A guinea pig’s diet is pretty straightforward, which is one of the reasons they make such great pets.
In addition to hay and pellets, guinea pigs can enjoy a limited amount of fruits and vegetables to round out their diet. But can guinea pigs eat bananas?
Bananas are rich in fiber and nutrients, but does this healthy snack have the same health benefits for guinea pigs as it does for humans? And on that note, can guinea pigs eat banana peels? Or dried bananas, for that matter?
We reached out to Samantha Henson, a certified clinical pet nutritionist with Next Generation Pet Wellness, and Kimie Smothermon, director of Guinea Pig Sanctuary, for more insight. And while, yes, bananas are generally a healthy snack for your guinea pig, the answer does come with a few disclaimers.
Are bananas healthy for guinea pigs?
Yes! Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, both of which are vital to a guinea pig’s diet. But, as with all good things, serving in moderation is key.
“Bananas are high in sugar and fiber, and too much of either of those and your guinea pig will run the risk of obesity, diabetes, bloating and gas,” Henson told The Dodo. “Guinea pig stomachs are only about the size of a quarter, so always keep that in mind when offering snacks.”
And if your guinea pig has any existing stomach problems, you may want to skip feeding bananas as treats altogether. Henson said, “If your guinea pig has kidney issues, avoid bananas as they are too high in potassium for compromised kidneys to process.”
Can guinea pigs eat bananas daily?
Due to the high amount of sugar and fiber in a banana, both Henson and Smothermon suggest giving your guinea pig a small piece of banana no more than a few times a week.
“In moderation, bananas are a healthy treat for guinea pigs,” Smothermon told The Dodo. “But ‘moderation’ is the key word here.”
How much banana can your guinea pig have?
If giving bananas as a special snack to your guinea pig a few times a week, Henson advised, “You only want to give a small piece (one slice or the last bite of a banana).”
And what about other ways of preparing bananas? “Dried bananas are basically concentrated sugar, as all the water content that helps negate that has been sucked out of them,” Henson said. “They can be given in very small amounts as a super special treat.”
Can guinea pigs eat banana peels?
Yes, but once again, it’s all about moderation.
At Smothermon’s Guinea Pig Sanctuary, guinea pigs can enjoy “coins” as a special snack.
“Leaving the peel on, cut the banana into 'coins' and give no more than two 'coins' at a time,” Smothermon said. “Guinea pigs can have banana 'coins' once a week as a treat, but not daily.”
While your guinea pig’s diet isn’t ultra complicated, it’s fun to surprise your furry friend with a little something special for a sweet treat every now and then — perhaps after he’s gone on a ride in this pint-sized carousel?
A slice or two of banana will be delicious to your guinea pig (and dog, too, if you have one). Just don’t overdo it, friends (even if he gives you that “one more, please” look).
FAQs
Yes! Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, both of which are vital to a guinea pig's diet. But, as with all good things, serving in moderation is key.
How much banana to give a guinea pig? ›
Keep the portion size small since fruit is high in sugar; a small wedge of orange or apple, several blueberries or a thin slice of banana is perfectly adequate.
Can my guinea pig eat banana peel? ›
Most veterinarians agree that banana peels may be offered to guinea pigs, but again, only in moderation. If you offer your pig a banana peel, rinse the banana thoroughly to remove any potential pesticides or fertilizers used during the farming process. These chemicals are dangerous and even fatal to guinea pigs.
Can pigs eat banana peels? ›
Although they can eat bananas with the peel on, doing so increases the risk of choking and has little nutritional value. It's best to peel bananas before giving them to your pigs.
What veggies can guinea pigs eat every day? ›
Vegetables. Your guinea pigs should have fresh, washed leafy greens or weeds each day, such as kale or broccoli, which are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Guinea pigs don't naturally eat fruit or root vegetables, but you can give them in small amounts as treats, such as small pieces of carrot or an apple quarter.
Is peanut butter good for guinea pigs? ›
The following foods can be detrimental to your guinea pig's health. Do not feed it: beans, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chocolate, collard greens, dairy products, garlic, iceberg lettuce, lentils, nuts, onion, peanut butter, potatoes, rhubarb, green tomato tops and seeds.
Can guinea pigs eat popcorn? ›
they can't actually eat popcorn, but they can have raw corn🌽as an occasional treat (they love the husk of raw corn though!) #guineapig #guineapiglove. Guinea Pig Food Bowls. Guinea Pig As Food.
Can guinea pigs eat cheese? ›
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dairy (butter, milk, cheese)? No, dairy products can be difficult for guinea pigs to digest, and they can cause digestive upset, such as diarrhoea. Guinea pigs need a diet that is high in fibre and low in fat, and dairy products are high in fat and low in fibre.
Can guinea pigs have celery? ›
Since you don't want to overdo it with celery, never give your guinea pig a full celery stalk to munch on. “Guinea pigs can safely have [one] 2-inch section of celery with some of the leaves included in their diet up to three times per week,” Henson said. “However, they do not need more than that.”
Can guinea pigs eat lettuce? ›
Romaine, Cos and Little Gem lettuces all belong to the same lettuce variety and can all be eaten by guinea pigs. In fact, Romaines are the most nutritional lettuces, and contain a lot more vitamin C than other types of lettuce.
It is important to feed banana in small amounts to prevent any negative health affects in your pig. Approximately 10-15 grams of banana is the most your guinea pig should have in a week. You can serve it as a small slice, or smush the banana between your fingers for a sweet treat!
Can guinea pigs eat grapes? ›
How To Safely Feed Your Guinea Pig Grapes. Darker grapes have more health benefits, so opt for purple, red, or black grapes when you can. Green or white grapes are still OK and won't harm your guinea pig. More importantly, always remove the seeds or feed your cavy seedless grapes.
What is toxic to pigs? ›
Bracken, hemlock, co*cklebur, henbane, ivy, acorns, ragwort, foxglove, elder, deadly nightshade, rhododendron, and laburnum are all highly toxic to pigs. Jimsonweed—also known as Hell's Bells, Pricklyburr, Devil's Weed, Jamestown Weed, Stinkweed, Devil's Trumpet, or Devil's Cucumber—is also poisonous to them.
How much should a guinea pig eat in a day? ›
In addition to hay, guinea pigs should eat 1/8 cup of guinea pig pellets every day. These provide the cavy with essential nutrients that they cannot get otherwise, such as vitamin C. Guinea pigs should also eat somewhere between a handful and 1 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.
What happens if a guinea pig eats too much fruit? ›
Grass hays, leafy green vegetables, and guinea pig pellets fortified with vitamin C should be your guinea pig's daily diet, and fruit should be offered as a healthy treat. Too much fruit can result in digestive issues including ileus, a life threatening problem.
Can you overfeed guinea pigs? ›
Do not overfeed as guinea pigs tend to control feed intake through volume rather than calories and over use of nutrient dense feeds will tend towards obesity. Ensure your guinea pig has an unlimited supply of good quality hay or fresh grass which are an essential form of fibre for guinea pigs.
How much should guinea pigs drink per day? ›
Guinea pigs require a minimum of 80–100mls water per day, per animal. Lactating and pregnant sows will have an increased water intake. When providing water for guinea pigs, inverted glass water bottles with a metal or Pyrex glass cannula are recommended as guinea pigs will chew on, and block sipper- tube waterers.
