Getting your guinea pig’s diet balanced can be a challenge for a lot of guinea pig owners. Apart from that, the confusing information on the internet regarding what fruits can guinea pigs eat can make it much more difficult.
So, I decided to consult a team of experts alongside some other references to create this ultimate resource for all the guinea pigs owners out there.
Fruits are an integral part of the guinea pig’s diet. Fruit not only serves as a treat and refreshment but also is a great source of nutrients needed by our guinea pigs.
If you can include some healthy fruits in your guinea pig’s diet then it will not only keep them healthy but happy as well.
If you are a beginner then you can learn more about Guinea pig’s diet and 70+ Vegetables for guinea pigs from our in-depth guide.
You can continue to read till the end to learn more about the benefits of fruits for our guinea pigs and what fruits they can eat, in what quantities, and what are the advantages and hazards of the same.
Are fruits beneficial for guinea pigs?
Yes, fruits are beneficial for our guinea pigs. Not only fruits act as a treat, which helps us train our guinea pigs but also carries a lot of nutritional values in them.
Fruits are also rich in antioxidants, which helps in the prevention of a lot of diseases.
Guinea pigs need a lot of Vitamin C and other nutrients in their diet, which they cannot produce on their own. Thus, adding some fruits can supplement the need of those nutrients in their diet.
Fruits for guinea pigs:
| Fruits for guinea pigs | Benefits for guinea pigs? | Suggested feeding | Hazard to look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can guinea pigs eat Apricots? | Apricots have an abundance of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B-6. | Small slice once in a week or so. | Too much serving can cause bloating and stomach upset. |
| Can guinea pig eat Avocado? | No, Avoid it Completely. | Not to be fed at all. | High in fat can cause serious health issues. |
| Can guinea pig eat Banana? | Bananas are rich in fiber and other nutrients which helps the guinea pig with nutrients upkeep. | Serving should be limited to a small piece, not more than 15-20 grams or so once a week. | Overfeeding can cause digestive diseases like constipation and diarrhea. |
| Can guinea pig eat Blackberries? | Blackberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C. | One small blackberry once a week. | It contains high sugar, which led to stomach upset, diabetes, and obesity. |
| Can Guinea pig eat Blackcurrant? | Blackcurrant contains an extraordinarily high amount of vitamin C, which is fabulous. | Once a week in tiny quantity. | It is highly acidic, which can cause lip sores. It also contains high sugar content, which can lead to obesity and other heal issues if fed regularly. |
| Can Guinea pig eat Blueberries? | Blueberries contain antioxidants and vitamins, which are beneficial for guinea pigs. | It can be served in a tiny quantity. | It can sometimes lead to mouth sores if feed in large quantities. |
| Can Guinea pig eat Breadfruit? | Breadfruit is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and Flavenoids. | It can be served in a small quantity once a week. | Avoid breadfruit skin, as it is tough to ingest. |
| Can guinea pig eat Cantaloupe? | Cantaloupe contains high Vitamin C and Vitamin A which are essential for guinea pigs | You can feed a small portion one to two times a week. | Make sure you moderate the quantity of cantaloupe in their diet as it contains sizable amount of sugar in it which is bad for your guinea pigs. Also, its seeds pose a risk for their tiny throats. |
| Can guinea pig eat carambola (Star Fruit)? | Star fruit contains a healthy amount of Vitamin C and other nutrients in it. | Serve in small quantity (one or two slices)Not more than once or twice a week. | Remove the hard part of the skin, also feed in moderation as it contains some natural acids, which can lead to diarrhea and lip sore. |
| Can guinea pig eat Cherimoya (Sugar-Apple)? | Sugar apple is high in Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and potassium. | Serve it once in a week in a minimal amount as it contains high sugar. | Make sure you offer them only the flesh part as skin and seeds of sugar apple are hazardous for them. |
| Can guinea pig eat Cherries? | Cherries are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C; it also lowers the risk of Scurvy and chronic heart diseases. | Must be served in small quantities to avoid obesity & diabetes in guinea pigs. | Remove seeds, stems & leaves, if any, as they contain traces of cyanide, which is toxic for your guinea pigs. |
| Can Guinea pig eat Clementine? | Clementines are a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. | Serve in moderation to avoid mouth sores due to its acidic nature. | Remove the seed carefully as it poses choking hazards. |
| Can guinea pig eat Coconut? | No, avoid it. | Not at all. | Too high in fat. Some piggies are allergic to it. |
| Can guinea pig eat Cranberries? | Cranberries contain Vitamin C and other vital nutrients. They are also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). | It can be served 1-2 times a week. Feed only 2-3 small pieces at once. | Too much consumption can lead to digestive issues and bladder stones as well. |
| Can guinea pig eat Date Fruit? | Avoid feeding if possible! | It is rich in sugar which is bad for your guinea pigs. | It is high in sugar that can cause diabetes and obesity. |
| Can guinea pig eat Durian? | Durian is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Copper, Folate, and other essential nutrients. | Only serve in Small quantities once in week. | It is acidic and contains a lot of fats; thus, it should be fed sparsely. |
| Can guinea pig eat Elderberries? | Elderberries are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Folate. | We can serve 1-2 pieces once or twice a week. | It is acidic, which can cause lip sore, and it also contains some high calcium, which can lead to bladder stones if fed regularly. |
| Can guinea pig eat Feijoa (Pineapple Guava or Guavasteen )? | Feijoa is rich in Vitamin C and other essential minerals that are beneficial for our guinea pigs. | We can serve a slice or two once in a week or so. | Make sure to remove the skin as it is non-edible for our guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Figs? | Figs help to prevent blood clot as it contains vitamin K. It is also rich in Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-5, and other Vitamins. | Only feed them once per week in a minimal quantity. | It is very high in sugar and should only be fed occasionally. |
| Can guinea pig eat Gooseberries? | Gooseberry is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron. It contains no sugar, which is excellent news for our guinea pigs. | It can be served twice a week in small quantities. Try offering a small berry to your guinea pigs. | It is acidic and can lead to lip sores and indigestion if fed regularly. |
| Can guinea pig eat Grapefruit? | Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and Vitamin A, which helps in the vision and immune system. | Can be served as a treat as it contains high sugar. Feed a small slice once in a week only. | It can cause mouth Sores and diabetes in guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Grapes? | Grapes contains lots of vitamins and antioxidants, which helps in the overall growth of guinea pigs. | You can feed grapes once a week or so. Do not offer more than one to two pieces at a time. | It must be served in small portions to prevent obesity and other health issues. |
| Can guinea pig eat Guava? | Guava contains high vitamin C and other nutrients; thus, it is an excellent addition to our cavy's diet. | You can feed it twice a week or so in small quantities. Try offering a little slice or two at once. | Remember to slice it into small pieces so that our guinea pigs can munch on it quickly. Avoid feeding young guinea pigs as the seeds are hard and can choke them sometimes. |
| Can guinea pig eat Honeydew Melon? | Honeydew melons are rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, and other nutrients. | It must be served in small quantities only once a week as it contains high sugar. | The seeds possess some choking hazard, so be aware. Also, serve in limited quantity to prevent obesity and diabetes. |
| Can guinea pig eat Jackfruit? | Jackfruit is rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Magnesium. | Jackfruits don't harm your guinea pigs if served sparsely. A tiny bit once in a month or so! | Avoid frequent feeding as it is high in sugar. It can also cause digestive issues in your guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Java-Plum? | Java-Plums are very rich in nutrients like VItamin K, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. | Java-plums can be served to your guinea pigs in a small quantity, not exceeding a piece or two, once in a week or so! | Always remember to remove the pits of java-plums as it contains cyanide in it. |
| Can guinea pig eat Jujube-Fruit (chinese-date)? | Jujube-Fruit contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, and other minerals, which is essential for piggies. | As sugar content is high in Jujube-Fruit, We must keep the serving size in check. Do not feed anything more than a small piece once a week or so. | Always remember to remove any seeds as it possesses choking hazards. |
| Can guinea pig eat Kiwi fruit? | Kiwi contains tons of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and other minerals. | We can feed kiwi once or twice a week to our guinea pigs. However, make sure you don't feed more than a small slice at once. | Kiwi has a hard and rough skin which is not edible for guinea pigs. It is recommended to remove the same while serving kiwi to your guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Kumquat? | Kumquat is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A which is essential for our guinea pigs. | Being a citrus fruit, we can only feed Kumquat in a tiny quantity once in a while to our guinea pigs. | Always make sure you remember any seed and skin of the fruit as it can be bad for your guinea pigs. It is also high in sugar, so avoid overfeeding as well. |
| Can guinea pig eat Lemon or lime? | Lemon has a very high amount of Vitamin C and very low in sugar, which is essential for guinea pigs. | We can feed lemons to our guinea pigs but only in a small quantity, not exceeding a little slice once in a month or so. Just use it as a quick refresher during those hot summer months. | Lemons are acidic; thus, they can lead to mouth sores in guinea pigs. It can also cause various digestive issues in them. |
| Can guinea pig eat Longan(Dragon eye)? | Longan(Dragon eye) is a super fruit rich in Vitamin C and fiber. | Guinea pigs can eat longan in a tiny amount(one piece) once a week only. | Longan is acidic, so it must not be fed regularly as it can lead to mouth sores among guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Loquat? | Loquat contains a high amount of vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, and fiber, which helps in the development of a robust immune system and vision. | We can serve Loquat to our guinea pigs but only in a tiny quantity once in a while. Try not to help it more than 1-2 times every month. | Loquat is acidic; thus, we should serve it sparsely to prevent mouth sores. |
| Can guinea pig eat Lychee? | Lychee is good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6. | Guinea pigs can have small lychee once in a week or so. Just make sure you don't make this treat a part of their daily diet. | Remove skin and seed as it possesses choking hazards. It contains high sugar; thus it should be served sparsely. |
| Can guinea pig eat Mandarin? | Mandarins are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. | Guinea pigs can eat a small slice of mandarin once in a week or so. Do not serve mandarins regularly as it contains high sugar. | Remove the seeds before serving as it can lead to choking. Also, make sure to feed sparsely as it is an acidic fruit after all. |
| Can guinea pig eat Mango? | Mangoes are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which helps in boosting the immune system and preventing diseases like scurvy. | Guinea pigs can eat mangoes sparsely. Feed them one small slice once in a week or so. Be cautious not to overfeed as it is high in calories. | Rich in sugar, mangoes can lead to obesity if overfed. |
| Can guinea pig eat Mangosteen? | Mangosteen is an exotic fruit that is rich in various nutrients, including Vitamin B-1, Vitamin B-6, and Vitamin C. | Guinea pigs can eat mangosteen every once in a while. Feed no more than a small piece once in a few weeks. | Avoid feeding seeds and skin as it poses some threat to our guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Mulberries? | Mulberries contain Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6 in it. | Guinea pigs can eat mulberry leaves, bark along with the fruit itself. Mulberry fruit must be served in moderation (once in a week). | Seeds must be removed as it possesses choking hazard for our guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Nectarine? | Nectarines contain a hint of Vitamin C Vitamin A in them. | Guinea pigs can eat no more than a slice of nectarine once a week or so on as it contains high sugar. | Remove the pit of the nectarine before serving it to your guinea pigs as it contains traces of cyanide. |
| Can guinea pig eat Olives? | Yes, they can eat fresh olives, although it doesn't contribute much towards their nutrition. | Guinea pigs can eat olive in a tiny quantity once in a month or so. Avoid feeding altogether if possible, as it possesses no actual benefits for them. | Avoid any processed or canned olives as the preservatives used in them can harm your guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Orange? | Yes, oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C for your guinea pigs. In Fact, orange peels are a great source of nutrients as well. | Guinea pigs can eat oranges in small quantities once a week or so. Orange flesh and peels should be served in moderation only as it is sugary and acidic, respectively. | Seeds of oranges must be removed before serving as it can cause choking in your guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Papaya? | It is an excellent source of Vitamin C but contains high sugar in it. | Yes, guinea pig loves eating papaya, but we can feed it once or twice a week only that too, only a small slice of it. | Remove any seeds as they are choking hazard for our guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Passion Fruit? | Passion fruit is an excellent source of potassium, along with a hint of Vitamin C and Calcium in it. | Guinea pigs can eat passion fruit but only in a small quantity as a treat. Feed sparsely, maybe once a month or so. | They are very acidic, and sweet which can cause mouth sore and obesity. Avoid the outer cell as it is inedible. |
| Can guinea pig eat Peaches? | Peaches contain potassium and a hint of Vitamin C in them. | Guinea pigs can eat peaches in a small quantity(a little slice) once a week or so. | Seeds must be removed. It must be served in moderation as it contains sugar in it. |
| Can guinea pig eat Pears? | Pears is a fruit that contains traces of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other antioxidants in it. It is also a great source of hydration for the body. | Guinea pigs can eat pears once a week in moderation( a small slice or so). | Avoid seed and wash the skin properly before serving. |
| Can guinea pig eat Persimmon (Japanese fruit)? | Yes, Guinea pigs can have persimmons as it is an excellent source of Vitamin C for them. | Guinea pigs can eat Persimmon(Japanese fruit) in small quantities once a month or so. It should only be served as a treat. | Sugar is very high, so it must be fed sparsely. |
| Can guinea pig eat Pineapple? | Pineapple is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, and various other nutrients. | Guinea pigs can eat pineapple but in tiny quantity, as it has very high sugar. Serve only once a month or so as a treat only. | Skin must be removed and don't give its leaves either as both are inedible for our guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Plantain? | Plantain is a fruit of a banana family that is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B-6. | Guinea pigs should not be fed plantain because it contains an excessive amount of sugar and fiber in it. It can be bad for your guinea pigs digestive system. | Please avoid if possible! |
| Can guinea pig eat Plums? | Plums are rich in nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin A alongside fiber; it also helps to fight many diseases. | Plum can be a healthy diet for piggies if served in moderation. Serve a small slice once a week or so. | If overfed, it can cause stomach problems and diabetes. The pit must be removed. |
| Can guinea pig eat Pomegranate? | Pomegranates are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6 and fiber. | Guinea pigs can eat pomegranate but only as an occasional treat. Serve a few pieces once a week only. | Pomegranate is rich in sugar and natural acid, which is terrible for our guinea pigs if we overfeed it. Also avoid it's seed as it possesses choking hazards in young guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Prickly Pear(Cactus Pear)? | Cactus pear is rich in fiber and other nutrients, including Vitamin C and magnesium. | Yes, guinea pigs can eat prickly pear but only in small quantities. Serve a small piece of flesh once a week or so. | Skin, barbs, and seeds must be removed thoroughly before serving them. |
| Can guinea pig eat Prunes? | Prunes are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Fiber and Magnesium. | Guinea pigs cannot eat prunes. Avoid feeding it at all costs. | It contains high sugar and fiber, which can be bad for our guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Pomelo (shaddock)? | Pomelo is a rich source of Vitamin C and some other nutrients, as well. It also helps in various health diseases. | Guinea pigs can eat pomelo once or twice a week in small quantities. | Make sure you remove the seed and skin of pomelo before serving it to your guinea pigs. Also, avoid overfeeding as it is a little acidic. |
| Can guinea pig eat Quince? | Quince is rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. | Guinea pigs can eat quince once a week or so in small quantities only. | Make sure you remove any seed and skin before serving. |
| Can guinea pig eat Raspberries? | Raspberries have a significant amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in it. | Guinea pigs can eat one small raspberry once a week or so. | Too much intake can cause Urinary problems or mouth sores. |
| Can guinea pig eat Rhubarb? | Rhubarb contains a trace amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other minerals. | Guinea pigs cannot eat rhubarb because it is a little toxic for guinea pigs to eat raw. | Do not feed rhubarb to your guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Rose-Apple? | Rose-apple is not an apple. It is a fruit rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients that can cure liver damage and various other diseases. | Guinea pigs can eat the rose apple in small quantities once in a week. | Remove the seed as it contains traces of cyanide in it. |
| Can guinea pig eat Sapodilla (sapota or chikoo)? | Sapodilla is rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium, Fiber and other essential nutrients. | Guinea pigs can eat sapodilla but serve it only in a tiny quantity as it is too high in sugar content. | Remove seed as it can cause choking and avoid regular feeding as it is high in calories. |
| Can guinea pig eat Mamey Sapote? | Mamey Sapote is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, and fiber. | No guinea pigs cannot eat Mamey sapote as the sugar level is very high in it. | Can cause diabetes. |
| Can guinea pig eat Soursop? | Soursop is rich in Vitamin C, Fiber, and other nutrients. It is also said that it contains some chemicals which can fight back cancer cells. | No, guinea pigs cannot eat soursop because some compounds in it are unsafe for our guinea pigs. | It can lead to poisoning and other health issues. |
| Can guinea pig eat strawberries? | Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and a hint of fiber in it. | Guinea pigs can eat strawberries in small quantities. Serve a small piece once a week or so. | Avoid overfeeding. Too much can cause diabetes, stomach upset, etc. |
| Can guinea pig eat Sugar Baby Watermelon? | Sugar Baby Watermelon contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other essential nutrients required by the body. | Guinea pigs can eat Sugar Baby Watermelon but only in small quantities. Feed little slice once a week or so. It serves as an excellent refreshment for them. | Remove all the seeds from it before serving to guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Tangerine? | Tangerines are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and other essential nutrients. | Guinea pigs can eat tangerines but only in moderation. Serve only a small slice once a week. | Seeds must be removed before serving. Tangerines are acidic; thus, overfeeding can cause digestive issues and mouth sore. |
| Can guinea pig eat Tamarind? | Tamarinds are rich in potassium, Iron, Manganese, and Phosphorous. It also contains traces of other essential Vitamins and minerals. | Guinea pigs can eat tamarind but it is best to avoid it. | It can lead to digestive issues in guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Sour Cherries? | Sour Cherries Are high in vitamin A and vitamin C. It also lowers the risk of arthritis, cancer, and chronic heart diseases. | Guinea pigs can eat sour cherries but only in moderation. You must feed one or two pieces only once a week to avoid health issues. | Remove seeds before serving. |
| Can guinea pig eat Ugli Fruit (Uniq Fruit)? | Ugli fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients. | Guinea pigs can eat ugli fruit but only in a small quantity. You can feed a little slice once in a week or so. | Remove skin and seeds, if any, before serving it to your guinea pigs. Also, avoid overfeeding as it is a little acidic. |
| Can guinea pig eat Ugni Fruit? | Ugni fruits are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It also reduces the risk of cancer. | Guinea pigs can eat Ugni fruit but only in small quantities. Serve one or two small pieces once a month or so. | High in calories, so must be fed sparsely. |
| Can guinea pig eat Vanilla Bean? | Vanilla beans contain a trace amount of potassium and magnesium in it. | Guinea pigs should not be fed Vanilla beans as it carries no nutritional value for them. | Please avoid if possible. |
| Can guinea pig eat Watermelon? | Watermelons are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other nutrients. It is also a great source of hydration for the body. | Guinea pigs can enjoy watermelon. You can serve a small slice of flesh once or twice a week. The rind is edible, as well. | Make sure you remove the seeds before serving as it can cause choking in guinea pigs. |
| Can guinea pig eat Goji berries? | Goji berries are a superfood that contains a significant amount of Vitamins and Minerals in them. | Guinea pigs can eat goji berries but in small quantities. Feed a small berry once in a week or so. | Dried Wolfberry should be avoided as it contains high sugar in it. |
| Can guinea pig eat White Mulberry? | White mulberry is a rich source of Vitamin C and iron. | Guinea pigs can eat white mulberry but only in small quantities. Serve a small berry once or twice a week. | Avoid overfeeding as it is high in calories and a little acidic. |
What are the Fruits high in Vitamin C for guinea pigs:
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin needed by guinea pigs. If your guinea pigs don’t like eating Vitamin C rich veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, etc. then you might need to consider adding some Vitamin C fortified pellets along with some Vitamin C rich fruits to cover their need for the same.
A lack of Vitamin C in their diet can lead to various diseases like scurvy in guinea pigs. Thus, it is essential to feed some Vitamin C rich fruits to your guinea pigs.
List Of Fruits Rich In Vitamin C For Guinea pigs
- Apple
- Apricot
- Orange
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Guava
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Honeydrew
- Black Currant
Related question:
Can guinea pigs eat fruit every day?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat fruits every day. Fruits are rich in nutrients, but at the same time, they contain a lot of sugar in it; thus, we cannot feed it daily to our guinea pigs.
Are dried fruits safe for guinea pigs?
No, dried fruits are rich in sugar, which can lead to obesity and various other health diseases in guinea pigs. Thus, it is best to avoid serving dried fruits to your guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat canned fruit?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat canned fruits. Canned fruits are preserved with added preservatives and chemicals which can be bad for our guinea pigs. Thus it is best to serve only fresh fruits to our guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat citrus fruits?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat citrus fruit just like any other fruit. However, we must moderate the serving as citrus fruits are acidic, which can lead to some health issues like diarrhea, mouth sore, etc.
Can guinea pigs eat dehydrated fruit?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat dehydrated fruits. They contain a lot of sugar in it, which can be bad for our guinea pigs. However, you can toss a small piece once in a blue moon as a treat for them.
Sources: The Journal of Nutrition, NCBI, NCBI, Journal of animal health, Petmd, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology, and Health in the Guinea Pig.