Guinea pigs are vegetarians, eating only grasses, flowers, leaves, berries, and stems.
Peanuts contain too much fat and are risky for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can’t absorb these nutrients, causing diarrhea.
Peanuts are not poisonous to guinea pigs but can cause indigestion, diarrhea, and severe complications. Peanut butter, peanut crackers, peanut shells, and salted, unsalted, raw, and roasted peanuts are toxic to guinea pigs and rich in fat. Guinea pigs eat fresh hay and greens.
Guinea pigs are herbivores and should eat fresh hay and leafy veggies for fiber and health. Guinea pigs need Vitamin C from their food because they cannot make it. Bell peppers, kale, spinach, and citrus are Vitamin C-rich. Guinea pigs need fresh water daily to avoid dehydration.
Before feeding guinea pigs, learn their caloric needs. Guinea pigs’ sensitive digestive systems make diet shifts dangerous. Avoid feeding your guinea pig foods you’re not sure about. Before changing your guinea pig’s diet, contact a vet, and never feed them human food.
As a guinea pig owner, I know a balanced meal’s importance. My guinea pigs eat fresh hay, kale, spinach, green lettuce, and a little fruit like strawberries and blueberries. I always fill and clean their water bottle. I never feed them peanuts, peanut butter, or human food because it can harm them. I keep my guinea pigs happy and healthy with balanced food.
Do Peanuts Contain Any Toxins?
Peanuts are a heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich food.
Protein-rich. They contain the most plant-based protein on Earth (35).
The nervous system, bowels, and skin need iron and zinc, which nuts provide. They provide vitamin E and folate.
Some fear almonds contain aflatoxin. This toxic mold grows on peanuts stored in warm and humid silos and causes serious health problems in Africa and Asia. Still, American peanut farmers and processors follow strict government-mandated production, storage, and testing standards to minimize aflatoxin contamination in human and animal food sources.
Are Peanuts Safe for Guinea Pigs?
Do Guinea pigs eat dry-roasted peanuts? Dry-roasted peanuts are fine for guinea pigs in moderation. Don’t overfeed these nuts because they’re rich in fat.
Guinea pigs consume too much calcium, which is unhealthy. Calcium excess can cause kidney-bladder stones, painful urination, and urinary illnesses.
Pigs only eat plain peanut butter. Check the label for added salt or other unsafe additives.
Almonds and peanut butter are too fatty for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs may get diarrhea or dehydration from these fatty meals.
What Are the Potential Risks of Feeding Peanuts to Guinea Pigs?
Your guinea pig may enjoy dry-roasted peanuts as a treat. Beware of the risks.
Peanuts cause dyspepsia, diarrhea, and other health issues in guinea pigs.
Peanuts have too much oil and salt for guinea pigs. These harmful substances cannot be digested, raising their risk of obesity and other diseases.
Peanuts’ high sugar level increases their diabetes risk.
Overfeeding guinea pigs with calcium is another risk. Older guinea pigs may develop milky urine, renal or bladder stones, and other issues.
What Should Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs need high-fiber, low-sugar, low-starch food. They should be given unlimited Timothy hay and smaller volumes of commercial, high-fiber Timothy hay-based guinea pig pellets (see below).
Guinea pigs can eat tiny amounts of fresh produce throughout the day. Romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale, celery, endive, cauliflower, carrot tops, and beet greens are highly beneficial.
Only 5% of their diet should be fruits. To avoid stomachaches and diarrhea, serve them in tiny bites.
Dried toasted peanuts are a treat for sweet-toothed guinea pigs. However, dried, roasted peanuts are too salty for them, and some treats are toxic.
