Kent Garrett is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Can guinea pigs eat spinach? Care taking for our little fantastic guinea pigs can be a challenge but a very fun one at that. Let’s first state that spinach isn’t toxic outright. Spinach is one of the most popular vegetables in the world. And while this “super green” is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals, it shouldn’t be everyday food for cavies. But there is something in spinach that can cause a problem for guinea pigs so you need to be careful with how much spinach they are fed. I hold the animal chiropractic certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. An avid animal lover, Roland started this blog to help all varieties of pets and their owners on their journey to living their best lives. However, like many good things, there is also a limit. In fact, spinach is a good source of several vitamins, including vitamin C, which is especially important for guinea pigs. Abyssinian eat spinach leaves, veggies, fruit, and hay in a balanced diet. This is because spinach contains high levels of oxalates and calcium, which can cause bladder stones in baby guinea pigs. Although when Abyssinian guinea pigs eat spinach it helps them in many ways, you might want to investigate some other more adventurous pathways for your guinea pigs to eat. In fact, spinach leaves are one of the most popular snacks for guinea pigs. This is why external vitamin C booster can help them a lot. Providing an unlimited supply is essential for the health of your pet. Spinach also contains vitamin K, fiber, phosphorus, and thiamine. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Water Spinach? When feeding your guinea pig spinach; it resets their body and cleans out their system. Treats like this green and other foods like peppers, carrots , and celery can provide additional vitamins and minerals to ensure that your pet has a complete diet with everything he needs. October 12, 2013 Guinea pig foods foods , swamp cabbage , water spinach Chris Perkins Water Spinach is a variety of spinach often called River spinach, Water morning glory, Water convolvulus, or by the more stranger names “Chinese spinach”, “Swamp cabbage” and “Kangkong” in Southeast Asia. 9 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures) →, 7 DIY Guinea Pig Beds You Can Build Today (With Pictures) →, 9 DIY Hamster Toys You Can Make Today (With Pictures) →. Just keep it to once or twice a week and your Guinea Pig will be fine. The fact is, spinach stems contain a fair amount of vitamins and minerals. Yes, guinea pigs can eat spinach. It's high in vitamin C and low in sugar - a great choice for their health, and they love the taste too. Well, we hope that this blog post would have helped you a lot to know about the fact that can guinea pigs eat spinach! Sometimes the medicine guinea pigs need might not work the first time around causing you to pay more. The short answer is yes. Like people, guinea pigs can’t manufacture vitamin C on their own so they need to get it … So feed your guinea pig spinach a maximum of 1-2 times a week. You probably know that there are some foods which people can eat but are poisonous for pets. Spinach contains several vital nutrients that guinea pigs need, such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. As a licensed veterinarian, I have spent a considerable amount of time studying animals. For any questions or queries, feel free to comment below. Spinach leaves have very high calcium levels which cause kidney stones. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The reason is that neither of us can synthesize it within our bodies. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach? Guinea pigs can eat almost any type of spinach including, baby spinach, raw spinach, English spinach, and water spinach. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach. Spinach leaves have very low sugar levels which are beneficial to your Abyssinian guinea pig’s health and overall wellbeing. October 19, 2017 October 17, 2017 admintag Because of the high content of oxalic acid, spinach can be given only in small amounts. The spinach that is cooked is never suggested for your guinea pigs. Can guinea pigs eat spinach? Unlike other vegetables, the taste of spinach is bitter which some people hates about. The original diet for the cavy was and still is grass. The spinach is also no exception in this case. No. Now, you may have a look at the general benefits that are given by the spinach leaves. Guinea pig owners know that our pets can be picky little eaters sometimes. That is why I use spinach to feed my guinea pigs once a week. Despite all these negatives, guinea pigs eat spinach helping them eventually outweighing the bad for the good. Yes! In the beginning, their color is a bright green, as they grow older and older, they will change their color into a more intense tone of green. That said though, we would not recommend that you use spinach as a staple of your guinea pigs diet and strictly only use it as a treat. Therefore, we have to get it from our diet. This is the state it is meant to be fed to guinea pigs. Guinea pigs eat spinach to clear out their system and help reset their digestive system. For more information on benefits and nutritional value of spinach visit take a look on my manual “Before And After Getting Your Puppy“, this is a great little book to read before getting guinea pigs. Spinach contains quite a lot of calcium as well and can improve their bone structure. However, they can only eat it in moderation. They will readily take it if you offer some to your cavy. It contains oxalates and high amounts of calcium, which can cause bladder stones. Whether spinach stems are safe for Guinea Pigs to eat or not is unknown. 2,813 international units (IU) of Vitamin A. Guinea pigs can eat spinach in small quantities as an occasional treat. They develop these types of stones because of an influx in large amounts of foods that are high in calcium. You can feed spinach to your baby guinea pig once … Guinea pigs eat spinach to clear out their system and help reset their digestive system. Lv 4. How Spinach Can be Helpful for your Pig? Instead, the quandary involves the amount that you give him. In fact, its nutritional values mean that this food can benefit a guinea pig’s diet in many ways. However, we can look to nature for clues about what rodents like this one eat. Guinea pigs eat spinach and also eat a wide variety of food to keep a balanced diet. Guinea pigs can eat spinach including leaves, baby spinach. Here’s a quick answer to the question asked earlier: guinea pigs can eat spinach. Is it safe for them to eat, and does it provide any health benefits? Let’s look at the other question we posed about its nutritional value. Guinea pigs enjoy refreshing foods. They are one of the sweetest and gentlest pets you can have of the rodent variety. On the other hand, owning Abyssinian guinea pigs comes with its own challenges such as the guinea pig diet and buying food, veterinary care, and cleaning cages every weekend. Guinea pigs can eat spinach and you can make it as an alternative for hay. They need an unlimited amount of hay (Timothy, Orchard, Bluegrass) every day as well as fresh water every day. You can also read about kale and guinea pigs. It’s a companion to love, and you can make sure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy with these top 3 guinea pig foods based on our expert reviews. Yes, guinea pigs love to eat and snack on spinach leaves. For proper guinea pig feeding and guinea pig care, you cannot give them more than a few leaves a week or else it could give them painful kidney stones that could prove fatal. No one would fault you for wanting that for both of you. Yes, guinea pigs can eat baby spinach. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Stems? While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. This vegetable contains a high amount of water and could cause diarrhea and sometimes bloating. Spinach is high in several vitamins, especially vitamin C which is so important for guinea pigs. We both have the same health risks from eating too much of a good thing like spinach. Guinea pigs can eat chayote along with their skin but only in moderation. We have seen how spinach is crucial, playing compelling roles in stress management, skin protection, blood clotting, cancer prevention, eye, and bone health, etc. However, you are going to want to limit the amount of spinach your Guinea Pig eats in one sitting and across the week (1-3 times weekly). Also, guinea pigs need leafy greens. Let’s delve into each one in detail. Contents show Is It Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat Watercress? I also completed my Bachelor of Science in biomedical science at Auckland University. Many sources suggest not to feed stems to your Guinea pigs. In fact, there are some health benefits, but also dangers. Although it may not seem like it this is proper guinea pig care. Your guinea pigs will love all these leafy vegetables and will still have the same health benefits. Yes, Guinea pigs can eat spinach. Ultimate Beginners Guide 2019, Why Do Guinea Pigs Chirp? One leafy green food that guinea pigs love to munch down on and is safe for guinea pig feeding are spinach leaves. The question of safety is a double-edged sword when it comes to these greens and guinea pigs. As we have mentioned at the beginning about the nutritional value of spinach. Chocolate and dogs are a well-known example. Can guinea pigs have cooked spinach? Spinach packs high amounts of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. With them constantly having food in their mouths they eat a lot of spinach if they have access to it.  This is the cause of the problem.  Guinea pigs were not made to handle that much calcium forcing them to get painful kidney stones. AND they need a good variety of vegetables. I have always had a deep love and respect for the animal kingdom, and I earned my degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Guinea pigs can eat spinach which includes baby spinach and the larger leaves too. Guinea pigs eat spinach and also eat a wide variety of food to keep a balanced diet. For your Abyssinian guinea pig care, you need to give your guinea pigs the correct guinea pig food amount. The safety issue, therefore, boils down to the amount you feed your pet. Conclusion. Many other domestic animals also eat it, including cattle. However, while fresh spinach is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibrewhich is great, these leaves also contain oxalic acid and you need to be careful how much of this they eat to avoid getting kidney stones. Small quantities issued at least 1-2 times in a week will not harm. Due to the large amounts of food that guinea pigs devour; they usually are constantly eating. Also, guinea pigs I mean Abyssinian or any other breed cannot have a lot of sugar in their diverse diet and that is why spinach is a great food source for. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach? Unfortunately, that fact doesn’t keep pups from liking the taste of spinach. Yes, baby guinea pigs can eat spinach. Guinea pig care is something you want to prepare for though because guinea pigs eat a lot of food. I wrote a complete guide where you can find a list of fruits and vegetables that guinea pigs can and can’t eat. The Reason Behind Those Funny Noises, Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Bite Each Other: Solutions, Rapid Weight Loss In Guinea pigs – Causes, Treatment, Diet, Do Guinea Pigs Smell? When guinea pigs eat spinach leaves they are healthier, more active, and live longer. It also has high amounts of vitamin C, which are critical for the survival of cavies. While you thought that you were helping your friend grow by letting them eat spinach to get all the guinea pig ladies; you might have been severely hurting them. However, you must avoid cooked chayote as it is terrible for our guinea pig’s health. Your guinea pig is more than just a pet. Where do other foods like spinach fit into the picture? Guinea pigs can eat baby spinach and it is very popular, but only in small amounts because of its high calcium content. When you see guinea pigs it is almost impossible not to go straight into “aww mode.”. These supplemental treats can provide the nutrients that feeding him timothy alone would not. But spinach also contains large amounts of calcium, which causes bladder stones in guinea pigs if they consume too much. Monique. English spinach? Too much of a good thing can be overwhelming to your cavy and their diet. Although they love these leafy green vegetables and it should only be given in small quantities a couple of times a week due to the high level of oxalates which can contribute to bladder stones. The main type of kidney stone guinea pigs suffer from are calcium stones. It becomes a problem when these compounds combine with minerals like calcium. Cheers! In addition to it, you must avoid frozen spinach, because the guinea pigs have no ability to consume the frozen foods. Spinach contains several vital nutrients that guinea pigs need, such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. Nutrition. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Red, Orange, Green Peppers? Yes, guinea pigs can eat watercress, whether it’s cooked or uncooked. It is a moderate source of Vitamin C, fiber, and folate that is essential for our guinea pigs. It has small leaves, a tender texture, and a sweet taste in compared to mature, fully formed spinach leaves. (Who could have guessed.) Its root, stem, and leaves are edible as well. If you have frozen spinach make sure it defrosts before you give it to them, as they should not eat things that are frozen. No. Here, you can find an article we wrote answering that commonly asked question. Therein lies the value of foods like spinach for your guinea pig. Yes guinea pigs can eat raw spinach. them. Its leaves are either flat or ruffled a bit. In fact, if only given pellets your Abyssinian or may develop health symptoms that could prove fatal later in life. Yes and No. For cavies, it tastes amazing to be able to eat fresh spinach, although many small children would love to disagree. In addition to hay and granulated dry food, a variety of fresh vegetables (especially leafy greens) and some fruits should be present in the guinea pig’s diet daily. There isn’t a wild counterpart to the domestic guinea pig. It is rich in the amount of Vitamin C as well as Vitamin A. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach? (This guide took me 3 years to do it). Treats like this green and other foods like peppers, carrots, and celery can provide additional vitamins and minerals to ensure that your pet has a complete diet with everything he needs. They also seem to eat non stop. And like with people, it’s good for them. Spinach also contains a lot of vitamins and minerals which will support their health. Kent Garrett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, spinach leaves are high in certain compounds that could cause internal problems in … Abyssinian Guinea pig feeding is not the most complicated thing to do especially if you have experience in guinea pig care. We both have similar nutritional requirements. As an occasional treat, this green is fine for your guinea pig. Spinach became the original nutrient powerhouse, thanks for the likes of the familiar cartoon character, Popeye. Spinach is something that you should not feed your guinea pig too often as it is a food that is high in oxalates. Yes, Guinea pigs can eat spinach for sure, but the quantity served needs to be monitored. Guinea pigs often get bored with their food if their dish contains the same old pellets and veggies day after day. It turns out that this green, like other foods like blackberries, potatoes, and beets, has high amounts of oxalates or oxalic acid in them. 5 years ago. Table of Contents. You won’t get exactly the same reaction but guinea pigs can eat spinach too. 0 0. Like human beings, guinea pigs are unable to produce vitamin C automatically in their body. When eaten along with foods that contain calcium, this can lead to kidney or bladder stones. If you give your cavy spinach, make sure that you also offer him plenty of timothy and fresh water to help prevent the formation of oxalate crystals. You’re probably curious about if he can have people food like spinach. Yes, guinea pigs can eat spinach for sure. Yes, it’s safe to feed your guinea pig spinach. The question of whether you can give your guinea pig spinach rests on two issues. While feeding your guinea pigs spinach just remember to use small amounts about a week at a time. The result is the formation of crystals, which can damage the GI tract of cavies. While feeding your guinea pigs spinach just remember to use small amounts about a week at a time. According to many experts and veterinarians feeding guinea pigs fresh spinach leaves can increase: Spinach is also a cheaper form of alternative nutrition for feeding your guinea pigs compared to expensive vitamin supplements that your guinea pigs would have to have if they did not get enough vitamin C and Vitamin K. According to most veterinarians, guinea pigs eat spinach leaves for their diet to be balanced and well rounded. Stick to the recommended serving size and remember to wash the leaves well! Guinea pig food can sometimes get expensive over time though and that is why you may need to find certain alternatives to your guinea pig food. So if you are enjoying some spinach for yourself, you can feel free to let your guinea pig have some. They also respond well to human contact and handling. They can also cause bladder and kidney stones. Source(s): https://shrink.im/a8LsV. Besides, they are also excellent training aids and offer more ways to bond with your beloved pet. As a licensed veterinarian, I have spent a considerable amount of time studying animals. Although these pellets are nutritious, your cavies still need their occasional fruit and vegetable sustenance for their diet to be fully balanced. Can guinea pigs eat spinach? Usually becoming a five-star rated meal for guinea pigs after the first bite, spinach has many vitamins needed to support a diet for a full growing fluff ball. I recommend you to check out this great ebook, very helpful for new guinea pig owner. Spinach is a source of fiber which is essential for guinea pig digestion, and useful macro-nutrients like potassium and magnesium. Spinach is high in vitamin C and other essential nutrients, and is low in sugar. So, when feeding guinea pigs remember it will not fulfill their sugar intake. Giving them the wrong veggie can poison them and without proper treatment, they can pass away. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kale? It isn’t harmful if your pet eats some. Watercress is enjoyed by guinea pigs a lot, but you should feed them in moderation. Like us humans, guinea pigs have a diverse cuisine contrary to the popular belief of only food pellets. This site is owned and operated by Kent Garrett. These animals are not able to digest the cooked items. In fact they love this leafy green vegetable and will consume as much of it as you give them. The function of the stem is to support the leaf and to carry water and nutrients to the spinach leaf. That way, he can get the benefits of a rich source of vitamin C to keep him healthy. Common Causes And Cures. Overall, it is not poisonous and guinea pigs should eat spinach. Can guinea pigs eat baby spinach? 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