Directory
What guinea pigs can eat
97 foods: 87 safe and 10 never to be fed. For each one — the safe single portion, how often per week and the composition per 100 g. Nutrient data from USDA FoodData Central.
Found: 97
| Food | Ca, mg | P, mg | Ca:P | Vitamin C | Sugar | Oxalates | Portion | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 5 | 10 | 0,5 | 4,6 | 10,6 | — | 45 g | up to 1 × / week | The pips contain only traces of cyanide — a harmful dose is unrealistic, but it is simpler to remove them. The peel is fine. |
| Apricot | 13 | 23 | 0,6 | 10 | 9,2 | — | 12 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Keep portions small. |
| Asparagus | 24 | 52 | 0,5 | 5,6 | 1,9 | — | 10 g | up to 1 × / week | Contains oxalates. Keep portions small. |
| Aubergine | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | We say no. The green parts contain solanine and the flesh offers nothing. Some sources allow ripe flesh occasionally — we would not. |
| Avocado | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Banana | 5 | 22 | 0,2 | 12,3 | 15,8 | — | 20 g | up to 1 × / week | Very high in sugar. Keep portions small. |
| Basil | 177 | 56 | 3,2 | 18 | 0,3 | — | 2 g | up to 1 × / week | High in calcium. Keep portions small. |
| Beet leaves | — | — | — | — | — | високий | 15 g | up to 2 × / week | High in oxalates — only in a mix. |
| Beetroot | 16 | 40 | 0,4 | 4,9 | 6,8 | — | 25 g | up to 1 × / week | High in oxalates. Keep portions small. |
| Bell pepper, green | 7 | 17 | 0,4 | 99,5 | 2,4 | 2 | 30 g | 5–7 × / week | An excellent source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds. |
| Bell pepper, orange | 5 | 27 | 0,2 | 158 | 3,4 | 2 | 30 g | 2–3 × / week | A good source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds. |
| Bell pepper, red | 6 | 27 | 0,2 | 142 | 3,3 | 2 | 30 g | 2–3 × / week | High in sugar, but a good source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds. |
| Bell pepper, yellow | 7 | 25 | 0,3 | 139 | 3,3 | 2 | 30 g | 2–3 × / week | A good source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds. |
| Blackberry | 29 | 22 | 1,3 | 21 | 4,9 | — | 5 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Keep portions small. |
| Blueberry | 12 | 13 | 0,9 | 8,1 | 9,4 | — | 5 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. |
| Broccoli | 46 | 67 | 0,7 | 91,3 | 1,4 | 12 | 12 g | up to 1 × / week | Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully. |
| Brussels sprouts | 42 | 69 | 0,6 | 85 | 2,2 | — | 11 g | up to 1 × / week | Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully. |
| Butterhead (Boston) lettuce | 35 | 33 | 1,1 | 3,7 | 0,9 | — | 35 g | 4–7 × / week | The same head lettuce, just softer. Safe and everyday, but nutritionally thin. |
| Carrot | 33 | 35 | 0,9 | 5,9 | 4,7 | 41 | 50 g | 2–3 × / week | Солодша, ніж здається, тож не щодня. Бадилля корисніше за корінь і його теж можна. |
| Carrot tops | — | — | — | — | — | — | 30 g | 4–7 × / week | Usually thrown away, yet one of the best greens. Contrary to the common belief it does not cause bladder stones — it has less calcium than hay. |
| Cauliflower | 22 | 44 | 0,5 | 48,2 | 1,9 | — | 16 g | up to 1 × / week | Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully. |
| Celery | 46 | 22 | 2,1 | 3,1 | 2 | — | 10 g | 2–3 × / week | Волокна стебла краще нарізати впоперек, щоб не намотувалися на зуби. |
| Chard | — | — | — | — | — | високий | 15 g | up to 1 × / week | High in oxalates — mixed, not daily. |
| Chicory (Belgian endive) | — | — | — | — | — | — | 40 g | 4–7 × / week | Bitter and juicy — a good base. Outer leaves are higher in oxalates. |
| Coriander | 67 | 48 | 1,4 | 27 | 0,9 | — | 13 g | 2–3 × / week | Avoid for pregnant or injured guinea pigs. |
| Courgette | 16 | 38 | 0,4 | 17,9 | 2,5 | — | 110 g | 3–4 × / week | The skin can be left on. |
| Cranberry | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8 g | up to 1 × / week | Sour — small amounts only. |
| Cucumber | 16 | 24 | 0,7 | 2,8 | 1,7 | — | 60 g | 3–4 × / week | Майже сама вода: добре в спеку, але не замінює зелень. 3–4 рази на тиждень. |
| Currant | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8 g | up to 1 × / week | Leaves and twigs are fine too. |
| Dandelion | 187 | 66 | 2,8 | 35 | 0,7 | 25 | 20 g | 2–3 × / week | Excellent food, but high in calcium, so we suggest two or three times a week. German sources treat it as a daily staple. |
| Dill | 208 | 66 | 3,2 | 85 | 0 | 545–1097 | 10 g | 2–3 × / week | High in calcium. Keep portions small. |
| Endive | — | — | — | — | — | — | 45 g | 5–7 × / week | Bitter salads settle digestion — one of the best daily bases. |
| Fennel | 49 | 50 | 1 | 12 | 3,9 | — | 16 g | 2–3 × / week | Добре впливає на травлення. Стебло й пір'я теж можна. 2–3 рази на тиждень. |
| Frisée | — | — | — | — | — | — | 35 g | 3–6 × / week | A relative of endive, with the same bitters. |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | We say no. Allium compounds damage red blood cells. Some sources allow tiny medicinal amounts — we think it is not worth the risk. |
| Ginger | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | We say no. Too pungent, and guinea pigs avoid it anyway. |
| Gooseberry | 25 | 27 | 0,9 | 27,7 | — | — | 5 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar and acid. Keep portions small. |
| Grapes | 10 | 25 | 0,4 | 3,3 | 17,3 | — | 5 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Remove the seeds. |
| Green beans | 40 | 41 | 1 | 12,2 | 2,3 | — | 20 g | 2–3 × / week | Trim the tips off both ends of the pod. |
| Green leaf lettuce | 40 | 27 | 1,5 | 15,2 | 0,8 | — | 30 g | 5–7 × / week | Одна з найкращих щоденних основ: мало цукру, мало оксалатів. 5–7 разів на тиждень. |
| Iceberg lettuce | — | — | — | — | — | — | 40 g | up to 3 × / week | Mostly water: harmless, but nearly empty. Fine alongside bitter salads, not as the base. Discard the outer leaves. |
| Jerusalem artichoke | — | — | — | — | — | — | 15 g | up to 2 × / week | The tuber is starchy — small amounts. The leaves are excellent food. |
| Kale | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 g | 2–4 × / week | The best leafy winter food. Introduce gradually, like all brassicas. |
| Kiwi | 35 | 34 | 1 | 74,7 | 9 | — | 12 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Cut the skin off. |
| Kohlrabi | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 g | 1–3 × / week | The bulb is a hard vegetable — small amounts. The leaves are the better part. |
| Lamb’s lettuce | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 g | 3–5 × / week | A classic winter salad, available when little else is. |
| Leek | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Lingonberry | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8 g | up to 1 × / week | A small treat. |
| Lollo / oak leaf lettuce | — | — | — | — | — | — | 35 g | 4–7 × / week | Everyday leaf salads. Discard the outer leaves. |
| Mandarin | 37 | 20 | 1,9 | 26,7 | 10,6 | — | 18 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Keep portions small and remove the seeds. |
| Mango | 11 | 14 | 0,8 | 36,4 | 13,7 | — | 18 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Remove the stone and the skin. |
| Marigold | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 g | up to 1 × / week | Keep portions small. |
| Melon | 9 | 17 | 0,5 | 10,9 | 7,9 | — | 30 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Remove the seeds and the rind. |
| Mint | 243 | 73 | 3,3 | 31,8 | 0 | — | 3 g | up to 1 × / week | Spearmint and peppermint are fine. Pennyroyal is not. |
| Napa cabbage | 77 | 29 | 2,7 | 27 | 1,4 | — | 20 g | up to 1 × / week | Can cause bloating, and is high in calcium. |
| Nectarine | 2 | 26 | 0,1 | 2,9 | 7,9 | — | 23 g | up to 1 × / week | Remove the stone. |
| Nuts | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Onion | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Orange | 43 | 12 | 3,6 | 45 | 9,1 | — | 25 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar and acid. Keep portions small. |
| Pak choi | — | — | — | — | — | — | 30 g | 2–4 × / week | A leafy brassica. |
| Papaya | 20 | 10 | 2 | 60,9 | 7,8 | — | 25 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Keep portions small. |
| Parsley | 138 | 58 | 2,4 | 133 | 0,9 | 156 | 8 g | 2–3 × / week | Contains oxalates. Keep portions small. |
| Parsnip | 36 | 71 | 0,5 | 17 | 4,8 | — | 10 g | up to 1 × / week | Contains oxalates. Keep portions small. |
| Peach | 4 | 22 | 0,2 | 4,1 | 8,4 | — | 15 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Remove the stone. |
| Pear | 9 | 12 | 0,8 | 4,3 | 9,8 | — | 20 g | up to 1 × / week | Remove the seeds and the core. |
| Persimmon | 8 | 17 | 0,5 | 7,5 | 12,5 | — | 15 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Keep portions small and remove the seeds. |
| Pineapple | 12 | 5 | 2,4 | 58,6 | 11,4 | — | 20 g | up to 1 × / week | Fresh only. No skin, leaves or core. |
| Plum | 6 | 16 | 0,4 | 9,5 | 9,9 | — | 45 g | up to 1 × / week | High in sugar. Remove the stone. |
| Pomelo | 4 | 17 | 0,2 | 61 | 6,6 | — | 50 g | up to 1 × / week | Remove the peel, the seeds and the white pith. |
| Potato | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Pumpkin | 21 | 44 | 0,5 | 9 | 2,8 | — | 20 g | up to 1 × / week | Remove the seeds. |
| Radicchio | — | — | — | — | — | — | 30 g | 3–5 × / week | Not a cabbage, despite the look. Well tolerated thanks to the bitters. |
| Radish | 25 | — | — | 14,8 | 1,9 | — | 5 g | up to 1 × / week | Гостра на смак, тому лише крихітним шматочком. Бадилля редиски — навпаки, чудова зелень. |
| Radish leaves | — | — | — | — | — | — | 30 g | 3–6 × / week | More popular than the radish itself, and safer in larger amounts. |
| Raspberry | 16 | 27 | 0,6 | 23 | 2,7 | — | 10 g | up to 1 × / week | Помірно солодка. Листя малини теж можна, і воно корисніше за саму ягоду. |
| Red cabbage | 31 | 36 | 0,9 | 53,9 | 3,5 | — | 25 g | 2–3 × / week | Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully. |
| Red leaf lettuce | 43 | 24 | 1,8 | 9,3 | 0,5 | — | 30 g | 5–7 × / week | The same as green leaf lettuce — an everyday base. |
| Rhubarb leaves | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Rocket | 160 | 52 | 3,1 | 15 | 2,1 | 7 | 3 g | up to 1 × / week | High in calcium. Keep portions small. |
| Romaine lettuce | 28 | 23 | 1,2 | 4 | 1,2 | 0 | 40 g | 5–7 × / week | Contains oxalates. Stick to the safe portion. |
| Romanesco | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20 g | 1–2 × / week | A cauliflower variety. |
| Rosehip | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8 g | 1–3 × / week | Well tolerated; dried ones work in winter. |
| Rosemary | 317 | 66 | 4,8 | 21,8 | 0 | — | 4 g | up to 1 × / week | High in calcium. Keep portions small. |
| Savoy cabbage | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 g | 1–3 × / week | Introduce gradually. |
| Sea buckthorn | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 g | up to 1 × / week | Sharp and rich — tiny amounts. |
| Sour cherry | 16 | 15 | 1,1 | 10 | 8,5 | — | 6 g | up to 1 × / week | Remove the stone. Contrary to the common belief, the stalk and leaves contain no cyanide — only the kernel does. |
| Spinach | 67 | 41 | 1,6 | 30,3 | — | 970 | 15 g | up to 1 × / week | High in oxalates. Keep portions small. |
| Strawberry | 16 | 24 | 0,7 | 58,8 | 4,9 | — | 30 g | up to 1 × / week | The green tops can be fed too. |
| Swede | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 g | 1–3 × / week | Well tolerated; a winter standby. |
| Sweet cherry | 13 | 21 | 0,6 | 7 | 12,8 | — | 10 g | up to 1 × / week | Sweeter than sour cherry. Remove the stone; stalk and leaves are safe. |
| Sweet potato | 22 | 37 | 0,6 | 14,8 | 6,1 | — | 15 g | up to 1 × / week | Keep portions small. |
| Thyme | 405 | 106 | 3,8 | 160 | 1,7 | — | 1 g | up to 1 × / week | Very high in calcium, and rich in essential oils. Feed with care. |
| Tomato | 11 | 28 | 0,4 | 27,2 | 2,6 | — | 30 g | 2–3 × / week | No leaves, no stalks, no unripe fruit. |
| Tomato leaves and stems | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Never feed this. |
| Turnip | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 g | 1–3 × / week | The tops are the better part. |
| Watermelon | 7 | 11 | 0,6 | 8,1 | 6,2 | — | 30 g | up to 1 × / week | Remove the seeds. |
| White cabbage | 42 | 27 | 1,6 | 40,3 | 3,5 | — | 25 g | 2–3 × / week | Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully. |
Apple
safe- Portion
- up to 45 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 5 · P 10 · C 4,6 mg · sugar 10,6 g
35 g, or a slice 0.5 cm thick
The pips contain only traces of cyanide — a harmful dose is unrealistic, but it is simpler to remove them. The peel is fine.
Apricot
safe- Portion
- up to 12 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,6
per 100 g: Ca 13 · P 23 · C 10 mg · sugar 9,2 g
8 g, or a slice 1 cm thick
High in sugar. Keep portions small.
Asparagus
safe- Portion
- up to 10 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 24 · P 52 · C 5,6 mg · sugar 1,9 g
7 g, or a 3–5 cm spear
Contains oxalates. Keep portions small.
Aubergine
neverWe say no. The green parts contain solanine and the flesh offers nothing. Some sources allow ripe flesh occasionally — we would not.
Avocado
neverNever feed this.
Banana
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,2
per 100 g: Ca 5 · P 22 · C 12,3 mg · sugar 15,8 g
10–15 g, or two 1 cm slices
Very high in sugar. Keep portions small.
Basil
safe- Portion
- up to 2 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 3,2
per 100 g: Ca 177 · P 56 · C 18 mg · sugar 0,3 g
1 g, or 1–2 leaves
High in calcium. Keep portions small.
Beet leaves
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 2 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
15 g
High in oxalates — only in a mix.
Beetroot
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,4
per 100 g: Ca 16 · P 40 · C 4,9 mg · sugar 6,8 g
20 g, or one medium slice
High in oxalates. Keep portions small.
Bell pepper, green
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 5–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,4
per 100 g: Ca 7 · P 17 · C 99,5 mg · sugar 2,4 g · oxalates 2 mg
14–20 g, or a strip 1 cm wide
An excellent source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds.
Bell pepper, orange
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,2
per 100 g: Ca 5 · P 27 · C 158 mg · sugar 3,4 g · oxalates 2 mg
14–20 g, or a strip 1 cm wide
A good source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds.
Bell pepper, red
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,2
per 100 g: Ca 6 · P 27 · C 142 mg · sugar 3,3 g · oxalates 2 mg
14–20 g, or a strip 1 cm wide
High in sugar, but a good source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds.
Bell pepper, yellow
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,3
per 100 g: Ca 7 · P 25 · C 139 mg · sugar 3,3 g · oxalates 2 mg
14–20 g, or a strip 1 cm wide
A good source of vitamin C. Remove the seeds.
Blackberry
safe- Portion
- up to 5 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,3
per 100 g: Ca 29 · P 22 · C 21 mg · sugar 4,9 g
1.5 g, or one small berry
High in sugar. Keep portions small.
Blueberry
safe- Portion
- up to 5 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,9
per 100 g: Ca 12 · P 13 · C 8,1 mg · sugar 9,4 g
3 g, or 1–2 berries
High in sugar.
Broccoli
safe- Portion
- up to 12 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,7
per 100 g: Ca 46 · P 67 · C 91,3 mg · sugar 1,4 g · oxalates 12 mg
7 g, or half a small floret
Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully.
Brussels sprouts
safe- Portion
- up to 11 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,6
per 100 g: Ca 42 · P 69 · C 85 mg · sugar 2,2 g
7 g, or half a small sprout
Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully.
Butterhead (Boston) lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 35 g
- How often
- 4–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,1
per 100 g: Ca 35 · P 33 · C 3,7 mg · sugar 0,9 g
35 g, 3–4 soft leaves
The same head lettuce, just softer. Safe and everyday, but nutritionally thin.
Carrot
safe- Portion
- up to 50 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,9
per 100 g: Ca 33 · P 35 · C 5,9 mg · sugar 4,7 g · oxalates 41 mg
40 g: one baby carrot, or half a medium one
Солодша, ніж здається, тож не щодня. Бадилля корисніше за корінь і його теж можна.
Carrot tops
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 4–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
30 g, a bunch
Usually thrown away, yet one of the best greens. Contrary to the common belief it does not cause bladder stones — it has less calcium than hay.
Cauliflower
safe- Portion
- up to 16 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 22 · P 44 · C 48,2 mg · sugar 1,9 g
10 g: one small floret, or half a medium one
Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully.
Celery
safe- Portion
- up to 10 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 2,1
per 100 g: Ca 46 · P 22 · C 3,1 mg · sugar 2 g
7 g, or a piece of stalk up to 5 cm long
Волокна стебла краще нарізати впоперек, щоб не намотувалися на зуби.
Chard
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
15 g
High in oxalates — mixed, not daily.
Chicory (Belgian endive)
safe- Portion
- up to 40 g
- How often
- 4–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
40 g
Bitter and juicy — a good base. Outer leaves are higher in oxalates.
Coriander
safe- Portion
- up to 13 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,4
per 100 g: Ca 67 · P 48 · C 27 mg · sugar 0,9 g
10 g, or 4–5 sprigs
Avoid for pregnant or injured guinea pigs.
Courgette
safe- Portion
- up to 110 g
- How often
- 3–4 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,4
per 100 g: Ca 16 · P 38 · C 17,9 mg · sugar 2,5 g
80 g, or a handful
The skin can be left on.
Cranberry
safe- Portion
- up to 8 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
8 g
Sour — small amounts only.
Cucumber
safe- Portion
- up to 60 g
- How often
- 3–4 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,7
per 100 g: Ca 16 · P 24 · C 2,8 mg · sugar 1,7 g
40 g, or 3–4 slices 1 cm thick
Майже сама вода: добре в спеку, але не замінює зелень. 3–4 рази на тиждень.
Currant
safe- Portion
- up to 8 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
8 g
Leaves and twigs are fine too.
Dandelion
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 2,8
per 100 g: Ca 187 · P 66 · C 35 mg · sugar 0,7 g · oxalates 25 mg
10 g: a few leaves, or a couple of flowers
Excellent food, but high in calcium, so we suggest two or three times a week. German sources treat it as a daily staple.
Dill
safe- Portion
- up to 10 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 3,2
per 100 g: Ca 208 · P 66 · C 85 mg · sugar 0 g · oxalates 545–1097 mg
8 g, or up to five small sprigs
High in calcium. Keep portions small.
Endive
safe- Portion
- up to 45 g
- How often
- 5–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
45 g, a few leaves
Bitter salads settle digestion — one of the best daily bases.
Fennel
safe- Portion
- up to 16 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1
per 100 g: Ca 49 · P 50 · C 12 mg · sugar 3,9 g
10 g, or a 1.3 cm cube
Добре впливає на травлення. Стебло й пір'я теж можна. 2–3 рази на тиждень.
Frisée
safe- Portion
- up to 35 g
- How often
- 3–6 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
35 g
A relative of endive, with the same bitters.
Garlic
neverWe say no. Allium compounds damage red blood cells. Some sources allow tiny medicinal amounts — we think it is not worth the risk.
Ginger
neverWe say no. Too pungent, and guinea pigs avoid it anyway.
Gooseberry
safe- Portion
- up to 5 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,9
per 100 g: Ca 25 · P 27 · C 27,7 mg · sugar — g
2–3 g: half a berry, or one small one
High in sugar and acid. Keep portions small.
Grapes
safe- Portion
- up to 5 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,4
per 100 g: Ca 10 · P 25 · C 3,3 mg · sugar 17,3 g
2 g, or half a grape with the seeds removed
High in sugar. Remove the seeds.
Green beans
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1
per 100 g: Ca 40 · P 41 · C 12,2 mg · sugar 2,3 g
15 g, or 1–2 medium pods
Trim the tips off both ends of the pod.
Green leaf lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 5–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,5
per 100 g: Ca 40 · P 27 · C 15,2 mg · sugar 0,8 g
10 g, or 1–2 medium leaves
Одна з найкращих щоденних основ: мало цукру, мало оксалатів. 5–7 разів на тиждень.
Iceberg lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 40 g
- How often
- up to 3 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
40 g, a couple of large leaves
Mostly water: harmless, but nearly empty. Fine alongside bitter salads, not as the base. Discard the outer leaves.
Jerusalem artichoke
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 2 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
15 g
The tuber is starchy — small amounts. The leaves are excellent food.
Kale
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 2–4 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
25 g, one large leaf
The best leafy winter food. Introduce gradually, like all brassicas.
Kiwi
safe- Portion
- up to 12 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1
per 100 g: Ca 35 · P 34 · C 74,7 mg · sugar 9 g
7 g, or one teaspoon of flesh
High in sugar. Cut the skin off.
Kohlrabi
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 1–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
25 g, a thin slice
The bulb is a hard vegetable — small amounts. The leaves are the better part.
Lamb’s lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 3–5 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
25 g
A classic winter salad, available when little else is.
Leek
neverNever feed this.
Lingonberry
safe- Portion
- up to 8 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
8 g
A small treat.
Lollo / oak leaf lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 35 g
- How often
- 4–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
35 g
Everyday leaf salads. Discard the outer leaves.
Mandarin
safe- Portion
- up to 18 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,9
per 100 g: Ca 37 · P 20 · C 26,7 mg · sugar 10,6 g
15 g, or one small segment
High in sugar. Keep portions small and remove the seeds.
Mango
safe- Portion
- up to 18 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,8
per 100 g: Ca 11 · P 14 · C 36,4 mg · sugar 13,7 g
15 g: one thin slice, or a 2.5 cm cube
High in sugar. Remove the stone and the skin.
Marigold
safe- Portion
- up to 6 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
3 g: 1–2 large flowers, or 2–3 small ones
Keep portions small.
Melon
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 9 · P 17 · C 10,9 mg · sugar 7,9 g
20 g, or a 2.5 cm cube
High in sugar. Remove the seeds and the rind.
Mint
safe- Portion
- up to 3 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 3,3
per 100 g: Ca 243 · P 73 · C 31,8 mg · sugar 0 g
2 g, or 1–2 leaves
Spearmint and peppermint are fine. Pennyroyal is not.
Napa cabbage
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 2,7
per 100 g: Ca 77 · P 29 · C 27 mg · sugar 1,4 g
15 g, or one small leaf
Can cause bloating, and is high in calcium.
Nectarine
safe- Portion
- up to 23 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,1
per 100 g: Ca 2 · P 26 · C 2,9 mg · sugar 7,9 g
18 g, or one thin slice
Remove the stone.
Nuts
neverNever feed this.
Onion
neverNever feed this.
Orange
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 3,6
per 100 g: Ca 43 · P 12 · C 45 mg · sugar 9,1 g
15 g, or one segment
High in sugar and acid. Keep portions small.
Pak choi
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 2–4 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
30 g
A leafy brassica.
Papaya
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 2
per 100 g: Ca 20 · P 10 · C 60,9 mg · sugar 7,8 g
20 g, or two 2.5 cm cubes
High in sugar. Keep portions small.
Parsley
safe- Portion
- up to 8 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 2,4
per 100 g: Ca 138 · P 58 · C 133 mg · sugar 0,9 g · oxalates 156 mg
5 g, or a couple of sprigs
Contains oxalates. Keep portions small.
Parsnip
safe- Portion
- up to 10 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 36 · P 71 · C 17 mg · sugar 4,8 g
7 g, or a 0.5 cm slice of a medium root
Contains oxalates. Keep portions small.
Peach
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,2
per 100 g: Ca 4 · P 22 · C 4,1 mg · sugar 8,4 g
10 g, or a slice 1 cm thick
High in sugar. Remove the stone.
Pear
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,8
per 100 g: Ca 9 · P 12 · C 4,3 mg · sugar 9,8 g
15 g, or a 2.5 cm cube
Remove the seeds and the core.
Persimmon
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 8 · P 17 · C 7,5 mg · sugar 12,5 g
10 g, or a 1 cm cube
High in sugar. Keep portions small and remove the seeds.
Pineapple
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 2,4
per 100 g: Ca 12 · P 5 · C 58,6 mg · sugar 11,4 g
15 g, or a 2.5 cm cube
Fresh only. No skin, leaves or core.
Plum
safe- Portion
- up to 45 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,4
per 100 g: Ca 6 · P 16 · C 9,5 mg · sugar 9,9 g
40 g: half a small plum, or a quarter of a large one
High in sugar. Remove the stone.
Pomelo
safe- Portion
- up to 50 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,2
per 100 g: Ca 4 · P 17 · C 61 mg · sugar 6,6 g
30 g, or a quarter of a segment
Remove the peel, the seeds and the white pith.
Potato
neverNever feed this.
Pumpkin
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,5
per 100 g: Ca 21 · P 44 · C 9 mg · sugar 2,8 g
15 g, or a 1.3 cm cube
Remove the seeds.
Radicchio
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 3–5 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
30 g, a few leaves
Not a cabbage, despite the look. Well tolerated thanks to the bitters.
Radish
safe- Portion
- up to 5 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca 25 · P — · C 14,8 mg · sugar 1,9 g
2 g, or half a small slice
Гостра на смак, тому лише крихітним шматочком. Бадилля редиски — навпаки, чудова зелень.
Radish leaves
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 3–6 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
30 g
More popular than the radish itself, and safer in larger amounts.
Raspberry
safe- Portion
- up to 10 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,6
per 100 g: Ca 16 · P 27 · C 23 mg · sugar 2,7 g
6 g, or 1–2 berries
Помірно солодка. Листя малини теж можна, і воно корисніше за саму ягоду.
Red cabbage
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,9
per 100 g: Ca 31 · P 36 · C 53,9 mg · sugar 3,5 g
20 g: from half a leaf to two small ones
Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully.
Red leaf lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 5–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,8
per 100 g: Ca 43 · P 24 · C 9,3 mg · sugar 0,5 g
10 g, or 1–2 medium leaves
The same as green leaf lettuce — an everyday base.
Rhubarb leaves
neverNever feed this.
Rocket
safe- Portion
- up to 3 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 3,1
per 100 g: Ca 160 · P 52 · C 15 mg · sugar 2,1 g · oxalates 7 mg
1 g, or one medium leaf
High in calcium. Keep portions small.
Romaine lettuce
safe- Portion
- up to 40 g
- How often
- 5–7 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,2
per 100 g: Ca 28 · P 23 · C 4 mg · sugar 1,2 g · oxalates 0 mg
15 g, or one medium leaf
Contains oxalates. Stick to the safe portion.
Romanesco
safe- Portion
- up to 20 g
- How often
- 1–2 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
20 g, one floret
A cauliflower variety.
Rosehip
safe- Portion
- up to 8 g
- How often
- 1–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
8 g, two or three hips
Well tolerated; dried ones work in winter.
Rosemary
safe- Portion
- up to 4 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 4,8
per 100 g: Ca 317 · P 66 · C 21,8 mg · sugar 0 g
2 g, or a few leaves
High in calcium. Keep portions small.
Savoy cabbage
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 1–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
25 g
Introduce gradually.
Sea buckthorn
safe- Portion
- up to 6 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
6 g
Sharp and rich — tiny amounts.
Sour cherry
safe- Portion
- up to 6 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,1
per 100 g: Ca 16 · P 15 · C 10 mg · sugar 8,5 g
4 g, or one pitted cherry
Remove the stone. Contrary to the common belief, the stalk and leaves contain no cyanide — only the kernel does.
Spinach
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,6
per 100 g: Ca 67 · P 41 · C 30,3 mg · sugar — g · oxalates 970 mg
10 g: one mature leaf, or 3–5 baby leaves
High in oxalates. Keep portions small.
Strawberry
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,7
per 100 g: Ca 16 · P 24 · C 58,8 mg · sugar 4,9 g
10 g, or half a medium berry
The green tops can be fed too.
Swede
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 1–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
25 g
Well tolerated; a winter standby.
Sweet cherry
safe- Portion
- up to 10 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,6
per 100 g: Ca 13 · P 21 · C 7 mg · sugar 12,8 g
6 g, or one pitted cherry
Sweeter than sour cherry. Remove the stone; stalk and leaves are safe.
Sweet potato
safe- Portion
- up to 15 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,6
per 100 g: Ca 22 · P 37 · C 14,8 mg · sugar 6,1 g
12 g, or a 2.5 cm cube
Keep portions small.
Thyme
safe- Portion
- up to 1 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 3,8
per 100 g: Ca 405 · P 106 · C 160 mg · sugar 1,7 g
0.5 g, or half a sprig to one sprig
Very high in calcium, and rich in essential oils. Feed with care.
Tomato
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,4
per 100 g: Ca 11 · P 28 · C 27,2 mg · sugar 2,6 g
14 g, or one cherry tomato
No leaves, no stalks, no unripe fruit.
Tomato leaves and stems
neverNever feed this.
Turnip
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 1–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- —
per 100 g: Ca — · P — · C — mg · sugar — g
25 g
The tops are the better part.
Watermelon
safe- Portion
- up to 30 g
- How often
- up to 1 × / week
- Ca:P
- 0,6
per 100 g: Ca 7 · P 11 · C 8,1 mg · sugar 6,2 g
20 g, or one small piece
Remove the seeds.
White cabbage
safe- Portion
- up to 25 g
- How often
- 2–3 × / week
- Ca:P
- 1,6
per 100 g: Ca 42 · P 27 · C 40,3 mg · sugar 3,5 g
20 g: from half a leaf to two small ones
Can cause bloating. Introduce carefully.
Where these grams come from
The daily amount of fresh food is worked out from body weight: the German veterinary association for animal welfare suggests around 200 g of greens per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 900 g guinea pig that is roughly 180 g a day, split between several foods. The portions in the table are shares of that amount, adjusted for calcium, sugar and oxalates.
Nobody has published exact grams for each individual food: this is our guide, not a norm. There is no need to weigh food daily — weigh once to get a feel for the size, then your eye is enough. Greens should be available all the time, and it is better if a little is left over until the next feed.