Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peanuts?

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peanuts?

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Savory, delicious, and – for humans anyway – great for you, peanuts are a high-protein snack that lots of people enjoy.

You’re definitely not alone if you’ve been wondering: Can guinea pigs eat peanuts?

In case you’re in search of a quick answer, here it is: Even though some people give guinea pigs peanuts, your pet shouldn’t eat these legumes for a few different reasons, which were about to uncover.

Stick with us! In a few moments you’ll have all the facts on peanuts for guinea pigs, along with plenty of ideas to consider next time you’re looking for a healthy treat for your g

Peanuts Nutrition Stats

You probably know that peanuts are great for you even though they aren’t suitable for your guinea pig.

A 1/4 cup serving of roasted peanuts gives you approximately:

• 165 calories
• 6 g carbohydrates
• 2 g fiber
• 9 g fat
• 6 g protein

Peanut Nutritional Facts

Peanuts offer lots of minerals and a handful of vitamins, which makes them far more nutritious than many other crunchy snacks.

If you eat a 1/4 cup serving of dry roasted peanuts, you’ll get about:

• 184 mg potassium
• 1 mg calcium
• 3 mg magnesium
• 6 mg iron
• 100 mg phosphorus
• 6 mcg folate
• 9 mg vitamin E
• 8 mg phosphorus
• 5 mg choline
• 6 mg manganese

Can Guinea Pigs Have Peanuts?

No! Even though guinea pigs might be able to chew and swallow peanuts, their digestive tract isn’t designed to accommodate all the fat peanuts contain.

There’s another reason to keep peanuts out of your guinea pig’s diet: Peanuts present a choking hazard. They really aren’t safe for your pet to eat.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peanut Butter?

No! Don’t try to give peanut butter to a guinea pig. Not only is peanut butter high in fat that is impossible for guinea pigs to digest correctly, it often contains added sugar and other ingredients that aren’t good for your pet.

This sticky texture of peanut butter can cause trouble for your guinea pig as well. There’s a risk that your pet might choke if peanut butter is consumed.

Are Peanuts Good For Guinea Pigs?

No – even if the size and shape of peanuts didn’t make them so dangerous for your guinea pig to eat, the nutritional content of peanuts doesn’t provide any benefits for a guinea pig.

When considering the best treats for guinea pigs, it’s important to keep more than flavor in mind.

Just like us humans, guinea pigs aren’t capable of making their own vitamin C. Treats give us the perfect opportunity to supplement this essential nutrient, and unfortunately, peanuts aren’t a good source at all.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Peanuts?

Perhaps – but we’ve never tried giving a guinea pig peanuts simply because of the danger involved. We don’t recommend testing to see whether your guinea pig likes peanuts as it simply isn’t worth the risk.

There are far better treats for your pet to enjoy!

How Many Peanuts Can A Guinea Pig Eat?

None! Since peanuts can endanger your guinea pig’s health, the correct answer to this question is zero.

In case you’re here after the fact and your guinea pig has already eaten peanuts, be sure not to offer this snack again.

If your guinea pig ate peanuts recently, watch for signs of trouble such as difficulty breathing, bloating, diarrhea, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary. Call your vet if your guinea pig is having a health crisis. They’ll be able to provide you with advice and next steps.

How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Peanuts?

Since this is a question that comes up frequently, we thought we’d better answer it.

We are pretty sure you know the answer as well as we do by now – it’s never. Guinea pigs should not eat peanuts – not even one.

The Correct Diet Is Important

Now that you know why guinea pigs should avoid peanuts, let’s talk about what they should be eating instead!

The guinea pig’s natural diet consists of a variety of low-lying plants – mostly grasses. Other things that grow within easy reach are fair game, too.

It’s best to feed your guinea pig a diet that’s similar to what nature intended.

Here are our recommendations for feeding your guinea pig the right way:

• Fresh hay is the cornerstone of your guinea pig’s diet. Let them have an unlimited amount and to be sure to choose a variety of hay that is safe for guinea pigs.
• Since guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C, a daily serving of vitamin C – fortified guinea pig pellets is essential for good health. You can find the correct serving size on the package label.
• Fresh veggies and treats are always appreciated. Your guinea pig can have about 1 cup of leafy greens and chopped up veggies plus tiny amounts of fresh fruit.
• Clean, fresh water needs to be available at all times. Take a moment to rinse and refill your guinea pig’s drinking bottle at least once per day.

Last but not least, it’s important to take care of your guinea pig’s teeth.

Don’t worry! We are suggesting that you brush your pet’s teeth – all you need to do is provide them with some safe guinea pig toys to chew on. Things like hay cubes, untreated softwood sticks, and unbleached loofah are ideal.

There are quite a few fun guinea pig toys out there.

Besides preventing your guinea pig’s teeth from becoming overgrown and potentially infected, these items give your guinea pig something to do. Preventing boredom is one of the best things you can do for your guinea pig’s mental health.

What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Peanuts In A Guinea Pig’s Diet?

Great news! Guinea pigs like a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

Here’s a quick list with some ideas to consider next time you’re shopping for your guinea pig’s treats:

• Apple
• grapes
• carrots
• carrot tops
• Swiss chard
• cilantro
• basil
• parsley
• butter crunch lettuce
• spinach
• Romaine
• arugula
• asparagus
• Green beans
• pumpkin
• Winter squash
• summer squash
• zucchini
• tomato
• cucumber

There are lots of yummy treats for your guinea pig on this list but believe it or not it’s only the beginning!

Many foods you enjoy are also great for your guinea pig, so spend a couple of minutes researching each time you have an idea.

Just as you discovered when you checked into whether it’s safe to give a guinea pig peanuts, certain foods are either unsafe or toxic to guinea pigs. With a quick search, you can treat your pet to delicious treats that are good for them plus you can ensure that you are offering the correct amount.

For now, how about a little slice of cucumber or a grape? Both are perfectly safe treats guinea pigs love!

FAQ: More Answers to Your Questions About Peanuts For Guinea Pigs

Are peanuts safe for guinea pigs?

No – the size and shape of peanuts makes them a choking hazard. It isn't safe to give a guinea pig peanuts.

Can peanuts make my guinea pig sick?

Yes, unfortunately peanuts can make your guinea pig very sick. If your guinea pig manages to swallow a peanut or two, they may have difficulty digesting the fats in the peanuts.
even if your guinea pig doesn't end up with indigestion or diarrhea, eating peanuts can lead to serious complications over time. Never give a guinea pig peanuts.

Is peanut butter safe for guinea pigs?

No - peanut butter can stick in your guinea pig's throat and cause choking. It's also too high in fat for your guinea pig to digest appropriately.

Can peanut butter make my guinea pig sick?

Yes - peanut butter can make your guinea pig very sick, as it isn't digestible. Peanut butter is mostly fat, and many varieties also contain added salt and sugar. Never give peanut butter to a guinea pig.