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Guinea pigs are herbivores, which means they thrive on a diet consisting primarily of plants. They are typically reliant on a variety of herbs, grasses, fruits, and vegetables. But why are guinea pigs unable to consume potatoes?Guinea pigs are unable to consume potatoes because they contain toxins known as alkaloids. These toxins have the potential to be a major health hazard for our guinea pig. Potatoes are considered to be a healthy food for humans, but they are not recommended for guinea pigs because they are toxic to them.

Potatoes are high in calories and provide little nutritional value.

The amount of starch present in potatoes is extremely high, and the digestive system of the guinea pig is unable to cope with it.

Guinea pigs should avoid complex carbohydrates at all costs, and potatoes are high in starch.

Is there any part of the potato, or any preparation of the potato, that is safe? If not, what are some other good alternatives to consider? Let’s take a look and see!

But, first and foremost, potatoes are packed with nutrients, some of which are as follows:

 

Nutrition In Potatoes

Nutrients Amount
Vitamin C 19.7 mg/ 100 g
Folate 15 µg/ 100 g
Lutein + Zeaxanthin 9 µg/ 100 g
Calcium 12 mg/ 100 g
Phosphorous 57 mg/ 100 g
Potassium 425 mg/ 100 g
Fiber 2.1 g/ 100 g
Sugar 0.82 g/ 100 g
Magnesium 23 mg/ 100 g
Carbs 17.49 g/ 100 g
Calories 77 Kcal
Fat 0.09 g/ 100 g
Water 79.25 g/ 100 g
Source: USDA National Nutrient database
  1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid, which is found in various types of food and sold as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C also helps to boost the immune system and helps to fight against various diseases like scurvy.
  2. Potassium:  Potassium is a very much essential macrominerals required by our body. Potassium also acts as a shield against many diseases like kidney stones.
    • Lack of potassium can lead to many problems like weakness and constipation. But excessive potassium is also not a good idea as it can lead to significant issues like hyperkalemia.
  3. Dietary Fiber:  Dietary fiber is found naturally in plant-based products that cannot be digested by a human.
    • Fiber provides many benefits to our body as it helps to control cholesterol levels, and protects our body from diseases like intestine cancer and constipation.

Can guinea pigs eat potatoes?

Guinea pigs are unable to consume potatoes because they contain alkaloids that are toxic to our guinea pigs. Potatoes are almost entirely composed of starch, which is not tolerated by the digestive system of our guinea pigs.

Even though guinea pigs eat potatoes, it is best not to serve them to them because they will become ill.

Fresh hay, fruits, and vegetables provide them with all of the nutritional benefits they require to remain healthy and active throughout the year.

Is it safe for guinea pigs to eat red skin potatoes?

No, guinea pigs are unable to consume red skin potatoes.

Is it safe for guinea pigs to eat white potatoes?

No, guinea pigs are unable to consume white potatoes.

Is it possible for guinea pigs to eat mashed potatoes?

No, guinea pigs are not allowed to consume mashed potatoes.

Why are potatoes bad for guinea pigs?

Serving potatoes can be a terrible idea to our guinea pigs, as it can lead to many health problems.

Some hazards of serving potatoes to your guinea pigs are as follows.

  1. Urinary Complications: With growing age, the need for calcium decreases in our guinea pigs. Calcium is required initially for the formation of bones.
    • Potato holds a good amount of calcium which, if consumed in excessive quantity, can result in too many urinary complications to our guinea pigs like urinary stones, pain, or infections in the urinary tract.
  2. Alkaloids content: It produces alkaloids that are very toxic to our guinea pigs and severe damage to their health.
  3. Fructose content: Potato also contains a decent amount of fructose which, if taken in an excessive quantity, can cause damage to our guinea pigs.
    • Our guinea pigs have a susceptible and fragile digestive system that can not handle sugar well. Intaking high fructose can even lead to diabetes and other severe health issues to our guinea pigs.

Some FAQ On Feeding Potatoes To Guinea Pigs

A lot of guinea pig owners have questions regarding feeding different parts of potatoes or something made with potatoes to their guinea pigs. But are any of them safe for our guinea pigs? Let’s find out!

Can guinea pigs eat potato peelings?

When compared to the white flesh inside the potato, the peelings contain significantly more nutritional benefits such as Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

The presence of starch, on the other hand, negates the fiber’s beneficial effects on you. In the same way, you cannot serve potato skin to your guinea pigs because it contains cyanide.

Our guinea pigs’ diets should be primarily comprised of fiber-rich foods such as grass hay and herbaceous leaves.

Can guinea pigs eat potato leaves?

No, guinea pigs are unable to consume potato leaves in any form.

Any plant leaves that are members of the nightshade family are prohibited from being served to our guinea pigs because members of the nightshade family contain a poison known as solanine.

The potato is a vital member of the nightshade family and must be consumed regularly. As a result, we cannot serve potato leaves to our guinea pigs because doing so can have disastrous consequences.

Our guinea pigs are poisoned by anything that comes from a potato plant, including the leaves, vines, and flowers.

You can also provide them with other tree branches that are safe, such as apple, willow, birch, and so on.

Can guinea pigs eat baked potato

No, guinea pigs are not allowed to consume any cooked food. A baked potato is one of those things that should be avoided at all costs.

Potatoes, in any form, can be harmful to your guinea pig and should be avoided.

Potatoes, whether baked or cooked, are not permitted for consumption by our guinea pigs. Potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to our guinea pigs and therefore cannot be served to them under any circumstances.

Can guinea pigs eat raw potato?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat a potato in any form, whether cooked, baked, or raw.

Potato contains solanine, which is poisonous for our guinea pigs. So considering this, we should avoid serving raw potato to your guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat cooked potato?

No, cooked potatoes are not suitable for guinea pigs, even if they are boiled without any additional ingredients.

Despite the fact that cooking potatoes removes a significant portion of the starch from them, it does not remove all of it.

We found that even after cooking potatoes, there was a lot of regular starch left over, which our guinea pigs couldn’t digest. Even when potatoes are boiled, they can cause diarrhea, constipation, and gastrointestinal stasis in some people.

It is preferable to serve them fresh hay and organic vegetables, which will provide them with all of the nutritional benefits they require to remain active and healthy.

Can guinea pigs have potato chips?

Potato chips are pieces of potato that are deep-fried in oil and are seasoned with salt and many other artificial flavors for taste.

If potatoes cannot be served due to its contents, how can potato chips be served?

You cannot serve potato chips in any condition as it is worse than serving potato in any other form.

According to studies, guinea pigs require only 0.5g/kg of salt in their diet, and pellets are enough to fulfill the requirements.

Can guinea pigs eat sweet potatoes?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat sweet potatoes at all.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes only share a common name, but there is no relation between these two as potatoes belong to the nightshade family.

In contrast, sweet potatoes come from a family of Convolvulaceae. They do not share any genetic relation.

But that doesn’t mean you can serve sweet potatoes to your guinea pig as it contains way farther sugar and fat as compared to regular potatoes.

Both the potatoes ( sweet & regular) are equally bad for our guinea pigs.

It is better to serve them fresh hay and natural veggies, which provide them all the nutritional benefits to stay active and healthy.

Can guinea pigs eat sweet potato leaves?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat sweet potato leaves but not more than two times in a week in a moderate quantity as moderation is a key to a healthy life.

Sweet potato leaves do not belong to nightshade family and thus, they are completely safe for our guinea pigs.

Other vegetables that guinea pigs can eat

  1. Lettuce: An annual plant of the daisy family, which is grown as a leaf vegetable, has numerous benefits for our guinea pigs as it contains a good amount of Vitamin C and A.
    • Lettuce provides loads of nutrients to guinea pigs, which help them to stay active and healthy. leafy green lettuce can be served daily.
    • It would be best if you did not serve iceberg lettuce to your guinea pig as it can cause diarrhea to your guinea pig.
  2. Carrots: A vegetable that originated in Europe and Southwestern Asia provides many benefits to our guinea pig.
    • It holds a good amount of vitamin C, A, and antioxidants, which is very important for our guinea pig survival.
    • You can feed carrots 2-3 times a week in a moderate quantity as it has a small amount of sugar content.
  3. Zucchini: Zucchini, also known as courgette originated in Mesoamerican, has numerous benefits for our guinea pigs.
    • It holds a good amount of Vitamin C, phosphorus, and many other vitamins and minerals, which gives many nutritional benefits to our guinea pigs.
    • You can serve raw zucchini to your guinea pig but not cooked as cooked zucchini contains many artificial ingredients that can cause serious damage to your guinea pig.
  4. Cucumber: It is a broadly cultivated plant from the gourd family. Also known as Cucurbitaceae which originated in India has many nutritional benefits to guinea pigs.
    • It contains a good amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A a significant part of guinea pig’s diet.
    • Cucumber can also be served 2-3 times a week.
  5. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are used as a salad, and it is the most consumed food after potatoes, which contains a good amount of Vitamin C and provides many nutritional benefits to your guinea pig.
    • You cannot serve tomatoes to your guinea pig regularly, as it is acidic.
    • Guinea pigs can eat all types of tomatoes 2-3 times a week in a moderate quantity as moderation is a key to a healthy life.
  6. Cilantro: Cilantro has many nutritional benefits to our guinea pigs, as it is an excellent source of Vitamin C which is an essential vitamin for our guinea pig.
    • It helps prevent scurvy and protects against many other diseases. According to studies, coriander is declared as the safest herbs by many vets that guinea pigs can consume.
    • As it also contains a small amount of calcium and phosphorus, it cannot be served in large quantities.
    • You can still serve a small quantity of coriander 4-5 times a week.