Can Guinea Pigs Eat Beets? (Beetroot leaves, Tops, Roots & More)

Nutrition in beets?

Source: USDA National Nutrient database

Vitamins:

guinea pigs require a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and beetroot and beet greens provide them with a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K.

These vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of the body, as well as for the prevention and treatment of diseases, among other things.

As you can see from the chart above, beet greens contain a higher concentration of vitamins than beetroots; as a result, you should feed them more greens than actual vegetables.

Folate:

Folate is a B-vitamin that our bodies require for a number of different functions. The primary function of this vitamin is the formation of red blood cells, as well as the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and other processes.

According to studies, the guinea pigs require folate in order for their bodies to function properly.

They require more folate during pregnancy and the infant stage than they do at a later stage in their lives. Beetroots contain more folate than beet greens, which are a lesser source of the vitamin.

Potassium:

Potassium is yet another essential nutrient found in beets and beet greens, as well as other root vegetables.

Lowering blood pressure, maintaining bone mineral density, and reducing the likelihood of kidney stone formation are all important benefits of exercise.

Beet greens contain significantly more potassium than beetroots themselves.

Antioxidants:

Beets and beet greens are high in Betalains, which are a type of antioxidant found in a variety of plants. The antioxidants in beets are responsible for the bright red color they possess.

It has also been demonstrated to provide a variety of health benefits to our guinea pigs.

This particular group of antioxidants is linked to lower the risk of cancer and suppress inflammation in the body.

Are beets safe for guinea pigs?

Yes, beets and beet greens are completely safe for our guinea pigs if they are fed in small amounts. Anything consumed in excess is harmful, and this is true for beets as well.

It is possible that the high calcium and phosphorus content of beets will have a negative impact on the health of our guinea pig if we provide it in excess.

Some of the common health issues that can be caused by overfeeding beet to our guinea pigs are:

Bladder stone: Beetroots and beet greens are high in calcium, as is the case with most root vegetables. If we feed our guinea pigs beet on a regular basis or if we feed them an excessive amount of the vegetable, it can result in a variety of health problems, including bladder stones and sludge in their bladders.

Diarrhea: Guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system and introducing a new food or feeding an excess of any particular vegetable can lead to severe diarrhea in guinea pigs. Sometimes diarrhea can be fatal for our guinea pig’s life; thus, make sure you feed the vegetables like beetroots and beet greens in the right quantity to avoid such health issues.

Benefits of feeding beets to our guinea pigs?

Beets are one of the most nutritious salad or vegetables available on the market today. It has a variety of advantages for our guinea pigs, and you should consider including some in their diet.

Beets can be extremely beneficial to our guinea pigs if they are served in the appropriate quantities.

Some of the most common benefits of serving beets to your guinea pigs are:

Source Of Vitamins: Beets and beet greens are an excellent source of a number of rare vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and Vitamin C, among others. Beets and beet greens are also a good source of fiber. Our guinea pigs’ well-being is dependent on their ability to absorb these vitamins.

Prevents Diseases: Guinea pigs can benefit from the antioxidants and vitamins found in beets and beet leaves, which can help them avoid a variety of diseases. In guinea pigs, it has been shown to prevent urinary infection, cancer, and a variety of other major diseases.

Anti-cancer properties: Betalains, a group of antioxidants with anti-cancer properties, have been found to exist in significant quantities. Despite the fact that cancer is not a common illness in guinea pigs, they can still develop tumors that, if left untreated, can progress to cancer at a later stage. As a result, including some of these foods in your diet can help to avoid similar situations in the future.

Proper Functioning of the Body: Guinea pigs require a variety of nutrients to be supplemented in their diet in order for their bodies to function properly. Beet is high in a variety of nutrients that our guinea pigs require, so including some beet in their diet can help to ensure that they get the nutrients they require to thrive.

How often can guinea pigs eat beets?

Beets can be fed to guinea pigs once a week. Beets are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but they are not the best choice for daily consumption.

As a result, only feed your guinea pigs beets once a week to ensure that they are healthy.

Beets are known to cause a variety of health problems in guinea pigs, including diarrhea and bladder stones. It is therefore recommended to feed beets in small amounts on a regular basis.

How much beet can guinea pigs eat?

You can feed your guinea pigs a small slice of beet at a time by cutting it into small pieces. Never give our guinea pigs more than one slice of beet because overfeeding them is not healthy for them.

To ensure that your guinea pigs receive a well-balanced diet, you should combine at least 4-5 different healthy vegetables.

It is ideal to mix two leafy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, kale, spinach, watercress, cilantro, parsley with other vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, etc. to create a well-balanced diet for our guinea pigs.

Additionally, there are numerous other fruits and vegetables that you can provide to your guinea pigs. Please see the following articles for additional information:

• 70+ vegetable for your guinea pigs
• 70+ fruits that guinea pigs can eat
• 11 must feed leafy green for your guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat beet greens or Beet tops?

Yes, guinea pigs can consume beet greens in moderation if they are given enough. In comparison to the vegetable itself, beet greens, also known as beet tops, contain significantly higher levels of vitamins and minerals.

However, it contains a significant amount of calcium and phosphorus, which can result in the formation of bladder stones in guinea pigs as well as other health problems.

As a result, it is recommended that you feed it in small amounts. Ideally, you should feed your guinea pigs only one or two leaves per month at the most, rather than several times a week or more.

Never exceed the recommended feeding amount because the high calcium content of the greens makes them an unsuitable food for our guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat beet stems?

Yes, guinea pigs can consume beet stems, but only as a special treat on occasion.

If you want to add some greens to your salad once a month or so, that’s fine. It should not be fed on a regular basis because it contains high levels of calcium and oxalate.

Can guinea pigs eat cooked beets?

No, guinea pigs are unable to consume cooked beets in any form. Cooking beet destroys a significant amount of the nutrients that the beet contains, which are required by our guinea pigs.

Besides that, cooked foods are extremely bad for our guinea pigs’ digestive systems, and they should be avoided at all expenses.

Can guinea pigs eat pickled beetroot?

No, guinea pigs are unable to consume pickled beetroot in any form. Pickled beets also contain a number of other ingredients that are harmful to our guinea pigs, including vinegar.

Consequently, it would be beneficial if you did not feed your guinea pigs anything pickled.

Can guinea pigs eat canned beets?

No, guinea pigs are unable to consume canned beets. Canning beets frequently necessitates the addition of preservatives and chemicals in order to extend the shelf life of the food.

Such chemicals should not be included in your guinea pig’s diet, and this is not a wise decision to make. As a result, avoid giving your guinea pigs any canned beets at all.

How To Prepare beets For Your Cavies?

Preparing beets for your guinea pigs is a straightforward process that requires little expertise. Here are the simple steps you can take to get started:

• To feed your guinea pigs, choose a fresh, organic beet from your garden. Check to see that the beet is not decaying in any way at all.
• Washing and peeling the beet is the next step, which should be done properly.
• You can now grate the beet and combine it with other vegetables for your guinea pigs, using a grater to make a paste.
• Finally, you must remove any uneaten fruits or vegetables from the cage in order to prevent a fly and rat infestation in the cage.

Suggested reading:

• Do guinea pigs attract rats? (Causes and how to get rid of them)
• Do guinea pigs attract flies? (Causes and how to get rid of them)

You can use this fantastic vegetable slicer (available on Amazon) to slice vegetables into a variety of shapes and sizes for your guinea pigs’ meals. I enjoy presenting the vegetables in a variety of shapes and sizes to keep things interesting for the kids.

Also, don’t forget to take a look at this fantastic vegetable bowl for your guinea pigs.

This item appeals to me because it does not flip over and is the perfect size for our guinea pigs.

Pro tip:

You can also prepare the vegetable for a few days or a few servings at a time and store it in high-quality vegetable storage containers to keep it fresh and ready to use.

The method is extremely effective, especially if you have a hectic schedule. I personally use these fantastic Rubbermaid Freshworks storage containers that I purchased from Amazon, and they have proven to be a reliable investment for my household.

Conclusion: Guinea pigs and Beets

• Beets are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamins, and folate, all of which are essential for our guinea pigs’ health.
• Is it safe for guinea pigs to consume beets, beet greens, and beet stalks? Yes, guinea pigs can eat beetroot, beet greens, and beet stalks, but only in small amounts and in small amounts only.
• Avoid consuming beetroot more than once a week and beet greens or stalks more than once or twice a month to avoid health problems.
• No more than a small slice of beetroot or a couple of beet greens should be served at a time.
• Guinea pigs who receive an excessive amount of beet and beet greens may develop various health problems, including bladder stone formation, sludge buildup, and diarrhea.
• Guinea pigs should be fed a well-balanced diet consisting of a variety of vegetables every day, according to the USDA.
• Always keep in mind that hay is the most important component of your guinea pig’s diet. To supplement the nutrients guinea pigs require in addition to the nutrients they obtain from foraging hay, vegetables are provided to them as a food source.

Suggested reading:

• Hay for your guinea pigs(What type, How much and more)
• Guinea pig diet: A complete A-Z of what guinea pigs can eat!
• What can I do if my guinea pigs are not eating their veggies?

FAQ

Sources: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits of Beets,  Diet Composition and Mineral Balance in Guinea Pigs, Dietary Vitamin C, and Vitamin E on Guinea Pig Immune Responses to Mitogens, Vitamin C requirements of the guinea-pig, Is Your Guinea Pig’s Diet Providing the Right Nutrients? Care of Guinea Pigs.