Hey, Guinea Pig Owners, if you are deciding to grow wheatgrass in your kitchen garden like other leafy greens arugula, asparagus, cilantro, snap peas, mustard greens, but are also worried about the suitability of your cavies to feed them the wheatgrass. One common query arises, “Can guinea pigs eat wheatgrass?” a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
Yes, guinea pigs can eat wheatgrass; a nutritional powerhouse, but moderation is crucial. Introduce it gradually into your guinea pig’s diet to monitor their reaction and prevent any potential stomach upset.
For this reason, it is very necessary to understand the potential nutritional benefits and risks before deciding to introduce in guinea pigs’ diet. In this detailed guide, we will explore the nutritional aspects of wheatgrass and its compatibility with the delicate digestive systems of guinea pigs.
You can also quickly go through 50 Foods Not Recommended To Feed Guinea Pigs for their safety and overall health.
Is Wheatgrass Good or Safe for Guinea Pigs to Feed?
You are considering that as an occasional treat and moderation rule in mind, wheatgrass as a nutritional powerhouse is safe to feed to your cavies.
Guinea pigs are herbivores pets and love to enjoy plant-based treats like hay, leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and some number of pallets in their diet. Grasses, including rye and wheatgrass, are probably healthier options if fed in moderation.
Be cautious; Not all the grasses are safe to feed to your cavies, some are wild and exposed to potential hazards that are not safe for our pigs to eat. So, be careful for picking the grass for your cavies. In subsequent paragraphs, I will also let you know which types of grass not to feed guinea pigs.
Fun Facts – Wheatgrass For Guinea Pigs Owners
- Wheatgrass belongs to the Triticum aestivum plant.
- Wheatgrass for guinea pigs benefits from all of its many healthy components, including its high content of chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- The new growth of wheatgrass is much richer in the spring season and healthy for guinea pigs.
- Affectionately nicknamed “liquid sunlight,” wheatgrass for guinea pigs contains high concentrations of chlorophyll – the green pigment that acts as the blood or life force of plants, produced through exposure to the sun.
- Wheatgrass contains no wheat gluten. This young, leafy green is harvested before it develops a gluten-forming kernel.
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, or other smaller animals should be served wheat grass raw, or powder without seasoning and flavor in moderation. Give small clippings per serving or remove the wheat grass after a few nibbles.
Nutritional Analysis of Wheatgrass Powder for Guinea Pigs:
Wheatgrass is not only beneficial for humans but also for guinea pigs due to its healthy nutritional benefits. It is very important to understand the nutritional values of wheatgrass while ensuring the moderation process in feeding your cavies. Powder of Wheatgrass for guinea pigs without seasonings, flavor, or ingredients may also be served to cavies with hay, pallets, or other veggies as a varied treat and enhance the nutritional value. So, let’s know the nutritional value of wheatgrass powder according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) one 8-gram (g) tablespoon of organic wheatgrass powder contains:
- Energy: 25 calories
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g, or 2% of DV
- Fiber: 4 g, or 14% of DV
- Calcium: 24 milligrams (mg)
- Iron: 1 mg, or 6% of DV
- Vitamin K: 86 micrograms, or 70% of DV
- Cholesterol: 0.00 mg
Wheatgrass also contains a good source of proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins. And minerals as per a 2018 study.
What Are The Benefits of Wheatgrass For Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs are social creatures and love to enjoy varieties in their diet, but ensuring moderation is very necessary for their overall health. Wheatgrass for guinea pigs may also be one of the varieties in their diet containing crude chlorophyll high in oxygen due to which all body tissues function at an optimal level. There are many nutritional benefits of wheatgrass for guinea pigs as well as humans.
Vitamin C: Although, vitamin C is usually found in citrus fruits like grapefruits and orange. However, wheatgrass for guinea pigs also contains Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant that helps in recovering from sickness and preventing scurvy in guinea pigs. It is also a natural source of antibiotics for guinea pigs.
Vitamin K: Wheatgrass for guinea pigs is rich in vitamin K, which assists in fighting cancer and repairing cellular damage to the lungs.
Vitamin E: Wheatgrass provides Vitamin E to guinea pigs saving them from severe weight loss and degeneration of skeletal muscles.
Vitamin A: wheatgrass for guinea pigs is also the best source of vitamin A to help with bacterial infection of the eyes, poor growth in young guinea pigs, and weight loss in guinea pigs.
Proteins and Amino Acids: Wheatgrass for guinea pigs also contains amino acids and proteins essential for muscular strength and physical grace and amino acids help in digestion, and blood formation and provide strength to the heart for guinea pigs.
Iron: Wheatgrass for guinea pigs has an essential mineral known as iron important for excessive laziness and lethargy and provides the hemoglobin in blood.
Calcium: Wheatgrass for guinea pigs is a good source of another mineral called calcium helps in strengthening the bones, and teeth regulating the heartbeat, and treating diseases like coldness and slow movements.
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory properties: Just like other veggies, Wheatgrass for guinea pigs also contains some important antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E offering health benefits similar to many other plant-based foods for guinea pigs. Antioxidants also help to remove toxic elements naturally produced in guinea pigs’ bodies leading to cancer-like disease. Antioxidants also fight against inflammation occurring in the immune system once react with unwanted substances.
Fighting against Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for guinea pigs. Wheatgrass for guinea pigs might help to treat obesity because it contains zero cholesterol.
What Are The Risks Of Excessive Feeding Of Wheatgrass For Guinea Pigs?
Excessive consumption of any food including wheatgrass for guinea pigs can lead to various health issues and digestive issues. It would help if you considered the individual needs and likes or dislikes of guinea pigs while introducing wheatgrass into their diet.
Allergic Reactions: Some Guinea pigs may have allergic reactions to wheatgrass. Individual guinea pigs may have varying tolerances to certain foods. Excessive feeding of wheatgrass for guinea pigs increases the risk of triggering allergic reactions. Watch for signs such as itching, swelling, or changes in behavior, and consult a veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.
Oxalate Content: Wheatgrass for guinea pigs, like many green leafy vegetables, contains oxalates. In high quantities, oxalates can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in guinea pigs. Excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods may pose a risk to their urinary health.
Digestive Upset: Guinea pigs have sensitive digestive systems, and introducing new foods too quickly or in large amounts can lead to digestive upset. Excessive feeding of wheatgrass for guinea pigs may result in symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Nutrient Imbalance: While wheatgrass is nutrient-dense, relying solely on it for a guinea pig’s diet can create an imbalance. A well-rounded diet, including hay, fresh vegetables, and a quality guinea pig pellet, is essential for meeting their diverse nutritional needs.
Contaminants risks: Wheatgrass for guinea pigs may be exposed to some toxic sprays, pesticides, and chemicals during harvesting or growing that could harm your cavies. It is best to wash the grass properly before feeding your cavities to avoid contamination issues.
Always introduce new foods, including wheatgrass for guinea pigs, gradually and in moderation. This allows you to observe your guinea pig’s reaction and prevent potential health issues.
Frequency and Portion of Serving Wheatgrass For Guinea Pigs:
Moderation is the Key to serving, guinea pigs are so lovely pets and require a balanced diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some considerations for serving guinea pigs with wheatgrass.
Start With Small Serving Of Wheatgrass For Guinea Pigs: Although wheatgrass is good for guinea pigs if it is their first time eating wheatgrass, then start them off with a small quantity like 5-10 minutes of grazing and if you watch there is no reaction you can increase it a little bit each day by that you can avoid tummy problems.
Frequency of Serving Wheatgrass For Guinea Pigs: Always remember as instructed earlier, that Moderation is the key to serving. It must be offered as an occasional treat to guinea pigs, not as a daily staple. Guinea pigs love to eat grass so they can graze daily for a few hours with moderation and gradual introduction. It is also recommended that, to maintain variety in their diet and prevent potential issues associated with excessive consumption, consider serving wheatgrass for guinea pigs on alternate days. This ensures a diverse intake of nutrients from various sources.
What Types Of Grasses Are Safe To Feed Guinea Pigs?
Although, guinea pigs can eat grass not all the grass is safe for guinea pigs because some may be wild or some may contain toxic substances that may be harmful to guinea pigs. Here is the list of some safe grass or Hay, guinea pigs can be fed to ensure the nutritional benefits:
| Timothy Grass Hay | Blended Hay | Organic Meadow Hay | Rich Spring Grass |
| Orchard Grass Hay | Botanical Hay | Sweet Meadow Grass | Brome grass |
| Bluegrass | Buffalo | Barley Grass | Bermuda Grass |
| Grain-Based Grasses | Oat Grass | Wheatgrass |
Note that, do not replace the Guinea pig’s main forge with these grasses, but they can be served as a treat for cavies.
- Grain-based grasses including Barley, Oat, Wheatgrass, and Ryegrass may also be fed to guinea pigs but not too much because they are high in fat.
- Alfalfa Hay (legume grass) is best to avoid or be fed in small quantities due to its rich calcium properties for guinea pigs. However, due to its higher calcium content, it’s best used in moderation to avoid potential health issues for guinea pigs.
- Oat grass is another option worth considering. Rich in fiber, it can support digestive health in guinea pigs. As with other grasses, ensure it is fresh and free from pesticides. Oat grass provides a welcomed variation in taste and texture for your pets like guinea pigs.
- Ryegrass is known for its high fiber content, aiding in digestion and preventing issues like bloating. Guinea pigs may enjoy the varied taste and texture it brings to their diet. As always, introduce rye grass gradually and observe their reactions.
What Grass Can Guinea Pigs Not Eat?
Some of the grasses must be avoided by cavies to ensure their overall health and digestive system because these grasses may be wild or weed-type grasses that can be toxic or harmful to cavies. These include grasses like Pampas grass tall red grass, also known as Cortaderia selloana, and millet grass are not safe to feed guinea pigs.
Always consult your veterinarian and do proper research before introducing to guinea pigs diet.
Should I Grow Own Wheatgrass for Guinea Pigs?
To ensure the safety and decontamination from wild herbs and chemicals, it is very easy to grow wheatgrass for guinea pigs at your doorstep or kitchen garden for your furry friends to enjoy. You can easily grow it yourself and save money on purchasing wheatgrass from stores. Follow these 10 Easy steps to grow your wheatgrass in your kitchen garden or a tray in your apartment, balcony or window.
Step 1: Soak 2 cups of wheatgrass seed in pure water for 9-12 hours.
Step 2: Drain the water and germinate the seeds for two days in a sprouting bag or jar, rinsing at least twice a day.
Step 3: Fill a standard 11” x 12” seedling tray with 1”-2” of soil.
Step 4: Spread the seeds evenly on top of the soil and water with a sprinkler head.
Step 5: Cover the seeds with a second tray upside down to keep moisture in and light out during this incubation stage.
Step 6: Set the tray in a shady spot away from extreme heat or cold – around 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Step-7: Check seedlings daily and moisten them if necessary.
Step-8: Remove cover when seedlings reach 2”-3” tall.
Step 9: Let the sunshine in! After about three days, your grass will be ready to soak up the sunlight.
Step 10: Harvest when your wheatgrass reaches 7”-10” tall (usually between 10 and 14 days). Cut about one inch above the soil using a serrated knife or scissors.
Should Guinea Pigs Graze Wheatgrass Outside?
Yes, Guinea pigs can graze the wheatgrass from outside while enjoying fresh air and Vitamin D from sunshine, but it is equally important to check for the type of grass or any wild herbs or grass that must be avoided for guinea pigs as it can be harmful to their health.
Guinea pigs are social creatures and love nature and playing on the lawn but sometimes they may be nervous due to owners’ fast moves around them that can make them stressed to play and enjoy the wheatgrass. It is best to avoid noise and fast moves around your cavies to make them realize the safety and lovely wheatgrass time. Choose a quiet spot and make them enjoy or run in sunlight or shady places.
You must ensure a safe and enclosed space in the lawn so that they can stay inside the lawn and be safe from any bird of prey, cat, dog, raccoon, or any accident. Make a safe enclosure, an open-top ex-pen, or a large cage for them to be safe from such hazards.
If your yard or garden is so wild and there are thrones, it is best to make it clear for your cavies to be injured. Also ensure to remove any nuts, unknown leaves, mowed grass clipping, etc. If they are in the garden dispose of them at a safe distance from cavies.
Additionally, ensure the ground temperature especially and outside temperature is comfortable for guinea pigs so that they can enjoy it and not get dehydrated. Guinea pigs can play outside at almost 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Kind Of Wheatgrass Is Safe or Picked For Guinea Pigs?
Being a caring pet owner, it is your responsibility to pick healthy and fresh food for your cavies. You can pick the grass from outside of your lawn to feed to your guinea pigs but must ensure these instructions while picking up wheatgrass for guinea pigs.
- First of all, you must pick grass by hand or use scissors only to cut the grass with hand so that you can see if any wild herb or grass is removed from it
- Do not use mowed grass clipping for picking grass that can rot quickly in your guinea pig’s stomach causing bloating. Wheatgrass can be mixed with lawnmower fuel or dust particles making it dangerous for cavies.
- Always pick green, healthy, spotless, and fresh parts of wheatgrass that have no signs of mold.
- Avoid feeding wet or soggy grass as it can rot or mold quickly after picking from the outside or lawn.
- Always pick young parts and earlier grown grass in the season, it would be soft to chew and swallow and sweeter than older ones, and full of nutrients also. It would be essential to choose the fresh and newer seasoned parts for digestive health.
- Always choose grass that is protected from fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, or herbicides during harvesting or growing wheatgrass for guinea pigs as these parts may be toxic and harmful to your cavies to ensure the safety and security of guinea pigs.
- Avoid picking wheatgrass near bushes, there may be a risk of thorns being picked along with wheatgrass that can harm you as well as your cavies’ mouth while eating wheatgrass.
- Also avoid picking wheatgrass alongside roads or boulevard areas due to traffic pollution that can harm wheatgrass, subsequently harmful for guinea pigs too.
- Always wash properly before offering wheatgrass to your cavies to remove dirt or any bugs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Wheatgrass Roots?
Generally, wheatgrass roots are safe to feed to your guinea pigs with moderation but it is important to ensure that these roots are clean from any type of dirt, bugs, or worms that can be contaminated for cavies and subsequently harmful for guinea pigs.
It is recommended that only pick/cut the wheatgrass about one inch above the soil using a serrated knife or scissors and leave the roots in the ground for regrowth. After cutting or picking the grass wash it thoroughly with running water to remove the dirt, dust particles, bugs, worms, or insects.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Wheatgrass Clover?
Yes, Guinea pigs can eat the clover part of wheatgrass in moderation as it is high in calcium but ensure some considerations before serving it to cavies. Always pick the wheatgrass from the organic yard if you want to feed clover parts to cavies. Also wash it to remove pesticides, chemicals or bugs, and traffic pollution.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Wheatgrass Seeds?
No, avoid feeding cavies with wheatgrass seeds because it can make cavies overweight or lead to obesity due to high in fats. Instead, guinea pigs can eat some dry cereals to enjoy as a treat.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cat Grass?
Yes, Cat grass also known as wheatgrass generally made up of grain-based grasses like barley, oat, ryegrass, and wheatgrass, is safe to feed cavies but with moderation and gradual introduction.
Always introduce cavies with a small amount initially and make them habitual first and observe their reaction of like and dislike and let them enjoy with moderation. Generally, grain-based grasses are not consumed as a regular diet because they can cause obesity, the same must be avoided with cavies as well or fed in moderation.
Can Guinea Pigs Be Served With Wheatgrass Juice?
No, It is not advisable to serve guinea pigs with wheatgrass juice as it is very necessary to ensure moderation while offering wheatgrass. So, if juice of wheatgrass is served to guinea pigs then moderation can not be ensured and it can be risky for the digestive system of guinea pigs.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Wheatgrass Daily?
Guinea pigs may eat wheatgrass too much as they are self-regulating pets once they are eating. It is best to monitor them while eating grass because if fed excessively can lead to diarrhea, stomach upset, or digestive problems. Also, ensure to limit the eating in the spring season because in this season wheatgrass growth is much richer and if fed too much then causes issues.
When introducing wheatgrass to your guinea pig’s diet, start with a minimal amount and gradually increase it over several days. This gradual approach allows their digestive system to adapt, minimizing the risk of stomach upset.
Wheatgrass should be part of a diverse diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and guinea pig pellets. This ensures they receive a comprehensive range of nutrients for overall well-being. Serving wheatgrass to guinea pigs is a wonderful way to introduce additional nutrients into their diet. However, moderation, observation, and a tailored approach based on individual preferences are essential for their health and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can guinea pigs eat wheatgrass every day?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat wheatgrass every day, but in moderation. Daily servings of small amounts ensure they receive the nutritional benefits without overwhelming their digestive system.
Q2. How much wheatgrass should I feed my guinea pig daily?
A small bundle or a few blades of wheatgrass per serving is sufficient for a guinea pig. The key is to offer a size that can be consumed in a single sitting to prevent overeating.
Q3. Can guinea pigs eat wheatgrass if they have digestive issues?
If a guinea pig has digestive issues, it’s recommended to consult a veterinarian before introducing wheatgrass. Start with small amounts and monitor their response, adjusting the quantity based on their tolerance.
Q4. Should I feed wheatgrass to a pregnant guinea pig?
Feeding wheatgrass to a pregnant guinea pig can be beneficial due to its nutritional content. However, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the diet meets the specific needs of the pregnant guinea pig.
Q5. Is wheatgrass suitable for guinea pigs of all ages?
Wheatgrass is generally suitable for guinea pigs of all ages, but the serving size may vary. For younger guinea pigs, start with smaller portions and gradually increase as they grow.
