You can safely feed your guinea pig a few small bits of raw pumpkin once or twice a week. Pumpkin is considered a treat. It contains a little vitamin C, but also contains a fair amount of calcium, so it can only be fed occasionally.
A guinea pig’s diet should mainly consist of an unlimited supply of hay, 1/8th cup of pellets and 1 cup of fresh veggies and fruit every day.
Not all types of veggies and fruit can be served daily, that’s why you should know how much of each your guinea pig can eat.
Let’s take a closer look at pumpkin.
Is pumpkin good for guinea pigs?
Pumpkin is a healthy snack for guinea pigs.
- Pumpkins are high in vitamin A, due to its high level of beta carotene (that’s the stuff that makes its orange color). Vitamin A plays a vital role in eye health, skin health, reproductive and the immune system.
- Vitamin C is probably the most important vitamin to guinea pigs because they cannot produce their own. All vitamin C are taken in via their daily diet. Pumpkin contains low levels of vitamin C when compared to broccoli and kale, but actually contains more vitamin C than carrots.
Can too much pumpkin cause health issues?
Even though pumpkin is safe for guinea pigs to eat, too much at once or too often can make them sick. Too much pumpkin can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. Too much calcium in their diet can also cause urinary issues, like kidney or bladder stones.
Can guinea pigs eat pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are not safe to feed to your guinea pigs. Please remember that nuts and seeds should not be fed to guinea pigs and are considered a choking hazard. Pumpkin seeds are also high in fat, so if consumed, your guinea pig would have a hard time digesting them.
Can a guinea pig eat pumpkin leaves and leaf stems?
Most guinea pigs love pumpkin leaves and the leaf stems. This is also considered a treat that’s packed with Iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B. Too much calcium however can contribute to kidney and bladder stones. Recommended feeding of pumpkin leaves and leaf stems are only an inch, once or twice a week.
Can guinea pigs eat pumpkin skin?
Guinea pigs can safely eat pumpkin skin. Not all guinea pigs will like pumpkin skin, but they can eat it if they like.
Can guinea pigs eat hard pumpkin stems?
Guinea pigs should not eat the hard stem or ‘handle’ of the pumpkin, it’s too hard for your guinea pig to chew and digest and offers virtually no nutrition.
Can my guinea pig eat cooked pumpkin?
Guinea pigs can’t eat cooked pumpkin since they can’t properly digest any cooked foods.
Can guinea pigs have pumpkin pie or filling?
Guinea pigs can’t have pumpkin pie at all. Pumpkin pie filling has eggs, sugar and cream in it and none of these are safe for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree?
Guinea pigs should not eat any canned pumpkin because it is processed and contains preservatives. Also, canned and pureed pumpkin may contain other additives like sugar and salt that may cause health problems.
Can guinea pigs eat butternut?
Butternut is very similar to pumpkin, so it’s also considered a treat. Guinea pigs can only be offered butternut once or twice a week instead of pumpkin.
How to serve pumpkin to guinea pigs?
- Only serve fresh raw pumpkin.
- Wash pumpkin thoroughly to remove any possible pesticides.
- Cut off and throw away the thick stem.
- Cut pumpkin into bite size pieces.
- Remove all seeds because of the potential choking hazard.
- Serve to your guinea pig.
- Watch them enjoy it.
Conclusion
Lots of guinea pigs love pumpkin, however not all of them do. When introducing pumpkin, offer them a small piece to sample and watch if they eagerly nibble or ignore it.
Just remember that pumpkin is not a regular food for guinea pigs, just a little treat for now and then.
