Cucumbers are fun to eat. They’re crunchy, watery, and have a refreshing taste. More importantly, they’re a nice addition to your daily salads! Just like us, animals too like to eat cucumbers. Can guinea pigs eat cucumbers? Are they safe for your furry little friends?
“The answer to this question is a big yes. Guinea pigs can eat cucumbers, and there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t be a part of your guinea pig’s diet. Cucumbers are full of water, and they can be a refreshing treat for your guinea pig. Besides, cucumbers will help your guinea pig on a hot summer day.”
However, cucumbers are relatively low when it comes to nutritional content compared to other veggies and fruits.
This is why cucumbers should be fed along with other veggies and fruits. While cucumbers are refreshing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are entirely safe for your guinea pig.
Waxed cucumber skin is not safe for your guinea pig. Wondering what waxed cucumber skin is? The skin of cucumbers is often waxed. They are dangerous for your guinea pig’s health and need to be thoroughly washed.
Once you wash them, waxed cucumber skin can be fed to your guinea pig.
Feeding Cucumbers To Your Furry Friend – 5 Safety Basics
Guinea pigs need a varied diet. A varied diet will ensure your guinea pig receives all of the nutrients that he or she needs.
A guinea pig’s diet should comprise 80 percent of hay, 10 to 15 percent of veggies, and treats such as fruits. While the rest should comprise guinea pig pellets.
As you can tell, their primary food should be hay and hay only. The rest 10 to 20 percent is where you need to keep your pet’s diet varied. Feeding your guinea pig fresh fruits and veggies will allow you to keep your guinea pig healthy.
Some fresh fruits and veggies for your guinea pig include,
Above are some examples of foods that you can feed to your guinea pig to bring variance to his or her diet. This will enable your pet to receive all the vitamins and minerals that they can’t receive from hay.
Cucumbers are one of the safest vegetables out there. They’re neutral in taste and are filled with water to keep your pet friend hydrated.
But, beware, make sure you thoroughly wash and clean cucumbers prior to feeding them to your pet friend. This will help remove any pesticides on the vegetable if you intend to feed them raw to your guinea pig.
Here’s everything you need to know before feeding cucumbers to your little pigs.
1) Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumbers Skin?
Yes, your guinea pig will be happy to eat cucumber skins. They can eat it and the skin can be beneficial for your guinea pig.
However, it can be dangerous for your guinea pig in one way. Cucumber skins are often waxed to make them look fresh. The wax needs to come off through proper washing prior to feeding them to your pet friends.
While you can wash the skin, but just to be safe, you can remove them entirely.
2) Can Guinea Pigs Have Cucumber Seeds In Their Diet?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cucumber seeds. Unlike other seeds, cucumber seeds are soft, moist, and tender. This makes them safe for your guinea pig since there is no risk of your guinea pig choking on them.
In addition, they can be easily digested by your furry little friends. This also eliminates the possibility of any health risks, making cucumber seeds absolutely safe for your furry little friends.
3) Should You Feed Your Guinea Pigs Cucumbers Juice?
No, they should not be fed cucumber juice. More importantly, it is strictly not recommended for them.
Juices are rich in sugars, and your guinea pig should not eat or drink anything with a high concentration of sugar. Guinea pigs need fiber, which is removed when making the juice. Fiber is what helps slow down the rate at which sugar is introduced in the bloodstream.
This also removes the flesh part of the fruit or vegetable, which is precisely what they need. This is why it is not a good idea to feed them juices.
While they can drink cucumber juice, but they should not drink it due to the high sugar content.
4) Is It Safe For Baby Guinea Pigs To Eat Cucumbers?
No, baby guinea pigs cannot eat cucumbers when they’re new to the world. They are small and have a very sensitive digestive system when they’re babies.
They mainly need their mother’s milk in their initial weeks. Once they’re old enough, you can introduce them to alfalfa hay, guinea pig pellets, and water. Afterward, you can introduce them to small amounts of cucumbers and observe their health.
In case you see signs of diarrhea, you should stop feeding them newly introduced fruits and vegetables. This will also provide you with an idea of whether your guinea pig is allergic to certain foods.
5) Can Guinea Pigs Munch On Cucumber Leaves?
In short, yes, they can feed on cucumber leaves. But like always, they should not eat more than a few leaves.
Cucumber leaves have certain compounds that can lead to vomiting and make your guinea pig sick.
This is why only a few leaves are safe for them, and overfeeding them will lead to health complications.
Serving Size And Frequency – 2 Must-Know Factors To Introduce Them Safely
The only way to introduce them to cucumbers safely is to know how to feed them and when to stop feeding. If this is the first time you’re thinking of introducing your pet to cucumbers, you’re in luck. Here’s our take on the correct serving size, frequency, and steps to prepare cucumbers for them.
1) How Many Cucumbers Are Enough For A Guinea Pig?
Cucumbers are safe for guinea pigs, but there’s a certain limit on how many you can feed them. Here’s how many cucumbers will be enough for your pet friend.
| Age | Amount |
|---|---|
| Baby guinea pig | None |
| Adult guinea pig | 1 or 2 and a half inches thick slices of cucumber |
That might not seem much, but it is this way for a reason. Foods that are filled with water can cause problems for your guinea pig. This is especially true if your furry little friend is not used to being fed watery foods.
Feeding cucumbers in excess amounts will lead to diarrhea in your pet friend.
This is why when you intend on introducing cucumber to your pet friend’s diet, you need to start slow. Feed your guinea pig half a slice, sit back, and observe any signs of diarrhea.
It should take about 12 hours to see any such signs. In case you do not see any adverse effects of cucumbers, you can feed him or her a whole slice.
2) 4 Simple And Easy Steps To Prepare Cucumbers For Your Guinea Pig’s Next Meal:
The first and foremost step that you need to take is to thoroughly wash and clean cucumbers.
Store-bought cucumbers are often waxed, and they may contain pesticides and chemicals. This is why it is always recommended to buy raw and organic fruits and veggies.
If you do not have access to organic fruits and veggies, you can wash them thoroughly to ensure there are no pesticides on your pet’s food.
Just to be on the safe side and eliminate any possible risks, you can try to remove the skin. This will allow you to feed only the fruit part and lower the chances of your pet friend getting sick.
In addition, always try to cut large fruits and vegetables like cucumbers prior to feeding them to your pet friend. Only feed him small pieces of cucumbers and do not feed him more than 4 times a week.
Nutritional Facts Of Cucumbers – The Ultimate Source Of Vitamins And Antioxidants
Cucumbers are filled with water, and they can be a nice little addition to your pet’s diet. They’re crunchy and can be used as a cherry on the topping. While they’re low in calories, your furry little friend can still benefit from it.
The fact that cucumbers are filled with water, will help your pet friend on a hot summer day. Besides, you can eat them too to stay hydrated.
Here are some of the vital nutrients that your pet friend can benefit from by eating cucumbers.
Keep in mind, these are the nutritional facts of cucumbers per one hundred grams.
| Energy – 12 kcal | Protein – 0.59 g | Total lipid (fat) – 0.16 g | Carbs – 2.16 g | Dietary Fiber – 0.7 g |
| Sugars – 1.38 g | Calcium – 14 mg | Magnesium – 12 mg | Phosphorus – 21 mg | Potassium – 136 mg |
| Vitamin C – 3.2 mg | Vitamin B-6 – 0.051 mg | Vitamin A – 4 µg | Vitamin E – 0.03 mg | Vitamin K – 7.2 µg |
| Thiamin – 0.031 mg | Riboflavin – 0.025 mg | Niacin – 0.037 mg | Folate – 14 µg | Lutein + zeaxanthin – 16 µg |
4 Proven Benefits Of Cucumbers That Make Them Worth It!
Cucumbers are everyone’s favorite food. They’re fun to eat, and most importantly, they’re refreshing! Both for you, and your furry little friend.
Here’s how your pet guinea pig can benefit from eating cucumbers.
1) Excellent Means Of Hydration:
We all get hot on a hot summer day. In the same way, your guinea pig can get hot as well. This is why it is always recommended to ensure your pet friend stays cool and does not overheat.
However, sometimes it might not be the case. Even if you put him or her in a cool place, you will still need some boost. Cucumbers can be a great means of cooling down your guinea pig.
Feeding him the recommended dose of cucumbers based on your pet’s age will eliminate any possible risks of overheating and dehydration.
This is why cucumbers should be a part of your pet friend’s balanced diet.
In addition to this, if your pet friend is not drinking water as he should, you can introduce cucumbers to him.
Wondering how cucumbers can replace water? Well, they’re 95 percent of water. Yes, you heard it. They’re mostly water and can keep your pet friend hydrated on a hot summer day.
2) Low In Calories:
Cucumbers are low in calories. This is great, making cucumbers absolutely safe for your guinea pig.
The reason is that guinea pigs have often put on some extra weight. It is because their owners love them and feed them all sorts of things.
However, it is something that you should avoid and feed him a balanced diet.
Being overweight will lead to serious health concerns. These include high blood pressure, increased risk of heart-related problems, and in severe cases, a stroke.
This is why foods that are low in calories (8 calories per cup) should be a part of your pet friend’s diet. Based on this, cucumbers can be a great treat for your pet friend.
3) Rich In Vitamins:
Cucumbers are not only refreshing, but they also contain an excellent mix of vitamins. These include Vitamin A, and C. Cucumbers have approximately 2.8 mg of Vitamin C.
Your pet friend needs over 25 to 40 mg of Vitamin C to stay in shape and healthy. This is why feeding him cucumbers will provide him with a dose of Vitamin C.
But you should not rely on cucumbers only. Instead, you should feed him or her a mix of fruits and veggies like celery, bananas, grapes, and watermelons.
4) Cucumbers Can Treat Scurvy:
A deficiency of Vitamin C results in scurvy. It is only treated by feeding guinea pig foods that contain vitamin C. Yes, cucumber can treat scurvy. But the amount of Vitamin C in cucumbers is certainly not enough to get the job done.
For treating scurvy, you will need a balanced diet. A balanced diet contains hay, fresh fruits, and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C, and other essential nutrients.
2 Unfortunate Disadvantages Of Feeding Cucumber To Your Guinea Pig
Nothing in the world can be regarded as perfect. Everything has its pros and cons. Similarly, cucumbers too have certain disadvantages.
While they are refreshing, hydrating, and healthy, they’re still not perfect. This is why you should only feed them in moderation to your guinea pig.
1) Cucumber Disadvantage No. 01: Potassium
Cucumbers contain a minimal amount of potassium. But wait, guinea pigs need potassium, in moderation.
It is the excess of potassium that is what’s harmful to your guinea pig.
Feeding cucumbers as a standalone treat is okay. But when it comes to feeding him or her food combos, you need to be careful with that. Always try feeding cucumbers with other snacks that have a relatively lower content of potassium in them.
This will ensure your pet does not have an excess of potassium in his or her diet.
Cucumber Combo Alternatives: Here are some combos that will make up for a nice new addition to your pet friend’s diet. All of these combos are low in potassium, so you do not have to worry about your pet’s potassium intake.
- Oranges and cucumbers
- Strawberries and cucumbers
- Apples and cucumbers
- Blueberries and cucumbers
- Asparagus and cucumbers
2) Cucumber Disadvantage # 2: Cucurbitacin (Yes, You Heard That Right)
Cucurbitacin is found in cucumbers. But what it is? It is a compound that is known to create complications for your guinea pig when it comes to the digestion of food.
As you might already know, guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system. Feeding them an excess of cucurbitacin will lead to further problems.
But, not guinea pigs are alike, and some might not react negatively to this ingredient.
Here are some symptoms of excess cucurbitacin to watch out for.
- Digestive discomfort
- Flatulence
- Restlessness
But, if you feed your guinea pig with cucumbers in moderation, you will not have to worry about these disadvantages.
What Are The Other Healthy Alternatives To Cucumbers In The Guinea Pig Diet?
Guinea pigs can enjoy most if not all, of the foods and vegetables. They will love eating them and can get to benefit from their nutritional benefits.
Here are 36 foods that you can use to bring variance to your guinea pig’s diet.
| Broccoli | Brussels sprouts | Cilantro | Parsley | Mint | Beets |
| Beet tops | Basil | Carrot | Carrot tops | Arugula | Spinach |
| Swiss chard | Bell pepper | Endive | Bok choy | Asparagus | Yu Choy |
| Cauliflower | Watercress | Sweet potato | Cabbage | Romaine | Butter lettuce |
| Zucchini | Pumpkin | Summer squash | Artichoke | Buttercrunch lettuce | Bibb lettuce |
| Escarole | Rocket | Parsnip | Green beans | Tomato | Broccolini |
There are 36 different foods on the list, but you should keep in mind that these are only to be fed in moderation.
Here’s a tip for you: Always look up if your pet friend can eat certain foods. Not all foods are safe for your friend, and there are some foods that can be toxic to your guinea pig. Since you love your pet friend dearly, you will want to avoid those foods.
You also need to look for the serving sizes and make sure you do not exceed the recommended serving amount.
Not sure what to feed your pet next? Here’s a fun vegetable for your pet guinea pig. Try feeding him or her green beans
4 Must-Haves That Make The Diet Of A Guinea Pig Ideal:
As mentioned earlier, a guinea pig’s diet should only include grass hay. Any plant that grows a few inches from the ground and has leaves is recommended for your pet friend.
Here’s what the ideal diet of a guinea pig’s should be:
- Guinea Pig Pellets – They contain Vitamin C and can be used as a vitamin supplement for your furry little friend.
- Fresh Hay – A guinea pig should primarily eat timothy hay. There should not be any restrictions on the amount of hay your guinea pig can eat.
- Fresh Vegetables – A cup would suffice. Fresh vegetables like celery, tomatoes, and cucumbers can be fed to your guinea pig. These are absolutely safe for your pet friend if fed in moderation.
- Fresh, Clean Water – Provide your pet friend with an unlimited supply of water. Guinea pigs tend to overheat, and this will enable them to stay cool and hydrated on a hot summer day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can Cucumbers Make My Guinea Pig Sick?
Can guinea pigs eat cucumbers? Of course, yes. But, they can also make your pet friend sick.
Cucumbers have a slim chance of making your guinea pig sick. When introducing cucumbers to your pet friend’s diet, always start slow. Watch your guinea pig for 12 hours and notice any signs of diarrhea.
Diarrhea can indicate if your pet friend has had more cucumber than required.
2) Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mini Cucumbers?
Yes, guinea pigs can be fed with mini cucumbers. Mini cucumbers usually have a higher nutritional value than regular cucumbers.
This is why guinea pigs can safely eat mini cucumbers and benefit from it.
But, make sure not to feed him or her cucumbers more than 4 times a week. Exceeding the recommended 4 times a week intake will result in digestive problems for your pet friend.
Always stay within the limit of one or two slices at a time. This will lower the risk of your pet friend suffering from diarrhea and other health complications.
3) Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lebanese Cucumbers?
Yes, guinea pigs can have Lebanese cucumbers, however, only in moderation. These are small, light-skinned, and have a relatively lower number of seeds.
Similar to regular cucumbers, they are low in calories. But, they still have many healthy nutrients for your guinea pig. These include vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
4) Can Guinea Pigs Eat Persian Cucumbers?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat Persian cucumbers, but in moderation.
They are also rich in nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Similar to the Lebanese cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are also lower in seeds and have light skin and a mild taste.
5) Can Cucumbers Treat Urinary Tract Stones?
Can cucumber treat urinary tract stones? No. Definitely not. Cucumbers are what cause urinary tract stones in guinea pigs.
This is why you need to avoid feeding cucumbers to your guinea pigs in an excess amount. You should provide him with an unlimited supply of water and contact your vet in case your guinea pig is infected.
Conclusion:
Your guinea pig will absolutely love you for treating him with cucumbers. They love to eat cucumbers, but make sure they don’t fool you. Only feed him or her cucumbers 4 times a week. Do not exceed this limit. Or else, your pet friend might suffer from indigestion and diarrhea.
Cucumbers should only be used as a treat, rather than the main meal. If it’s the first time your guinea pig has had cucumbers, they will become his or her new favorite.
Cucumbers can help keep your pet friend cool and hydrated on a hot summer day since they mainly comprise of water. But, beware, do not feed him cucumber skins. They’re often waxed and can be harmful to your pet friend unless you wash them.
Other than that, there’s no harm in feeding him cucumbers.