Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cabbage? (Which Variety, Serving, Risks & More)

The leafy green vegetable is a staple part of a guinea pigs diet. But what are the vegetables we should feed to our guinea pigs? Is cabbage the right choice for our guinea pigs? Can guinea pigs eat cabbage? How much? Let’s Find Out!

Can guinea pig eat cabbage? Yes, guinea pigs can eat cabbage for sure. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin c & Vitamin K, which is a must for them. On the other hand, they are high in Calcium, and can also lead to bloating. So, we should only serve it in moderation.

Guinea pig needs a cup of fresh raw vegetable daily as vegetables are an essential part of our guinea pigs diet. We must serve a mix of 3-4 types of veggies daily so that they get the right amount of vitamins an minerals for healthy growth.

But how nutritious is cabbage for our cavies? Do they carry lots of nutritional value in them? How much cabbage should be served to a guinea pig? I know there are a lot of questions boggling your mind right now but don’t worry, I have got you covered in this article. Just stay with me till the end of this article, and I shall ensure all your doubts are cleared.

Nutrition In Cabbage?

Source: USDA National Nutrient data base

Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B9, and other vitamins which are needed for healthy growth in the guinea pig.

Vitamin K plays a crucial role by helping in blood clot and prevents excessive bleeding. These vitamins are essential in the growth of guinea pig.

It also helps in improving digestion, boosts the immune system, and also prevents inflammations.

Cabbage is also rich in many minerals like Manganese, Iron, and many other vitamins that are vital for the body. These vitamins help guinea pigs to keep their heart healthy, lowering blood pressure & controlling cholesterol level.

Is It Safe For Cavies To Eat Cabbage? Possible Risks With Cabbage?

Yes, Cabbage is completely safe for guinea pigs until and unless we serve it in moderation. In fact, leafy vegetables are an excellent choice for guinea pigs; however, we must serve it considering the risk involved due to overfeeding of the same.

Cabbage contains a lot of calcium in it. Calcium is good for the development of bones and teeth in young and nursing guinea pigs but can be a risk factor among adults.

Adult guinea pigs are prone to bladder stones due to calcification if they eat a high calcium diet for an extended period. However, if we feed it in moderation, it can be beneficial for them as well.

Another vital downside to consider with Cabbage is it can lead to bloating and diarrhea in guinea pigs.

Most guinea pig owner neglects the fact that guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system and overfeeding or any drastic change in their diet can trigger digestive issues in them.

If you are introducing Cabbage to your guinea pigs, do it very slowly. Start with a small leaf and see if your guinea pigs like it.

If they do, you can gradually increase the quantity over time. However, remember to introduce the veggies very slowly so that they don’t suffer from diarrhea.

Health Benefits Of Cabbage For Cavies Health?

Yes, These leafy green cabbage is an excellent diet for cavies. Cabbage contains the ingredients which are very beneficial to guinea pigs; it improves them to grow.

As we know, cabbage does provide vitamin C and vitamin K for a guinea pig.

A guinea pig cannot produce their own vitamin C in their body, so we need to feed them in sufficient amount to avoid health issue.

Vitamin C and Vitamin K play a significant role in the development of guinea pig health. Vitamin C is also essential for the guinea pig, as a lack of vitamin C cause scurvy in them whereas vitamin K helps in healing wound and preventing excessive bleeding.

Scurvy is one of the most commonly diagnosed disease in guinea pigs.

Cabbage also contains Potassium and Phosphorus, which is also essential for guinea pigs. Potassium helps to maintain consistent blood sugar, whereas phosphorus contributes to managing good health by storing energy, maintaining and repairing tissue and cells of the body.

How often can guinea pigs eat cabbage?

Guinea pigs can eat cabbage in up to 2-3 times a week. Although cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K, it can also lead to a digestive issue in guinea pigs.

So, monitoring the feeding schedule is crucial here. You can throw some cabbage in their diet sometimes but make sure you don’t include it in their daily diet.

Vegetables such as Lettuce, Zucchini, Bell peppers, should be part of their daily diet.

How much cabbage can guinea pigs eat?

Experts recommend serving one to two small leaves of cabbage should be enough for your guinea pigs.

Although your guinea pig will crave for more but serving anything in excess can be bad for your guinea pigs.

Also, the serving size might vary depending upon the age of your guinea pigs. While young guinea pigs can be served a little excess amount as well, the older guinea pigs should only be fed in moderation to avoid bladder stones in them.

Always serves one cup of veggies with a mix of 3-4 vegetables in it so that guinea pigs can get a balance of all nutrients in their diet.

Please note: Guinea pigs who are suffering from bladder stones or have a past record of calcium traces in their urine should not be fed cabbage. Although sparse feeding will not harm much, it is a wise decision to avoid high calcium vegetables completely.

Can guinea pigs eat cabbage leaves?

Yes, guinea pigs can definitely eat cabbage leaves. In fact, cabbage leaves are very nutritional and contain phytochemicals which are essential for our guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat cabbage core(stalk)?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat cabbage core; however, it is best to avoid the core altogether. Cabbage core is the woody texture part of the cabbage which holds the leaves together.

Feeding cabbage core is a debatable topic among guinea pig owners. While some owners say that guinea pigs can eat cabbage along with its core, the others say it should not be fed to your guinea pigs as it can cause a digestive issue in them.

I like to keep it away from my guinea pig although it is up to you to decide what part of cabbage goes into your guinea pigs food bowl.

More FAQ on cabbage for guinea pigs

How to prepare cabbage for your guinea pigs?

• The first step is to choose a good quality cabbage for your guinea pigs. The cabbage you should be fresh. Avoid wilting cabbage entirely. Organic cabbage is the best choice if you can get one for your guinea pig.
• The second step is to wash the cabbage properly. It might contain traces of chemicals on the outer leaf, which can be bad for your guinea pigs.
• The third step is to slit the cabbage in half and remove the stalk and take out 1-2 leaf from it.
• You can either chop it into small pieces or live it as it is and mix it with other veggies for serving.
• Finally, remove any uneaten pieces of vegetables from your guinea pigs cage within a few hours of serving. This shall ensure the uneaten food doesn’t become the home for harmful bacteria to bloom.

Conclusion

• Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other essential minerals and antioxidants.
• Can guinea pigs eat cabbage? Yes, guinea pigs can eat cabbage but the key is to serve it in moderation to avoid health issues in guinea pigs.
• Cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C which is much essential vitamin for guinea pigs. Along with it it also has a lot of other vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for guinea pigs.
• Too much cabbage can lead to bladder stones, bloating, and diarrhea among guinea pigs.
• We should only feed cabbage 2-3 times a week not exceeding one or two small leaves.
• Guinea pigs can eat a wide variety of cabbage including Red, Green, Savoy, Sweetheart, and Napa. Although you must avoid Chinese cabbage entirely as it is high in calcium.
• Also, remember the staple part of the guinea pig’s diet is hay. Vegetables are only a supplement for various vitamins and minerals in a guinea pig’s diet. Under no circumstances, the vegetables can be served as a major portion of their diet.

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