Yes, guinea pigs can eat corn. Corn is rich in vitamin B, fiber, zinc, iron, and copper, making it an ideal food for guinea pigs. Corn also has high levels of calories and carbohydrates. Hence, it should be consumed in restricted quantities.
Corn makes for great guinea pig food.
The carbohydrates in corn are mostly starch.
This increases blood sugar levels.
Corn also contains other nutrients like fiber to control the absorption of starch into the bloodstream of guinea pigs
We have had an overwhelming number of guinea pig owners ask if they can provide corn husks, cob, kernels, nuts, flowers to guinea pigs.
At the end of this article, you would have a clear understanding of what parts of the corn should be fed and the ideal way to provide the same to guinea pigs.
Is corn good for guinea pigs?
Yes, corn is good for guinea pigs. Corn contains both macro and micronutrients, thereby making it a healthy food for guinea pigs.
Healthy blood
Blood health is vital for the well-being of guinea pigs.
Iron and copper in corn ensures that cavies never go anemic.
Iron forms an essential component of red blood cells, and copper is essential for the formation of cells.
Both these nutrients make the blood robust and healthy.
Enhances immunity
Animals like guinea pigs with delicate digestive and immune systems are prone to many diseases.
Enhancing their natural immunity is the only way to fight these off.
Antioxidants in corn help improve immunity.
The specific antioxidants present in corn include carotenoids and vitamin C
Good source of energy
Although the high amount of calories can adversely impact guinea pig’s health, it is still a great energy source.
The best thing about this is that the energy keeps coming for a long time.
Is corn bad for guinea pigs?
No, corn is not bad for guinea pigs. The high amount of starch and sugar makes it mandatory for guinea pigs to consume it in restricted quantities.
Diabetes
The chief problem caused by food high in sugar is diabetes.
Diabetes can further lead to life-threatening situations in guinea pigs.
It is tough for wounds to heal in diabetic guinea pigs.
This, coupled with the nature of animals to not let wounds heal, can put cavies in a dangerous position.
Obesity
Food rich in carbohydrates and calories can cause guinea pigs to grow obese.
Obesity brings with it a list of issues that are difficult to solve.
Indigestion
Guinea pigs may experience discomfort in their digestive system due to difficulty in breaking down starch.
The starch in corn could be too much to handle for their rudimentary digestive system.
How much corn can guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs can consume the corn kernels along with the corncob once every week. The corn husks and silk can be eaten every day. Over-feeding can cause obesity and diabetes in guinea pigs.
Corn should be an occasional treat to cavies.
The ideal way to give corn to guinea pigs is with the cob along with the husk and silk.
No two cavies are the same and have their food preferences.
There’s a good chance some cavies totally like the corn husk and silk but not the kernels.
In fact, many guinea pigs owners have reported that their piggies love corn cobs more than the kernels themselves.
Can guinea pigs eat corn on the cob?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat corn on the cob. Corn on the cob refers to the inner core on which the kernels grow. Corncob can be eaten in moderated quantities as it has huge amounts of starch.
Corn cob can be a tasty treat for guinea pigs.
The high levels of scratch and fiber in it need to be consumed within the prescribed limits.
Only provide corn cobs that are fresh and uncooked.
Can guinea pigs eat corn husks?
Guinea pigs can eat corn husks every day. Corn husks refer to the leafy covering of the corn and contain low amounts of carbohydrates. Hence, they are ideal for consumption by guinea pigs.
You can feed the inner corn husks to guinea pigs.
The outer ones can also be fed, but it’s better not to do so because of harmful chemicals on the surface.
The middle part of the husk can be removed as it cannot be digested easily by guinea pigs.
There’s a good chance your guinea pig gets addicted to corn husks.
They are a great chew material, but you should always remember to keep the limit.
Can guinea pigs eat corn flakes?
Guinea pigs can eat corn flakes. Corn flakes can be consumed by guinea pigs only once every month. Corn flakes contain additives like salt, oil, and spices that may be harmful to their health.
The high levels of carbohydrate is also a limiting factor.
It is also important to note that milk is a strict no for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs are lactose-intolerant, and hence consumption of milk can lead to bloating and indigestion.
Guinea pigs love commercial food because of their taste.
Whenever there are corn flakes nearby, you can expect guinea pigs to chew on them.
So, it’s vital to keep corn flakes out of their reach.
Can guinea pigs eat corn silk?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat corn silk. Corn silk is excellent in treating urinary tract infections and fatigue in guinea pigs. In fact, corn food is the next best food for guinea pigs after hay.
Corn silk can be fed every day.
Corn silk, when consumed, helps prevent heart failure and keeps blood pressure in check.
There’s always been a misconception about corn silks.
Pet owners are used to removing corn silk before providing corn to cavies.
Your cavies have been missing out on food that could have potentially been in their top 10 preferred food list.
Can guinea pigs eat corn kernels?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat corn kernels. The limit of consuming corn kernels only once every week needs to be strictly maintained.
Can guinea pigs eat corn stalks?
Guinea pigs can eat corn stalks. Mature corn stalks are rich in crude protein and hence make great food for guinea pigs. Corn stalks also add a variety factor into a guinea pig’s hay diet.
Corn stalks include corn stems and leaves.
Both of these are ideal for consumption by guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs would love to nibble on the corn stems.
It can also help them keep their ever-growing teeth under control.
Can guinea pigs eat corn leaves?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat corn leaves. Corn leaves are the same as corn husks. They contain a good amount of carbohydrate and hence is suited well for guinea pigs’ consumption.
Corns husks and leaves represent the same thing.
Corn husks are what cover the ear of the corn, and leaves represent the blades sprouting from corn stems(which are all the same)
How to prepare corn for guinea pigs?
Corn is good food for guinea pigs. Here’s how corn needs to be prepared for guinea pigs
Pick a corn
Choose good corn that is fresh and unwilted. Dried ones shouldn’t be chosen.
Wash the husk
Wash the corn leaves or husk. The outer part might contain chemicals. Remove the leaves at the outer end. Guinea pigs can consume the inner husk
Cut the cob
Slice the corn cob into three pieces. This is to make it easy for the guinea pigs to eat in parts.
Leave the corn silk as it is
Guinea pigs love to chew corn silk. So, leave it untouched.
Feed the corn to your guinea pig
Now, feed the corn to your cavy by serving it in a food bowl
Corn made ready for guinea pigs
Corn kernels, husk, and leaves prepared in a manner suited well for guinea pigs
Can guinea pigs eat corn tortillas?
No, corn tortillas should be kept away from guinea pigs. Additives like baking powder and salt make corn tortillas unsuitable for guinea pigs.
It might be tempting to give corn tortillas to your guinea pigs as an occasional treat, but you should restraint yourself from doing so
Can guinea pigs eat corn nuts?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat corn nuts. Corn nuts are roasted or deep-fried kernels that are used as a snack. Any roasted or fried food, including corn, is not suitable for a guinea pig’s health.
Why can’t guinea pigs eat cooked corn?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat cooked corn as it is prepared using oil and other additives. Cooked corn also contains depleted nutrients that are unsuited for consumption by guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat cracked corn?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat cracked corn. Cracked corn is rigid and hence can cause dental, digestion problems in guinea pigs.
Cracked corn refers to fried corn that is broken down into small pieces. The delicate digestive system of guinea pigs wouldn’t be able to handle cracked corn.
Can guinea pigs eat baby corn?
Guinea pigs can eat baby corn as it contains the same nutrients as mature corn. Baby corn is corn harvested early when the stalks are young and raw.
Baby corn cob is tender when compared to the cobs in normal corn. This makes it easy for guinea pigs to nibble on it.
Will guinea pigs eat frozen corn?
Guinea pigs can eat frozen corn, but the corn needs to be thawed and brought to room temperature before eating it.
Corn at low temperatures, straight from your refrigerator should never be given to guinea pigs.
Will guinea pigs eat canned corn?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat canned corn as it contains preservatives that can be harmful to them.
Any stored food is terrible for guinea pigs, and so is corn.
Will guinea pigs eat cornmeal?
No, guinea pigs should never eat cornmeal. Cornmeal is prepared by crushing dried corn kernels and is made using oil and salt. Therefore, cornmeal is an unsuitable food for guinea pigs.
Eating cornmeal can cause diarrhea, stomach ache, or bloating in piggies.
Nutrition in corn for guinea pigs
| Water | 76g |
| Protein | 3.27g |
| Fat | 1.35g |
| Carbohydrate | 18.7g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2g |
| Sugars | 6.26g |
| Starch | 5.7g |
| Calcium, Ca | 2mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.52mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 37mg |
| Copper | 0.054mg |
| Iron | 0.52mg |
| Zinc | 0.46mg |
Copper
Copper is a mineral that belongs to the group of metals called transition metals.
Copper is essential for the life of guinea pigs because it is required for the production of the oxygen that all living cells need.
It is also necessary to form red blood cells and has an essential role in developing a robust immune system and keeping bones and teeth strong.
Copper is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes, and it is also involved in the transfer of energy, control of ion homeostasis, and the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element that is important for the proper functioning of several enzymes in the body.
It also plays a vital role in the immune system, wound healing, and developing and maintaining healthy skin and nails.
It also plays an integral part in cell division and the formation of blood in guinea pigs.
Research indicates that zinc may be important for cardiovascular health, and recent studies have shown that it may also influence the health of the male reproductive system in cavies.
Zinc may also reduce the risk of many types of cancer.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral required for the formation of red blood cells in the body of guinea pigs.
These red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and lack of energy.
How often can guinea pigs eat corn husks?
Guinea pigs can eat corn husks every day. It is also essential to understand how corn and its husk need to be prepared for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat corn chips?
No, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat corn chips. Corn chips are prepared using oil, salt, and spices, which are a strict no for guinea pigs.
Quick facts about corn
Corn is a crop that is grown worldwide.
The U.S. alone is a major corn exporter, with many small farmers growing corn on their farms.
Corn is primarily used to produce corn oil, corn starch, corn flakes, corn tortillas, corn syrup, and corn sweeteners.
It’s also the primary ingredient in many baked goods and is used for livestock feed.
Summary of ‘corn and guinea pigs’
- Guinea pigs can eat corn
- Corn is rich in iron, copper, and vitamin B
- Guinea pigs can eat corn kernels once every week.
- Corn husk and corn silk can be eaten every day.
- Corn needs to be consumed in restricted quantities as it is rich in sugar and starch.
- Guinea pigs can eat very little corn flakes.
- They can eat corn cob, leaves but shouldn’t consume chips and tortillas.
- Cooked, cracked corn is a strict no for guinea pigs.
- Guinea pigs can eat baby corn.
General info
Guinea pigs can eat most parts of corn plants.
Raw corn should be preferred for your pet guinea pigs overcooked corn.
Piggies can also consume raw kernels and kernels of corn.
Feeding too much sweet corn can cause diabetes as it has high sugar content.
The outer leaves of the corn husk should not be eaten though they’re high in fiber content.
The hard leaves can sometimes cause digestion problems and, therefore, health issues.
Corn has high carbohydrate content.
Other processed corn products shouldn’t be fed to guinea pigs.
The balanced diet of guinea pigs should contain fresh food like fruits and vegetables.
Foods that are a good source of vitamin C should also be present.
Cavies love leafy vegetables and green leaves.
Water should be provided in a water bottle or bowl.
Reference
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/corn-stalk
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/expanim/46/4/46_4_297/_article/-char/ja/