Can Guinea Pigs Eat Radishes?
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Radishes are a crunchy, low carb snack with plenty of zip. If you like them, you might be wondering whether you can share with your cavy.
Can guinea pigs have radishes? If so, how much radish can a guinea pig eat, and how often can they have them?
The quick answer is this: Guinea pigs can eat radishes, but most cavies don’t really care for these vegetables.
There’s a slight twist to this particular tale, though: Guinea pigs really like radish tops and these are on the list of items cavies can have as well.
So we’ll talk about both topics and by the time we’re finished, you’ll know all about radishes for guinea pigs.
Radish Nutrition Stats
Radishes are crunchy and spicy, with a flavor people tend to love or hate – there really is very little in-between territory here.
If you like radishes and you eat an entire cup of radish slices, you’ll get approximately:
- 19 calories
- 4 g carbohydrates
- 9 g fiber
- .8 g protein
- .1 g fat
Radish Nutritional Facts
Radishes absorb minerals from the soil and produce vitamins, too. They’re fairly nutritious, even though they are mostly made of water.
That same cup of radish slices provides about:
- 2 mg vitamin C
- 1 vitamin A
- 270 mg potassium
- 29 mg calcium
- 6 mg magnesium
- .4 mg iron
- 5 mcg vitamin K
- 29 mcg folate
- 3 mg phosphorus
Can Guinea Pigs Have Radishes?
Yes, you can give your guinea pig radishes and radish tops. Make sure that you give everything a good scrub before passing it on to your cavy.
Are Radishes Good For Guinea Pigs?
Just as radishes are a healthy addition to your diet, they’re good for your guinea pig! The leaves are a great source of vitamin C, which is a nice bonus.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Radishes?
Here’s the rub: Most guinea pigs do not like radishes, in fact, most will ignore a radish even if it’s beautifully sliced!
If you give your guinea pig radish tops though, it’s quite likely that the gesture will be appreciated. Cavies normally like radish leaves and nibble them eagerly.
How Much Radish Can A Guinea Pig Eat?
Whether your guinea pig likes radishes or prefers the tops only, it’s important to offer the right amount.
Here’s how much radish a to feed your guinea pig:
| Age | Amount |
| Baby guinea pig | None |
| Adult guinea pig | 2 radishes or 3 radish tops |
The best way to determine if your guinea pig likes radishes and/or radish leaves is to clean up a radish and put the whole thing (top and bulb) in for your guinea pig to try. Your guinea pig will show you what they like and dislike, so you’ll know whether to offer this treat next time you have it on hand.
How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Radishes?
If your guinea pig likes radishes and / or radish tops, you can offer them a serving two or three times per week. Radishes are low in oxalates and calcium, so it’s fine to combine them with other veggies that do have oxalates, i.e. kale and spinach.
The Correct Diet is Important
Your guinea pig should eat a healthy diet that aims to mimic the diet a guinea pig would eat in the wild. Wild guinea pigs eat a variety of low-lying grasses and other vegetation that grows close to the ground, along with other items that they forage; small bits of berry might occasionally make their way into a guinea pig’s diet for example, but wouldn’t be a large part of the wild cavy’s daily intake.
That’s why animal nutritionists recommend specially formulated guinea pig pellets with plenty of vitamin C added. You’ll want to check your pet’s food package for the correct pellet serving size.
Besides this essential, you should feed your guinea pig the following:
- One cup of leafy greens and chopped crunchy veggies each day, split into at least two separate servings.
- Unlimited fresh hay such as Timothy for nibbling.
- Unlimited supply of clean, fresh water. Remember to clean and refill your guinea pig’s drinking bottle every day, even if they don’t drink the entire bottle.
Besides proper nutrition, your guinea pig needs dental care. Don’t worry – you don’t have to brush their teeth for them!
But you do need to help them keep their teeth worn down to the proper level. This is easier than it sounds: Just make sure that they always have access to safe chew toys such as apple wood sticks or hay cubes.
What Are Other Healthy Alternatives To Radishes In A Guinea Pig’s Diet?
Cavies need plenty of veggies, so what should you give them? While you’ll want to check each item to find out how much to give and how often, here are some ideas to help you get started with guinea pig menu planning.
- asparagus
- artichoke
- carrot
- carrot tops
- romaine
- beets
- beet tops
- arugula
- swiss chard
- spinach
- endive
- escarole
- cabbage
- brussels sprouts
- bok choy
- yu choy
- basil
- cilantro
- mint
- parsley
- butter lettuce
- buttercrunch lettuce
- bibb lettuce
- cucumber
- bell pepper
- rocket
- broccoli
- broccolini
- cauliflower
- watercress
- green beans
- zucchini
- summer squash
- parsnip
- pumpkin
- sweet potato
- tomato
Most veggies that are good for you are also good for your guinea pig, and lots of fruits are great for cavies, too. Just remember to do a little research before you give your piggie anything new!
For now, try a little experiment. Giving your guinea pig radishes is a fun way to see what your guinea pig likes while perhaps adding a bit of extra nutrition to their day.
FAQ
Are radishes safe for guinea pigs?
Yes, so long a they’re well washed, radishes are OK to give to guinea pigs.
Can radishes make my guinea pig sick?
A more likely scenario is that your guinea pig won’t like the bottom portion of the radish (the spicy bulb that we humans eat!) but that they will enjoy radish tops. So long as you only offer a few radish tops at a time, your cavy should be just fine. Remember though, that any sudden dietary change can cause diarrhea and discomfort. Stick to the recommended amount to prevent any issues and keep your guinea pig healthy.
