Do Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots

Do Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots?

Carrots have a number of health benefits for humans and even dogs, but what about guinea pigs?  Do guinea pigs eat carrots?

This article will explain if guinea pigs eat carrots as well as the health benefits of carrots for guinea pigs.

Do Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots?

Yes, guinea pigs eat carrots.  Just as carrots provide a benefit to human health, they also are great for a guinea pig’s health.  Carrots contain vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, biotin, and beta-carotene among other nutrients which help to boost the health of a guinea pig.  Carrots are a great healthy treat to add to your guinea pig’s diet. 

Health Benefits of Carrots for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pig eating a carrot

Carrots provide a similar benefit to guinea pigs as they do to people.  According to healthline.com, the nutritional information for carrots are as follows for 100 grams of carrots which is approximately 2-3 small to medium-sized carrots:

Calories41
Water88%
Protein0.9 grams
Carbs9.6 grams
Sugar4.7 grams
Fiber2.8 grams
Fat0.2 grams

Here are some of the benefits carrots provide to guinea pigs:

Vitamin A:

Guinea pigs require a fairly high amount of vitamin A for their size and carrots are rich in vitamin A.  Vitamin A helps a guinea pig grow, have good vision and have good reproductive health. 

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is significant for the overall health of a guinea pig.  Guinea pigs do not produce Vitamin C in their bodies, so they need to get it from their diet.  Vitamin C helps guinea pigs maintain a healthy smooth coat, promotes dental health, increases their immune system, and promotes a healthy appetite.   

Fiber:

Fiber should be a staple in every guinea pigs’ diet.  Fiber helps your guinea pig grow normally; a diet too low in fiber can lead to a lower growth rate.

Biotin:

Biotin provides guinea pigs with the ability to maintain proper metabolic function, have healthy fur, and maintain a healthy weight.  A diet too low in biotin can cause your guinea pig lose weight and/ or have a discolored or rough coat.

How Often Can Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots?

Guinea pigs can eat carrots as often as a few times a week.  Carrots are great healthy snacks for guinea pigs, but they shouldn’t be given daily because they are higher in carbs.  Carbs convert to sugar when processed by the body, and too much sugar isn’t good for a guinea pig on a daily basis.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Frozen Carrots?

No.  Guinean pigs should not eat frozen carrots.  Frozen vegetables in general should never be given to your guinea pig as they will be too difficult for your guinea pig to digest.  Additionally, sometimes frozen carrots contain preservatives that can be harmful to your little cavy.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Carrots?

No, Guinea pigs should not be fed cooked carrots.  Cooked food in general should not be fed to your guinea pig.  Guinea pigs have a hard time digesting cooked foods and carrots are no exception.  In addition, when cooking foods, we normally add in oil and other ingredients that Guinea pigs should never consume.  Uncooked carrots are the safest to feed your guinea pig.

Conclusion

Carrots are a great healthy snack to give your guinea pig in moderation.  I personally had two guinea pigs and they both loved chomping down on a couple carrots.  I would buy the little bags of fresh baby carrots and give them a couple for treats a few times a week. 

Make sure you don’t feed frozen or cooked carrots and your little cavy will be healthy and happy and look forward to their orange treat. 

Does your guniea pig like carrots? Let me know in the comments!