Can guinea pigs eat crackers?
This article answers not only if guinea pigs eat crackers and whether they are good for these cute rodents, but also answers some other questions regarding their healthy diet.
Also, the article dives deeper into the proper serving sizes, health hazards, and much more.
Besides, learn all you need to know about your guinea pig!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Crackers?
Guinea pigs eat crackers without negative side effects only if you feed them crackers in moderation, in tiny amounts, occasionally.
Crackers contain salt, cheese, oil, and flour which can lead to several health problems in guinea pigs. Crackers have been proven to be unfit for their digestive system and may cause bloating, gas, and other belly-related problems.
Guinea pigs can’t digest sugars that many processed human foods contain, and most foods that we eat have too much sugar.
And, as you already know, too much sugar is not good for us, but it’s even worse for these small animals.
Most of our pets are fortunate enough to have food to their heart’s desire.
But this is not the same for guinea pigs.
With all the food choices available for them from pet supply stores, it becomes quite difficult for guinea pig owners to figure out what food is acceptable for their cavy.
What guinea pigs need is a nutritious diet that includes foods rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fibers.
Their diet rests on grass hay and pellets, as well as fresh and raw fruits and vegetables.
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Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cream Crackers?
No, you should not feed your guinea pigs with cream crackers.
They are delicious, but they contain many substances that can cause harm to your pet.
Let’s reiterate: guinea pigs shouldn’t eat processed food because their digestive system cannot digest such food.
Cream crackers are worse if compared to regular, salty crackers, and are a terrible idea when compared to animal crackers.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Animal Crackers?
I don’t think that feeding guinea pigs with animal crackers is also a good idea, although they are designed for animals.
Crackers contain processed materials, which are not good for your pet.
Besides, some animals can digest certain types of foods but that same food can be dangerous to other pets.
What Should My Guinea Pig Eat?
Guinea pigs can’t eat cooked and processed human foods.
What your grown-up guinea pig needs is an unlimited amount of timothy hay, guinea pig pellets, and foods rich in vitamin C.
Vitamin C is very important for your guinea pig, as it contributes to your pet’s health and prevents the development of scurvy, a potentially fatal disease in guinea pigs.
Thus, make sure to base your guinea pig’s healthy diet on hay, pellets, and fresh and raw thoroughly washed vegetables cut into small cubes or slices.
Make sure to learn which types of fruits and vegetables your guinea pig can eat, as feeding them with various types of foods can create an imbalance and cause them harm.
Some vegetables and fruits, although healthy for humans, are dangerous for these small animals.
Are Crackers Good For My Guinea Pig if Fed in Moderation?
Snacks and crackers are tasty processed human foods but for guinea pigs, they can be a health hazard.
However, occasionally, you can give your guinea pig a tiny cracker.
Remember, only occasionally.
What is the Nutritional Value of Crackers?
Crackers lack essential nutrients that are beneficial for your guinea pigs.
They usually contain 384Kcal, carbs 72.81g, lipid fat 7.14g, potassium 99mg, zinc 0.65mg.
They don’t include iron, calcium, and vitamin B-12.
There are a lot of risks associated with crackers as a snack for guinea pigs.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Crackers to Guinea Pigs?
Lack of Vitamin A and Vitamin C
The first and foremost food ingredient that needs to be there in the food is Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Many crackers normally lack much more important nutrients required for the functioning and optimal growth of guinea pigs.
Vitamin C, the most important element is absent in crackers.
Interestingly, this vitamin plays an important role in making guinea pigs active.
Without it, they can be exposed to many health problems and illnesses.
For instance, the lack of Vitamin C in guinea pigs leads to scurvy.
In short, guinea pigs can’t create Vitamin C on their own, which is why fresh vegetables are an important part of their diet.
Besides, guinea pigs eat vegetables with great delight and enjoy them!
Also, Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that protects a guinea pig’s body from radical damage.
Additionally, these two vitamins help to fight against inflammation and also play an important role to improve guinea pig’s eyesight.
Weight Problems
Obesity is one of the most extreme problems, and not just for humans.
Processed human foods contain many substances that are not nutritious to anyone.
That’s why we accumulate empty calories that cause many dangerous health problems.
Though chubby or curvy pigs look more adorable than those guinea pigs which are thin, it also causes health issues.
Crackers include a variety of carbs, proteins, fat, and protein.
If guinea pigs consume those crackers, they will start gaining weight which is not good for their health.
Never feed crackers with cheese to guinea pigs because cheese contains many fats which are unacceptable to their health.
Fats, calories, and protein are not a good fit for guinea pigs’ health, and can also shorten their lifespan.
Digestive Problems
As mentioned earlier, crackers contain a heavy amount of fat that can affect the health of guinea pigs.
The digestive system of guinea pigs is delicate.
Crackers can upset their belly as guinea pigs can’t digest salt, and too much salt is extremely dangerous to these small pets.
An excessive amount of flour, salt, protein, and even oils can cause thirst, constipation, gases, or bloating.
You never know when these problems can convert into fatal consequences.
Cardiovascular Problems
Cardiovascular problems can hurt their lifespan and make your guinea pig chronically sick.
Crackers contain a lot of sodium, and cheese as mentioned above.
The consumption of a high amount of sodium can increase blood pressure which eventually leads to fatal health issues, even in guinea pigs.
Moreover, crackers are very caloric and include extra fats which are not at all good for blood pressure and blood vessels.
Well, the only advantage of offering crackers to guinea pigs is that these snacks don’t contain any calcium.
This might be even good for cavy because a heavy dosage of calcium can develop bladder and kidney stones in guinea pigs.
This benefit doesn’t signify that guinea pigs should start eating crackers.
Most of the important diet nutrients are absent in crackers which makes them unfit for guinea pigs.
What Type of Food Should My Guinea Pig Eat?
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the best food diet items that can be given to guinea pigs.
These food items help them to stay happy and healthy.
Though different guinea pigs have distinct preferences and likings, they prefer to eat a variety of veggies and fruits, especially dark lettuces, peppers, and carrots are great hits among guinea pigs.
If your guinea pig is not much attracted to eating fresh produce, it would be better to contact the veterinarian to gather more information about various types of pellets infused with Vitamin C that can help them remain fit and healthy.
Wondering about the list of fruits and veggies that can be given to guinea pigs to make them fit and healthy?
Below shared are some of the fruits which are not too high in sugar, and can avoid bloating, gases, and other belly issues.
- Red, green, or yellow pepper has the highest Vitamin C concentration
- Apples without the seeds
- Oranges
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli, but in less quantity
- Green beans
- Grapes
- Leafy greens to avoid diarrhea. Feed spinach a bit sparingly to avoid potential kidney problems
- Carrots, both the roots and green tops are perfectly safe to eat
- Bananas
- Cilantro
- Dandelion greens
- Parsley
- Cherry tomatoes
Hay for Guinea Pigs
Another food item that can be introduced in their regime is hay.
Well, guinea pigs have different or let’s say a unique digestive system that demands a constant and proper supply of fiber that aid to digest their food and also prevent impactions.
Their digestive systems work through a double digestion process.
Firstly, they will start eating food whatever they desire to have, and digest.
After digesting, they will develop soft fecal matter in their rump in the pouch, and then again start eating those and digest them again.
Well, yes, this process sounds gross; but actually, this process makes them healthy and well maintained.
Bread is a staple in a human’s diet, similarly, hay is a staple in guinea pig’s diet.
But this doesn’t mean that you should start giving them hay in every meal.
Guinea pigs’ babies usually have some alfalfa hay which helps them to maintain a different balance of nutrients than timothy hay that adult guinea pigs eat.
If you are wondering where to find timothy, you can explore more about this item in pet stores that gives a neat look.
You can also order hay from the Amazon store, where you can get a variety of options available for the same.
These pets can eat hay nonstop without worrying about digesting it.
The best part about hay is that it won’t put any weight on the piggies.
This is because hay can be easily digested into its body without any hassle.
This item is used to move things along the product to ensure that the digestive system works properly.
Are Guinea Pig Pellets Important for Guinea Pigs?
There is no denying the fact that guinea pigs can relish their lives entirely on hay, fruits, and vegetables.
Good quality pellet food can provide your guinea pigs with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fibers that help them to stay healthy.
Always remember that the pellets should have 2-5% fat, 12-16% crude fiber, and 18-20% crude protein.
They should be enriched with Vitamin C and Vitamin A because these vitamins are pretty important for their diet to ensure that their skin, bones, and body remains nutritious.
After reading the benefits of introducing pellets in their mealtime, you must be thinking of quantity, like how much pellets should be given.
Some brands recommend serving 50 grams of pellets per guinea pig every day depending on their weight.
If you have been nurturing a pig whose weight is not heavy, it would be good to treat him with 30g pellets, otherwise, 50g would be good.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Require Vitamin C?
Vitamin C and Vitamin A are the most essential vitamins that need to be there in their daily feeding regime.
As we’ve already mentioned, vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy that can be lethal to your pet if left untreated.
Although you might think that vitamin C supplements are a better option compared to fresh fruits and vegetables, this is not the case.
This vitamin is quite sensitive; it means that it will lose its potency when exposed to light.
Here are some items that include a heavy amount of vitamins:
- Pellets: Pellets are known for adding vitamin C to guinea pigs. But before making any purchase of pellets for guinea pets, you should always ask about ingredients that are added to prepare pellets
- Red pepper: Red pepper is fully infused with vitamin C. Try to add this item to their meal to make them fit and happy
They are almost ravenous for peppers!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bread?
Although it is not a good idea to feed it to your pet, guinea pigs eat bread without any negative consequences for their health but only if you serve them this food very rarely.
And, if you decide to give your guinea pigs some bread, make sure it’s whole-wheat bread.
Give them a tiny piece of the crust, as you would give them any other treat that they shouldn’t eat regularly.
Why is Some Food Dangerous to Guinea Pigs?
Though guinea pigs entirely enjoy an ample number of flavors and different types of vegetables and fruits, some food items should be restricted before offering them.
These types of food items are not poisonous or a sign of health hazard.
The main rationale is that some veggies and fruits are not enriched with nutrients and vitamins that are important for their healthy diet.
Low nutrients can produce and become the reason for causing other acute tummy issues.
Therefore, be careful when feeding the following vegetables to your guinea pigs.
Iceberg Lettuce
The first and foremost food item that should be avoided in their mealtime is iceberg lettuce.
This is not at all poisonous for their health, but it has virtually no nutritional value.
That’s why it can give diarrhea to guinea pigs.
But if you want to introduce your guinea pigs to lettuce, you should try giving dark lettuce to them.
Cauliflower
You can give cauliflower to guinea pegs, but they are not full of nutrients as desired.
Sometimes, it can also cause gas problems or bloating issues.
Raw Beans
Raw beans such as split peas, hard kidney beans, raw, pinto beans, etc., are not green beans.
Cabbage
Cabbage shouldn’t be given to guinea pigs just like iceberg lettuce.
It is very gassy and sometimes can affect their digestive system.
Shelled Seeds or Nuts
Food items such as bird seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or peanuts seeds should not be given.
Potato Peeling
If you notice the turning of potato peel into green, you must decompose it.
Toxins can be present in potato skins which can be poisonous.
Meat
Say a big NO to Meat, whether it is about Fish, Chicken, or Mutton.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb plant is quite poisonous for guinea piggy’s health, and the stalks are also very sour.
Other foods to be avoided
- Chocolate, Coffee, or any other products involving Caffeine should be avoided
- Sugary products
- Alcohol
- Dairy products
- Ice cream
- Cheese
- Anything spicy
Here are the top trending guinea pig products right now:
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
Can guinea pigs eat crackers?
Crackers, just like other processed human foods, are not beneficial for guinea pigs.
Generally, the best thing to do is to avoid feeding crackers to your guinea pigs, regardless of whether you’re thinking about feeding them with saltine crackers, animal crackers, or cream crackers.
You should feed them with veggies and fruits, hay, and pellets; these foods are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are required for the healthy diet of guinea pigs.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment.
