4 min read
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula? A Peppery Green
Guinea pigs can eat arugula (rocket) in moderation. Learn how much to offer and how to balance its calcium content.
The short answer
Yes, in moderation. Arugula, also called rocket, is a suitable peppery green.
Unlimited grass hay, fresh water, a measured amount of guinea pig pellets and a daily cup or so of mixed, suitable vegetables form the core diet. Any single vegetable or fruit is one part of that mix, never a replacement for hay.
What arugula offers, and where it falls short
Arugula offers variety and some vitamins.
It contains moderate calcium, so rotate it with lower-calcium greens.
How much and how often
- A small handful of leaves for an adult.
- Two or three times a week.
- Mix with romaine or other mild greens.
How to prepare it
- Wash leaves thoroughly and shake off excess water.
- Serve raw and fresh, mixed with other greens.
- Discard wilted, yellow or slimy leaves.
What to avoid
- Cooked, seasoned or dressed leaves.
- Large daily bunches of a single green.
- Leaves treated with garden chemicals.
Introduce it slowly
Offer a small piece of arugula on its own the first time, then watch droppings and appetite over the next day. Change one food at a time so you can tell what caused any upset. Wheeky apps can help you keep track of new foods, servings and vitamin C sources in one place.
If your guinea pig stops eating, has diarrhea, produces fewer droppings or seems bloated or quiet after a food change, contact an exotic vet promptly. This guide is general education, not veterinary advice.