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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raisins? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Dangers

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By Nicole Cosgrove

guinea-pig-raisin

Vet approved

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

BVMS, MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Grapes are tasty, fresh treats for guinea pigs, so you might assume that raisins are the same. However, the drying process makes dried fruit less suitable for your guinea pig’s diet in the long run. While raisins can be eaten by guinea pigs and are often enjoyed by these small pets, they shouldn’t be common treats.

Raisins have a few health benefits but they also have their dangers. This guide will tell you why guinea pigs can eat raisins and why you should never let them eat too many. We also provide information on safer alternatives.

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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raisins?

Technically speaking, guinea pigs can eat raisins. This doesn’t mean they should, though. Raisins, being dried grapes, have various health benefits, but they are problematic due to the drying process and the minerals that they contain.

If your guinea pig eats too many raisins, they can suffer from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Dental issues and weight gain are also possible consequences.

raisins platter
Image by forwimuwi73 from Pixabay

What Are the Benefits of Raisins for Guinea Pigs?

Raisins should never be a big part of your guinea pig’s diet. They can cause severe health issues if your pet eats too many. That said, raisins do contain a few important nutrients that your guinea pig needs in their diet, so one or two a month can be beneficial to them. Just don’t make it a habit.

1. Fiber

Guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system, and it’s incredibly easy for something that they eat to cause digestive upset or worse. A balanced amount of fiber in their diet can keep their digestive system working as it should and help prevent issues like diarrhea.

Raisins are a good source of fiber, but make sure you don’t overdo it. Too much fiber can cause problems too.


2. Minerals

Many of your guinea pig’s nutrients will come from the hay, grass, and pellets that they eat though fruits and vegetables can help too. Raisins contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. All these minerals help keep your guinea pig healthy and support their well-being.

guinea pig in green grass
Image Credit: Lipatova Maryna, Shutterstock

3. Vitamin C

A crucial part of a guinea pig’s diet is vitamin C because they can’t make it themselves. A diet rich in vitamin C helps them manage their skin and joint health, maintain mucosal surfaces like their gums, and aid in healing. Vitamin C also helps prevent diseases.

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What Are the Risks of Feeding Raisins to Your Guinea Pig?

Health benefits aside, it’s important to consider the dangers of giving raisins to your guinea pig. Dried fruit isn’t nearly as safe as fresh fruit, and raisins should only ever be occasional treats.

1. Bladder and Kidney Stones

The calcium content in raisins is one of the fruit’s benefits, but it’s also one of the dangers. Guinea pigs are prone to developing bladder and kidney stones, which are composed of calcium carbonate 1.

While they need a certain amount of calcium in their diet, too much increases your guinea pig’s risk of developing problems. You need to carefully adjust their diet so their calcium intake isn’t excessive, which means not giving them too many raisins.


2. Digestive Upset

Considering how delicate a guinea pig’s digestive system is, it’s not surprising that raisins can upset their stomach. Sudden changes in diet are among the biggest causes of upset stomach in guinea pigs, but the sugar content in raisins can cause problems too.

veterinary doctor holding guinea pig on hands
Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock

3. Sugar

The drying process makes dried fruits less safe for your guinea pig to eat compared to fresh fruit, especially when they eat a large number of them. Raisins are about 60% sugar, which can be hard for your guinea pig to digest and can increase their risk of weight gain 2. The sugar content can also negatively affect your guinea pig’s dental health.

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What Should Guinea Pigs Eat?

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Raisins and many other human foods aren’t the best when it comes to your guinea pig’s diet. Since you have to be careful how many raisins you give your guinea pig to prevent health issues, it’s best just to steer clear and choose something else to feed your pet.

Fortunately, a well-balanced diet for your guinea pig only requires a few key items, particularly hay and guinea pig pellets. You can add a few fresh fruits and vegetables too.

1. Hay

Most of your guinea pig’s diet should be fresh, high-quality hay. Timothy and orchard hay are two of the best options for keeping your guinea pig healthy. Alfalfa hay is the best option for young guinea pigs. Your pet will need access to fresh hay every day, and it should always be present in their cage.

Eating hay and grass serves two purposes. It keeps your guinea pig’s digestive system working properly, and it helps them manage their teeth. A guinea pig’s teeth are open rooted, which means they don’t stop growing. Without regular tooth care, your guinea pig can suffer from severe dental issues.


2. Pellets

Providing your guinea pig with the right amount of nutrients isn’t the easiest task, even if you know what your pet should eat. Guinea pig pellets are formulated to provide the nutrients to keep them healthy, including vitamin C. The number of pellets that you give your guinea pig depends on their age, weight, and activity level. It’s important to balance the number of pellets that your guinea pig eats with plenty of hay to prevent GI stasis.


3. Treats

Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat many human foods, but fresh fruit and vegetables can be a good way to add necessary vitamins and minerals to their diet. You’ll need to introduce new fruits and vegetables slowly to avoid upsetting your guinea pig’s stomach. Fresh veggies can reduce boredom too.

Good choices include:
  • Apples (without the core)
  • Berries
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Clover

If you want to give them an extra-special treat, rolled oats can be mixed into your guinea pig’s pellets.

Guinea Pig eating a carrot
Image By: enchanted_fairy, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

Guinea pigs can eat raisins but they’re not the best choice. Raisins contain more sugar than fresh fruit, which can make them dangerous for guinea pigs. Too much sugar can be difficult to digest and will upset your guinea pig’s digestive system, and it can affect their teeth and result in weight gain. A single raisin as a one-off treat isn’t something to worry about, but make sure you don’t give raisins to your guinea pig all the time.


Featured Image Credit: Needpix

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