Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oats? (Explained Here)
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Oatmeal is a good breakfast choice because it is healthy and delicious. But, are oats good for guinea pigs? Can they eat them?
As a general rule, guinea pigs shouldn’t eat oats. Guinea pigs are herbivores, and since oats are a grain, it can give them digestive issues. Plus, oats are a high calorie food and can lead to weight gain in your guinea pig.
There’s times when a vet might recommend giving your guinea pig some oats. If your guinea pig is very sick or malnourished and needs to put on some weight, a small amount of oats might be recommended by a vet.
Guinea pigs are delicate creatures, and it’s important to make sure that they’re eating the right foods to keep them healthy and happy.
To find out more about the circumstances that you *MIGHT* consider feeding your guinea pig oats and the reasons why oats should be avoided as a staple in your piggies diet, just keep reading.
What Are Oats?
Oats are the seeds of oat grass, and are the edible part we eat. Oats are used in skin products, food for us and animals.
The different ways oats are processed is what makes up the variety of oats.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oats?
No, guinea pigs really shouldn’t eat oats. There can be some situations where you can offer your piggie oats, but this option should really be a last resort. Guinea pigs are not grain eaters. They are strictly herbivores. Their delicate digestive system is made to support hay, veggies, and a little fruit.
Grains are a type of food that is difficult to digest. This can cause problems like diarrhea. Oats are also a high calorie food, which means they can gain too much weight.
Obesity in guinea pigs is a big problem (no pun intended) because this can lead to more health issues like diabetes. Oats as a part of their regular diet is not a good idea.
In some rare cases, your vet might ask you to feed oats to your piggie if they are underweight or older and no longer eating much food.
Oats have high calories and most piggies like this. Even under these special occasions, your piggie will need to be monitored to make sure they don’t develop any other health problems.
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)
What’s The Difference Between Oats and Oatmeal?
Oats are a type of whole grain and come in different forms, but they all started as oat plant seeds. Oatmeal are processed oats.
Different ways they are processed make up the many types of oats we find on most grocery store shelves. This processing can affect texture, flavor and the amount of time it takes to cook.
The more oats are processed, the less time it takes to cook them. Oatmeal is the most processed form of oats and is the fastest to cook.
The oats are milled and then steel-cut. This is the type that looks like small flat disks. After taking these old fashioned rolled oats and steaming them, you get oatmeal.
This instant oatmeal cooks with added water or milk to make a creamy porridge.
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat oats. If your piggie is sick and needs the extra calories, speak with your vet first. More than likely, syringe feeding them some Critical Care or pureed pellets and veggies will be a better option.
Do Other Guinea Pig Owners Feed Oats To Their Guinea Pigs?
Apparently, there are some guinea pig parents that do feed oats to their cavies! I wanted to know if any other pet parents had fed their fur potatoes oats and I bet you’re wondering too. I surveyed about 100 guinea pig parents to see if feeding oats was a popular choice.
If they did feed them oats, why did they and how did that go? Let’s read on to find out what they said.
As a general rule, oats are not a good idea to feed to your guinea pig. But just In case you’re still thinking feeding oats to your guinea isn’t too dangerous, here are some tips mentioned by other parents.
Rolled oats are the best bet for your piggies. Raw and not too processed, this option has the best nutrition for your piggies.
You should NEVER give your cavies oatmeal with milk. Cavies are lactose intolerant and cannot eat dairy products.
Stick with a natural, organic type of rolled oats. No added sugars or preservatives are best for your baby’s health.
- Out of 106 guinea pig parents, 100 chose to feed their cavies oats. The most popular oats were raw steel cut oats.
- 42 pet parents fed their underweight and malnourished piggies oats to help them get to a healthy weight. 12 of these owners did it for their older piggies not eating as much.
- 6 pet parents choose not to feed oats to their piggies. Digestive problems were the biggest worry.
- For outside guinea pigs, 13 pet parents fed their fur babies oatmeal to help keep them warm. For the colder months, oats on top of their normal diet helped keep them happy outside.
- A lot of pet parents fed oats as a treat, 47 out of 106. Some made special guinea pig treats with oats, carrots and timothy hay.
- For pregnant piggies, 3 parents fed momma pig oats to keep her nutrition up during her pregnancy.
I noticed most piggie parents fed their fur potatoes oats for health reasons. This included pregnancy, low weight, and old age.
One parent gave oats to her piggie after a tooth treatment. She said that it helped her piggie keep its weight after the procedure.
Oats aren’t the best food for guinea pigs, but some parents do choose to feed them as a treat or for health reasons. If you decide to give your piggie oats, speak with your vet first. Only give them a small amount and make sure they are raw and organic. Avoid giving them oatmeal or any type of processed oats.
Nutritional Facts
We can find a good amount of nutrients in oats. Here are some of the nutrients and their health benefits.
In 100 grams of oats we find:
- Fiber- 9.4g. Fiber is great for keeping your piggies digestive system flowing without any stoppages. (Pooping piggies are happy piggies)
- Calcium- 401mg. Calcium is needed for strong bones and healthy teeth. (gotta love those piggie smiles:
- Protein- 12.09 g. Protein helps your piggie repair enzymes that break down their food to absorb nutrients. Protein also helps repair tissue.
- Vitamin C – 21.6mg. Vitamin C keeps away dreaded scurvy. Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and wreaks havoc on guinea pigs. Vitamin C also helps heal wounds by repairing tissue.
- Vitamin A – 990 µg. Vitamin A is a big help in keeping their eyesight as good as it can be (too bad they can’t wear glasses. How cute would that be?). This vitamin also keeps them from getting night blindness and makes their fur shiny.
- Vitamin D – 3.4µg. Vitamin D helps guinea pigs absorb calcium, which gives them strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamin B-6 – 2.39mg. Vitamin B-6 aids piggies in absorbing iron.
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) and Is It Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat Oregano? (Find Out Now)
Risks to Consider When Feeding Oats to Guinea Pigs
In most cases, this high carb, fatty food isn’t great for your guinea pigs delicate digestive system. Plus, there’s other risks involved with give your guinea pigs oats on a regular basis.
1. Weight Gain
Overweight piggies can cause them to have fat deposits around their organs and heart. This can cause heart and respiratory problems. Overly chubby piggies aren’t able to groom well. They can’t reach their backs and can get dirty bottoms.
This attracts flies (ewww) and flies can lay eggs in their fur, causing fly strike. Fly strike is when those eggs hatch and the larvae eat your piggie’s skin. (awful, right?)
Another issue with dirty fur is a higher chance of parasites. I don’t know about you, but feeding oats to my piggies is starting to really sound like a terrible idea.
2. Digestive Issues
Guinea pigs are well-known for having delicate tummies. As herbivores, they need a strict diet of hay, pellets, veggies and fruit. Their digestive system isn’t built to handle grains.
The excess in fiber can cause runny stool and the dry, flaky oats can also be a choking hazard.
Oats can also cause bloat. Bloat is when their stomachs get hard, inflated by extra gasses and air. This is painful and uncomfortable for your cavy. Caused by the high amount of carbohydrates, bloat stops their digestive system and they can’t eat.
Bloat can be fatal for guinea pigs.
3. Selective Eating
Piggies can be picky eaters, and getting used to tasty oats will only add to this problem. Oats have a sweet taste and are high in carbs.
This translates to “I’d rather eat junk food”. Used to the bad stuff, your piggie might turn their nose up at those bell peppers they used to like, and not want to eat healthier options you give them.
It’s better to keep them used to a healthier and balanced diet to stop them from getting picky. Natural foragers, they’re already made to eat what they want to.
Let’s make sure they’ll want to stick to the healthy stuff.
4. Bladder and Kidney Issues
Oats have a good amount of calcium and phosphorus. While calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, the right amount is absorbed through their veggie diet.
Too much calcium and phosphorus can lead to kidney and bladder stones. Blood in their pee and signs of painful urination are because their kidneys can’t filter out the extra calcium and phosphorus.
The excess causes stones in the kidneys and bladder. The stones cause blockages in their urinary tract that can cause renal failure (kidney shut down).
The high carb, sugary and fatty content of oats isn’t good for your guinea pigs delicate digestive system. Oats can cause weight gain, digestive issues, selective eating, and bladder and kidney issues in guinea pigs. If you want to treat your guinea pig, opt for healthier alternatives like hay, pellets, veggies and fruit.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Instant Oats?
No, guinea pigs can’t eat instant oats either. Instant oats are steeled raw oats that have been steamed so they cook faster for you.
Normally, oats are sold in packets. They are rolled thinner so they cook faster than other oats. However, this process takes some nutrients away.
Instant oats also have added flavors, preservatives, sodium and sugar. All things your cavy definitely doesn’t need.
Better leave instant oats for your breakfast instead of your fur baby.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Quick Cooking Oats?
My answer is the same, my friends. Nope. Quick cooking oats are oats that are made for being quickly prepared but are not as fast as instant oatmeal.
These oats come in a container instead of small packets. Any way it comes my friends, this is still oats. Made for your breakfast, not your cavies.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Quaker Oats?
Guinea pigs can’t eat Quaker oats. Quaker oats are actually quick eating oats. The name “Quaker oats” is a popular brand of quick oats. While this brand has no sodium in their oats, it’s still not a safe food for your guinea pig.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oat Hay?
Guinea pigs can eat oat hay occasionally. It’s high in fat, protein, and fiber. So, this hay is only good to be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. Don’t use this hay as their main source of hay.
Typically, oat hay can be for piggies that need to gain weight. It shouldn’t replace Timothy hay or meadow hay, but can be a good supplement for your piggies diet.
Alfalfa hay is also high in fat and protein but should only be given to baby guinea pigs or pregnant/lactating sows (female piggies).
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oatmeal?
Guinea pigs can’t eat oatmeal. Oatmeal is the same as steel cut raw oats, or instant oats. Whatever label or name, oatmeal has the same problems for guinea pigs.
I repeat my friend, oats/oatmeal lead to Weight gain, kidney and bladder issues, and digestive problems no guinea pig or pig parent wants. Best option for your piggies is a healthy diet, no oats needed.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Oatmeal?
Guinea pigs definitely shouldn’t eat cooked oatmeal. Cooked foods should never be given to guinea pigs. When you cook oatmeal, the nutrient value changes and some nutrients are lost.
Some people think that because it’s soft and mushy, it will be okay for their piggies to eat. But, this isn’t true at all.
It’s better to be safe and not feed them cooked oatmeal. On the rare occasion you need to feed oats to your guinea pigs, raw rolled oats is the safest choice.
If you want to feed oats as a treat, make sure they are rolled oats. Oats that aren’t rolled will cause digestive issues for your guinea pig.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Oats?
Typically, oats are a no-no for baby guinea pigs. The high sugar and carb content can lead to weight gain and diabetes. So, hold off until they’re at least 4-6 weeks old before you start introducing new foods like oats into their diet.
If you’re concerned about your baby guinea pigs not getting enough food or if their mama can’t (or won’t) nurse them, talk to your vet about a good milk replacement.
Can Pregnant Guinea Pigs Eat Oats?
Pregnant guinea pigs can’t eat oats. Oats don’t provide the extra nutrients your sow would need. Oats are not necessary to keep your pregnant piggie healthy.
It’s important she keeps a healthy weight throughout her pregnancy and oats can make her too overweight, putting her and her babies health at risk.
What’s The Best Diet For Guinea Pigs?
The best diet for your guinea pigs is an unlimited amount of timothy hay or any low calcium hay, pellets, veggies and small amounts of fruit.
Pellets that have fiber and are mostly hay should be given to your piggie daily.
A small amount of fresh vegetables and leafy greens should be given to your cavies, especially veggies that are high in vitamin C.
Guinea pigs can’t produce their own vitamin C so it’s important for them to eat veggies like bell pepper, asparagus and tomatoes that are high in vitamin C.
A little fruit is good for vitamin C since they have a lot of sugar. Sugar intake should be low so they don’t get diarrhea or tummy issues.
In most cases, oats aren’t a necessary part of your fuzz spuds diet. In fact, they can cause weight gain and other health issues. The best diet for your guinea pig is hay, pellets, vegetables and small amounts of fruit.
Which Fruits and Vegetables Do Guinea Pigs Like Best?
Guinea pigs have such unique personalities. Favorite fruits and veggies may be a bit different for some piggies. Still, a good amount of piggies seem to go nuts for kiwi, bananas and strawberries.
- Kiwi is a great fruit because it’s very high in vitamin C. Kiwis also have potassium, which helps your cavies urinary and digestive health.
- Bananas are rich in vitamin B. Vitamin B helps them absorb iron and keeps their fur soft.
- Strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. This fruit also has a high water content keeping your cavies hydrated.
As far as veggies go, romaine lettuce is a favorite vegetable for cavies as well as bell peppers and broccoli.
- Romaine lettuce has vitamin A,C, and K. These nutrients help your cavies repair wounds and boost their immunity.
- Bell peppers also give your cavies vitamin C and have antioxidants. This low calorie veggie has good fiber too.
- Broccoli contains vitamin C, B-6, A and vitamin K. Broccoli has a good fiber content. It does have a bit of calcium in it too. Small amounts are recommended to prevent bladder stones.
It’s weird, but most piggies seem to really like the parts of fruit that we’d throw away like the green tops of strawberries or banana skin. Try offering those parts to your fur babies and see if they enjoy them.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, we know that for guinea pigs, a well balanced diet doesn’t include oats.
I know we did find some pet owners that had some luck with oats for their cavies, but I believe it’s best to be careful when offering foods outside your cavies normal diet.
Our furry potatoes have delicate stomachs, and giving them oats is…well, risky.
Finally, for those rare cases when a piggie might need oats, the best option was raw steel rolled oats.
If you are temporarily feeding them oats to help them gain weight, remember to watch their weight gain and make sure their bathroom habits are normal.
You can ask your vet for different options to help your cavy gain weight to be on the safe side.
Healthy guinea pigs is what all cavy pet parents want, and I hope this article helped you answer the tricky question of whether or not your piggies can eat oats. (Which is no, not really).
Thank you for sticking with me, and I hope this helps you make the best decision for your fur baby.