Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Vet Approved Health Facts

Guinea pigs are herbivores. More precisely, their wild diet generally consists of grass and other wild plants that they can forage. In captivity, their diet should closely replicate that of their wild diet, with owners allowing cavies to forage on grass and some weeds and plants while also being given hay. To add variety and to ensure that a guinea pig is getting all of the required vitamins and minerals in their diet, owners can feed greens as well as the occasional fruit and vegetable-based treats.

But, not all vegetables are considered safe, while some should only be fed occasionally. Turnip greens, which are the parts of the plant that grow above the ground, should only be fed to Guinea pigs from time to time. Like the turnips themselves, turnip tops are high in oxalates which can contribute to painful bladder stones.

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The Guinea Pig Diet

Guinea pigs traditionally come from the Andes mountains of Peru and Argentina, but they were domesticated and reared as a food source throughout South America before spreading across the globe, both as pets and as laboratory test animals. In the wild, they are foragers. They would eat the grass and wild plants of the Andes mountains. They would never eat meat, not even scavenged meat, and would rarely eat fruit or vegetables.

Pet guinea pigs need a diet that is similar to that of their wild counterparts, although it has been adapted slightly to benefit piggies and their humans. They can still be allowed to graze on grass, but this is typically supplemented with good-quality grass hay. They can be allowed to feed on wildflowers and weeds, like dandelion greens, but are also given greens and vegetables to ensure that they receive the necessary vitamins and minerals. They are still not fed meat, however, because their digestive system is unable to process the meat and it can actually make them sick.

The vast majority of a guinea pig’s diet should consist of grass and hay, with only 10% to 15% of their diet being fresh greens and vegetables. This equates to around one teacup full of suitable vegetables a day. Experts recommend that this daily allowance be split in two and that each vegetable portion should consist of half a dozen safe greens and other safe vegetables.

Merino guinea pig eating grass
Image Credit: Natalia Kuzmina, Shutterstock

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens?

In the wild, piggies wouldn’t eat root vegetables. They would rarely come across this type of plant and, even if they did, they wouldn’t be able to dig up the root. However, they would be more likely to eat the plant above the root. As such, many owners question whether it is okay to feed their guinea pigs ingredients like carrot tops and turnip greens.

While carrot tops are considered generally safe and can be fed regularly, turnip greens are a different proposition. They do have several health benefits, especially since they are high in vitamin C, but because they contain oxalates, the volume of turnip greens in a guinea pig’s diet should be limited.

The Benefits of Turnip Greens

Turnip greens do have health benefits for your guinea pig. Specifically, their benefits include:

  • Vitamin C – Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot synthesize their own vitamin C, which means they have to get it from their diet. Vitamin C is important in assisting in the maintenance of skin and joints. It also helps prevent illness and assists in wound healing by boosting the immune system. Ensuring they get enough vitamin C is an important part of managing your guinea pig’s diet. You can feed hay pellets fortified with vitamin C, but you should also offer a variety of vegetables like bell peppers that are high in vitamin C. Turnip greens are also considered high in vitamin C so they make a good addition to your cavie’s food.

  • Calcium – Calcium is another important component of a guinea pig’s diet. It helps maintain strong bones, but too much calcium can cause urinary stones that are painful to pass and may even need surgery to remove them.

  • Phosphorus – Phosphorus is another mineral that is important to guinea pigs but that should not be overfed. Among its roles, phosphorus helps regulate the calcium balance and aid in tissue repair. It is generally recommended that guinea pigs have a diet with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.33:1. Turnip greens only have a ratio of 1.1:1 but because it contains more phosphorus than is ideal, it can help counteract other foods that are higher in calcium.

  • Low in Calories and Carbs – Turnips and turnip greens are low in calories, carbs, proteins, and sugar. This means that they won’t lead to excessive weight gain when fed to your guinea pig, although this obviously depends on your piggie’s diet as a whole.

  • Fiber – Guinea pigs need a diet that is very high in fiber, and this is why they need a steady supply of grass and hay. However, they should also get fiber from other sources, such as their pellets, vegetables, and greens including turnip tops.

Turnip greens in a woven basket
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The Dangers of Turnip Greens

While turnip greens do offer several health benefits to piggies, there is such a thing as too much turnip.

Turnips contain oxalates, which are natural compounds that are commonly found in fruit as well as vegetables. Oxalates bind minerals, like calcium,  which will lead to kidney or bladder stones if high concentrations of oxalates are fed. Kidney stones are painful to pass, and if they grow too large, it may be impossible to pass the stones naturally, meaning that your guinea pig may need surgery to help remove them.

How to Feed Turnip Greens to Guinea Pigs

Turnip greens can be fed to guinea pigs, but they should be fed in moderation. You can feed a small handful once or twice a week, but not more than this. The greens do not need cooking, but they should be washed thoroughly to remove any toxins and chemicals. Start with a smaller amount, perhaps just a single length of green, and see how your guinea pig handles it. Look for diarrhea and other stomach problems and stop feeding this ingredient immediately if your pet does experience any adverse reactions.

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Top 3 Tips to Help Keep Your Guinea Pig Healthy

A proper diet is a key component to keeping a healthy guinea pig. And while a diet that consists primarily of grass and hay might sound easy to manage, it doesn’t take much to throw the dietary balance off. Below are three tips to help you ensure your guinea pig’s diet is as healthy as possible.

1. Feed Guinea Pig Pellets Every Day

Guinea pig pellets are hay-based pellets that are fortified with vitamin C. They help ensure your piggie is getting enough of this essential vitamin that it can’t synthesize itself as well as other essential nutrients. Feed a spoonful of pellets each day, and ensure that the pellets are all the same, rather than a mix of textures and tastes, otherwise, your piggie may pick its favorites and leave the rest.

guinea pig eating pellets from a feeding bowl
Image Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest, Shutterstock

2. Choose the Right Type of Hay

Hay makes up 80-85% of your guinea pig’s diet, so it needs to be good quality hay. Unless your vet has advised it, avoid alfalfa hay and feed timothy or other types of grass hay instead. You can’t feed too much hay and you shouldn’t be surprised if your cavie is constantly munching and grinding on its hay supply.


3. Monitor Oxalates

Oxalates are found in fruit and vegetables, but too much can cause urinary tract stones. This means you need to monitor everything you feed your guinea pig and feed those vegetables that are considered high in oxalates in moderation.

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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnips?

The root of the turnip is the section that humans generally eat, and it has similar nutritional content to the turnip greens. It also has similar rules when it comes to feeding time. You can give a small amount of turnip occasionally but don’t overfeed this vegetable.

turnips on wooden table
Image Credit: julie deshaies, Shutterstock

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Collard Greens?

Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and are considered a good addition to a guinea pig’s diet. As with all vegetables, it is best to feed a variety and offer a selection of different vegetables over time, but collard greens are a good addition to that roster.

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Conclusion

Guinea pigs have very specific dietary requirements. 80-85% of their diet should consist of hay and grass. They should also be given a spoonful of hay pellets each day, and the remainder of their diet can consist of leafy greens and vegetables. Feed a good variety of different vegetables and always keep track of calcium, phosphorus, and oxalate levels of the veggies you do serve.

Turnip greens are a good addition because of their high vitamin C content, but they do contain oxalate so the amount you feed should be limited to a small handful once or twice a week.


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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Thyme? Vet Approved Nutrition Advice

Most people know that guinea pigs are herbivores that love to munch on just about any plant matter, but it might occur to wonder what precisely is good for them and not. For instance, what about herbs like thyme? Thyme is safe and even healthy for your guinea pig, containing important nutrients like calcium, fiber, and a high amount of vitamin C. However, thyme is also high in calcium, and too much calcium can contribute to dangerous urinary tract infections and stones in guinea pigs.

What’s the verdict? A few sprigs of thyme per week won’t hurt your guinea pig and can even contribute to their overall health, but it shouldn’t be a large part or staple in their feeding schedule. If you’re interested in what other herbs are safe for your guinea pig, you’re in luck. Read on for some other healthy herbs for your guinea pig, nutritional tips, and more.

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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Any Other Herbs?

Yes! Guinea pigs can eat a lot of the same herbs you may already have in your cabinets and maybe even in your garden. Like thyme, these other herbs contain some valuable nutrients that make them worthwhile snacks for your guinea pig once in a while. Scroll down for the herbs and what nutrients they have to offer.

Other Nutritious & Delicious Herbs for Guinea Pigs:
  • Cilantro: Contains a moderate amount of calcium and vitamin C with a balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio.

  • Mint: Mint has an addictively sweet scent, also offering vitamin C and a moderate amount of calcium.

  • Lavender: Contains vitamin A, calcium, and a bit of iron.

texel guinea pigs on green grass
Image Credit: Svitlana Govorun, Shutterstock

What Herbs & Other Foods to Avoid for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs won’t discriminate between a bunch of different plants given the choice, so it’s on you as their owner to learn what’s safe for them to eat and what you should avoid. Let’s take a quick look at some herbs and other foods you should keep away from your guinea pig.

Herbs and Foods to Avoid:
  • Rosemary: Contains a notably high amount of calcium among other herbs.

  • Onion, garlic, and chive: Like in dogs, all these Allium family members are toxic to guinea pigs.

  • Tulips: These cheery flowers are very poisonous to guinea pigs because they contain a toxin called tulipalin.

  • Rhubarb: All parts of the rhubarb plant are poisonous to guinea pigs.

  • Potato: Potatoes and their flowers are toxic to guinea pigs because of a compound called solanine, which is largely found in green potatoes.

onion and garlic
Image Credit: Monika, Pixabay

What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?

Guinea pigs are herbivores that subsist on native grasses, hays, shrubs, flowers, and herbs. In captivity, they tend to eat a diet composed of 80% hay. That said, they’re more than happy to sample some other tasty greens you may have growing in your garden or at the supermarket. Check those out with us down below.

Guinea Pig Staples:
  • Timothy hay: The guinea pig staple, timothy hay contains a majority of the nutrients they need to thrive.

  • Zucchini: A bright tasty alternative to hay that’s rich in both vitamin C and fiber.

  • Cabbage: An excellent low-calorie source of vitamin C for your guinea pig.

  • Bell peppers: The underrated bell pepper is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants with very low calcium content.

  • Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is a great low-calorie staple to mix in with your guinea pig’s hay but contains few nutrients.

himalayan guinea pig eating hay
Image Credit: PHOTO FUN, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Guinea pigs love to try new foods, and adding some thyme is a good way to keep their food interesting. Though they largely eat hay or grass, you can try introducing some other foods like cabbage or zucchini to see if they enjoy it.


Featured Image Credit: Afanasieva, Shutterstock

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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Papaya? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Fruits and veggies are great for guinea pigs, but that doesn’t mean you can feed them every fruit and veggie you find at the store. However, you can feed them papaya, but only in moderation.

But how much is too much, what else should you feed them, and what other foods should you avoid feeding them? We’ll answer all those questions and more for you here!

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Benefits of Papaya for Guinea Pigs

The main benefit of feeding your guinea pig papaya as an occasional treat is its high vitamin C content. Guinea pigs, like us humans, cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and so require vitamin C rich foods in their diet. If guinea pigs do not get enough of this important vitamin in their diet they can suffer with a variety of signs including lethargy, a poor hair coat, delayed wound healing and poor immunity.

However papaya, like other fruits, is high in sugar. If your guinea pig has too much sugar in their diet they can suffer from both digestive upset and weight gain. Your guinea pig will also get vitamin C from fresh veggies and guinea pig pellets.

Peruvian Guinea Pig with long hair on Wood
Image Credit: Pongpat Thongwattanaporn, Shutterstock

How Much Papaya Is Too Much?

Papaya is a perfectly safe food for guinea pigs, making it a great addition to their diet. But it’s not one of the primary staples, and if you’re not careful, it is possible to feed them too much as most love the taste of fruit.

Fruit in general, including papaya, is great to mix into your guinea pig’s diet several times a week, at most. Other fruits that are safe for guinea pigs that you can also give as an occasional tasty treat include blueberries, strawberries, melon and apples.

Guinea pigs have sensitive digestive systems so it’s important to introduce any new foods like papaya gradually, and monitor for any issues like diarrhea. If you notice any changes in your guinea pig’s poop or have any other concerns, consult with your vet for advice.

Other Things to Feed Your Guinea Pig

Feeding your pet piggie the right diet is essential to keep them healthy and happy. Here we’ve highlighted the important components of a balanced diet.

Hay

Good quality hay such as Timothy hay and grass should make up the majority (80-90%) of your guinea pigs’ diet. They naturally spend large periods of the day grazing, and the fiber in hay is essential to keep their teeth worn down and their digestive systems healthy.  Never feed lawnmower clippings and if your guinea pig has not had fresh grass before be sure to introduce it slowly to avoid an upset tummy.

himalayan guinea pig eating hay
Image Credit: PHOTO FUN, Shutterstock

Fresh vegetables

As we mentioned, guinea pigs need fresh vegetables to help them get enough vitamin C. There are many safe greens and vegetables and guinea pigs really thrive with a varied diet, making sure that some are high in vitamin C.

Some safe greens and vegetables include:

  • Spring greens

  • Swiss chard

  • Bell peppers

  • Carrot tops

  • Basil

  • Rosemary

  • Dandelions

  • Kale – ( high in vitamin C but should only be fed in moderation due to high calcium content)

  • Broccoli – ( high in vitamin C but should only be fed in moderation as too much can cause gas)

Guinea Pig Pellets

Trying to meet all the complex dietary requirements of a guinea pig by mixing up the right combination of fruits and vegetables can be difficult, so most vets recommend a small amount of specific guinea pig pellets each day. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, but usually approximately one tablespoon of pellets per day is all that is required.

Fresh water should be available at all times.

guinea pig eating pellets from a feeding bowl
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Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Guinea Pig

While there are plenty of fruits and veggies you can mix into your guinea pig’s diet, there are also plenty of foods you should never feed your guinea pig. We’ve highlighted four types of foods to avoid here:

Meats

While humans are omnivores, which means we can eat both plants and meat, guinea pigs are herbivores through and through. Guinea pigs cannot process meat, so never feed them meat, even in small quantities.

Nuts

While nuts might seem like a perfectly safe choice for guinea pigs, the problem is that they contain too many carbohydrates and fats. They aren’t toxic but can cause health issues and we recommend avoiding them totally.

Seeds

There are several reasons you should never feed seeds to guinea pigs, even if you can find commercial guinea pig food with seeds in them. They can lead to digestive problems, pose a choking hazard, and more. Remove fruit seeds and pips before giving them to your pet.

Plants to avoid

Although guinea pigs can eat some plants and herbs that you may find growing in your garden, you must carefully research that they are safe before feeding them or allowing your guinea pig access to them.  Examples of toxic plants include- any plants with bulbs, ivy, yew, privet, foxglove and hemlock.

texel guinea pigs on green grass
Image Credit: Svitlana Govorun, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

Now that you know a little more about what a guinea pig can and can’t eat, there’s no reason you can’t cut up a little papaya every now and then and feed it to your guinea pig. It shouldn’t be a daily staple, but it’s full of vitamin C and your guinea pig is going to love the taste of it!


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The post Can Guinea Pigs Eat Papaya? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.