs than white rice but is only a supplement and cannot replace quality guinea pig food.
🥣
Cornflakes
Grains
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Good taste, guinea pigs like it
Risk Warning
Store-bought cornflakes usually contain sugar and additives
The cornflakes mentioned here are breakfast cereals, not naturally sun-dried corn flakes. Most store-bought breakfast cornflakes have added sugar, malt syrup, salt, and other flavorings, which are harmful to guinea pigs. If feeding is necessary, choose pure cornflakes with only corn as the ingredient. Even unsweetened cornflakes should only be occasionally fed in small amounts, as processed cornflakes have less nutritional value than natural corn. It is recommended to use fresh corn kernels instead of cornflakes.
🍞
Bread
Grains
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Contains salt, sugar, additives, low nutrition
Bread is not ideal guinea pig food. Store-bought bread usually contains salt, sugar, butter, yeast, and various additives, which are not beneficial and may instead burden guinea pigs. Bread has low nutritional density; guinea pigs feel full after eating but get very little nutrition, affecting normal eating. If feeding is necessary, only give an extremely small amount of plain white bread; do not give whole wheat bread (fiber too coarse), sweet bread, filled bread, or any seasoned bread. Breadcrumbs are more suitable than whole bread, but overall bread is not recommended as guinea pig food.
🍗
Chicken Breast
Meat
Safe
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, fingernail-sized piece
Nutritional Benefit
High-quality protein
Risk Warning
Must be boiled plain without any seasonings
Chicken breast is an excellent animal protein source for guinea pigs, low in fat and high in protein, suitable as a protein supplement. When feeding, it must be boiled plain; never add salt, soy sauce, scallions, ginger, garlic, or any seasonings. After cooking, shred into small pieces or cut into fingernail-sized pieces, let cool before feeding. Only 1-2 times per week; daily feeding is unnecessary. Do not feed chicken skin as fat content is too high. Do not feed fried chicken, roasted chicken, or other human-cooked chicken. Chicken breast spoils easily; remove any uneaten portions from the cage within 2 hours.
🦐
Shrimp
Meat
Safe
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein
Risk Warning
Must be cooked and shelled, no salt
Shrimp contains high-quality protein and minerals, which can serve as a protein supplement for guinea pigs. Before feeding, shrimp must be fully cooked, with shell and vein removed, without any seasonings including salt. Cut cooked shrimp into small pieces; give a small amount at most once per week. Do not feed raw shrimp, which may contain parasites and bacteria. Do not feed dried shrimp or shrimp flakes as these products have extremely high salt content. Shrimp is a allergenic food; give a tiny amount for first feeding and observe for allergic reactions.
🐛
Mealworms
Meat
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 worms per week
Nutritional Benefit
High protein, guinea pigs love it
Risk Warning
Fat content not low, do not overfeed
Mealworms are insects guinea pigs naturally prey on in the wild, with high protein content and excellent palatability; almost all guinea pigs love them. However, mealworm fat content is also not low; 2-3 per week is enough. Do not overfeed just because guinea pigs love them. Mealworms can be fed live or dried; live mealworms have higher nutritional value but require proper storage. Dried mealworms are more convenient to store and use, and are the choice of most guinea pig owners. Mealworms can be used as training and interaction reward snacks but are not ideal as the main protein source.
🥚
Egg White
Meat
Safe
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
High-quality protein
Risk Warning
Only feed egg white, not egg yolk
Egg white is an excellent protein source, extremely low in fat, suitable as a protein supplement for guinea pigs. When feeding, only give the white part, not the yolk, as egg yolk has high fat and cholesterol content. Eggs must be fully cooked before feeding; never feed raw eggs, which may contain Salmonella, and raw egg whites contain avidin which affects guinea pig biotin absorption. Cut cooked egg white into small pieces; give a small amount 1-2 times per week. Do not add salt when cooking.
🥩
Beef
Meat
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and iron
Risk Warning
Relatively high fat, must be cooked plain
Beef contains protein and iron, but compared to chicken breast, beef has relatively high fat content and is less suitable as a regular protein source for guinea pigs. If feeding beef, choose lean beef, boil it plain, and cut into very small pieces without any seasonings. Occasionally feed a small amount; frequent feeding is not recommended. Do not feed raw beef, which has parasite and bacteria risks. Do not feed beef jerky or beef cubes as human snacks, which contain large amounts of salt and additives. Chicken breast and egg white are better protein choices.
🍫
Chocolate
Snacks
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Contains theobromine, highly toxic to guinea pigs, can be fatal
Chocolate is a highly toxic food for guinea pigs and must never be fed, even tiny amounts. The theobromine in chocolate is extremely toxic to guinea pigs; guinea pigs weigh very little, and even trace amounts of theobromine can cause rapid heartbeat, convulsions, internal bleeding, or death. Dark chocolate has higher theobromine content than milk chocolate and is more toxic. Besides theobromine, chocolate's high sugar and fat content are also harmful to guinea pigs. Please keep chocolate and other human snacks out of guinea pigs' reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
🍬
Candy
Snacks
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Extremely high sugar, contains additives, may cause diabetes
Candy must never be given to guinea pigs. Candy sugar content is extremely high; guinea pig digestive systems cannot process such concentrated sugar, possibly causing rapid blood sugar spikes, and long-term may even lead to diabetes. Candy also contains various artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other additives; these chemicals burden guinea pigs' livers and kidneys heavily. Hard candy may also cause tooth fractures or choking. Gummy candy, marshmallows, gum, etc., must also not be fed. Please keep all candy out of guinea pigs' reach.
🥔
Potato Chips
Snacks
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
High salt, high oil, high additives
Potato chips must never be given to guinea pigs. Chips are deep-fried at high temperatures with extremely high fat content and large amounts of salt and various seasoning additives. guinea pig kidneys cannot metabolize such concentrated salt; excessive salt intake causes dehydration, heat stroke, and kidney damage. The oils in chips may cause severe diarrhea and pancreatic problems in guinea pigs. Various flavored chips (BBQ, tomato, etc.) also contain artificial flavors and enhancers. Even plain chips have oil and salt content far exceeding guinea pig tolerance.
🍪
Cookies
Snacks
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
High sugar, high oil, contains additives
Cookies must never be given to guinea pigs. Store-bought cookies generally contain large amounts of sugar, butter or vegetable oil, flour, and various additives. The high-sugar, high-oil combination is extremely unhealthy for guinea pigs, causing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Filled cookies, chocolate cookies, cream cookies, etc., are even "bombs" of sugar and fat. Even so-called "sugar-free cookies" may contain xylitol and other sugar substitutes, equally harmful to guinea pigs. Soda crackers, while low in sugar, have relatively high salt content and are also unsuitable. Please use professional guinea pig treats instead of human cookies.
🥛
Yogurt
Snacks
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains probiotics
Risk Warning
Most guinea pigs are lactose intolerant
Yogurt contains probiotics and protein, theoretically beneficial for gut health, but most guinea pigs have lactose intolerance. Guinea pig with lactose intolerance will experience diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive discomfort after eating lactose-containing foods. If feeding yogurt, choose sugar-free, additive-free plain yogurt, and only give an extremely small amount (size of a mung bean), at most once per week. Observe for 24 hours after first feeding; stop immediately if diarrhea occurs. Flavored yogurt, sweetened yogurt, and fruit yogurt must never be fed. Professional guinea pig probiotic products are a better choice.
🧀
Cheese
Snacks
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and calcium
Risk Warning
High fat, high salt, lactose issues
Cheese contains protein and calcium, but has three problems: high fat, high salt, and lactose issues. Most guinea pigs are lactose intolerant, and while cheese has less lactose than milk, it still exists. If feeding, choose low-salt, low-fat plain cheese, only an extremely small amount (size of a grain of rice), occasionally. Processed cheese, cheese slices, and flavored cheese must never be fed, as these products have extremely high salt and additive content. Cheese is high in fat; overweight guinea pigs should not be fed. Overall, cheese is not an essential food for guinea pigs; risks outweigh benefits.
🥚
Egg
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, 1/4 egg white
Nutritional Benefit
High-quality protein
Risk Warning
Only feed egg white or fully cooked egg, not raw
Eggs are an excellent protein source for guinea pigs; there are two feeding methods: one is to only feed cooked egg white, extremely low in fat; the other is to feed fully cooked hard-boiled egg with both white and yolk, but in smaller quantities due to high yolk fat. Never feed raw eggs; raw egg whites contain avidin which hinders biotin absorption, and raw eggs may contain Salmonella. Cut cooked eggs into small pieces; give 1/4 egg white amount each time, 1-2 times per week. Do not add salt when cooking. Eggs should not be left in the cage too long as they spoil easily.
🥛
Milk
Other
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Guinea pig are lactose intolerant, causes diarrhea and dehydration
Milk is not suitable for guinea pigs. The vast majority of guinea pigs are lactose intolerant, lacking sufficient lactase to break down the lactose in milk. After drinking milk, undigested lactose ferments in the intestines, causing bloating and diarrhea; severe diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is fatal for small guinea pigs. Young guinea pigs drink mother's milk because breast milk has lower lactose content and contains lactase, but after weaning, guinea pig lactase secretion drops sharply. If calcium supplementation is needed for guinea pigs, other methods can be chosen, such as small amounts of low-lactose cheese or professional guinea pig nutrition products.
🍯
Honey
Other
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Extremely high sugar, causes obesity and diabetes
Although honey is natural, its sugar content is extremely high, with about 80% being sugar (mainly fructose and glucose), creating too much sugar burden for guinea pigs. guinea pig digestive systems are not suited for processing high-concentration sugar; eating honey may cause rapid blood sugar spikes, and long-term consumption leads to obesity and diabetes. Honey's sticky texture may also stick in cheek pouches, causing cheek problems. Some guinea pig owners use honey water to supplement energy when guinea pigs are sick, but this should be done under veterinary guidance; do not feed honey to guinea pigs in daily care.
🧂
Salt
Other
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot add extra
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Excessive salt causes dehydration, heat stroke, kidney damage
Salt must never be added to guinea pig food. Guinea pig have extremely low salt requirements; quality guinea pig food already contains the salt they need, with no extra supplementation needed. Excessive salt intake poses great danger to guinea pigs: it causes dehydration because the body needs large amounts of water to metabolize excess salt; increases heat stroke risk because dehydration reduces body temperature regulation; long-term excessive salt damages kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease. Do not feed guinea pigs any human seasoned foods, as the salt content in these foods exceeds guinea pig tolerance.
🍬
Sugar
Other
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot feed
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Causes obesity, diabetes, dental problems
Sugar must never be fed to guinea pigs. Pure sugar has no nutritional value for guinea pigs, only harm. guinea pig digestive systems cannot effectively process high-concentration sugar; blood sugar spikes rapidly after eating, and long-term leads to obesity and diabetes. Sugar also corrodes guinea pig teeth, causing cavities and tooth loss, which are fatal for guinea pigs because their teeth continuously grow and need to be worn down through gnawing. Additionally, sugar disrupts intestinal flora balance, causing digestive dysfunction. Please use fresh fruits to satisfy guinea pig cravings for sweetness.
🧄
Garlic
Other
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Strong irritant, may cause poisoning
Garlic must never be given to guinea pigs. Garlic belongs to the allium family, containing allicin and other sulfur compounds that are toxic to guinea pigs. Garlic is a strong irritant that damages guinea pig digestive tract mucosa, causing gastritis and enteritis. The sulfur compounds in garlic may also destroy guinea pig red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Raw garlic, cooked garlic, and garlic powder must not be fed. Human foods containing garlic must also not be given to guinea pigs. Garlic, onions, leeks, and other allium plants are all toxic to guinea pigs.
🧅
Onion
Other
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Destroys red blood cells, causes anemia
Onions must never be given to guinea pigs. Onions contain n-propyl disulfide and other sulfur compounds that destroy guinea pig red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Guinea pig are small, and even tiny amounts of onion may cause serious consequences. Anemic guinea pigs show symptoms like lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid breathing, and pale mucous membranes; severe cases may be fatal. Raw onions, cooked onions, and onion powder are equally harmful. Human cooked foods containing onions must also not be given to guinea pigs. Onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, and other allium plants are all toxic to guinea pigs.
🫘
Tofu
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, small fingernail-sized piece
Nutritional Benefit
Plant protein
Risk Warning
Choose plain firm tofu without seasonings
Tofu contains plant protein and calcium, making it a good plant protein supplement. When feeding, choose plain firm tofu without seasonings; do not choose silken tofu (too much water), lactone tofu, or seasoned tofu. Firm tofu has a firmer texture; cut into small fingernail-sized pieces and feed 1-2 times per week. Do not feed mapo tofu, stinky tofu, fermented bean curd, or other processed tofu products, as these contain large amounts of salt and seasonings. Tofu spoils easily; remove uneaten portions from the cage promptly. Tofu can be an alternative protein choice but cannot completely replace animal protein.
🍈
Papaya
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains papain, aids digestion
Risk Warning
Relatively high sugar, feed in moderation
Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that aids protein digestion and absorption, beneficial for guinea pig digestive systems. Papaya also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber. When feeding, give a small piece of ripe papaya flesh, removing all seeds, 1-2 times per week. Papaya sugar content is relatively high among fruits and should not be overfed. Do not feed unripe green papaya; overly high papain content may irritate the stomach. Papaya seeds must not be fed. Papaya flesh is soft and easy for guinea pigs to eat but easily dirties the cage; clean promptly.
🍒
Cherry
Other
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, must remove pit
Nutritional Benefit
Contains antioxidants
Risk Warning
Cherry pits are toxic, must be removed
Cherries contain anthocyanins and other antioxidants, but there is a key prerequisite for feeding guinea pigs: all cherry pits must be completely removed. Cherry pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that decompose to produce cyanide in the body, posing fatal danger to guinea pigs. After removing pits, give only a small amount of flesh at most once per week. Cherries have relatively high sugar content and should not be overfed. Ensure no pit fragments remain when removing. Cherry stems and leaves must also not be fed. If removing pits is troublesome or you are worried about completeness, consider choosing other safer fruits like blueberries or apples.
🍠
Sweet Potato
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
1-2 times per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin A and dietary fiber
Risk Warning
Must be cooked; raw sweet potato is hard to digest
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and dietary fiber, with high nutritional value. But sweet potatoes must be cooked before feeding guinea pigs; starch in raw sweet potato is hard to digest and may contain trace toxins. After cooking sweet potato and letting it cool, give a small piece 1-2 times per week. Do not add any seasonings. Sweet potatoes have relatively high sugar and starch content and should not be overfed, or may cause obesity and indigestion. Purple sweet potatoes can be fed the same way and may even have higher nutritional value. Sweet potatoes produce gas easily; overeating may cause bloating.
🌱
Flaxseed
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
Mix a small amount into staple food
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Omega-3, promotes coat health
Risk Warning
Relatively high fat, small amount only
Flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, beneficial for guinea pig coat health and skin condition. Flaxseed is very small and can be mixed in small amounts into guinea pig staple food without separate feeding. Flaxseed has relatively high fat content and should not be added in large amounts; a small pinch is enough. Flaxseed shells are relatively hard; whole seeds may pass through the digestive system undigested; lightly crushing improves nutrient absorption. Flaxseed oxidizes and spoils easily; store sealed in a cool place after purchase; do not buy too much at once. Flaxseed oil is not recommended for direct feeding; concentration is too high and dosage is hard to control.
🍑
Peach
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin A and C
Risk Warning
High sugar, may cause diarrhea
Peaches contain Vitamin A and C, but have relatively high sugar and water content; overfeeding easily causes guinea pig diarrhea. Peel and remove pit before feeding; give only a small amount of flesh at most once per week. Peach pits contain cyanide and must never be allowed for chewing. Choose ripe peaches as they are softer and easier to digest. Start with a tiny amount for first feeding and observe.
🍐
Pear
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains vitamins and moisture
Risk Warning
High water content, relatively high sugar
Pears have very high water content and can supplement hydration, but sugar content is not low; overfeeding easily causes guinea pig diarrhea. Peel and remove pit before feeding; cut into small pieces at most once per week. Pear pits contain trace cyanide and cannot be fed. Choose ripe pears; soft texture is easier to digest. Remove any uneaten portions from the cage within 2 hours.
🍊
Grapefruit
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Feed as little as possible
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin C
Risk Warning
Too acidic, irritates the stomach
Grapefruit contains Vitamin C but is quite acidic, which greatly irritates the delicate guinea pig stomach and easily causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. If feeding, take only a small amount of flesh, removing all seeds and white pith. It is recommended to feed as little as possible or not at all; other low-acidity fruits are safer. The same applies to grapefruit; its stronger acidity makes it not recommended.
🐉
Dragon Fruit
Fruits
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small piece
Nutritional Benefit
Contains anthocyanins and dietary fiber
Risk Warning
Relatively high sugar, feed in moderation
Dragon fruit contains rich anthocyanins and dietary fiber, beneficial for guinea pig health. Red-fleshed dragon fruit has higher nutritional value. Cut into small pieces when feeding, twice per week. Dragon fruit sugar is relatively high and should not be overfed. Note that dragon fruit may change guinea pig urine color, which is normal and not a concern. Remove peel before feeding.
🫐
Plum
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, remove pit
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin A
Risk Warning
Quite acidic, pit is toxic
Plums contain Vitamin A and various minerals but are quite acidic; overfeeding may irritate the stomach. Must remove pit before feeding; plum pits contain cyanide and are toxic to guinea pigs. Give only a small amount of flesh at most once per week. Choose ripe plums with lower acidity. Start with a tiny amount for first feeding and observe reaction.
🍅
Persimmon
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin A and C
Risk Warning
High tannins, may cause constipation
Persimmons contain Vitamin A and C, but high tannin content may cause constipation or form gastric stones with overeating. Peel and remove pit before feeding; give only a small amount of ripe flesh. Unripe persimmons have even higher tannin content and must never be fed. It is recommended to feed as little as possible; choose other safer fruits. Do not feed persimmon on an empty stomach.
🍇
Grape
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Once per week, 1-2 berries
Nutritional Benefit
Contains vitamins
Risk Warning
High sugar, must remove seeds
Grapes here refer to a type of grape containing vitamins and minerals but with relatively high sugar. Must remove seeds before feeding; grape seeds pose potential harm to guinea pigs. Only 1-2 small grapes each time at most once per week. It is recommended to cut in half for easier eating, avoiding whole berries stored in cheek pouches. Seedless grapes are more convenient.
💥
Durian
Fruits
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Strong odor, high sugar and fat, hard to digest
Although durian is nutritious, its sugar and fat content are extremely high, and its strong odor places a huge burden on the guinea pig digestive system. Eating easily causes obesity, diarrhea, and indigestion. Durian's high calories are completely excessive for small guinea pigs and are absolutely not recommended. Choosing other low-fat, low-sugar fruits is safer.
🥑
Avocado
Fruits
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Contains persin, toxic to guinea pigs
Avocados contain persin (a fungicidal toxin), which is toxic to guinea pigs and many other animals, possibly causing breathing difficulty, heart damage, or even death. Persin exists in the flesh, skin, and pit and cannot be removed through processing. Never feed any form of avocado to guinea pigs, including flesh, guacamole, or other processed products.
🥥
Coconut
Fruits
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, extremely small amount of coconut flesh
Nutritional Benefit
Contains medium-chain fatty acids
Risk Warning
High fat and high fiber
Coconut flesh contains medium-chain fatty acids but has very high fat and fiber content that guinea pigs have difficulty digesting. Can only occasionally feed an extremely small amount of fresh coconut flesh; cannot feed desiccated coconut or sweetened coconut products. Coconut water has high sugar content and is not recommended. It is recommended to feed as little as possible; choosing other low-fat foods is safer. Must choose fresh coconut flesh.
🌿
Leek
Vegetables
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Strong irritant, sulfur compounds destroy red blood cells
Leeks belong to the same allium family as onions and garlic, containing sulfur compounds that destroy guinea pig red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia that can be life-threatening in severe cases. Leeks' strong irritating odor also stimulate the guinea pig stomach. Never feed any form of leek to guinea pigs, including cooked leeks and leek flowers.
🌶️
Chili
Vegetables
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Capsaicin irritates mouth and stomach
Chili contains capsaicin, which strongly irritates the guinea pig's mouth, esophagus, and stomach, possibly causing mouth ulcers, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea. Guinea pig cannot metabolize capsaicin; even small amounts may cause serious discomfort. All types of chili are absolutely forbidden for guinea pigs, including bell peppers and other low-spice varieties are also not recommended.
🍄
Mushroom
Vegetables
Caution
Recommended Amount
Small amount of cooked mushroom
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and fiber
Risk Warning
Wild mushrooms have toxicity risk, not recommended
Mushrooms contain protein and fiber, but wild mushrooms have poisoning risk, and store-bought mushrooms are not natural guinea pig food. If feeding, choose common varieties like white button mushrooms from supermarkets, thoroughly cooked, small amount. It is recommended not to feed as nutrition can be obtained from other safer foods.
🍆
Eggplant
Vegetables
Caution
Recommended Amount
Small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains vitamins
Risk Warning
Low solanine content but still needs caution
Eggplants contain vitamins and minerals but have small amounts of solanine (solanidine); overeating may cause poisoning. Must peel and cook before feeding; give only a small amount. Unripe eggplant has higher solanine content and must never be fed raw. It is recommended to feed as little as possible; choose other safer vegetables.
🪵
Lotus Root
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, thin slices
Nutritional Benefit
Contains starch and fiber
Risk Warning
Must be cooked; raw lotus root is hard to digest
Lotus root contains starch and dietary fiber with good nutritional value. Must be cooked before feeding; raw lotus root starch is hard to digest. Cut cooked lotus root into thin slices, twice per week. Do not add any seasonings. Lotus root texture is relatively hard; cut very thin for easy gnawing. Feed in moderation; overeating may cause bloating.
🥔
Chinese Yam
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains mucoprotein and starch
Risk Warning
Must be cooked; raw contains saponins
Chinese yam contains mucoprotein and starch, beneficial for the digestive system. But raw Chinese yam contains saponins and plant alkaloids that may irritate skin and mucous membranes; must be cooked before feeding. Cut cooked Chinese yam into small pieces, twice per week. Wear gloves when handling raw yam to avoid skin allergies. Feed in moderation.
🥒
Bitter Melon
Vegetables
Caution
Recommended Amount
Small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin C
Risk Warning
Strong bitterness, may be refused
Bitter melon contains Vitamin C and various minerals but has strong bitterness; most guinea pigs will refuse it. If the guinea pig is willing to eat, cooked bitter melon can be fed in small amounts. Bitter melon is cold-natured; overeating may cause diarrhea. Try feeding a tiny amount first; if the guinea pig refuses, do not force; choosing other vegetables is more practical.
🌿
Asparagus
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small stalk
Nutritional Benefit
Contains folate and vitamins
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Asparagus contains folate, Vitamin K, and various minerals with high nutritional value. Must be cooked before feeding; cut into small stalks, twice per week. Do not add any seasonings. Asparagus texture is relatively hard; it is recommended to use the tender tips which are easier to digest. Feed in moderation; overeating may cause urine odor, which is normal.
🌿
Okra
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains mucoprotein and fiber
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Okra contains mucoprotein and dietary fiber, beneficial for the digestive system. Can be eaten raw or cooked when feeding; recommended to cook and cut into small stalks, twice per week. Choose tender okra; soft texture is easier to digest. Do not add any seasonings. Okra's mucilage has a protective effect on the stomach; feed in moderation.
🫛
Green Beans
Vegetables
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains plant protein
Risk Warning
Must be cooked; raw green beans are toxic
Green beans contain plant protein and fiber, but raw green beans contain saponins and phytohemagglutinin which are toxic; must be thoroughly cooked before feeding. Cut cooked green beans into small stalks, twice per week. Do not add any seasonings. It is recommended to choose tender green beans with softer texture for easier digestion. Absolutely cannot feed raw or undercooked green beans.
🌻
Sunflower Seeds
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
2-3 raw seeds per week
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin E
Risk Warning
High fat, roasted seeds with salt cannot be fed
Sunflower seeds are another name for seeds, containing Vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids but with relatively high fat content. Only feed raw or plain roasted seeds; salted, five-spice, and other seasoned seeds are absolutely forbidden. Only 2-3 per week; overfeeding easily causes obesity. Suitable as training rewards.
🎃
Pumpkin Seeds
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
2 seeds per week
Nutritional Benefit
Contains zinc and fatty acids
Risk Warning
High fat, feed in moderation
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and fatty acids, beneficial for guinea pig health but with relatively high fat content. Only feed raw or plain roasted pumpkin seeds; seasoned pumpkin seeds are absolutely forbidden. At most 2 seeds per week; feed shelled for convenience. Pumpkin seeds are also guinea pig-favorite snacks, suitable for occasional rewards.
⚪
Sesame Seeds
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
Small amount per week
Nutritional Benefit
Contains calcium and Vitamin E
Risk Warning
High fat, small amount only
Sesame seeds contain calcium, Vitamin E, and minerals but have relatively high fat content. Can sprinkle a small amount in staple food, 1-2 times per week, just a few seeds each time. Both white and black sesame seeds are fine; it is recommended to choose raw or plain sesame. Sesame seeds are small and guinea pigs easily store them in cheek pouches; observe. Overfeeding easily causes obesity.
🌱
Chia Seeds
Nuts
Safe
Recommended Amount
Mix a small amount into staple food
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Omega-3
Risk Warning
Relatively high fat, small amount only
Chia seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber with high nutritional value. Can mix a small amount into guinea pig staple food, just a few seeds each time, 2-3 times per week. Chia seeds swell and form gel when meeting water; do not feed large amounts alone to avoid stomach swelling. It is recommended to crush before mixing into staple food for better nutrient absorption.
🫗
Flaxseed Oil
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, 1 drop
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Omega-3
Risk Warning
High calorie, small amount only
Flaxseed oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for guinea pig coat health, but has very high calories. If using, at most 1 drop mixed into staple food, at most once per week. Flaxseed oil oxidizes and spoils easily; must be refrigerated after opening. It is recommended to prioritize flaxseeds, which are easier to control in quantity and store.
🫗
Coconut Oil
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, extremely small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains medium-chain fatty acids
Risk Warning
High calorie
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids but has very high calorie and saturated fat content. If using, an extremely small amount each time (size of a grain of rice), at most once per week. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can be mixed in small amounts into staple food. It is recommended to use as little as possible; guinea pig fat needs can be met from staple food.
🟡
Sunflower Seed Kernels
Nuts
Caution
Recommended Amount
2-3 kernels per week
Nutritional Benefit
Contains unsaturated fatty acids
Risk Warning
Extremely high fat
Sunflower seed kernels are shelled sunflower seeds, containing unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E but with extremely high fat content. At most 2-3 kernels per week; overfeeding easily causes obesity. It is recommended to choose raw or plain roasted kernels; seasoned kernels are absolutely forbidden. Kernels are more convenient for guinea pigs to eat than unshelled seeds.
🥜
Macadamia Nut
Nuts
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Extremely high fat content, may cause pancreatitis
Macadamia nuts have among the highest fat content in nuts, creating excessive fat burden for guinea pigs; eating easily causes obesity, indigestion, and possibly pancreatitis. Macadamia nuts have definite toxicity to dogs, and safety for guinea pigs is questionable. Absolutely not recommended for guinea pigs; choose other lower-fat nuts for safety.
🌾
Buckwheat
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
Can be mixed into staple food
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and fiber
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Buckwheat contains protein, dietary fiber, and various minerals with high nutritional value. Can mix a small amount into guinea pig staple food, 2-3 times per week. Raw buckwheat can be fed directly or cooked. Do not choose seasoned buckwheat products. Buckwheat grains are relatively hard; it is recommended to lightly crush before mixing into staple food for easier digestion.
🌾
Barley
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
Can be mixed into staple food
Nutritional Benefit
Contains fiber
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Barley contains dietary fiber and B vitamins, beneficial for the digestive system. Can mix a small amount into guinea pig staple food, 2-3 times per week. It is recommended to choose whole barley or barley flakes, not seasoned barley products. Barley flakes can be slightly cooked and given to guinea pigs. Feed in moderation; overfeeding may affect staple food nutritional balance.
🌽
Corn Grits
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
Can be mixed into staple food
Nutritional Benefit
Contains carbohydrates
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Corn grits are ground corn products, containing carbohydrates and small amounts of protein with good palatability. Can mix a small amount into guinea pig staple food, 2-3 times per week. Raw corn grits can be fed directly or cooked. Do not choose seasoned corn products. Corn grits have relatively high sugar content; overfeeding easily causes obesity.
🥣
Rolled Oats
Grains
Safe
Recommended Amount
3-4 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains dietary fiber
Risk Warning
Choose plain rolled oats
Rolled oats, similar to oats, are processed oat products containing dietary fiber and B vitamins. Choose plain rolled oats; do not choose instant oats, flavored oats, or fruit oats, which contain large amounts of added sugar. Feed a small amount each time, 3-4 times per week. Raw rolled oats can be fed directly or softened with warm water.
🍘
Rice Cake
Grains
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Contains salt, sugar, and additives, low nutrition
Store-bought rice cakes usually contain salt, sugar, and various additives, with low nutritional value and no benefit to guinea pig health. If feeding, only choose pure brown rice cakes (unsalted, unsweetened, unseasoned), occasionally in small amounts. It is recommended not to feed as nutrition can be obtained from other healthier grains. Regular human snack rice cakes are absolutely forbidden.
🐟
Fish
Meat
Safe
Recommended Amount
Once per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and Omega-3
Risk Warning
Must be cooked and deboned, no seasonings
Fish contains high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for guinea pig coat health. Must be thoroughly cooked before feeding, removing all fish bones, without any seasonings. Choose low-mercury fish like salmon, cod, etc., avoiding large predatory fish. Small amount each time, once per week. Absolutely cannot feed raw fish or seasoned fish products.
🦀
Crab Meat
Meat
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein
Risk Warning
May cause allergy, must be cooked
Crab meat contains protein and minerals, but some guinea pigs may be allergic to seafood. Must be thoroughly cooked before feeding, removing all shells, without any seasonings. Give a tiny amount for first feeding; observe for 24 hours without allergic reaction before normal feeding. It is recommended to feed as little as possible; choose other safer protein sources.
🐛
Silkworm Chrysalis
Meat
Safe
Recommended Amount
2-3 per week
Nutritional Benefit
High protein
Risk Warning
Fat content not low, feed in moderation
Silkworm chrysalis is a high-protein insect food; guinea pigs also prey on insects in the wild. Silkworm chrysalis has high protein content but also not-low fat; 2-3 per week is enough. It is recommended to choose dried silkworm chrysalis; live insects may carry parasites. Can serve as protein supplement, suitable for occasional rewards. Overfeeding easily causes obesity.
🍇
Dried Fruit
Snacks
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains fiber
Risk Warning
Sugar is highly concentrated
Dried fruit is dehydrated fruit; although containing fiber, sugar is highly concentrated, creating excessive sugar burden for guinea pigs. If feeding, can only choose pure dried fruit without added sugar, occasionally in extremely small amounts. Most store-bought dried fruit has added sugar and preservatives and is absolutely forbidden. It is recommended to prioritize fresh fruits, which are safer and healthier.
🍫
Nut Bar
Snacks
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Not recommended
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
Contains sugar, salt, and additives
Store-bought nut bars usually contain large amounts of syrup, salt, and various additives; although nuts are healthy, processing makes them extremely harmful to guinea pigs. High sugar and high salt cause obesity, diabetes, and kidney problems. Absolutely cannot feed any brand of nut bars to guinea pigs; plain nuts are safer. Human snacks are burdens to guinea pigs.
🍟
French Fries
Snacks
Dangerous
Recommended Amount
Absolutely cannot eat
Nutritional Benefit
—
Risk Warning
High salt, high oil, high additives
French fries are deep-fried, containing large amounts of oil, salt, and various seasonings, extremely harmful to guinea pigs. High salt causes dehydration and kidney damage; high oil causes obesity and indigestion; seasonings may be toxic. Absolutely cannot feed any form of french fries to guinea pigs, including homemade baked fries. Choosing fresh potatoes boiled in small amounts is safer.
🌱
Mung Bean
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small amount of sprouted beans
Nutritional Benefit
Contains protein and vitamins
Risk Warning
Must be cooked; raw mung beans are hard to digest
Mung beans contain protein and various vitamins with high nutritional value. Can feed cooked mung beans or sprouted mung bean sprouts. Raw mung bean starch is hard to digest; must be cooked before feeding. Small amount each time, twice per week. Do not add any seasonings. Mung beans are cold-natured; overeating may cause diarrhea; feed in moderation.
🫘
Soybean
Other
Caution
Recommended Amount
Small amount, cooked
Nutritional Benefit
Contains plant protein
Risk Warning
Easily produces gas and causes bloating
Soybeans contain plant protein and various nutrients but easily produce gas; overfeeding may cause guinea pig bloating. Must be thoroughly cooked before feeding; raw soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors affecting digestion. Small amount each time, at most 1-2 times per week. It is recommended to choose soft-cooked soybeans for easier digestion. Stop feeding immediately if bloating is severe.
🌿
Bean Sprouts
Other
Safe
Recommended Amount
2 times per week, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Contains Vitamin C
Risk Warning
Feed in moderation
Bean sprouts (mung bean sprouts or soybean sprouts) contain Vitamin C and various nutrients with high nutritional value. It is recommended to briefly blanch before feeding for easier digestion. Small amount each time, twice per week. Do not add any seasonings. Choose fresh bean sprouts; avoid discolored or blackened ones. Feed in moderation; overeating may cause stomach discomfort.
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Goji Berry
Other
Caution
Recommended Amount
2-3 berries per week
Nutritional Benefit
Contains carotene
Risk Warning
Relatively high sugar, small amount only
Goji berries contain carotene and various vitamins, beneficial for guinea pig health but with relatively high sugar content. Only 2-3 berries each time, at most twice per week. It is recommended to choose sulfur-free dried goji berries; slightly soaked to soften for easier digestion. Overfeeding easily causes obesity and excess heat in the body. Goji berries are guinea pig-favorite snacks, suitable for occasional rewards.
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Rose Petals
Other
Caution
Recommended Amount
Occasionally, small amount
Nutritional Benefit
Pesticide-free roses can be fed in small amounts
Risk Warning
Flowers with pesticides are toxic
Rose petals can be fed to guinea pigs in small amounts, but must ensure they are pesticide-free edible roses; ornamental roses from flower shops contain pesticides and are absolutely forbidden. Wash clean before feeding; occasionally in small amounts. It is recommended to choose organically grown roses you plant yourself, which are safer. If pesticide-free status cannot be confirmed, it is recommended not to feed.
guinea pig Feeding Principles
Staple Food First
Quality guinea pig mix should make up over 80% of the daily diet. It provides balanced nutrition designed for guinea pigs. Do not replace base food with homemade mixes or human foods.
Moderate Produce
Fresh vegetables and fruits are supplements, given 2-3 times per week. Portions should be small to avoid diarrhea from excess moisture. Produce supplements nutrition but should not replace the staple diet.
Limit Treats
Nuts, mealworms, and other treats are high in fat. Give them only in small weekly portions. Too many treats cause picky eating, obesity, and unbalanced nutrition.
Fresh Water
Provide fresh, clean cooled boiled water or purified water daily using a proper bottle. Avoid open bowls, which can tip over or get contaminated by bedding. Clean water is essential for health.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Myth 1: Guinea pig can eat anything — Guinea pig have delicate digestive systems. Many human foods are toxic to them. Always check safety levels before feeding.
- Myth 2: More food is better — Guinea pig are small with limited metabolism. Overfeeding any food can cause health problems.
- Myth 3: If they like it, it must be safe — A guinea pig's taste preferences do not indicate safety. They may love high-sugar or high-fat foods that are unhealthy.
- Myth 4: Vegetables can be the main diet — Vegetables are high in moisture and low in protein. A long-term vegetable-heavy diet leads to malnutrition and diarrhea.
- Myth 5: Sharing human food is fine — Salt, sugar, oil, and seasonings in human foods are burdens on guinea pigs. Stick to proper guinea pig foods.
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