Can guinea pigs eat tomatoes?

Guinea pigs are herbivores. Their diet mostly comprises plants.

But should guinea pigs eat tomatoes? Are you a new guinea pig owner and are wondering the same as you are trying to look for a variety of foods for your pet? 

Did you know that guinea pigs cannot synthesize and store Vitamin C in their body, which is a very important vitamin for survival and are found in tomatoes? Read along to understand all pertaining tomatoes as a portion of food for your guinea pig. 

Should you give your guinea pig tomatoes?

Yes. Guinea pigs can eat tomatoes, and you can therefore give them to them. The tomatoes should however be very ripe to a point where you cannot see any green trace of unripe tomato, but it should also not be mushy. 

What types of tomatoes can guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs can eat different kinds of tomatoes. From plumps to cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and also the normal red tomatoes, all are okay for guinea pigs.

 All of them should be ripe and soft because those which are not ripe may be hard for your guinea pig to digest leading to bloating.

Are guinea pigs allowed tomato seeds?

Yes, guinea pigs are allowed tomato seeds. Most times, owners of guinea pigs are advised not to give their guinea pigs any kinds of seeds from fruits as they are big and can choke the guinea pig, however, tomato seeds are an exception.

This is because tomato seeds are tiny, soft, and easy to chew therefore will not bring complications to your guinea pigs in matters of digestion.

Are guinea pigs allowed tomato leaves?

This is a big NO; Guinea pigs should NOT eat tomato leaves. This is because tomatoes leaves belong to the family of nightshade which contains toxic tomatine. Tomatine contains Glycoalkaloids that can poison your guinea pig leading to death. 

What are the benefits of tomatoes to your guinea pigs?

Tomatoes are very nutritious vegetables. They are: 

1. Rich in dietary fiber- Dietary fiber is important for your guinea pig’s gut health. It will help in digestion; therefore avoiding constipation hence bowel movements are easier. 
   
   
2. Rich in Vitamins- Tomatoes contain vitamin C, which boosts immunity and prevents diseases. Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy which can cause your guinea pig to have very rough fur. They also comprise vitamin K, which is essential for the bone development of your guinea pig.
   
   
3. Rich in minerals- They are rich in foliate, which is necessary for the tissue growth of your guinea pig and phosphorus, which is the core mineral for bone and dental development. You want your guinea pigs teeth strong and healthy!

What types of tomatoes can’t guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs cannot eat grape tomatoes. This is because they have outrageous amounts of sugar, which may lead to obesity. 

They also should not eat green tomatoes because they contain toxic solanine which can cause solanine poisoning to your guinea pig, which will affect not only the gastrointestinal system but also the neurological health of your guinea pig. 

You should not give your guinea pigs tomato stems, or tomato vines. 

How often should you give tomatoes to your guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs should only eat one cherry tomato a day.

For the normal tomatoes, you should measure a slice that is approximate to the length of your big thumb and it should be eaten once a day as well. 

As vegetables are not the staple food of guinea pigs but hay is, your guinea pig should therefore eat half a cup of vegetables a day. You can mix the tomatoes in the salad or alternatively, give the tomato as a treat, every second day. 

What are the effects of too many tomatoes on your guinea pig?

Too many tomatoes are toxic to guinea pigs. This is because they are acidic.

They contain oxalic acids, which will not only lead to gastrointestinal complications with symptoms such as diarrhea but also lead to a condition known as colitis, which has symptoms such as painful sores on the mouth of guinea pigs. 

How to feed tomatoes to your guinea pig. 

If introducing tomatoes for the first time to your guinea pig’s diet, then you should introduce it slowly, at least once a week, while you monitor for any negative reaction.

If there was any negative reaction then, stop feeding it completely. However, if there was no negative reaction, then slowly give it to your guinea pig twice a week as you monitor until once a day level.

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into small pieces, which your guinea pig will be able to manage and chew on. Ensure that you remove any green stalks. Cherry tomatoes can be given as a whole as they are small in size themselves. 

Once your guinea pig is done eating, clear the surface and remove any remains as they will get rotten and your guinea pig may consume the bacteria-infested tomato. 

Other Questions

What will kill guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs have a lifespan of up to 7 years. Taking good care of them by ensuring they do not consume endangering foods that will cost them their health will have them living a long life. 

Some foods that can kill your guinea pig are nuts, seeds, cereals, peas, avocado, onion family, potato family, daffodils, meat, nightshade, citrus foods, and shrubs because of their toxic contents.

You should also not give your guinea pig cooked, canned or preserved foods as the chemicals used are toxic to your guinea pig. Check for rotten food with molds and fungus in your guinea pig’s cage that may cause severe stomach complications that may lead to death. 

Hay is guinea pigs’ staple food, but you should not give your guinea pig lucerne or clover hay as they are too high in protein and calcium leading to kidney and bladder stones. 

Always ensure you close all cabinets containing rat poisons, medicines, or mercury because when your guinea pigs even tastes them, it will lead to death. 

Can guinea pigs have carrots? 

Yes, you can give your guinea pigs carrots. Carrots have very high contents of calcium and should not be given in excess to guinea pigs.

This is because too much calcium can cause problems such as bladder stones to your guinea pig, which can lead to death if not treated as soon as possible. 

Give your guinea pigs baby carrots about three times a week at most and they will benefit because carrots have vitamin C, which is a good immune booster and prevents diseases. They also contain fiber that aids bowel movement. 

Besides all the benefits, giving your guinea pigs carrots to gnaw on will aid in the moderation of teeth growth as overgrown teeth often cause more harm than good to your pet themselves and also to other pets in the cage as they defend themselves with their teeth. 

Can guinea pigs have bananas?

Yes, guinea pigs can have bananas, but they must eat them in moderation because of their sugar levels.

Too much sugar can cause your guinea pig to suffer from obesity and/or diabetes and runny stomachs as bananas are laxatives.  

Some of the benefits of bananas to your guinea pig are: They contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, which help prevent cell damage and diseases. They are also rich in vitamins A, B1, B6 and which aid in eyesight, reproductive health, and general growth of your guinea pigs. 

They are also rich in minerals such as calcium magnesium, potassium, and iron which strengthen body tissues, muscles and nerves. 

Cut the banana into small manageable cubes and have your guinea pig enjoy the treats.