Will Celery Kill Your Guinea Pig? (The Honest Truth)
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Looking for a healthy, crunchy snack, you might choose to eat celery. It’s low in calories and full of fiber. We know it’s good for humans, but what about our guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs can eat celery, but only a few times a week. Celery shouldn’t be a part of their daily diet. Celery is full of water, fiber, and other vitamins that help keep our cavies healthy. But It’s also high in oxalates which can cause health issues for guinea pigs.
Let’s read on to find out more about feeding celery (safely) to your furry potatoes.
What’s Celery Anyway?
Celery is a vegetable that has a light earthy, peppery taste. Celery has long, pale green stalks that taper into leaves. They grow in bunches of eight or ten stalks.
Part of the same family as carrots and parsley, celery is a marshland plant. Most people don’t eat the leaves, but they’re also edible.
If you want some more information on what guinea pigs can and can’t eat, check out these posts: What Guinea Pigs Can Eat (Everything You Need To Know) and What Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (The Good, The Bad, The Tasty)
Is Celery Good For Guinea Pigs?
There’s some great reasons to feed celery to your guinea pigs. In fact, these next three reasons benefit your guinea pig’s health in some big ways. Let’s see what our piggies get from celery:
1. Hydration
Celery is about 95 percent water. That’s a lot of water. The great thing is that It’s important to make sure your piggies are hydrated.
They don’t sweat, so water is needed to keep them cool. (Please note that heatstroke is very dangerous for your guinea pig. They are extremely sensitive to temperature changes.)
Staying hydrated is also important to help your guinea pigs avoid urinary problems. It helps prevent urinary tract infections by making them pee often.
Flushing out extra calcium and phosphorus is easier for your guinea pig with more fluids. Along with plenty of water, it’s a great way to keep our cavies hydrated.
2. Lots of Fiber
Celery is a high-fiber food. Guinea pigs need a high-fiber diet for their teeth. The grinding motion while they chew keeps the teeth at the right length.
High fiber helps with bloating and keeps the digestive system flowing. Celery keeps them at a healthy weight and their bacterial gut balanced. Fiber also helps their urinary system.
By feeding your piggie celery, (in the right amounts), you help keep their tummy free from digestive issues. Along with their endless buffet of hay (Remember, piggies should have hay to graze at all times), adding celery boosts their fiber content.
3. Low Sugar and Calories
Celery is low in sugar, which is great for piggies’ digestive system. Too much sugar gives them diarrhea and other health problems. Spiking blood sugar levels will be too much for their pancreas to keep up.
Their insulin levels drop and leads to diabetic ketoacidosis.
This is dangerous and can even cause death. Basically, there’s not enough insulin in their bodies, and blood sugar stays high. All really bad news!
Celery is low in sugar and calories, preventing diabetes. Low in calories, it’s a good snack to keep them at a healthy weight.
Drawbacks Of Feeding Celery To Guinea Pigs
Celery can be healthy for your guinea pig, but there are drawbacks to eating too much. Actually, too much of anything is bad for little friends.
Some of the issues you could have if your guinea pig has too much are listed below:
1. Diarrhea
Although celery is low in sugar, the high water and fiber can give our piggies diarrhea if they eat too much. Runny poop is bad for your cavy and can actually have the opposite effect on their hydration.
If you feed your piggie celery (in the right amounts), you help keep their tummy free from digestive issues.
It can make them dehydrated, leading to other health problems.
Adding celery to their veggies is great for adding variety but keep it on the lower end to be safe. Better safe than sorry, right?
2. Pesticides
Pesticides are used in our foods to keep bugs off. The chemicals used can make our guinea pigs really sick.
Celery is a porous vegetable. This means it’s easy for chemicals to soak in. There can be at least four different chemicals on one celery on average. There are tips to wash and soak your veggies to remove pesticides, like soaking in water and vinegar. But I think it’s better to be safe and buy organic.
Organic celery is grown with natural fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers use methods like covering veggies to stop bugs from eating them. They use natural bug predators to pick off the harmful ones.
Besides, organic celery can even taste better. I bet your piggie will love that.
3. Low On Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for cavies. Since they can’t make it on their own, we need to feed them food with vitamin C to prevent them from getting scurvy.
Scurvy is a terrible disease from vitamin C deficiency that can cause them to be tired, not eat, lose weight, and can even lead to death if not treated.
Celery does have a little bit of vitamin C, but it’s not enough to keep scurvy away. Other foods higher in vitamin C may be a safer pick for your piggies to eat.
Is Celery Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat?
Celery is safe for guinea pigs to eat. Guinea pigs are herbivores. Celery is a vegetable that can have some health benefits from them.
Celery can only be given a few times a week. They should be washed thoroughly. Chop them into smaller pieces to make it easier for your cavy to eat.
The strings in celery can be a choking hazard. Yet, your little munchers should eat them just fine if you cut them up.
Guinea pigs have strong teeth built for breaking down veggies and hay. It’s unlikely that a few loose strings of celery are going to be a problem for them.
If you’re really concerned about choking issues, you can always remove the string from the celery. But, that’s going to be pretty labor intensive.
Nutritional Facts Of Celery
How healthy is celery? High in vitamins and nutrients, it’s a good veggie for us and a good snack for your guinea pig. Here are some nutrients you can find in 100 g of celery.
- Vitamin C 3.1 mg: Important for your guinea pig to keep dreaded scurvy away.
- Calcium 40 mg: Your guinea pigs need calcium for strong bones and healthy teeth. Too much causes kidney and bladder stones.
- Phosphorous 24 mg: Helps your piggie process calcium. Too much calcium can lead to other vitamin deficiencies and health problems.
- Fiber 1.6 g: Fiber is needed to help keep their digestive system healthy. From their teeth, all the way down to their tails!
- Sugar 1.3 g: Sugar content is low, but I’d be happier seeing zero.
- Sodium 80mg: Sodium levels are a bit too high. But some sodium is needed to keep cells hydrated. It also helps in absorbing nutrients.
- Protein 0.69g: This is great for repairing tissue and helping them heal wounds.
- Potassium 260mg: Helpful for your piggie’s nerves and muscles. Too much can cause kidney problems.
- Vitamin A 22 mcg: This keeps our piggies’ eyesight healthy.
Are Guinea Pigs Allergic To Celery?
Celery may cause an allergic reaction in your guinea pig. This is incredibly rare. (Still scary, though)
When introducing a new food, you need to watch them closely. Be on the lookout for any signs they don’t feel well. Skin rashes, coughing, and not moving may mean your piggie didn’t react well to celery.
Your piggie struggling to breathe are signs of a strong allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock (extreme allergic reaction) can be deadly if not treated quickly.
If your piggie shows these signs after trying new foods, take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Celery?
The real question now is, how many guinea pig parents have luck with celery? I wanted to know how many piggies actually enjoy celery and if anyone had any bad experiences. (I hoped none, though)
So I did a survey! I enjoy a good survey to find real-world answers to our piggie questions. I found out some interesting facts from piggie parents who chose celery for their cavies. Here are some that stood out:
- Some parents noticed their pigs only ate the outer parts of the celery stalk. They enjoyed nibbling around it but didn’t eat the whole thing. Parents suspected the strings inside were the reason. Their pigs didn’t want to eat them.
- Guinea pigs seemed to prefer the leafy greens on top to the stalk. Pigs enjoyed their foods mixed with a few celery leaves for flavor.
- The top piece of advice for giving their guinea pigs celery was to wash it well. Also, chop it up before giving it to your fuzz spuds.
- Out of the 107 parents surveyed, no one dealt with allergic reactions to celery. That’s great news!
So how many had success with this stalky vegetable? I’d say quite a lot! Here are the numbers:
- I found that out of 107 pet parents that tried to feed their guinea pigs celery, 86 had success. That’s a whopping 80% of piggies munching on this veggie!
- The remaining 20% of parents didn’t feed their guinea pigs celery. (About 21) Interestingly enough, only 1% didn’t feed their fuzz spuds celery because their piggies had health issues that would worsen if they ate celery. One mentioned obesity, and the others kidney and bladder stones.
- One piggie parent found her cavy had diarrhea, and although she couldn’t be sure the celery caused it, she stopped giving it celery and other fiber-rich veggies.
If you want some more information on tasty things you can feed your guinea pigs, then read: What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (What You Need To Know)
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery Stems?
Guinea pigs can eat celery stems. Just like the stalks, the stems are also safe to eat. Chewier and fibrous, it’s good for wearing down their teeth. But this is also in moderation. Give your guinea pigs a small portion of celery to prevent health problems.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery Leaves?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat the leafy celery greens. They have the same vitamins as the rest of the celery without the stringy bits. The leaves also have a stronger flavor that piggies like too.
All parts of celery are safe for your guinea pig to enjoy, but again, only in small amounts.
Are Celery Strings Dangerous For Guinea Pigs?
Celery strings aren’t dangerous for guinea pigs. Cavies have strong teeth meant for chewing and breaking down long stalks of hay. They can chew through and digest the strings just fine.
In fact, fibrous foods are necessary for your fuzz spud’s teeth. They need to chew fibrous hay and veggies to grind down their pearly whites. Dental care for guinea pigs includes adding some celery to their diet. (But again, in moderation!)
As always, a word of precaution. Not all guinea pigs are the same. Some might have a harder time chewing through the strings, especially if you have a fast eater.
If they eat fast and don’t chew well, the strings can pose a choking risk. So, you need to watch your fuzz spuds when introducing this veggie.
Celery is a healthy vegetable chock-full of nutrients your guinea pig needs. It’s also a low-calorie, low-sugar treat that can be fed to them in moderation. All parts of celery are safe for pigs to eat. The strings might pose a choking hazards if you have a really fast eater.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Celery?
Guinea pigs can’t eat cooked celery. Cooked celery also takes away some nutrients that are beneficial for your cavy. Their digestive systems aren’t meant to handle cooked foods. (No cookout for our guinea pigs in the wild, unfortunately)
Cooked celery can be too tough on their sensitive tummies. It’s better to stick to raw celery. Actually, it’s better to only feed your furry potatoes raw foods.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery Seeds?
No, guinea pigs can’t eat celery seeds. Seeds aren’t a natural part of their diet. Their teeth and digestive systems can’t handle seeds or their husky outer parts. The seeds can get stuck in their teeth (Super uncomfortable and painful for your cavy).
Seeds can also be a choking hazard. Guinea pigs have no gag reflex, so choking is extremely dangerous. The seeds also have entirely different nutrients from the full-grown plant.
Save the seeds for your garden and feed your cavy celery leaves and stalks instead.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery Skin?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat celery skin. They can eat all parts of the celery plant. The outer porous skin isn’t different from the whole stalk. Yet some parents I surveyed did have some fuzz spuds who prefer eating just the skin.
If your cavy enjoys snacking on celery, you don’t have to be concerned if it has a liking for just the outer part. It’s actually better if they eat just a bit and leave some.
Remove any uneaten veggies after an hour to keep your guinea pigs’ enclosure clean and safe.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Raw Celery?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat raw celery. As herbivores, their natural diet includes raw veggies. They don’t need any extra seasonings or time on the stove before feeding them the celery. The only prep you need is a good wash and a little chopping up.
Technically, guinea pigs can drink celery juice, but it’s often better to just stick to clean, filtered water as their primary drink.
Can Guinea Pigs Drink Celery Juice?
Yes, technically, guinea pigs can drink celery juice. But, it’s better to give them celery stalk and leaves instead. Celery juice won’t give guinea pigs the benefit of chewing and grinding down their teeth.
Celery juice also has a high water concentration. While guinea pigs do need lots of water, too much can lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea is dangerous for guinea pigs because it can dehydrate them quickly.
That’s why it’s better to stick to just giving them fresh, clean water instead.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Celery?
When introducing your baby spud to celery, keep a close eye on them at first. Watch out for allergies, runny stool, or any other sign your cavy isn’t handling the celery well.
If it doesn’t show interest in the celery, try a couple more times before giving up. Guinea pigs can be picky, and introducing new foods when their young isn’t any easier. (Trust me, I know)
Baby guinea pigs are more likely to try new foods after they’ve been weaned from their mothers milk at around 3 to 4 weeks of age.
Can Pregnant Guinea Pigs Eat Celery?
Yes, pregnant guinea pigs can eat celery. Pregnant piggies need more nutrients to help their growing babies. A little celery will help give them more hydration and more fiber (To keep her regular). Also, a bit more vitamins and antioxidants.
Even though pregnant cavies need more nutrition, stick to feeding celery in moderation. Too much can still cause the same pesky health issues listed above.
Can Guinea Pigs With Bladder Stones Eat Celery?
No, guinea pigs with bladder stones shouldn’t eat celery. Celery has high oxalates, which can cause bladder and kidney stones for your fuzz spuds. Bladder stones are VERY painful and can actually kill your little friends. High oxalates bind with calcium and form stones.
These tones can cause a block in the urinary system or other digestive issues. It’s better to stay away from this vegetable if your cavy has already had problems with stones.
Alternate celery with other vegetables like squash, collard greens, or carrots to get the benefits of celery without the risk.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Celery Every Day?
No, guinea pigs can’t eat celery every day. Celery is too high in oxalates. Oxalates can cause kidney and bladder stones in your piggie.
This painful urinary disease causes your piggie to pee frequently, hunch over while peeing, and they can have blood in their urine. (Poor piggies.)
The high amount of fiber in celery has good in small amounts to keep your fuzz spud regular, but too many causes digestive issues like diarrhea and bloat.
Signs of urinary issues or diarrhea indicate that your cavy is eating too much celery. It’s best to feed them celery once or twice a week.
How Much Celery Can You Give Your Guinea Pig?
About a sixth of a stalk per guinea pig is a good amount of celery to give to a guinea pig. A few celery leaves added in their bowls is a good amount too. Mixed in with other veggies and fruits will add to their variety.
It’s best to be careful so if you’re not sure, stick to a smaller amount. Offer your guinea pig a few pieces first to see how they react.
How To Feed Celery To Guinea Pigs
Start by thoroughly rinsing the stalks and leaves. Celery is a porous vegetable, so it’s important to wash it well. A rinse of water and a splash of vinegar can also help get rid of harmful pesticides (If not organic).
Cut up the celery into bite-size pieces. Removing the strings isn’t necessary. Your fuzz spud can chew them up just fine. (Be sure to watch them carefully, though)
Feed them only a few pieces at first to see how they react. Some piggies might be picky and not care for celery. Remove any uneaten bits after to keep their cages clean. Try a few times to see if your piggie will be curious enough to try it. (Picky piggies can be tricky to please! This is something I know all too well)
A sixth of a stalk (per piggie) once to twice a week is enough for your guinea pigs.
Please remember to avoid feeding it to any fuzz spuds with any bladder or kidney stones in their history. If you need to, separate them while they eat to avoid eating each other’s food.
Guinea pigs can eat a small amount of celery every day, but should not eat too much because of the risk of developing bladder or kidney stones. When feeding celery to guinea pigs, it is important to wash it thoroughly and cut it into small pieces. Guinea pigs may be picky eaters, so it is important to offer it a few times before giving up. Overall, celery is a healthy treat for guinea pigs when fed in moderation.
How To Grow Celery At Home For Your Guinea Pigs
Celery is fun and easy to grow at home. In fact, it’s easier to grow indoors to keep watered. Celery is mostly water, so its needs to be watered well.
You can grow your own celery from the unused bottom part of your celery stalks. You don’t even need seeds!
- Begin by cutting off the bottom of the celery from the root up two inches.
- Place the bottom in a shallow dish of water. Change the water every day.
- After a few days, you should see a few baby leaves sprouting from the center. A few roots should grow out from the bottom. If you see a few browning edges, don’t worry. This is normal.
- It’s time to plant in the soil! Place your celery in well-draining soil with no pesticides. Gently place in a hole wide enough for the bottom part, so a bit of the cut end and all the growing leaves and stalks are above the soil. Keep the soil damp but not soaked.
- Celery needs about 5 to 7 hours of sunlight a day, but it’s a cool weather plant. Indirect window light works best if inside. A shady, partly sunny spot outside is good for celery.
- Wait for it to grow, then harvest and let your little friends enjoy
What Are Some Alternatives To Feeding Celery to Your Guinea Pig?
Celery can be a good veggie to add variety to your fuzz spuds’ diet. But are there other healthy veggies, maybe healthier for your guinea pig? Here’s a list of some you can add to their diets.
- Radish – This vegetable is low in carbs and fat. It contains vitamin b-6 and vitamin C (good for preventing scurvy), and antioxidants. It has high amounts of calcium, so avoid feeding this to your cavy every day.
- Parsnip – Parsnips are high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It’s also low in sugar, which is great for your piggies’ weight. It does have a high number of oxalates, so moderation is needed to prevent bladder stones.
- Zucchini – Zucchini is actually a fruit. This fruit is high in vitamin C, A, and other minerals and nutrients that are great for Guinea pigs. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and a high-water content, this is a tasty addition to your fuzz spuds dish.
- Mustard Greens – moderation here is also needed! (No surprise here, right? I’m sensing a pattern) High in calcium, too much can cause urinary issues for your fuzz spuds.
- Squash – Feed squash to your guinea pig raw for a burst of vitamin C, A, K, B-6, and other minerals. This will reduce inflammation and boost immunity. It has a small amount of sugar and calcium. Feed in small amounts to prevent stones and high blood sugar levels.
- Carrots – Carrots are delicious for your guinea pig. It’s a bit high in sugar, but it’s also a good source of vitamin C, A, biotin, fiber, and more. Feed cavies’ carrots only a few times a week to keep blood sugars from getting too high.
It’s important to keep track of the food you give your guinea pig. This’ll help you know if any foods cause problems, like allergies, loose stool, or other issues. Celery is a great vegetable to give your guinea pig, but you should only give them a small amount at first, see how they react, and then SLOWLY increase the amount if they’re tolerating it well.
Things To Remember About Celery and Guinea Pigs
So, to wrap up, celery has a good amount of fiber and water. This helps out our guinea pigs by keeping their tummies and teeth working well. It has a bit of vitamin C to help against scurvy. Low in sugar and calories, it won’t make your guinea pig overweight.
Celery and most vegetables have different nutrients that can help keep your piggie happy and well. Moderation with all of them is the safest way to make sure they have a good balance of helpful nutrients.
So, remember to mix it up! Let’s chop up that celery and treat our fuzz spuds. Let me know how it goes in the comments below. Thanks!