4 min read
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Beet Greens? Oxalates and Portions
Beet greens are high in oxalates. Learn how much guinea pigs can safely have, how often and whether the beet root is suitable.
The short answer
Occasionally. Beet leaves are not toxic, but they are high in oxalates, so keep them small and infrequent. The root is sugary and best avoided or kept very rare.
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 beet greens offers, and where it falls short
Beet greens offer fiber and vitamins.
High oxalate content may contribute to urinary crystals in susceptible guinea pigs.
How much and how often
- A small leaf for an adult.
- Once a week or less.
- Skip for guinea pigs with urinary problems unless your vet agrees.
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
- Beet root in quantity, cooked or pickled beets.
- 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 beet greens 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.