Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tomatoes?

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tomatoes?

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

If you’re like us, you love tomatoes on your salad and you might even enjoy tomato sandwiches on summer’s hottest days. What about your guinea pig, though? Is it OK to feed tomatoes to a guinea pig, and if so, how much can they eat?

The good news is that guinea pigs can eat tomatoes – but only a certain amount, and only certain parts of the tomato.

Keep reading – our full guide to tomatoes for guinea pigs has all the answers you need.

Tomato Nutrition Stats

Even though you’ll find tomatoes alongside veggies such as cucumber and celery when you visit the produce stand or farmer’s market, these delicious gems are technically fruits!

Now that you’re in the know, here are some facts about tomato nutrition.

f you eat an entire ripe, raw, medium-sized tomato, you’ll get about:

• 22 calories
• 8 g carbohydrates
• 5 g fiber
• 1 protein
• .2 g fat

Tomato Nutritional Facts

Nutritionists are quick to point out that tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants including lycopene, plus they’re a great source of vitamins A and C. There are other essential vitamins and minerals in tomatoes too.

That same medium-sized ripe tomato offers approximately:

• 1025 iu vitamin A
• 292 mg potassium
• 4 mcg folate
• 6 mg vitamin C
• 1 mg vitamin B6
• 1 mg manganese
• trace amounts:
  • vitamin E
  • calcium
  • magnesium
  • iron
  • phosphorus
  • zinc
  • copper

Can Guinea Pigs Have Tomato?

Absolutely! Even though tomatoes have a little bit of calcium, it really isn’t enough to worry about unless your vet has advised you to ensure that your pet avoids calcium altogether due to bladder sludge or kidney stones. it’s normally safe to give tomato to a cavy.

When treating guinea pigs to tomatoes, be sure to remove any stems, pieces of vine, and leaves that might be present. These are toxic and shouldn’t be consumed, even in small amounts.

Are Tomatoes Good For Guinea Pigs?

Since guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C, it’s important to ensure that they get plenty from the foods they eat. High vitamin C content makes tomato an excellent all-natural treat for your guinea pig.

The fact that these tasty treats don’t contain anything artificial – including harmful high-fructose corn syrup – means they’re a great choice.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Tomatoes?

Great question! While not all guinea pigs like tomatoes, many really enjoy them. Go ahead and offer your cavy a bit of tomato and see whether they like it, or if they’d prefer something different.

How Much Tomato Can A Guinea Pig Eat?

That’s a great question and we’re glad you asked!

Here’s how much tomato a to feed your guinea pig:

Age	Amount
Baby guinea pig	None
Adult guinea pig	2 to 3 cherry tomatoes or equivalent

If you’re in the habit of adding cherry tomatoes to your own salad, you can feel free to give some tomato to your guinea pig at the same time. If you slice up larger tomatoes, you can offer as much as two tablespoons at a time.

Just like any other new food, tomato needs to be introduced gradually. Start by giving your cavy about ½ a cherry tomato or a teaspoon of sliced tomato.

Watch your pet carefully for the next 12 hours, looking for signs of abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. If everything goes well, you can gradually increase the amount of tomato you offer over the next several days until your cavy is eating a full serving of tomato.

How Often Can A Guinea Pig Eat Tomatoes?

Tomatoes do contain sugar but not nearly as much as other fruits have. It’s OK to give a cavy tomato up to four times weekly, but not on the same days as other acidic foods since too much acid can lead to mouth sores.

Cut back tomatoes, apples, grapes, and other acidic treats if you notice a problem; things like cucumber, celery, and watermelon might be better for the time being.

The Correct Diet Is Important

Guinea pigs are native to South America, where their natural diet consists of low-growing plants and grasses. It’s vital to provide your pet with a diet that’s as close to all-natural as possible!

Each day, ensure that your cavy has access to:

• Guinea pig pellets with vitamin C added (See the label for the correct serving size)
• Unlimited fresh hay such as Timothy for nibbling, nesting, and tunneling; the constant chewing will help keep your guinea pig’s teeth from becoming overgrown and the fibers will keep their digestive system running smoothly
• Fresh, clean water; rinse and refill your guinea pig’s drinking bottle at least once each day
• About one cup of fresh vegetables daily, preferably divided into two portions and offered at different times

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

Cavies are famous for enjoying a wide variety of foods, so you have tons of options when it comes to feeding your guinea pig. Remember to rotate through different foods to ensure good nutrition and prevent oxalic acid from building up, and your guinea pig will thank you!

Here’s a list of some favorite guinea pig veggies:

• artichoke
• parsley
• carrot
• carrot tops
• cilantro
• basil
• romaine
• bell pepper
• spinach
• mint
• beets
• beet tops
• arugula
• swiss chard
• endive
• butter lettuce
• green beans
• cucumber
• buttercrunch lettuce
• bibb lettuce
• escarole
• rocket
• cabbage
• parsnip
• sweet potato
• watercress
• cauliflower
• yu choy
• asparagus
• bok choy
• brussels sprouts
• zucchini
• summer squash
• pumpkin
• tomato
• broccolini
• broccoli

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of fruits and veggies that are perfectly safe for your guinea pig to eat, but do remember to look for specific information concerning serving size and how often to offer each food before introducing new items.

Giving your guinea pig tomato is a nice way to increase vitamin C intake while adding interest to their day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tomatoes safe for guinea pigs?

Yes, tomatoes are safe for cavies to eat! You’ll want to wash your tomatoes very well to remove any chemical residue, plus you’ll want to watch for signs of diarrhea.

Can tomatoes make my guinea pig sick?

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C for guinea pigs but they’re also relatively high in acid which can lead to mouth sores – that’s why you’ll need to offer small amounts just a few times per week. Keep in mind that tomatoes are nice treats, but they shouldn’t be a major part of your guinea pig’s diet.