Can Guinea Pigs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Nutrition Facts & FAQ
By Adam Mann
Updated on
Guinea pigs are all about vegetables, and if you’re trying to get rid of a few extra Brussels sprouts in your fridge, it’s perfectly safe to give some to your guinea pig. A few Brussels sprout leaves here and there are great for your guinea pig, but it’s easy to overdo it.
But why are Brussels sprouts so great for your guinea pig, and why shouldn’t you feed it to them every day? We’ll answer those questions and more for you here.
The 5 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts for Guinea Pigs
While you shouldn’t feed Brussels sprouts to your guinea pig all the time, there are numerous health benefits to offering them once or twice a week. We’ve highlighted five major health benefits of Brussels sprouts for your guinea pig here:
1. Vitamin A
According to the USDA, there are 143 IU of vitamin A in each Brussels sprout. That translates to 664 IU of vitamin A in each cup of Brussels sprouts, which is quite a bit for your guinea pig!
2. Vitamin C
One of the top benefits of Brussels sprouts is the high vitamin C content in each sprout. There are 16.2 milligrams in each Brussels sprout, which is an extremely high concentration. Your guinea pig needs tons of vitamin C, so giving them a little extra with some Brussels sprouts is a good idea!
3. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is crucial to maintaining bone health, and tons of vitamin K in each serving of Brussels sprouts is beneficial to your guinea pig. It’s not quite as much as vitamin A and vitamin C, but since your guinea pig doesn’t need quite as much vitamin K, that’s perfectly alright!
4. Antioxidants
Brussels sprouts have tons of antioxidants which have numerous health benefits for them. Enough antioxidants help maintain healthy cells, which is pretty important for your guinea pig!
5. Fiber
Guinea pigs need tons of fiber for healthy food digestion, and since Brussels sprouts have close to a gram of fiber in each sprout, that’s a pretty high concentration to help their digestive system break it down.
Brussels Sprouts in Moderation
While Brussels sprouts are an excellent option for your guinea pig once or twice a week, you don’t want to make it a part of your guinea pig’s daily diet. The reason for this is that Brussels sprouts are high in oxalates and calcium, which can lead to kidney problems and urinary stones.
A few leaves a week shouldn’t create any problems, but if you go overboard with it, then it can become one.
Other Great Foods for Your Guinea Pigs
There are tons of healthy food options for guinea pigs, so while you shouldn’t feed them Brussels sprouts every day, there’s no reason you can’t give them tons of yummy treats that they’ll love.
Kale
Kale is a superfood for people, and it turns out it’s also a superfood for guinea pigs! Kale, along with romaine lettuce, green and red lettuces, cilantro, and parsley, should make up the majority of your guinea pig’s diet. So, the next time you’re in the produce aisle, stock up on some kale for your guinea pig.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another super healthy food that guinea pigs can eat a few times weekly. It’s high in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and fiber, all of which are great things for your guinea pig.
Fresh Grass and Hay
Fresh grass and hay should make up the majority of your guinea pig’s diet, as it’s a crucial food to help them break down and digest all the other foods they eat. Never feed your guinea pig grass clippings, though, as this can make them sick. Instead, stick with high-quality grass and hay you can find in a pet store.
Pellets
While guinea pig pellets shouldn’t make up most of your guinea pig’s diet, they’re a great tool to ensure your guinea pig gets all the nutrients they need. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the guinea pig pellets you use but make them a part of their daily diet.
Apples
Apples are a treat for your guinea pig through and through. Don’t make it a part of your guinea pig’s daily diet, but a slice of apple about once a week is a great way to watch your guinea pig happily chomp down on something new! Just ensure you remove any seeds before giving it to them.
Final Thoughts
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with giving your guinea pig a few Brussels sprout leaves here and there, but don’t give it to them every day or it can lead to some health problems. If you’re looking to give them, a few more treats go with some of the other options we’ve highlighted in our guide here!
- Also Read: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Nectarines?
Featured Image Credit: Lesya Girl, Shutterstock
