Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet

Can guinea pigs eat celery as a healthy treat?

Celery is a leafy and low-calorie vegetable that contains a lot of nutrients and minerals. But can guinea pigs eat celery? Yes, and it is a good source of crucial nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential elements for your guinea pig. However, it has a high level of oxalates, and you shouldn’t serve it every day. 

In this article, we will look at the health benefits, nutrition facts, risks involved, serving and frequency, preparation, and more. 

Health benefits of celery to guinea pigs 

Celery is beneficial to your guinea pig’s health, and one thing that makes it suitable is the fact that it has fewer calories. The following are some of the health benefits your guinea pig can derive from celery.

• Boost the circulatory system 

The various vitamins found in celery are good for your guinea pig’s heart. So, include it in your pet’s diet to make it live healthier and longer. 

• Helps in digestion 

If you don’t give your guinea pig a balanced diet, it can develop problems in its digestive tract. Celery is a good vegetable rich in dietary fiber that will help your guinea pig digest food better. In addition, it helps to prevent constipation and eases the passing of stool.

• Prevents swelling  

Celery has a component that is known as apigenin that helps to prevent inflammation in your guinea pig. Consider adding it to your pet’s diet several times in a week to boost its health.

• Lowers blood pressure 

It is good to maintain the right blood pressure in your guinea pigs. Celery contains phthalides that relax the artery wall tissues to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure.  

• Good water retention 

Celery has high water retention that enables guinea pigs to stay even without water. It is an excellent vegetable to serve in the summer. 

The nutrition information on celery for guinea pigs 

Celery is filled with nutrients making it a good option for the growth and development of your guinea pig. Here is the nutritional chart of the celery.

• Vitamin A – 9g 
• Vitamin C – 5% 
• Dietary fiber – 1.6g 
• Calories – 16mg 
• Phytosterols – 6.0mg 
• Folate – 9% 
• Potassium – 260mg 
• Sodium – 80mg 

Risks of celery on your guinea pigs 

Even good things like celery have a wrong side. So, it is only fair to look at some of the adverse effects of feeding celery to your guinea pig. Here are some of the dangers that face guinea pigs for eating celery. 

• Contain oxalates 

Oxalates are compounds that cause your guinea pig kidneys to develop stones. In addition, oxalates affect the urinary system, and guinea pigs are susceptible to urinary tract infections. As a result, you should limit the amount of celery you feed your pet. 

• Bloating 

Bloating is mainly caused by an improper diet and can easily happen when introducing something new. So, it is always advisable to introduce new food with caution. Celery is very likely to cause bloating, and you should be very careful when feeding it to your guinea pig. This is because it contains over 95% water content, and you shouldn’t overfeed it. Some pig owners claim that celery caused diarrhea in their guinea pigs. 

• High sodium levels 

The high sodium levels in celery may not be suitable for your cavy. So, you should regulate the amount and frequency you serve it. 

Quantity and frequency of serving celery to guinea pigs 

Vegetables like celery should be served in small quantities and not a substitute for hay. Even if your pet enjoys eating it, you should not give it too much. This is why it is important to know the right amount to feed per serving and the frequency per week. 

• Serving size 

It would be best if you never give your guinea pigs a whole stick of celery. Just serve a small piece like a sixth of the stalk and the leafy part. 

• Frequency

In terms of frequency, you should serve it twice or thrice a week. It is good to combine it with other food types like fruits and hay to improve your pet’s health. 

Celery for your guinea pig preparation process 

The process of preparing celery is similar to other vegetables. Even though it is easy to do, some people forget the necessary steps to follow to prepare celery for cavies. Here is the step-by-step guide you should follow. 

• Step 1: Select the right celery.

Choose fresh celery and don’t serve rotten or ones with yellow leaves. Always feed your guinea pig, something you would eat.  

• Step 2: Wash it 

After choosing the right celery, you should wash it properly. Wash both the leafy part and the stalk thoroughly to remove the dirt and insects. Also, this helps to eliminate the effects of pesticides. 

• Step 3: Cut out the stalks 

You can chop it into small pieces or serve it as a whole. The stalks are tough, and you should avoid feeding to young guinea pigs.

More information about celery for guinea pigs 

• Are celery roots safe for guinea pigs?

Yes, it is safe for guinea pigs to eat celery roots. However, you should wash them thoroughly to remove fertilizer and chemical residuals. Avoid feeding it frequently and only serve it as an occasional treat. 

• Is cooked celery good for guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs should not be fed with cooked food, including celery. This is because cooking food destroys the essential nutrients and minerals that benefit the guinea pig. 

• Are celery leaves safe for guinea pigs?

Yes, you can feed celery leaves to your guinea pig but in small quantities. This is because they contain high amounts of oxalic acid and calcium, and overfeeding it can result in serious problems.

Can guinea pigs eat celery as a healthy treat conclusion

Celery is an excellent vegetable for all types of guinea pigs. It is a nutritious and low-calorie snack that will provide your guinea pig with a wide range of health benefits. However, you should only feed it the right amount and at the recommended intervals. For a balanced diet, mix it with other food types.