Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raw Potatoes?

Can guinea pigs eat raw potatoes? Guinea pigs not only like eating hay, but they also love to enjoy eating a variety of different veggies and fruits.

Not all fruits are considered good for their health; some are forbidden for different reasons.

Potatoes are one of the vegetables that one can think of using in a variety of treats for pets. So, can guinea pigs eat potatoes? The short answer is no. 

Should we offer raw potatoes to guinea pigs?

There are two major reasons why guinea pigs should not be offered potatoes, even occasionally.

The presence of toxins like alkaloids and high starch levels makes potatoes harmful to guinea pigs’ health.

The ingestion of toxic alkaloids can cause serious health problems and even death.

Are all types of potatoes not safe for guinea pigs?             

Can guinea pigs eat raw potatoes? Regular potatoes are toxic for guinea pigs; even a small amount can put your pet at risk of disease. If your pet loves to eat potatoes, he is lucky enough to have sweet potatoes on the list of non-forbidden veggies.

Guinea pigs can eat sweet potatoes as they do not contain the same poisonous substances that can kill your pet. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C that can help guinea pigs to stay away from different diseases.

But, feed one or two slices of sweet potatoes to your guinea pig twice a month, as high amounts of starch and carbohydrates in potatoes can cause many severe health issues.

What are the health risks of feeding raw potatoes to guinea pigs?

Can guinea pigs eat raw potatoes? No, guinea pigs’ bodies cannot handle raw potatoes’ excess carbohydrates, calcium, and other nutrients. Your pet can face the following health issues if fed on them.

Urinary system issues

Calcium is important for strengthening bones. But excessive calcium can cause major health issues in guinea pigs. Raw potatoes contain a lot of calcium, leading to painful stones in the urinary tract of guinea pigs.

Digestion problem

Raw potatoes contain many alkaloids and solanine, which cause indigestion, diarrhea, stomach upsets, and severe intestinal problems in guinea pigs.

Increased Body weight

Raw potatoes contain a  lot of carbohydrates and are rich in calories and sugar. Increased carbs intake can result in overweight guinea pigs, which brings heart and other health issues.

Nutrients present in  raw potatoes

The nutritional value of potatoes is very high, but what nutrients make them unhealthy for guinea pigs? Let’s have a look at nutrients!

Fiber

Carbs and starch

Potassium

Magnesium

Copper

Vitamin C

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B6

What are alternatives to raw potatoes for guinea pigs?

You will be surprised to know that your guinea pigs will never miss the taste of potatoes. Other types of products can replace them. Other types of foods that one should consider feeding its guinea pig include:

• Tomatoes
• Pumpkin
• Squash
• Sweet peppers
• Parsley
• Romaine lettuce
• Kale
• Broccoli

Can we offer potato chips to guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs cannot digest cooked food at all. Thus, you should never offer your guinea pigs boiled, baked, or fried potato slices.

You might think that he would enjoy the same tasty snacks as potato chips as they still contain many toxic carbs for the guinea pigs.

Can we feed potato leaves and potato peeling to guinea pigs?

Many pet owners consider that they can offer their guinea pigs potato leaves. All parts of raw potatoes contain solanine, which can be lethal to pets.

Guinea pigs cannot eat raw potato leaves or peel because it contains similar harmful substances despite being full of nutrients.

Fortunately, sweet potato leaves are safe to feed for guinea pigs as they don’t contain solanine like raw potatoes.

How to deal with the situation If your guinea pig eats potatoes accidentally?

The guinea pigs are foodies; they start eating anything that looks like food. So if they accidentally eat raw potatoes or any other part of the potato plant, observe the following signs and visit the nearest Vet.

Dullness

Pain

Loose stool

Blood in their urine

Any other major change in their health

Conclusion – Can guinea pigs eat raw potatoes?

Can guinea pigs eat raw potatoes? Guinea pigs cannot eat potatoes in any form, whether processed or raw. It is better to feed them a recommended diet to avoid health problems.