Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts? (How Much is Safe?)
Brussels sprouts are a healthy dinner veggie in many households. They are full of nutrients and antioxidants that can improve your health and keep your body in great shape. But is it safe to feed Brussels sprouts to guinea pigs as well?
As a general rule, guinea pigs can eat Brussels sprouts in moderation. However, this cruciferous veggie can cause gas and bloat, so be sure to introduce it into the diet gradually.
Brussels sprouts can be healthy when fed in the correct quantity, but there are a few drawbacks and precautions you should know first.
Keep reading to learn all the potential risks and safest ways to include this healthy green in your guinea pig’s diet.
You can also check out the Guinea Pig Food Chart for an alphabetical list of everything your piggy can eat and how often they can have it, along with calcium and Vitamin C levels for each food.
*Important Note: The quantity of Brussels sprouts shown in the photos is for visual purposes only and not indicative of the correct amount to feed your guinea pig in one serving.
Nutritional Value of Brussels Sprouts for Guinea Pigs
Like its closely related cruciferous cousins including kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and mustard greens, Brussels sprouts are extremely nutrient-dense and provide many health benefits, even in small amounts. I’ll list the nutritional facts of this powerhouse green veggie in the table below, per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100g) |
| Calories | 43 kcal |
| Protein | 3.38 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 8.95 g |
| Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.2 g |
| Vitamin C | 85 mg |
| Calcium | 42 mg |
| Phosphorus | 69 mg |
| Magnesium | 23 mg |
| Potassium | 389 mg |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
| Folate | 61 µg |
| Vitamin A | 754 IU |
| Vitamin K | 177 µg |
Benefits of Feeding Brussels Sprouts to Guinea Pigs
As you can see from the table above, Brussels sprouts are quite high in many different nutrients. These vitamins and minerals are beneficial to your guinea pig’s health in various ways, which I’ll cover in more detail below.
Brussels Sprouts Provide an Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of Vitamin C. A single Brussels sprout contains about 16mg of Vitamin C, which is generally enough to fulfill your guinea pig’s minimal daily requirement of this nutrient.
Vitamin C supports healthy immune function and prevents diseases such as scurvy in guinea pigs.
Like humans, guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own Vitamin C, so they need to get it from their diet. You can find even more foods high in Vitamin C in this list.
Brussels Sprouts Contain a Wide Range of Vitamins and Minerals
Brussels sprouts are also low in calories and high in fiber, which promotes good gut health, weight maintenance, and proper digestion.
Additionally, they provide a good source of Vitamin K, which is responsible for blood clotting and bone health. Brussels sprouts also provide an excellent source of plant-based protein for piggies. They also contain a fairly high amount of potassium and some iron as well.
This mini cabbage-like veggie also contains trace amounts of Vitamin B6, selenium, thiamine, magnesium, and other minerals.
Brussels Sprouts Contain Beneficial Antioxidants
Finally, Brussels sprouts are extremely rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants work in the body by neutralizing free radicals, preventing a build-up. When the body has excess amounts of free radicals, this can contribute to the growth of cancer cells and other diseases. Antioxidants fight off these excess free radicals, thus lowering the risk of many chronic diseases, cancer cell growth, and more.
Risks of Feeding Your Guinea Pig Brussels Sprouts
Despite the rich nutrient density in this brassica vegetable, there are a few concerns and things to keep in mind when feeding it to guinea pigs.
Brussels Sprouts Can Cause Bloating
Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, arugula, and bok choy. This means they can cause gas and bloat in your guinea pig. Bloat is potentially dangerous, so it’s imperative to introduce cruciferous veggies into the diet very slowly. Feed them in moderation and ensure that your guinea pig has unlimited grass hay to keep their digestive system stable.
Brussls Sprouts Contain a Moderate Amount of Calcium
In addition, brussels sprouts contain moderate amounts of calcium and phosphorus. These minerals can contribute to bladder stone development in large amounts.
In comparison to many other leafy greens, Brussels sprouts are much lower than some other high-calcium foods. However, it’s something worth keeping in mind, particularly if your guinea pig has had previous issues with stones or bladder sludge.
Allergies or Potential Bad Reactions
Like with other foods, there is always a chance that your guinea pig is allergic or has a bad reaction to Brussels sprouts.
This is rare, but it’s always important to introduce new foods gradually and keep an eye on your guinea pig in case they have an adverse reaction.
How Often Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
You can feed your guinea pig one Brussels sprout at a time, once or twice a week. Introduce this veggie into the diet slowly before working up to this amount.
Start by peeling a couple of tiny leaves from the sprout and observe your guinea pig hours later to see if they experience any discomfort or stomach aches.
Increase this amount gradually. Always monitor your guinea pig’s behavior after they consume any cruciferous veggies to ensure there are no signs of lethargy or a bloated feeling abdomen.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Brussels Sprouts?
Some guinea pigs love Brussels sprouts, but all piggies have their own preferences, likes, and dislikes. Try offering your guinea pig a couple of nibbles or some small leaves from the sprout to see if they like it.
Many guinea pigs like to test new foods with small nibbles before they accept them as their regular food, so be persistent and keep trying them.
If your guinea pig decides they really don’t like Brussels sprouts after some time, there are many other great veggies you can try. Some good options include dill, oranges, cilantro, fennel, tomatoes, radicchio, and dandelions.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts Stalks?
You can feed your guinea pig small amounts of the Brussels sprout stalk, but it’s best to limit it to a small chunk at a time, once or twice a week max. Be sure to select parts of the stalk that are green and healthy-looking. Also be sure to wash them thoroughly before offering them to your guinea pig.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts Leaves?
Guinea pigs can eat Brussels sprout leaves from the plant occasionally. They are high in calcium, so it’s best to feed them sparingly, no more than once a week. Also, be sure to feed them along with low-calcium veggies, such as zucchini, lettuce, and cucumber.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts Raw?
Guinea pigs should always eat Brussels sprouts raw. Cooked foods lose some nutrients, so raw is always the best option for guinea pigs.
In addition, guinea pigs aren’t built to digest cooked food, so feeding veggies cooked can easily lead to diarrhea or stomach pains for your piggy.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
Baby guinea pigs over four weeks old can eat Brussels sprouts sparingly. A very young guinea pig should only have a few bites of these cruciferous vegetables at a time, as their digestive systems are more sensitive than adults.
You can gradually increase the amount with age. By 8-12 weeks, they can eat similar quantities as adults.
How to Prepare and Feed Brussels Sprouts to Guinea Pigs
To feed Brussels sprouts to your guinea pig, start by choosing a healthy, green sprout to offer them. Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves if there are any. Rinse the Brussels sprout thoroughly. Also, be sure to offer your guinea pig brussels sprouts raw, as cooked food is harder for them to digest.
When introducing Brussels sprouts to your guinea pig for the first time, offer tiny amounts by hand or leave it in the cage for them to try at their own pace.
If you do this, be sure to check back and remove uneaten food after a few hours, so it doesn’t go rotten in the enclosure.
After your guinea pig eats the new food, keep an eye on them for any unusual behavior.
If you notice diarrhea, lethargy, or other signs of bloat, try smaller amounts or choose different veggies to feed next time. If all is good, you can gradually increase the amount you feed each time.
More Fruits and Vegetables That Guinea Pigs Can Eat
Did you know that guinea pigs can also eat celery, mango, and strawberries?
These foods all contain a variety of nutrients that can boost your guinea pig’s health in numerous ways. They can also eat cantaloupe, thyme, eggplant, and so much more!
For a complete list of all the fruits and vegetables that guinea pigs can eat, check out our article, Complete List of Safe Foods for Guinea Pigs.
