Guinea pigs should not be fed wheat grain, bread or cereal as a regular food, but fresh wheatgrass is a safe treat. Grains are starchy and low in vitamin C, and they can upset a guinea pig’s digestion. A few plain wheat stalks or fresh wheatgrass are fine now and then.
What kinds of wheat are okay?
- Fresh wheatgrass: a safe, fibrous treat. See our guide to wheatgrass for guinea pigs.
- Plain wheat in a hay or pellet mix: some timothy-based pellets include small amounts, which is fine.
What to avoid
- Bread, crackers, pasta and baked goods. They are high in starch and often contain salt, sugar or yeast.
- Breakfast cereals, especially sweetened ones.
- Whole raw wheat berries or dry kernels. They are hard, starchy and not needed.
- Seed and grain mixes sold as guinea pig “treats,” which let your pet pick out the fatty, starchy bits.
Why grains are not a good fit
Guinea pigs are grazers built to digest fibrous plants such as grass hay. High-starch grains can encourage harmful bacteria, cause gas and loose stools, and add extra calories. They also do not supply vitamin C, which guinea pigs must get from food daily.
What to feed instead
The foundation is unlimited grass hay, a small serving of plain pellets, and a cup of fresh vegetables a day, with a vitamin C source such as red bell pepper. If you want a crunchy treat, a small pinch of plain rolled oats now and then is acceptable, as covered in can guinea pigs eat oats.
Bottom Line
Skip bread, cereal and wheat berries. Offer fresh wheatgrass or other grass hay instead. For the full feeding plan, read what guinea pigs eat.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your guinea pig has diarrhea or stops eating, see an exotics vet right away.
