Article: Bad Foods

[PigPog]

Bad Foods
Do not give any of these foods to your guinea pig under any circumstances (unless an exception has been made in this guide).

Beetroot Leaves
These are poisonous and can cause heart problems because of the high level of folic acid.

Cat and Dog Foods
Meat based and intended for canines and felines only.

Chillis, Garlic, Hot Peppers and Onions
These are far too strong to give to your guinea pig.

Chocolate
Quite simply not intended to be given to guinea pigs.

Dairy Products (cheese, cream, etc)
Most dairy products are unsuitable for consumption by guinea pigs, however as guinea pigs are not born lactose intolerant there may be exceptions. These exceptions are bread soaked in milk which may be given to weaning pups and mothers (see the Guinea Piglopaedia book, page 159, section 4; and Guinea Pigs by Karen Bawoll, page 109), and Actimel probiotic yoghurt for tummy upsets to be given during the course of anti-biotics.

Human Beverages
All beverages intended for human consumption (e.g. fizzy drinks, fruit juice, coffee, tea, milkshakes, etc) should never be given to guinea pigs.

Human Junk Food
Burgers, hotdogs, chips/french fries, crisps/chips, sweets, etc are all completely unsuitable to feed to your guinea pig.

Human Sandwich Spreads
Do not give jelly, jams, fruit preserves, Marmite, Veggiemite, patés, honey (often found in some commercial treats), peanut butter, butter, margarine, etc.

Iceberg Lettuce
This has no nutritional value and is high in water so may cause loose droppings and diarrhea.

Meat or Fish
Guinea pigs are herbivores. They do not eat any types of meat or fish, or anything with meat or fish in it.

Mushrooms
Poisonous. Don't give any type of mushroom under any circumstances.

Nuts and Seeds
High in fat, can get stuck in teeth and are a choking hazard. Seeds are often found in some commercial treats.

Rabbit Feed
Never give dry rabbit mix to a guinea pig. Rabbit feed often contains rabbit antibiotics, pellets formulated exclusively for a rabbit diet, and does not contain the essential Vitamin C that guinea pigs require. Give dry mix that is intended to be eaten by guinea pigs.

Rhubarb
Poisonous. Don't give any part of rhubarb under any circumstances.


Extract taken from my feeding guide at:
www.rodentswithattitude.co.uk/generalcare_feeding.html

[eppingstrider]

I think I read that chocolate is poisonous for them. And not to give potatoes, because of the risk of there being some slight greening (which is bad for us too, but not as lethal as for guinea pigs).

[eppingstrider]

Most herbs are fine, but not chives which are part of the onion family.

Mint is usually a good one for digestive disorders (try peppermint tea if you cant cope the morning after a heavy party!) and may tempt piggies with poorly tummies. Thyme also has restorative properties. ;D

Tarragon is a prized culinary herb and the only plant of the artemesia family that is edible for humans, the rest are poisonous, from mildly to very. I would be very cautious about tarragon and guinea pigs as I reckon it's what made George ill.