What Flowers Can Guinea Pigs Eat And Can’t? Caution!

You may ask: what flowers can guinea pigs eat? The flowers that your guinea pigs can eat include dandelion, violets, marigold, and roses. These flowers are well-known and distributed across the world. Incorporating these into their diet is possible and fun to do as well!

Though used for beautification and aesthetic purposes, these plants offer your cavies more vitamins and minerals that are essential for their growth.

In this article, we will explain the flowers that your cavies can have. Moreover, this guide will highlight the benefits and downsides of feeding flowers to your guinea pigs. learn more here on can Guinea pig eat bok choy

Keep on scrolling to let your piggies have a flowery lifestyle!

 

Flowers That Guinea Pigs Can Eat

What flowers can guinea pigs eat? Well, there are many to mention, and here are just a few:

• Dandelion

The most common flower that guinea pigs eat is dandelions. Its flowers are yellow, which makes them easy to identify. Guinea pigs are safe to eat its roots, stems, leaves, and petals but, of course, in moderation.

The roots of the dandelion are very healthy once consumed in the right amounts.  By giving this as an occasional treat, your guinea pigs will be able to prevent loss of appetite, upset stomach, and gallstone. In addition to this, dandelions promote the increase of bile flow and a more improved gastric performance.

You can also find antioxidants on dandelions that will help your guinea pigs to improve the immune system that will prevent the diseases from entering their body. Dandelions also contribute to reducing free radical damage. Thus, healthy cells will arise that will contribute to a longer life of your pet. (Please read here how old do Guinea pig Live)

The liver of your pet will become healthy because the flower helps in excreting various toxins. Thus, making it improve its function. Dandelions are a good source of Vitamin C that will prevent Scurvy. When you serve dandelions to your pet in moderation, constipation and smooth digestion are most likely to occur.

To sum up everything, dandelions are safe to give to guinea pigs. Just monitor and prepare the flower very well to achieve the health benefit that it contains.

 

• Violets

The leaves and flowers are safe to give to guinea pigs. Vitamin C is the main vitamin that violets provide to help fight off diseases and other complications that may happen inside the body of your pets.

It also helps in the prevention of Scurvy that is a disease when there is a lack of Vitamin C. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bleeding. If you observed any of this, immediately consult an expert.

Since there are many violet plants, bear in mind that the only true violets are Viola genus. Other species may not be safe to give to guinea pigs like the African violets in which can result in intoxication and eventually death. Giving this flower in moderation is highly recommended.

 

• Marigolds

There are a lot of yellow things that brighten our day, like the sun. One of these is the flower, marigold. Guinea pigs love the taste of marigold. Feeding this flower to them will surely brighten their day.

Marigold is rich in fiber. It aids with digestion and contributes to dealing with parasites and worms. It also has a low sugar level, and it has antioxidants that contribute to the growth of your pets.

In addition to this, it can also serve as an ointment once your pet suffers an external injury.

Consider offering marigold blossoms only since both the leaves and the steams have a strong flavor the guinea pigs dislike. Provide only small portions of the flower once or twice a week.

 

• Roses

We often provide roses to express how our admiration for another person.  But do you know that roses you can give roses to your guinea pigs? Your guinea pigs are the real love of your life, and they deserve flowers, not just to hold, but to eat.

Guinea pigs are crazy about roses. It is edible and delicious too. Not to mention, its scent and its colors are enticing. A rose smells and tastes sweet.  Feeding this to your guinea will surely sweeten their day.

In addition to this, the rose plant contains a fruit called a rosehip. Rosehip has a high level of sugar, but it contains notable vitamins and nutrients. Consider giving this in smaller portions and as an occasional treat. Also, avoid giving sprayed roses to your guinea pigs.

 

Flowers That Guinea Pigs Can Not Eat

Though they can eat a variety of species, your cavies should avoid flowers that could lead to their demise. Below are some of the flowers that guinea pigs cannot eat.

• Daisies

These flowers are well-known for their simple, white-and-yellow structure. However, they are bad for your piggies. Although daises are edible, the serving amounts should only remain at the most minimal.

Daisies contain toxins and chemicals that are bad for the digestive health of your guinea pigs. According to the guinea pig and rodent enthusiasts, they also pose a choking hazard and could cause allergic reactions. It is better to avoid giving them to your pets or keep them around places with this flower.

 

• Daffodils

Daffodils are bright, yellow flowers that are great for beautifying your garden and home. Though pretty, they could bring your guinea pigs sickness.

All parts of a daffodil, including its petals, contain lycorine that could affect the digestive system and liver of your pets. Never give them daffodils to prevent any complications that could affect them.

 

Cautions And Toxicity

When freeing your guinea pigs to roam, do not let them enter the garden as they can damage plants and even eat poisonous flowers.  Not all flowers are edible. Some can cause harm. Giving this without researching anything about it first may result in the life of your guinea pigs.

 

Symptoms of intoxication

Symptoms depend on how dangerous the plant is. However, extremely harmful ones can provoke a reaction with just a simple contact to guinea pigs, such as chewing and spitting it out immediately. Common symptoms of intoxication are drooling excessively, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and loss of appetite.

 

What to do

If you observed any of these actions in your guinea pigs, immediately wash their mouth with clean water to reduce irritations. If you see your guinea pigs vomiting, it may be a good sign that the poison comes out. However, you must consult a veterinarian immediately.

 

How to prepare flowers for guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs should not eat a lot of flowers. If you are going to feed them, make sure to give small amounts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Doing this reduces their chance of choking.

 

How often should I feed flowers to guinea pigs?

Flowers are an occasional treat for your guinea pigs. They should be only be given at most twice a week in their daily diet. Excessive amounts could lead to their demise and disrupt their stomach.

 

What food should I give to guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs are sensitive to abrupt changes in their diet. To keep them healthy, you should feed them hay and grass daily. Give them fruits, vegetables, leaves, and flowers on rare occasions only. Also, never forget to give them clean, safe water frequently as they need hydration. (please read here why does my Guinea pig drink so much water)

 

Final Words

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Giving flowers to your guinea pig is the same as saying, “I love you.”  There might be a million guinea pigs in the world, but your guinea pigs are different and unique from the rest.

Your cavies make you feel special every single day. Thus, it is only the right decision to provide them treats that they will surely like.

Through this guide, you will be able to know what flowers can guinea pigs eat. With the correct serving and frequency, your guinea pigs will surely enjoy these delicious flowers.