Treats for guinea pigs are a great part of the bonding experience between you and your cavy. We’re here today to make sure that we’re getting that experience right for your guinea pig’s health. There are plenty of healthy ways to “treat” your guinea pig. There’s no reason to give your cavy something that could be harmful. As long as you know better of course!
So let’s run through everything that we’re taking off the table and then we will dive into the goodies that should be in your guinea pig’s life.
What Shouldn’t Be Included In Treats For Guinea Pigs
Humans like to treat themselves with foods high in fat and sugar but when it comes to guinea pigs you need the opposite. A guinea pig’s digestive system is much less forgiving than ours! And their natural diet is much lower in fat than ours.
When you’re on the hunt for treats for guinea pigs, don’t start driving down the path of indulgence. Guinea pigs need treats as close to their natural diet as possible.
Try to think of treats for guinea pigs as an opportunity to include some variety in their diet or small amounts of new tastes and textures. Just these little variations are enough to get your guinea pig excited.
And we will talk more about how to create this variety soon!
Treats High In Fat or Sugar
As mentioned, steer clear away from treats (even when they’re marketed for guinea pigs!) that are high in fat. If you think about what a wild cavy would eat, you can easily see there are no overt fats in their diet and very little fat in the vegetation that they would be munching on. Their digestive system is not designed to handle fats!
Added sugars are also a no-no. There are so many natural ways to get a sweet treat that there’s really no place for sugar in treats for guinea pigs.
Foods high in sugar and fat can lead to obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues. Protect your guinea pig’s digestive system! It’s their means of getting the nutrients and energy they need to live a happy cavy life, as well as ward off illnesses!
Processed Human Foods
Don’t let those cute begging eyes get to you! No matter how cute your guinea pig looks while you’re eating a bag of chips, resist the urge to give them a piece. Chips, cookies, crackers, cereal, etc. are not treats for guinea pigs!
Keep all of your processed foods to yourself. In fact, keep most of your food to yourself. We will talk about when it’s appropriate to share small pieces of fruit, but make sure you aren’t sharing any processed or cooked food with your cavy.
Treats For Guinea Pigs That Everyone Can Get Excited About
The best way to lose the temptation of giving unhealthy treats for guinea pigs is to become very familiar with healthy treats for guinea pigs!
Hay-Based Treats
At least 80% of your guinea pig’s diet should be hay. So what better way to get a treat than with hay? Hay Cubes are simply hay pressed into cubes which gives your guinea pig something they already love, but with a new crunchy texture.
Healthy Snackers is the same idea as Hay Cubes, except with a small amount of dried fruit added! These come in different flavors so if you want to have a growing treat collection, you can!
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a place where you can share your food! But only in moderation. A guinea pig-sized snack is much smaller than a human-sized snack!
You may not think of vegetables as treats for guinea pigs, but they are! Guinea pigs should get leafy greens every day and creating variety with those daily fresh foods is a great way to treat your guinea pig.
Try adding any of these vegetables into the rotation:
red and green leaf lettuce
romaine lettuce
kale
cilantro
parsley
red and green bell pepper
spinach
celery
cabbage
carrot tops
mint
basil
collard greens
Brussels sprouts
turnip greens
Fruits can also be given to guinea pigs but not every day. These should be considered occasional treats but they are a healthy way to get your guinea pig very excited!
Some fruits that your guinea pig can try are:
- apples
- apricots
- bananas
- watermelon
- blueberries
- strawberries (green tops are okay too!)
- raspberries
- plums
- pears
- cherries
- cucumber
- kiwi
- mango
- papaya
Consider a piece of fruit the size of the top of your thumb to be a good size. When adding any new treats for guinea pigs make sure you start slow and small. Watch for any signs of digestive issues:
- low appetite
- loose stools
- constipation
- hunched position
- low energy
Talk to your exotic vet if you have any concerns about your guinea pig’s behavior or diet!
Toys Guinea Pigs Can Snack On
Natural guinea pig toys that double as a snack are some of the best treats for guinea pigs! Don’t you hate it when you get out a treat (for yourself or your cavy) and it’s gone in a matter of seconds?
Treats for guinea pigs can be toys! Mobiles, twigs, sticks, hay balls, chew rings, and fidget sticks are all so much fun for a guinea pig! Plus, they’re a treat that they can enjoy all day! They help your cavy live out their foraging instincts and put their chewing skills to work.
Some Treats For Guinea Pigs Can Be Dangerous
Don’t fall into a slippery slope where you give your guinea pig something “just this once”. Even just once that something can mess up their digestive system causing problems. Guinea pigs can’t throw up. Anything they eat needs to make it all the way through their system.
The best way to love your guinea pig is to give them food that will make them better and not worse! An inappropriate diet is dangerous.
So, cavy parents, bond over healthy food! Share a healthy life with your pets and keep things fun. Give your guinea pig as many days full of zoomies and popcorns as you can.
Living in the UK? We've Got You Covered! Check out the links below to guinea pig care products discussed in the blog:
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
