Guinea pigs are omnivores. Unfortunately, they cannot digest meat.
Rhubarb’s high oxalic acid content is toxic to guinea pigs, causing kidney damage or death.
Guinea pigs eat mostly hay, veggies, and fruits. Knowing what to give guinea pigs is crucial. Guinea pigs’ digestive system needs a special diet. Avoid oxalic-rich foods like rhubarb.
Rhubarb is unsafe for guinea pigs. Rhubarb poisons guinea pigs. Guinea pigs should eat hay, veggies, and fruits. Healthy food without toxins will keep your cat happy and healthy.
I have guinea pigs and know how important a balanced meal is. I study and avoid harmful pet food. Once, I mistakenly fed my guinea pig rhubarb, and it caused severe stomach distress. My guinea pig was unwell for days and required veterinary treatment. Since then, I have been extra careful about what I feed my pets and ensure they receive a balanced diet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rhubarb?
Guinea pigs need hay, grass, fresh produce, and high-quality pellets. They also need clean, room-temperature water at all times.
In moderation, guinea pigs enjoy fruits. A weekly apple slice or strawberry should be enough.
Before feeding your pet fruit, wash it. Remove seeds and pits to avoid choking.
Fruits are sugary, so feed small amounts. Overfeeding piggies can cause weight gain and digestive issues.
Why Can’t Guinea Pigs Eat Rhubarb?
Guinea pigs are herbivores and enjoy foraging in nature for fresh vegetables and herbs. They may enjoy eating dandelions or plantain.
Guinea pigs prefer certain plants and flowers, but not all are safe. Some are poisonous or harmful.
Give your guinea pig only safe, fresh fruits and vegetables. Offer small portions twice or thrice a month to keep your pet healthy.
Guinea pigs should only eat fresh produce without sugar, calcium, or oxalates. Avoid meat, dairy, onions, leeks, potatoes, tomato vines or leaves, nuts, dried beans, candy, iceberg lettuce, rhubarb bread buttercups, and most vines like periwinkle and ivy.
Rhubarb’s Dangers to Guinea Pigs
Rhubarb contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can damage kidneys and kill guinea pigs.
Oxalic acid is safe when cooked or made into rhubarb tea, but guinea pigs should not eat it raw. This acid causes gastric ulcers, bloating, and nausea.
Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which can cause harmful calcium oxalate stones in guinea pigs’ urine.
Guinea Pigs need a vitamin C-rich diet because they cannot produce it. Without it, guinea pigs may get scurvy and weak.
Fortunately, guinea pigs can eat many healthy foods. The Guinea Pig Safe Food List is a comprehensive pet feeding guide!
Alternatives to Rhubarb
Fortunately, you can reward your cavy with safe fruits and vegetables. Guinea pigs need vitamin C from many vegetables.
Guinea pigs should also snack on tomatoes. Remove all green parts (stems and leaves) as they are toxic.
Guinea pigs love cucumber snacks. They provide Vitamin C, but too much can cause guinea pig bloating.
Guineas love vitamin-rich oat hay, but only in small amounts. Your pet can also eat meadow hay, but only as a supplement. Calcium, iron, and potassium are abundant.
