Can guinea pigs eat zucchini? Yes! Zucchini is a great veggie to offer your cavy as many as 3 or 4 times a week–and most guinea pigs absolutely love it!
Zucchini is an excellent source of Vitamin C, and it provides healthy doses of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. Low in both calcium and oxalates, there’s no need to worry about an increased risk of bladder or kidney stones, so you can feel good about offering your piggy zucchini as a more or less regular part of its diet.
The bottom line: zucchini is a fantastic staple veggie you can offer 3 to 4 times a week.
For those that are interested, we’ll take a closer look at why and how guinea pigs can eat zucchini and consider the pros and cons.
Check out the entire guinea pig food list!
Is Zucchini Good For Guinea Pigs?
Yes!
100% guinea pig approved!
Zucchini is a great source of the nutrition your guinea pig needs to thrive, and its healthy dose of Vitamin C will help keep scurvy at bay. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, this common vegetable is uncommonly healthy.
Bladder and kidney stones are issues frequently faced by piggy parents, and these potentially life-threatening conditions are directly tied to diet. Some veggies contain relatively high amounts of calcium, and in combination with naturally-occurring oxalates, they’re a perfect recipe for the crystals that can eventually become stones.
Leafy greens and vegetables are an important part of your pet’s nutrition, but not all fresh vegetables and leafy greens are safe for your pet. Some are better than others.
Fortunately, zucchini is low in both calcium–and though there seems to be some disagreement–oxalates, too.
To put an end to this confusion, Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health tested pretty much every vegetable, providing what nutritionists refer to as the “gold standard” of oxalate values.
The results?
Zucchini is on the very low list, containing just 1 mg per 100 grams.
Is Zucchini Bad For Guinea Pigs?
No, not at all.
All guinea pigs need an unlimited supply of Timothy hay and fortified pellets as the cornerstone of their diets. This provides the essential nutrition, fiber, and tooth-wear that every cavy needs.
But vets also recommend that every piggy get an additional cup of fresh veggies each day, helping to fill any nutritional gaps–especially Vitamin C.
Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Zucchini is a great way top-up your cavy’s vitamins and minerals, and there’s no danger in offering this veggie 3 or 4 times a week, as long as you keep portion sizes in control!
That’s important because most guinea pigs adore zucchini.
And unlike many veggies, there’s very little danger of tummy trouble with zucchini.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Zucchini Skin/Peel?
Yes!
Zucchini skin is completely safe for guinea pigs, and if your furry friend likes it, there’s no reason to peel zucchini before offering it.
Some cavies don’t like the skin, though, so if you see that your buddy is eating the flesh but not the peel, we recommend removing the skin in the future.
How Should You Prepare Zucchini For Your Guinea Pigs?
Zucchini usually gets a clean bill of health in terms of pesticide contamination.
If you’ll be feeding the zucchini skin and all to your guinea pig, we recommend you take the extra step of a vinegar and water wash.
Here’s how we do it.
Simply fill a large bowl with one part white vinegar to four parts water. Submerge the zucchini in this mixture and let them soak for 20 minutes.
Later, rinse each one in fresh water and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
How Much Zucchini Should a Guinea Pig Eat?
Zucchini is healthy, and most guinea pigs just love it.
And since it’s low in calcium and oxalates, and unlikely to cause tummy trouble, you can offer your cavy this delicious veggie pretty often.
We recommend a few slices of zucchini, about ¼-inch thick, 3 to 4 times a week.
Final Thoughts
While nothing should replace Timothy hay and pellets, zucchini is a healthy and delicious staple in a happy piggy’s diet.
- Zucchini is a great source of Vitamin C, and it also provides healthy doses of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium.
- Zucchini is very low in both calcium and oxalates and shouldn’t increase the risk of bladder or kidney stones.
- It’s also unlikely to cause an upset tummy.
- The skin or peel is completely safe for guinea pigs to eat, provided that they like it.
- We recommend washing zucchini that won’t be peeled in a vinegar and water solution.
- 2 to 3 slices of zucchini, 3 to 4 times a week, is a good rule of thumb on serving size and frequency.
If you stick to these guidelines, your guinea pig is going to love the addition of zucchini!
Zucchini is a healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed by both people and guinea pigs. It is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any diet. So if you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your guinea pig’s diet, or you’re just looking for a healthy snack option, zucchini is a great choice.