(Updated 2023.07.03)
Hey there Guinea Gang! Do you know if guinea pigs can eat sweet potatoes?
The short answer is yes! Guinea pigs can enjoy sweet potatoes as a tasty treat. Unlike regular potatoes, which are not suitable for them, sweet potatoes are a safe and healthy addition to their diet.
Watch this short video for a summary!
Sweet potatoes are a healthy source of essential nutrients for guinea pigs such as Vitamin C, crucial for their overall health, because guinea pigs cannot product their own. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain potassium, which promotes heart health and helps maintain proper fluid levels in their cells.
While sweet potatoes are nutritious, moderation is the key when feeding them to guinea pigs. Experts recommend offering sweet potatoes only once or twice a week to prevent excessive sugar consumption.
Before serving sweet potatoes, be sure to thoroughly clean and scrub the exterior, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. This step helps remove any potential pesticides or dirt, making the treat safer for your furry companion.
It's easy to prepare the sweet potato for your guinea pigs. Simply cut the sweet potatoes into small, bite-sized chunks, measuring about half an inch by half an inch. Avoid giving them cooked sweet potatoes, as their digestive system cannot process it properly.
So feel free to give uncooked sweet potato to your little piggys as an ocassional treat. Yes it does have an abundance of Vitamin C and potassium which makes them a healthy addition to their diet. But as no food is perfect, because its high sugar can lead to health complications if fed too often.
For a super safe and delicious guinea pig treat, try our Pea Flake Treat Cup.
We hope we answered any questions you may have had about your guinea pigs and sweet potatoes! Stay tuned for the next blog soon!
2 comments
What about sweet potato leaves and vines? I know they aren’t good for cats, but I grow sweet potatos and my piggy is always trying to find new leafy greens to try and I always have extra vines and leaves I could give her. I can’t find much on the internet about it and wondered if you had tried it.
My male giinea pig Winnie 6 all of a sudden stopped eating. Checked by a highly qualified exotic pet veterinarian. NOT a dental issue. We have been doing oxbow critical care feeds every 2 to 4 hours for 6 days. He is drinking water by syringe no problem about 60 to 80 mls a day. I was averaging about 9 6mls of critical care oxbow per day the papaya flavor. He wants to eat and the Will is there, but getting grumpy with the critical care. I want to try other pureed food for him as an addirive to the oxbow. Sweet Potatoe appears safe. Any other recommendations appreciated. Thank you