The simple answer is yes, guinea pigs can eat turnips! However, as a general rule of thumb, everything should be fed to them in moderation in order to avoid any unsavory side effects! It’s important to do your research and to keep an eye on what their bodies’ responses are when trying something out for the first time.
We've also got a Vegetable Master List that lists common veggies that your piggy can and can't eat!
What vitamins and other nutrients does turnips contain?
Vitamin C
This vitamin is actually super versatile, and it doesn’t just prevent scurvy! It helps with growth and development, especially in young guinea pigs, as well as boosting immunity. You know how you drink orange juice when you’re sick or can feel an illness coming on? Vitamin C consumption in guinea pigs helps them in the same way!
Guinea pigs are susceptible to respiratory and fungal infections, which means they need all the vitamin C they can get to recover from them. When it comes to the fungal infections that affect their skin, vitamin C can help their body regenerate skin calls to help with recovery from the wounds. Turnips contain 21 mg in a 100 g portion.
Calcium
Calcium can help with maintaining strong bones, but has to be consumed in moderation because too much can lead to urinary tract issues, including calcium deposits in your piggy’s urine.
Sometimes the bladder stones that form can be difficult and painful to pass, and in some cases they can block the urethra completely and need removal by a vet. To prevent this from happening to your guinea pig, it’s important to carefully monitor their calcium consumption. Turnips contain 30 mg per 100 g portion.
Phosphorus
This can help with balancing out calcium consumption, but the Ca:P (calcium to phosphorus) ratio needs to be around 1.33:1, and the ratio in turnips is 1.1:1!
Phosphorus works with calcium for bone formation and maintenance, so while it can be dangerous for your guinea pig to have too much calcium, you shouldn’t cut it from their diet either. Turnips contain 27 mg of phosphorus in a 100 g portion!
What other benefits does turnips provide for your guinea pig?
Turnips help with digestion, especially since their digestion system on its own isn’t that great without consuming foods with fiber and other nutrients to help them out! Turnips also help reduce inflammation, as well as aids in weight loss because of the low calorie count.
Guinea pigs can turnips, but do they like it?
Some do like turnips! The only way to find out if your piggies enjoy it is to give it to them to try.
How should you go about feeding your guinea pig turnips?
When it comes to the greens, you should only feed them one leaf or two, and only once or twice a week! We’ve mentioned before, but it’s always best to feed your guinea pigs all foods in moderation, but especially when you’re first introducing it to them.
The turnip root should also be fed in moderation! A one inch cube of a regular-sized turnip (around 120-180 g) should be enough, especially if you’re choosing to feed them greens as well.
Overall, it is OK to feed your guinea pigs turnips!
As with all food, feeding them turnips in moderation is the best way to ensure that your guinea pig is not only happy and healthy, but safe! The best way to approach fruits and vegetables is to give them variety, but with caution.
What else can guinea pigs eat?
Check out our Vegetable Master List for an extensive list of vegetables for guinea pigs!
