Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cabbage?

Cabbage is a vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers, and it also contains some amounts of water. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cabbage? The answer is yes! Guinea pigs can eat cabbage as long as you do it in moderation. 

But as a pet owner, you have to be very cautious about what you feed your pet because not every food that is safe for human consumption is safe for guinea pigs. This article will discuss the pros, cons and safety of feeding cabbage to guinea pigs. 

can guinea pigs eat cabbage?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat cabbage in moderation and not frequently. The amount of cabbage a guinea pig should eat depends on the type of cabbage you feed it.

There are various cabbages like white cabbage, red cabbage, Chinese cabbage (Nappa or bok choy), Savoy cabbage, etc. Red cabbage and purple cabbage are good sources of vitamin “C” so that you can give.

The nutritional value of all these is different, so you’ll have to feed them accordingly and with precaution, as some varieties of cabbages can be toxic to your pet piggy.

What is the nutritional profile of cabbage?

Cabbage is among the most common vegetables that you can find in people’s diets. Besides, this green leafy plant is also used in pets’ diets. Guinea pigs are no exception. Cabbage can be a healthy addition to guinea pigs’ diet. 

1. It contains a lot of water and fiber, which can help with constipation and intestinal blockage issues. However, it also has some compounds that are not good for your guinea pig’s health.
2. Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables on Earth. It is rich in many different vitamins and minerals. Additionally, this vegetable contains very few calories.

On average, 100 grams of cabbage have only 25 calories. It makes cabbage an excellent choice for weight loss plans and diets in general.

• Cabbage contains vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K. In addition to that, this vegetable has folate, manganese, iron and magnesium in it as well.
• Calcium is another essential micronutrient that cabbage has in it. The calcium ratio of calcium to phosphorus is 2:1 (mg/100g). This ratio means that your guinea pig will not get any health problems if it eats cabbage regularly.

Is Cabbage Good For Guinea Pigs?

Can guinea pigs eat cabbage? Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and fiber content; these are essential nutrients needed for guinea pigs. Vitamin C helps prevent scurvy in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs require vitamin C supplements if they are not consuming healthy hay or fresh vegetables.

If a guinea pig does not receive an adequate amount of vitamin C, it can lead to various health problems like diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, dental problems, gum problems, etc.

A cup of cabbage contains about 54 mg of vitamin C, which is enough to provide adequate amounts to support the immune system. A cup of fresh cabbage leave should give to guinea pigs once or twice a week.  

What are the benefits of cabbage in Guinea Pigs?

The benefits of cabbage are the following:

1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for optimal health in guinea pigs. The vitamin improves the immune system and helps prevent infections and disease.
2. Calcium: it is vital for healthy bones and teeth and healthy fur.
3. Folate: Folate is a B vitamin that helps produce red blood cells.
4. Fiber: Cabbage contains plenty of fiber essential for gut motility and prevents constipation and bloating.
5. Vitamins: It contains vitamins A, C, and K and regulates digestion. Vitamin A helps to maintain good vision.
6. Low calories: It helps reduce cholesterol levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Antioxidant nature: It is a powerful antioxidant, and it helps maintain a sound immune system. It prevents cancer growth in guinea pigs.

What are the Cons of Cabbage in Guinea Pig?

Cabbage contains plenty of nutrients and vitamins, and they are suitable for your guinea pigs but in moderation.

1. For example, raw cabbage contains a lot of oxalates which can cause bladder stones in your guinea pigs.
2. Cabbage also has high water content and a lot of fiber which can cause digestive issues in your guinea pigs if they overeat.
3. Giving a lot of cabbage can lead to bloating and stomach ache in guinea pigs.

Conclusion – Can guinea pigs eat cabbage?

Can guinea pigs eat cabbage? Is cabbage safe for Guinea pigs? Yes, Guinea Pigs can eat cabbage but should only do so in moderation. Too much cabbage can upset a Guinea Pigs stomach.

Being a vet, this is why I recommend that you only give a small amount of cabbage once a week to your guinea pig. Also, make sure that you aren’t offering any other vegetables with cabbage at the same time. For a healthy diet for your Guinea Pig, make sure to provide a variety of fruits, vegetables, and hay.