Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kale? (How Much is Safe?)
Kale is one of the healthiest leafy greens in the world. This nutrient-rich superfood provides an excellent boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But is it just as healthy for guinea pigs too?
As a general rule, guinea pigs can eat kale once or twice a week in small quantities. This leafy green contains many beneficial nutrients for piggies. However, it is very high in calcium so it’s crucial to feed it in moderation.
Moderation is key in life for many things, and kale is no exception. The health benefits of this popular green are exceptional, but they need to be weighed against the high calcium load.
Kale is an incredibly healthy addition to your guinea pig’s diet as long as you don’t go overboard. I’ll cover everything you need to know about the risks and ideal amounts to feed throughout the article below.
*Important Note: The quantity of kale 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 Kale for Guinea Pigs
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense greens on the planet. It is rich in nearly every vitamin and mineral that humans and guinea pigs need for healthy growth and maintenance. I’ll list the nutritional data on kale per 100 grams in the table below:
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100g) |
| Calories | 35 kcal |
| Protein | 2.92 g |
| Fat | 1.49 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.42 g |
| Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Sugar | 0.99 g |
| Vitamin C | 93.4 mg |
| Calcium | 254 mg |
| Phosphorus | 55 mg |
| Magnesium | 33 mg |
| Potassium | 348 mg |
| Iron | 1.6 mg |
| Folate | 62 µg |
| Vitamin A | 4810 IU |
| Vitamin K | 390 µg |
Benefits of Feeding Kale to Guinea Pigs
As you can see from the table above, kale is very nutrient-rich with countless benefits to offer as part of your guinea pig’s diet.
Kale is an Excellent Source of Vitamin C
First of all, kale is incredibly high in Vitamin C. It is one of the highest Vitamin C vegetables. In fact, this leafy green contains even more Vitamin C than oranges and kiwis.
Vitamin C is crucial for guinea pigs to get in their diet, as they (like humans!) cannot produce this vitamin themselves. Vitamin C is necessary for many important functions in the body.
It keeps the immune system healthy, making it easier for your guinea pig to fight off infections and various other diseases.
An adequate intake of Vitamin C also prevents scurvy, a painful condition that occurs when there is a long-term deficiency in this nutrient.
Vitamin C is also necessary for the production of collagen, which promotes faster healing of wounds.
Kale is a Fantastic Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Kale is also a rich source of Vitamin K, which is crucial for healthy blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, kale provides a great source of plant-based protein for piggies.
In addition to the main vitamins and minerals, kale also contains some Vitamin B6, manganese, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Smaller amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron can be found in this leafy green too.
Kale is also low in calories and sugar while providing a great source of fiber to keep the digestive system healthy. This makes kale an excellent weight management food that is unlikely to cause obesity in guinea pigs.
Finally, kale is low in oxalates. Oxalic acid can inhibit some of the nutrient absorptions into the body and, in large amounts, can even cause kidney stones to form. Since guinea pigs are so small, it’s a good idea to feed them a diet that is mostly low in oxalates.
Kale Contains Many Powerful Antioxidants
Kale is also high in an antioxidant called beta carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene is known for improving eye health and strengthening vision.
In addition to the high levels of Vitamin C and beta carotene, kale is rich in many other antioxidants. These serve many functions in the body but one of their most significant is the ability to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
An excess of free radicals damages cells and makes the body more susceptible to countless chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. A great way to increase the antioxidant count in the body and reduce cell damage is to eat plenty of vegetables like kale which are high in antioxidants.
Kale contains some pretty potent flavonoid antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol. These powerful antioxidants have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and even prevent cancer.
Kale also contains other cancer-fighting compounds, such as sulforaphane, which has been demonstrated to help fight the formation of kale at the molecular level.
Kale also has some carotenoid antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to improve vision and reduce the risk of eye-related diseases.
Risks of Feeding Your Guinea Pig Kale
Kale is full of nutrients and beneficial to your guinea pig’s health in many ways. However, there are still some potential risks and drawbacks to be aware of before feeding this leafy green to your furry potato.
Kale Can Cause Bloat in Some Guinea Pigs
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. For this reason, it’s a good idea to introduce it into the diet gradually.
Keep an eye on your guinea pig for any signs of stomach discomfort after feeding it for the first time, and if all is good, you can gradually increase the amount. Kale tends to be less gassy than many other foods in the cabbage family, but it’s still good to be vigilant.
Kale is Very High in Calcium
Kale is very nutrient-rich, but it also contains large amounts of calcium. Calcium is good in moderation and helps to keep bones strong and healthy.
However, in excess, it can cause bladder stones in guinea pigs. This is a very painful condition that often requires surgery to remedy. Therefore, prevention is the best cure.
It’s best to feed kale in small amounts and be sure to balance the diet with plenty of low-calcium vegetables as well.
Also, keep an eye out for dried white powdery urine stains in your guinea pig’s cage. These indicate an excess of calcium in the diet. If you see these, cut back on kale for a little while and feed more watery veggies like lettuce and cucumber to flush out the mineral build-up in their body and prevent bladder stones from forming.
Bad Reactions to Kale
Like with other foods, there is always a chance that your guinea pig is allergic or has a bad reaction to kale. 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 Kale?
Guinea pigs can eat a leaf of kale 1-2 times a week.
The nutrients in kale make it an excellent staple veggie in your guinea pig’s diet, but the high calcium can be problematic if fed in large amounts. You should not feed kale every day due to the high calcium levels.
It’s a good idea to balance out the diet with plenty of low-calcium foods like carrots, zucchini, strawberries, watermelon, and tomatoes if you’re feeding kale regularly.
Also, avoid feeding other high-calcium greens on the same day as you feed kale.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Kale?
Kale has a leafy green texture that most guinea pigs love. It does tend to have a bitter taste, but many guinea pigs seem to like bitter foods.
Personally, I have a higher success rate with bitter foods than sweet ones in my herd.
However, all piggies have their own likes and dislikes. If you try kale a few times with no luck, try some other nutrient-rich foods like sweet bell peppers, parsley, cilantro, radicchio, endive, or collard greens.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Kale?
Baby guinea pigs (over three weeks old) can eat kale. It is a great source of Vitamin C and calcium, which baby guinea pigs need for healthy growth and development.
Guinea pigs that are under three weeks can nibble on kale leaves in tiny amounts while they are still with their mom.
Young guinea pigs will learn how to try new foods from watching their mom and other adult guinea pigs eat a variety of things. This can prevent them from becoming fussy eaters as they age.
Once they are around 3-4 weeks old, you can gradually increase the amount of kale they eat.
Kale is also great to feed pregnant and nursing moms, as they need the extra vitamins and energy to keep up their strength and produce healthy milk for their young.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kale Stems?
Yes, kale stems or stalks are safe to give your guinea pig. They contain many great nutrients, just like the leaf.
They tend to have a tougher texture and a more bitter taste, so some guinea pigs may not like them as much as the leaves.
However, some guinea pigs are very drawn to chewing on harder pieces of stems and stalks.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Red Kale?
Red or purple kale is safe for guinea pigs to eat. They can have the leaves as well as the stem or stalk. This variety also contains many great nutrients for your guinea pig. Like the green curly kale, be sure not to feed red kale too frequently. 1 leaf 1-2 times a week is an ideal amount for the average guinea pig.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kale Chips?
Guinea pigs should not eat kale chips. These contain salt, oil, and other added ingredients that are not good for guinea pigs. Additionally, baking the kale reduces many of the nutrients they would receive from fresh, raw kale. To be safe, guinea pigs should not be fed any kind of human food besides raw fruits and vegetables.
Related: 45 Things You Should Never Feed Your Guinea Pig
How to Prepare and Feed Kale to Your Guinea Pig
To feed kale to your guinea pig, start by choosing some healthy, green kale that is not yellow or wilting. Remove a leaf and rinse thoroughly to remove any traces of dirt, tiny bugs, or pesticides. Always feed your guinea pig raw, uncooked kale.
If your piggy has never tried kale before, introduce it in small quantities to give their body time to adjust.
Cut a portion of a leaf and offer it to your guinea pig by hand or leave it in the cage for them to try at their own pace.
If you leave it in the cage, be sure to check back after a few hours and remove any uneaten food to prevent it from going bad.
Sometimes guinea pigs take a bit of time to adapt and try a new type of food, so if they don’t eat it right away, try it for a few more days.
It also often helps to give the new veggie separately from their regular vegetables (i.e., kale in the morning, regular veggies at night.) Guinea pigs are often more willing to try something if they have fewer options.
Observe your guinea pig for several hours after they try the new food. As long as there’s no diarrhea or odd behavior, you can gradually increase the amount of kale next time.
More Fruits and Vegetables That Guinea Pigs Can Eat
Did you know that guinea pigs can also eat celery, apricots, and mango?
These foods all contain a variety of nutrients that can boost your guinea pig’s health in numerous ways. They can also eat eggplant, peaches, pumpkin, 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.
