If bunnies and rabbits can eat celery then why can’t Guinea pigs too? This article talks about the reasons why Guinea pigs can eat celery. And how you are supposed to feed them. Guinea pigs have a smaller metabolic function. Even though they can eat celery, it would be a health hazard they eat too much.
Including fresh fruits and vegetables into your Guinea pig’s diet is good. However, it’s important to stay within a limit in order to prevent health conditions. Such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, etc. Especially if your guinea pig has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to certain kinds of foods.
Now, the ideal guinea-pig diet consists of pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and hay. Hay and pellet are must-have foods that are part of not most but all the meals for a guinea pig.
So if you’re wondering how often to feed this crunchy and bitter green veggie. And in what amounts is it ideal for any Guinea pig? The answer you’re seeking is in what follows.
Guinea Pig Safe Vegetables
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery?
Did you know? The main part of celery is usually discarded in supermarkets and even while cooking. That’s the part that Guinea pigs actually do love eating.
So celery can make a great addition to spice up your Guinea pigs meals. Celery consists of a stalk and the leaves. The nutrition content is necessary to know before feeding.
Primarily because it is low in calories and in vitamin C. Though it has high levels of oxalates. This could cause a health problem if consumed in high amounts. Other nutrients include calcium and phosphorus.
This concludes that feeding a small piece of celery with hay or pellets. And mixing it with other green leafy vegetables a few times a week is the ideal amount. Completely eliminate feeding your guinea pig celery on a daily basis.
You ask any veterinarian this and they’d recommend the same thing. Even though celery is non-toxic and is out of harm’s way for a guinea pig. It contains high levels of oxalates. Other vegetables like beetroot, spinach, green beans have the same amount of oxalates. So avoid feeding those, too, on a regular basis along with celery.
This begs the following question:
What Do Oxalates Do?
Studies indicate that a high oxalate count in the body of a guinea pig can result in stones. This refers to bladder stones, kidney stones, and urinary tract stones. It may also cause other digestive conditions. Such as intestinal blockage, indigestion, and gas.
Things could be worse if your guinea pig is sensitive to certain kinds of food. Or has certain pre-existing health conditions related to the kidneys or bladder? If you think something like this could seriously affect your pet pig. Then, it’s best to consult the doctor before feeding celery. Even if it’s not on a regular basis.
Contrary to popular belief, oxalates are not toxic compounds. They are naturally-occurring compounds. However, if consumed in higher amounts, it can lead to serious health conditions.
This may also apply to other types of foods that are high in fats or sodium. The only way to avoid such an adverse reaction is to practice moderation. Feed to nourish, not to overindulge your pet guinea pig.
Is It Good for Your Guinea Pig?
You have enough information, by now, about why you shouldn’t overfeed celery. But what about the good stuff? I’m sure you like to know whether there are any benefits of feeding celery to your pet pig.
Well, not to surprise you, but there are!
You already know celery is not toxic for Guinea pigs. So there are ways that it can be good too.
For example, it contains vitamin C. The fruits and veggies that Guinea pigs consume get absorbed faster than humans. Guinea pigs digest nutrients like vitamins and minerals in a unique way. Their fast digestive system allows quick absorption of vitamin C without a fuss.
This means a guinea pig can reap the benefits of vitamin C when fed in small amounts. Such as better growth and development, healthy organ system, and strong muscles.
You’d be relieved to know that vitamin C is an essential nutrient in a Guinea pigs diet. And so it is also present in other foods such as pellets and hay. Some Guinea pigs are given vitamin C tablets due to the lack of proper nutrition. Overall, it aids a pig’s muscular growth and connective tissues.
Ways to Feed Celery to a Guinea Pig
Between raw and cooked celery, Guinea pigs are more comfortable eating uncooked food. Especially when it comes to nibbling on green leafy vegetables. Cooking celery can have certain risks. For example, celery can turn toxic after cooking it with other ingredients.
The best results it’s better to feed any vegetable including celery raw. A guinea pig has sharp teeth so it helps to maintain proper dental care. And prevent overgrown teeth if you allow them to nibble and chew on crunchy leafy greens.
Final Thoughts
It’s best to know what’s good for your guinea pig before making a mistake.
You don’t want your pet pig to consume too much of what is not healthy for him. So it’s best to consider celery as an occasional treat. Something that you can mix with pellets and hay or else other leafy vegetables.
Guinea pigs enjoy munching on slightly hard but raw vegetables. And as a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to control how much to feed. Or else, if it were up to your guinea pig, he will never satiate his hunger. They tend to gain weight much faster if their diet is out of control.
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