Kale is a great guinea pig food! It contains Vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, magnesium, protein, and fiber.
Due to its high calcium content, too much of this leafy green can cause bladder stones in guinea pigs. Overconsumption may also cause bone pain and rough skin in these small mammals.
Kale’s high calcium and potassium content can cause bladder stones and increased thirst in guinea pigs if they eat too much. Thus, guinea pigs should be fed kale 2-3 times weekly. Make sure they eat a range of fresh vegetables and leafy greens.
Wash and remove tough stems and spines before giving your guinea pig kale. To avoid stomach upset, gently introduce it in small amounts. You can feed your guinea pig other safe vegetables if they don’t like kale.
Kale is a treat my guinea pigs love. I give them tiny amounts mixed with cucumber and bell pepper. I’ve found that my guinea pigs like kale, but monitoring their behavior and health is essential when trying new foods.
Vitamin C
Guinea pigs need the antioxidant vitamin C. It prevents scurvy.
Guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency may have an itchy coat, ulcers on their skin or gums, diarrhea, tooth problems, and swollen feet or joints.
Providing 93.4 mg of vitamin C per 100g, kale is ideal for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs need calcium and iron. Lack of these nutrients can cause lethargy and appetite loss.
Like other vegetables, kale should be served in moderation. Large portions can cause diarrhea in pets.
Calcium
Guinea pigs must eat green leafy vegetables to stay healthy. Kale, high in Vitamin C, is recommended by veterinarians for guinea pigs.
Too much calcium in kale can harm guinea pigs. Too much calcium can cause bladder stones in these small animals.
To avoid this, there are many low-calcium foods you can feed them. Monitor their calcium: phosphorus ratio.
Your guinea pig’s vegetables and fruits’ calcium: phosphorus ratio can be calculated online for free. A ratio between 1.3:1 and 1.6:1 ensures adequate calcium without overfeeding.
Phosphorus
Kale is a healthy green vegetable for guinea pigs. Kale contains Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Iron keeps guinea pigs’ blood healthy. Iron deficiency reduces appetite and energy.
Kale is rich in Vitamin C, which prevents guinea pig scurvy and speeds wound healing. Scurvy causes lethargy, diarrhea, swollen joints, and poor skin.
For strong bones, guinea pigs need phosphorus and calcium. Muscle contraction and relaxation require it.
Guinea pigs need a kale leaf 2-4 times a week to balance their phosphorus and calcium levels. Serve kale with Timothy hay for complete nutrition.
Carbohydrates
Guinea pigs need carbs. They boost energy and digestion.
Low in fat and high in fiber, they keep blood vessels open. Potassium helps regulate your pet’s blood pressure and prevent bladder stones.
Your guinea pig can eat other vegetables besides kale. Corn, parsley, green beans, and peas are also good.
Guinea pigs need a varied diet to stimulate their taste buds and prevent food allergies. Offering vegetables and fruit early on may help picky eaters try new things.
