Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelions?
Guinea pigs can eat dandelion leaves, also known as dandelion greens, as well as the flowers and flower stems.
Although dandelions are considered as weeds, the great thing about them is that they are free and one of a guinea pig’s favorite foods.
Foraging for dandelions is great fun and can save you a lot of money and your guinea pigs will thank you by devouring them with much enthusiastic munching!
This common plant grows very easily in lots of places and are easy to spot with their bright yellow flowers but you should avoid any polluted areas such as busy roadside banks, as well as any places that may have been sprayed with chemicals (agricultural or pest control). Also be careful to avoid those areas where dogs may have urinated.
You might even have some in your own backyard. If you have, don’t pull up the whole plant, just pick the leaves and flowers and, by leaving the root in place, more will grow giving you a constant supply!
Dandelions are best fed fresh, straight from picking as the flowers close up quickly.
As with all vegetables, give the dandelions a good wash before feeding them to your guinea pigs.
Nutritional information for dandelion greens
Below is the nutritional value per 100g of dandelion leaves
- Vitamin C: 35 mg
- Calcium: 187 mg
- Phosphorous: 66 mg
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Sugar: 0.7 g
Find out more about foraging for guinea pigs…