What Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (Safe Foods List)
Have you ever wandered through a grocery store and wondered if a particular food was safe for your guinea pig to eat? This comprehensive list will tell you exactly what you can feed your guinea pig, as well as some important notes on precautions, quantities, and frequency that you can give each food.

Foods are separated into three categories; vegetables, fruit, and herbs.
Under these lists, foods are listed in alphabetical order so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that some foods commonly recognized as vegetables, like bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes, are technically classified as a fruit, so you’ll find them under the fruit category in this list.
What Should Guinea Pigs Eat Daily?
While this is a list of fruits and vegetables that guinea pigs can eat, remember that the bulk of your guinea pig’s diet should be 80% grass hay. Timothy or orchard hay are both excellent choices. Guinea pigs should also have free access to clean, fresh water at all times. Be sure to supplement their diet with 1/8 cup of high-quality pellets to ensure they get the minerals they need daily.

Guinea pigs can eat up to 1 cup of vegetables and fruit per day. They can eat less as long as their Vitamin C needs are met.
Guinea pigs require 10-50mg of Vitamin C per day to prevent deficiencies that lead to a compromised immune system and diseases like scurvy. You can meet this need by regularly providing foods that are high in Vitamin C.
Calcium content is also crucial when choosing vegetables for your guinea pig. If you provide too many foods high in calcium, there is a chance your guinea pig could develop bladder stones.
It is safe to feed calcium-rich foods in reasonable quantities, but be sure to balance the diet with plenty of foods low in calcium.
Oxalates or oxalic acid should also be restricted in your guinea pig’s diet as much as possible. Too much of this can lead to stone development and many other health conditions. It’s best not to feed multiple veggies that are rich in oxalates at the same time.
While some of the following foods are safe to feed daily, it’s best to serve up a rotation of different veggies every day so your guinea pig gets a variety of nutrients from different sources. Check out our guinea pig food chart for an easy reference sheet on how often you can offer each food.
Of course, all guinea pigs will have different tastes, and you’ll discover their various likes and dislikes as you introduce new foods. You can check out this list of favorite foods that nearly all guinea pigs love to get you started.
Complete List of Vegetables That Guinea Pigs Can Eat
Arugula/Rocket Salad

- High in calcium
- Low in Vitamin C
- Feed in small quantities 1-2 times per week
- Good for young guinea pigs (under 4 months) that need the extra calcium for growth
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula?
Asparagus
- Contains some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- This cruciferous veggie can cause bloating if fed too much
- High in oxalic acid
- Introduce into the diet slowly
- You can feed a small chunk of a stalk (1-2 inch piece) once a week
Beet Greens
- Less sugar and more vitamin-rich than beets
- Higher in calcium and oxalates
- You can feed a leaf a couple of times a month
Beetroot
- Source of fiber and other nutrients
- High in sugar, calcium, and phosphorus, so best fed sparingly
- You can feed a slice of beetroot 1-2 times a week
Bok Choy
- High in Vitamin C and other nutrients
- This cruciferous vegetable can cause gas and bloating if fed in excess
- Introduce to the diet slowly
- Can feed a leaf 1-2 times a week
Broccoli

- Safe to feed broccoli stems, floret, and leaves
- As a cruciferous veggie, it can cause gas & digestive upset if fed too much.
- Be sure to introduce broccoli into the diet slowly.
- You can feed half a floret with stem up to 2-3 times a week
- Read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli?
Broccoli Raab/Rabe/Rapini
- Incredibly high in Vitamin A – can cause liver damage and other issues if fed in excess
- Also high in calcium.
- Best to feed in small amounts very occasionally, 1-2 times a month
Brussels Sprouts

- Great source of Vitamin C and other nutrients
- High in oxalates
- A cruciferous veggie that can cause gas if fed too much
- Introduce slowly into the diet
- Feed one sprout 1-2 times a week
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
Cabbage

- Yes – they can eat red, green, and savoy cabbage.
- Can cause gas or bloating, so introduce it into the diet slowly
- Reasonable source of Vitamin C – red cabbage is the highest
- Feed in reasonable amounts up to 2-3 times a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cabbage?
Carrots
- Very high in Vitamin A
- High in sugar for a vegetable
- Feed a slice or baby-sized carrot amount 2-3 times a week
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots?
Carrot Tops
- Very nutrient-rich
- High in calcium
- Feed in moderation, a few bushy stems once a week

Cauliflower
- Guinea pigs can eat the floret, leaves, and stalk
- Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and can cause gas and bloat if fed in excess.
- Introduce into the diet slowly
- Feed small amounts once a week
Celery

- Safe to feed stalks and leaves
- High in oxalates and contains some calcium
- Feed an inch or two of the stalk or a few leaves 2-3 times a week
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery?
Chicory Greens
- Quite acidic and relatively high in calcium
- High in Vitamin C
- Feed in small amounts once a week
Collard Greens

- High in calcium at 232mg per 100 grams
- Contains some Vitamin C & rich in many other nutrients
- You can feed a small leaf once a week due to the calcium content
- Young guinea pigs under 4 months can eat it a bit more frequently
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Collard Greens?
Corn on the Cob
- Safe to feed raw corn on the cob, husks, and silk
- Contains little nutritional value, so feed occasionally, a couple of times a month.
- Can also eat baby corn on the cob
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corn on the Cob?
Garden Cress
- Rich in Vitamin C
- Quite acidic, high in calcium, phosphorus, and sugar
- Should only be fed in tiny amounts once a week at most

Endive/Escarole

- Good source of nutrients
- Low to moderate levels of calcium
- Guinea pigs can eat regular curly endive, as well as Belgian endive
- Can be fed frequently, a leaf or two 3-4 times a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Endive and Escarole?
Fresh Grass
- Guinea pigs can eat fresh grass from untreated lawns
- Never feed cut grass from the lawnmower – this ferments in the gut and can cause bloat – pick by hand instead or use scissors
- They can eat fresh grass daily in addition to hay and veggies

Green Beans
- Contain a variety of vitamins and minerals
- Never feed cooked green beans to guinea pigs
- They can eat 1-2 raw green beans up to 2-3 times a week.
Kale

- High in Vitamin C, fiber, and countless more vitamins and nutrients
- Very high in calcium
- Best to feed it along with several low calcium foods
- Can feed a small leaf 2-3 times a week
- Excellent veggie for growing guinea pigs under 4 months old
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kale?
Kohlrabi
- Rich in Vitamin C
- Guinea pigs can eat the leaves and the bulb
- It can cause gas and bloating if fed in excess – introduce it into the diet slowly.
- Can feed 1 medium leaf 1-2 times a week
- A small chunk of bulb can be fed up to once a week
Lettuce
- Green leaf, red leaf, romaine, and butterhead varieties are all safe to feed
- High water content, contains some nutrients.
- Safe to feed daily in reasonable quantities (i.e. one leaf per day)
- Avoid iceberg lettuce as the high water levels can cause diarrhea and bloat more easily
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lettuce?

Mustard Greens
- High in Vitamin C and other great nutrients
- Contains a lot of calcium
- Best fed in moderation, small amounts 1-2 times a week
Parsnips
- Contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Also contains some sugar and oxalates
- Do not feed parsnip greens
- You can feed a couple of slices of parsnip 2-3 times a week
Peas in Pod
- High in phosphorus
- The best types to feed are snow peas and sugar snap peas
- You can feed 1-2 pea pods once a week
Radicchio

- Bitter tasting veggie
- Loved by most guinea pigs
- Not a high source of Vitamin C
- You can feed a couple of leaves 2-3 times a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Radicchio?
Radish
- High in oxalic acid
- Radish leaves are also high in calcium
- Both should be fed very rarely – small amounts a couple of times a month

Spinach

- High in oxalates and contains high levels of calcium as well
- Feed sparingly due to the high levels of oxalates
- Offer only a few leaves once a week
- You can feed regular or baby spinach
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach?
Sweet Potato/Yam
- Do not feed russet, white, or red potatoes – these are toxic to piggies!
- Sweet potato leaves are safe to feed
- You can feed a small cube or a little slice of sweet potato about once a week.
Swiss Chard

- High in oxalic acid and contains a reasonable amount of calcium
- Can cause gas or bloat if fed in excess
- Feed sparingly, a small leaf once a week due to the high oxalates
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Swiss Chard?
Turnip Greens
- Guinea pigs can eat turnips and the greens
- Very high in calcium and oxalates, so feed sparingly
- Offer a leaf or two once a week + feed along with low calcium foods
Watercress
- Leaves and stems are safe for guinea pigs
- Good source of Vitamin C and rich in many nutrients
- Contains some oxalates
- Feed up to 5-10 sprigs 1-2 times a week
Wheatgrass
- Wheatgrass (also known as cat grass) is safe to feed your guinea pigs
- Easy to grow on your windowsill
- You can offer a small handful 3-4 times a week
Complete List of Herbs That Guinea Pigs Can Eat
The following is a thorough list of herbs that are safe for guinea pigs to eat. Herbs are a rich source of nutrients, but most are very high in calcium. For this reason, it’s best to feed them in moderation.
You can find more information on feeding herbs here: Complete List of Herbs That Guinea Pigs Can Eat (+ Dangerous Herbs to Avoid)
Basil
- Contains a small amount of Vitamin C
- High in calcium
- Feed a few leaves once a week as a treat
Chamomile
- Known to have a calming effect
- Offer sparingly
Cilantro/Coriander
- Contains some Vitamin C
- Relatively high in calcium but lower than most herbs
- Eating it can slow blood clotting & increase the risk of bleeding – so do not feed it to pregnant or injured guinea pigs
- It is perfectly safe to feed to the majority of guinea pigs
- Offer about 5 stems 2-3 times a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cilantro?

Clover
- High in calcium
- Feed sparingly, no more than once a week
- Pick clover from a pesticide-free yard that has not been exposed to car exhaust or animal urine.
Dandelion

- Safe to feed all parts of the plant – leaves, stems, flowers, & roots!
- Nutrient-rich but high in calcium
- Feed a few leaves or one small plant 1-2 times a week
- Pick dandelions from a pesticide-free yard that has not been exposed to car exhaust or animal urine
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelion?
Dill
- High in Vitamin C
- High in calcium
- Feed a stem or two 1-2 times a week
Fennel
- Safe to feed the leaves (fronds) and bulbs
- Feathery fronds are high in calcium
- Feed sparingly 1-2 times a week
Lavender
- Known for calming properties
- Contains some Vitamin C
- High in calcium
- Heavy in essential oils, which can be harmful to guinea pigs in large quantities
- Can feed lavender leaves in small quantities 1-2 times a month
Mint Leaves
- Peppermint and spearmint leaves are safe
- Contains some Vitamin C
- Very high in calcium
- Feed a couple of leaves once a week
Oregano
- Extremely high levels of calcium
- Feed extremely small amounts once a month, if at all
Parsley
- Safe to feed curly & Italian flat-leaf parsley
- Leaves and stems can be fed
- Very high in nutrients & an excellent source of Vitamin C
- High in calcium and oxalates
- Feed about 5 sprigs once or twice a week
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Parsley?

Plantain
- This common weed is frequently found outside
- Be sure to pick from an untreated area free of pesticides
- Guinea pigs can eat broad leaf and narrow leaf plantain
- Feed a few leaves 1-2 times a week
Thyme
- Extremely high levels of calcium at 405mg per 100 grams
- Also very high in Vitamin C and other nutrients
- Feed one small stem 1-2 times a month

Raspberry Plant Leaves
- Leaves from a raspberry plant are healthy & contain many nutrients
- You can feed a few leaves 3-4 times a week
- Easy perennials to grow in the garden
Strawberry Plant Leaves
- Leaves from a strawberry plant are nutrient-rich and safe to feed
- Offer a few leaves 3-4 times a week
- Easy perennials to grow in the garden

Complete List of Fruit That Guinea Pigs Can Eat
The following is a thorough list of all the fruits that guinea pigs can eat. Fruit is often rich in antioxidants and minerals, but many traditional fruits are high in sugar. For this reason, it’s best to offer them sparingly to your guinea pig as a treat.
You can find more information on feeding fruit here: List of Fruits That Guinea Pigs Can Eat (And What to Avoid)
Apple
- Feed with the skin on for the most health benefits
- High in sugar, so feed in moderation
- Can feed one thin slice once a week
- Remove the seeds as they contain a poisonous compound
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?
Apricot
- Rich in Vitamin A, beta carotene, potassium, and other nutrients
- High in sugar
- Feed a thin slice about once a week

Banana

- High in potassium and a great source of other nutrients
- Guinea pigs can also eat organic banana peels
- Extremely high in sugar and can cause constipation if fed too much
- Offer a tiny slice or a couple of bites as a treat a few times a month
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bananas?
Bell Pepper (Capsicum)
- Guinea pigs can eat all colors of bell pepper – green, yellow, orange, red
- Provide an excellent source of Vitamin C
- Safe to feed daily – 1/8 of a large pepper or 1/4 of a smaller pepper
- Yellow bell peppers are highest in Vitamin C
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sweet Bell Peppers?
Blackberries
- High in Vitamin C and antioxidants
- Feed in moderation due to high sugar content
- You can offer a few berries once a week as a treat.

Blueberries

- Great source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and many other nutrients
- Low in calcium but high in sugar
- You can feed a few berries once or twice a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?
Butternut Squash
- High in oxalic acid
- Contains some Vitamin C but not a significant amount
- Best fed sparingly due to the oxalates
- Offer a small slice a couple of times a month
Cantaloupe/Rock Melon

- High in Vitamin C
- Also contains sugar and phosphorus, so feed in moderation
- You can feed a 1-inch cube of melon weekly
- Do not feed the rind or seeds
Cherries
- Safe to feed sweet and sour varieties
- Great source of nutrients
- Remove the pit first
- Do not feed leaves or stems as these contain poisonous compounds
- Offer a maximum of one cherry a week
Cranberries
- High in Vitamin C, manganese, and other great nutrients
- Beneficial for guinea pigs with urinary problems
- You can feed 1-2 cranberries once or twice a week
Cucumber
- High water content, contains some nutrients
- Safe to feed the flesh, skin, and seeds
- You can feed 1-2 small slices daily
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumber?
Eggplant
- Low in nutrients, so feed it as an occasional treat only
- Do not give the leaves or stem; highly poisonous
- Also, ensure the eggplant is entirely ripe – traces of green in the fruit are also poisonous.
- You can offer a small chunk of ripe eggplant a couple of times a month.

Elderberries
- Good source of Vitamin C
- High in sugar, phosphorus, and a bit acidic
- Small amounts are fine, however large amounts of these berries can have a toxic effect.
- Do not feed leaves or stem
- You can feed 5-6 berries once a week at most
Grapefruit
- Great source of Vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene, and other nutrients
- Guinea pigs can also eat the peels if they are organic
- Acidic and high in sugar, so feed in moderation
- You can feed a small slice a few times a month
Grapes

- Guinea pigs can eat red and green grapes
- Remove seeds if there are any
- Very high in sugar
- Should be fed very sparingly as a treat – 1-2 grapes once a week at most
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
Guava
- This fruit is high in Vitamin C – it contains 4 times the amount as an orange!
- Acidic and high in sugar
- Guinea pigs can also eat the peel if it is organic
- You can feed a thin slice up to once a week
Honeydew Melon
- High in sugar and water
- Guinea pigs can eat the flesh and rind
- Remove seeds first
- You can feed a small chunk once a week
Kiwi
- Excellent source of Vitamin C and other nutrients
- High in sugar
- Contains some calcium and phosphorus
- Feed a thin slice once a week at most
Mango
- Contains some Vitamin C, A, B6, and other nutrients
- High in sugar and should be offered sparingly
- Remove the skin and pit
- You can feed a thin slice or cube to your guinea pig once a week
Muskmelon
- Good source of Vitamin C
- High in sugar
- Remove seeds before feeding
- You can offer a small chunk once a week
Nectarine
- Hairless variety of traditional peaches
- High in nutrients and antioxidants
- Safe to feed with skin
- Offer a thin slice up to once a week
Okra
- High in Vitamin C
- Contains some calcium and oxalic acid, which can lead to stone development if fed in excess
- Offer a small chunk once or twice a week
Oranges
- Good source of Vitamin C
- Acidic and high in sugar
- Can feed many varieties, such as clementines and tangerines
- Can also feed orange peels if organic
- Offer one slice once a week at most
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges?
Papaya
- High in Vitamin C, A, potassium, and fiber
- Also high in sugar
- Feed a thin slice no more than once or twice a week

Passionfruit
- Good source of Vitamin C
- High in phosphorus, sugar, and acidity
- You can feed small amounts once or twice a month
Peaches
- Rich in nutrients, including Vitamins C, K, E, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and antioxidants
- Safe to feed with the skin on
- You can feed a thin slice up to once a week
Pear

- Great source of potassium, antioxidants, Vitamins C & K
- Skin is safe, but remove the seeds first
- Feed up to one thin slice once a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pears?
Pineapple
- Contains nutrients like Vitamins C & K, beta carotene, and magnesium
- Avoid canned pineapples due to added sodium and preservatives
- Also, avoid giving the prickly skin, leaves, or core
- A small piece of fresh pineapple flesh can be fed once or twice a week
Plum
- Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, fiber, and more
- High in sugar, so moderation is vital
- Skin is safe, but remove the pit
- You can feed a small piece of plum once a week to your piggy
Pumpkin
- Very high in Vitamin A and beta carotene
- Feed in extremely small amounts
- Flesh and rind are safe, but remove the seeds
- You can feed a very small chunk once every few weeks

Raspberries

- Rich in antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C
- Contains some sugar
- You can feed a few berries a week
- Guinea pigs can also eat leaves from the raspberry plant
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raspberries?
Starfruit
- Excellent source of Vitamin C and other nutrients
- Quite acidic and high in sugar, so best fed sparingly
- You can feed a small slice once every week or two
Strawberries

- High in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and several other nutrients
- You can feed one strawberry once a week
- Guinea pigs can also eat strawberry tops and leaves from strawberry plants
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries?
Tomato

- Guinea pigs can eat large and small tomatoes
- Contains Vitamin C and other great nutrients
- They are acidic and can cause mouth sores if fed too much
- Never feed leaves, stems, or unripe green tomatoes – these are poisonous
- You can feed one cherry tomato or a similar amount of a large tomato 3-4 times a week
- Learn more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tomatoes?
Watermelon

- High in potassium and sugar
- Safe to feed the flesh and rind, but remove any seeds
- Feed in small amounts once a week
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Watermelon?
Zucchini/Courgette
- Low in sugar
- Great source of Vitamin C and fiber
- Skin is safe to eat
- You can feed a slice or two daily
- Read More: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Zucchini?

Introducing New Foods to Your Guinea Pig

If your guinea pig is trying any of the foods on this list for the first time, it’s crucial to introduce them into the diet gradually.
Some guinea pigs may have a bad reaction to a food, such as diarrhea, allergies, or stomach pains.
By giving new foods in small amounts, you can discover these potential problems before they become a serious health risk.
As long as your guinea pig acts normally after trying a new type of food, you can slowly increase the quantity each time.
Unsafe Foods For Guinea Pigs
Couldn’t find something on this list? There’s a chance it could be unsafe to feed your guinea pig. Check out our list of 45 Foods Your Guinea Pig Shouldn’t Eat for more information.
Any type of processed food should never be fed to guinea pigs. This includes jams, cookies, applesauce, crackers, cereal, peanut butter, bread, grains, or baked goods.
Many other foods, like avocado, are also unsafe for guinea pigs. Also, watch out for foods containing poisonous compounds, such as greenery from tomatoes or seeds from apple cores.
