Yes, guinea Pigs can eat dandelions. Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, K, and C which are immensely important for guinea pigs. Dandelions also pack antioxidants which act as immunity boosters.
However, it needs to be fed in moderation as dandelion weeds have high levels of calcium.
There is scarcely any better mood booster than a guinea pig munching on some food.
Those cute little animals make great pets and can brighten up anyone’s day in an instant.
While fruits and vegetables make up a large part of the herbivore cutie’s diet, most things that grow from the ground are good foods for guinea pigs.
But of course, some herbs and weeds can be toxic.
So examining everything before feeding it to your guinea pig is a must.
Guinea pigs love to chew on dandelions. But is the omnipresent yellow weed safe for them?
The answer is YES! Guinea pigs can safely most parts of a dandelion
Do guinea pigs like dandelions?
Yes, guinea pigs like dandelions. Guinea pigs find the bright yellow-colored dandelion flowers very attractive. They also have a fondness for the plant because of its milky sap.
Dandelions are possibly the only thing Guinea Pigs like more than fresh grass.
Are dandelions good for guinea pigs?
Yes, dandelions are good for guinea pigs. They are packed with nutrients that your guinea pigs will benefit from if eaten moderately.
While dandelion herbs are mostly consumed by humans, in some places, it is actually cultivated for their medicinal purposes and is even used for food.
Health benefits of dandelions for guinea pigs
1. Dandelions can cure appetite loss, an upset belly, and gallstones(if fed moderately)
2. Dandelion encourages appetite as it increases the bile flow and gastric functions.
3. It protects from free radical damage.
4. Dandelions reduce blood sugar levels.
5. It heals animal liver from toxins.
6. The fiber in the weed improves digestion and gets rid of constipation. Guinea pigs need a high fiber diet for their gut health.
7. It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K and prevents fatigue and problems affecting teeth and mouth.
8. Dandelions pack a lot of antioxidants and strengthen the immune system.
Are dandelions poisonous to guinea pigs?
No, dandelions are not poisonous to guinea pigs if fed moderately. The only caution to be maintained is to not let them consume it in excess. Dandelions contain calcium in high proportions.
High levels of calcium in a guinea pig’s diet can lead to bladder stones.
As dandelions are weeds and people use pesticides on them, it is necessary to wash them thoroughly after plucking them.
The only way your guinea pig can get poisoned by dandelions is when they consume more than the requirement or eat them directly from the yard.
How often can guinea pigs eat dandelions?
Guinea pigs can be fed 4 to 5 weeds of dandelions 3 to 4 times a week. It also depends on the reaction of a particular guinea pig to dandelions.
The standard serving should not be more than a handful of dandelion flowers, stems, and leaves.
Can guinea pigs eat dandelion flowers?
Yes, dandelion flowers are safe for guinea pigs. The bright yellow color of the flowers attracts guinea pigs and in fact, they pack a lot of health benefits like containing antioxidants and vitamin A.
- They contain antioxidants that make your guinea pig’s immune system stronger.
- The flowers have a higher level of polyphenols than the leaves or roots of dandelions. Polyphenols help in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Dandelion flowers reduce Cholesterol.
- Dandelion petals also contain Vitamin A and Vitamin B12 which are also good for the eyes.
- They also decrease inflammation and control blood sugar. This is amazing if your guinea pig enjoys sweet treats every now and then.
Can guinea pigs eat dandelion seeds?
Yes. Guinea pigs can eat dandelion seeds. Dandelion seeds contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins. Feeding your guinea pigs dandelion seeds would promote healthy bile flow.
Dandelion seeds are softer than other grass seeds.
Can guinea pigs eat dandelion leaves?
Guinea pigs can safely consume dandelion greens and leaves. The leaves seal a bunch of different nutrients that add to your guinea pig’s dietary needs.
Dandelion leaves are packed with Vitamin C, which is very important for guinea pigs.
This is because guinea pigs do not produce vitamins, and also can’t store vitamin C in their bodies.
Lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy (skin and joint problems).
100 g of dandelion greens contain around 35 mg of vitamin C. So eating dandelion leaves regularly can deliver the required amount of vitamin C for your guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat dandelion stems?
Yes. Guinea pigs can eat dandelion stems. Guinea pigs find dandelion stems delicious, especially because of the milky sap inside the dandelion stalk. The stems have many health benefits.
- They are rich in fibre which helps in guinea pigs’ digestion.
- They are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K and many other nutrients, minerals and antioxidants.
- The stems deliver both taste and benefits and hence are a win-win for both your guinea pigs’ taste buds and its health.
Can guinea pigs eat dandelion roots?
Yes. Guinea pigs can eat dandelion roots. Dandelion roots have strong cleansing properties and contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and prevents the growth of malignant cells.
They are also full of antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients.
According to some studies, dandelion roots have been found to lower cholesterol levels in animals
Can baby guinea pigs eat dandelions?
Yes, baby guinea pigs can eat dandelions. But one needs to be extra careful with the serving. Dandelions need to be introduced to the babies slowly.
It will help you to study how they react to dandelions and would give you a fair idea if you should keep feeding them.
Also, baby guinea pigs cannot process food as much as adult guinea pigs do, so you should give them as little as possible.
Again, make sure the dandelions you feed your pups are plucked from a pesticide and fertilizer-free environment and are neatly washed.
Can pregnant guinea pigs eat dandelions?
Yes, pregnant guinea pigs can eat dandelions. Dandelions can be added to a pregnant guinea pig’s diet. But it should not be fed in excess amounts.
Pregnant guinea pigs need all the nutrients more than they need in normal times.
So adding dandelions to their diet would benefit both her and the baby.
Feeding dandelions to pregnant guinea pigs deliver the daily vitamins which are important for their overall health. (guinea pigs can’t produce or store vitamins).
Washing the weeds very well is even more important before feeding them to a pregnant sow.
Can dandelions cause allergic reactions to your guinea pig?
It is a very rare occurrence for a guinea pig to be allergic to dandelions.
Having allergic reactions depends on each guinea pig, but it is fairly uncommon.
Allergic reactions might only arise from eating dandelions in excess.
But in any case, if allergies occur, dandelions should be removed from their diet till they recover and get back in shape.
While reintroducing dandelions to them, start by feeding them small portions once or twice a week until there are absolutely no more allergies.
If the allergic reactions are persistent, feeding dandelions should be stopped permanently.
What should I do if my guinea pig eats too many dandelions?
If your guinea pig has accidentally consumed too many dandelions and has harmful reactions, stop feeding the weeds immediately.
Also, every other calcium-rich food in their diet should be stopped immediately while feeding dandelions.
After recovery, reintroduce dandelions in their diet in very small amounts.
Guinea pigs tend to eat more dandelions because of their taste and color.
So be extra careful. If the side effects continue after you have stopped giving them dandelions, you should visit your veterinarian immediately.
If the reaction is in fact from dandelions, your guinea pigs should make full recovery a few days after you stop feeding them dandelions.
When should guinea pigs stop eating dandelions?
You would know that your guinea pig has eaten too many dandelions when they have diarrhea or when the color of their urine changes drastically or when they become less active.
In that case, stop feeding dandelions immediately.
Remember, your guinea pig won’t stop eating dandelions themselves because they love it.
It is your job to check the amount.
Can my guinea pig munch on dandelions?
Dandelions are easy to chew and very easily digestible for your guinea pig. As long as they are not eating it in excessive amounts, they are good to chew.
Baby guinea pigs can also chew on dandelions.
But cutting the dandelions into little pieces makes the eating process easier.
That way, guinea pigs find it easy to eat and digest the dandelions.
How to prepare dandelions for guinea pigs?
Dandelions should not be fed more than 3 or 4 times a week.
Preparation:
- Wash the weeds thoroughly.
- A good recipe is to mix a handful of dandelions with some hay. This mix offers enhanced taste and nutritional value.
- If your guinea pig is new to a diet consisting of dandelions, introduce it slowly. Feed a few leaves or flowers only once or twice weekly.
- After some time, you can increase the serving size or frequency.
- It is also important to mix other vegetables and fruits into your guinea pig’s diet.
- You should avoid food items that are rich in calcium while you add dandelions to your guinea pig’s diet.
Nutrition in dandelions
| Nutrient | Amount/100g of dandelions |
| Water | 85.6g |
| Energy | 45kcal |
| Protein | 2.7g |
| Fat | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.2g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.5g |
| Sugars | 0.71g |
| Calcium | 187mg |
| Iron | 3.1mg |
| Magnesium | 36mg |
| Phosphorus | 66mg |
| Potassium | 397mg |
| Sodium | 76mg |
| Zinc | 0.41mg |
| Copper | 0.171mg |
| Manganese | 0.342mg |
| Selenium | 0.5µg |
USDA – Nutrition in dandelions
Quick words of caution
1. Too much dandelion can cause stomach problems.
2. Dandelions have calcium.
Calcium is bad for guinea pigs as it can cause gallbladder or kidney stones.
Eliminating other calcium-rich foods gives them a balanced diet and prevents complications.
3. Too much dandelion may change the color of the urine of your guinea pig.
The pee might be red or orange.
This isn’t blood but instead, the body processing the plant pigments.
Your pee would also change color if you have enough Dandelions.
In fact, the French word for dandelions is ‘pissenlit’, which translates to “pee the bed.”
Dandelions are diuretic.
They are even as strong as some commercial products.
4. Dandelions can have laxative effects on your guinea pig if taken in an excessive amount.
5. Guinea pigs should not be allowed to eat the dandelions directly from the yard.
It can only be allowed if you have planted the weeds yourself and are absolutely sure that they are free from any harmful chemicals and pesticides.
What are dandelions?
- Binomial name: Taxaracum officinale.
- The common name, dandelion, has been derived from the French phrase ‘dents de lion’, which means lion tooth, as the shape of the dandelion leaves matches a lion’s tooth.
- Dandelions are common garden weeds found in grassland and cultivated ground.
- It is native to Eurasia but has naturalized in all parts of the Northern Hemisphere throughout USDA Zone 3.
- While dandelions are mostly seen as unwanted weeds and are killed with pesticides, particularly when they’re more in number than the grass in a lawn.
- Dandelions are actually cultivated in some places, and used for both food and herbal remedies.
- Dandelion is a good colonizer that is excellent at dispersing its prolific seeds. The most notable part of it is of course the bright yellow flowers.
- The health benefits for humans are manyfold. It is often used as a laxative, blood or digestive tonic. Also, dandelions can relieve joint pain, bruises and muscle aches.
Where can you find dandelions?
You don’t need to order dandelions for your guinea pigs.
Dandelions are weeds and can be found in lawns and gardens, especially during spring.
But planting them in your backyard is a better and safer idea to prevent your guinea pigs from getting poisoned by chemicals and pesticides.
Plus, your guinea pigs won’t like their dandelions if those aren’t freshly plucked.
Summary Of “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Dandelions?”
- Guinea pigs can absolutely eat dandelions.
- Dandelions prevent scurvy and enhance digestion.
- Nonetheless, dandelions need to be fed moderately as they are rich in calcium.
- All parts of dandelions can be fed to the guinea pigs.
- Ideal serving size should be 4 to 5 strands of dandelions only 3 to 4 times a week. (In the case of adult guinea pigs.)
Will my guinea pig get tired of eating dandelions?
Guinea pigs love their greens and would hardly get bored eating vegetables and herbs, especially the sweet and beautiful ones like dandelions.
You can also mix dandelions with other food like hay and veggies to maintain a balanced diet.
To put it simply, it is very unlikely that your guinea pig would dislike or reject eating dandelions.
What parts of dandelions are harmful to guinea pigs?
No part of the tender yellow weed has been found to be harmful to animals or humans.
From the flower to the roots, each part has its own benefits. Guinea pigs get different nutrients from each part of the plant, and they enjoy eating them.
Reference
https://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-DLYK200902000.htm
General info
If you are a pet parent to a guinea pig, you must be well aware that those little bundles of joy are delicate animals and need utmost care.
The primary key to their well-being is of course a well-balanced and healthy diet that is full of all the nourishing nutrients.
You just have to be sure which foods are safe for your guinea pig.
All that being said, it is your responsibility to maintain the number of dandelions being included in your guinea pig’s diet.
We hope this article was helpful.
Now you can be sure that dandelions are in fact safe for your dear guinea pigs, as long as given moderately.
The entire plant of dandelion can be consumed by guinea pigs.
Feeding dandelions can provide a wide range of nutrients to guinea pigs.
It is a good source of vitamin C but must be fed only as an occasional treat as it has high amounts of sugar content.
Excess consumption can also cause stomach upset.
Cavies love munching on green leaves.
Always remember to provide piggies an abundant supply of clean water.