As far as healthy summer snacks go, grapes are perfect. They’re tasty and delicious, and you can choose to nibble on a few or devour a whole bunch.
But what about if you want to share some grapes with your guinea pig? Can guinea pigs eat grapes?
Happily, the answer is yes. Guinea pigs can safely eat grapes, and many cavies love the taste of this sweet treat, making them a great reward when training your pet. However, due to their high sugar content, grapes should only be an occasional snack for your furry friend.
Can You Feed Guinea Pigs Grapes?
Many pet owners are well aware that grapes are toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s natural to wonder if you can feed guinea pigs grapes safely.
If you’re asking this question, you’ll no doubt be aware that there’s more than one variety of grape available. So, let’s break this down into a few separate questions:
- Can guinea pigs eat red grapes? Yes, red grapes are perfectly safe for guinea pigs to eat, including the skin.
- Can guinea pigs eat green grapes? Green (or white) grapes are also entirely safe for guinea pigs to consume, so feel free to share some with your cavy.
- Can guinea pigs eat grapes with seeds? No. Seeds represent a choking hazard for guinea pigs, and there’s also the risk of them causing an internal blockage. As a result, it’s best to choose seedless grapes, or remove any seeds from grapes before feeding this fresh fruit to your cavy.
- Can guinea pigs eat dried grapes (raisins)? No. Raisins are high in sugar, which could cause digestive upset or even lead to more serious health issues for your pet. They’re also a choking hazard and are best avoided.
More: What Kind Of Fruit Can Guinea Pigs Eat? (+ How Much?)
Are Grapes Good for Guinea Pigs?
OK, grapes aren’t toxic to cavies and are safe for your pet to eat. But will grapes actually provide any nutritional benefits to your guinea pig?
Yes. Grapes are a good source of vitamin C, which guinea pigs need to get from their diet because their bodies are incapable of producing it. They’re also a source of calcium and vitamin B6, so they do more for your pet than just taste great.
For more information about the nutritional content of grapes, check out the table below.
| Nutritional content per 100g serve | ||
| Grapes, American type, slip skin, raw | Grapes, red or green (European type, such as Thompson seedless), raw | |
| Water | 81.3g | 80.54g |
| Energy | 67kcal | 69kcal |
| Protein | 0.63g | 0.72g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.35g | 0.16g |
| Carbohydrate | 17.15g | 18.1g |
| Fiber | 0.9g | 0.9g |
| Sugars | 16.25g | 15.48g |
| Calcium | 14mg | 10mg |
| Iron | 0.29mg | 0.36mg |
| Magnesium | 5mg | 7mg |
| Phosphorus | 10mg | 20mg |
| Potassium | 191mg | 191mg |
| Sodium | 2mg | 2mg |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 3.2mg |
Source: FoodData Central
Risks of Feeding Grapes to Guinea Pigs
Despite their benefits, grapes aren’t necessarily an essential inclusion in your cavy’s diet. Make sure you’re aware of the following factors before letting your guinea pig eat any grapes:
- High in sugar. The main issue with feeding grapes to guinea pigs is that they’re high in sugar. Too much sugar can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, and other digestive problems for your furry friend, not to mention contributing to your pet becoming overweight or obese. As a result, it’s important to limit his grape intake.
- Seeds. The seeds in grapes are a choking hazard for guinea pigs. You’ll need to remove any seeds before serving or make sure to choose seedless grapes only.
- Not a key dietary component. The most important ingredient in your guinea pig’s diet is fresh hay. Small amounts of commercial guinea pig pellets, vegetables, and fruits (like grapes) can be used to supplement the hay. In a nutshell (or should that be a grape skin?), grapes are an occasional treat only and should never be a major part of your pet’s diet.
How Many Grapes Can My Guinea Pig Eat?
Grapes are one of those foods where less really is more. To ensure that your guinea pig doesn’t have too much of a good thing, make sure you only feed grapes to your pet a maximum of 2-3 times a week.
Grapes should be a treat only, not something that forms the main portion of your pet’s meal.
In terms of serving size, limit them to a maximum of two grapes each time.
How to Prepare Grapes for Your Guinea Pig
Perhaps the best thing about grapes is that guinea pigs absolutely love their sweet taste. This means your cavy will happily gobble up any grapes you put in front of him, and these juicy little fruits make an excellent treat to use as a reward when training.
If you want to prepare some grapes for your guinea pig to snack on, start by washing them thoroughly to remove any pesticides or bacteria. Make sure the grapes are ripe and fresh, and cut them in half to ensure that they’re the perfect size for a guinea pig to chew.
If they’re not seedless, remember to remove any seeds before dishing them up to your pet.
Final Thoughts
Grapes are a tasty snack that both humans and guinea pigs can enjoy. Red and green grapes are both safe for your pet to eat, and they’re a high-value treat that most cavies love.
However, make sure that you only give seedless grapes to your pet, and that your guinea pig only ever eats grapes in moderation.
