Guinea pigs can safely eat many fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, apples (no seeds), melon, pear, mango and kiwi, but only as a small treat. Fruit is high in sugar, so a piece about the size of a thumbnail, two or three times a week, is plenty.
Safe Fruits for Guinea Pigs
- Strawberries: tops and leaves are fine, one small berry at a time.
- Apples: remove the seeds and core; skin is fine if washed.
- Cantaloupe and other melon: a small chunk of flesh, no rind.
- Mango: a small piece of flesh, no pit.
- Blueberries, pear, kiwi, and peeled orange segments: small pieces, occasionally.
How Much Fruit Is Too Much?
Fruit should be a tiny part of the diet. A good rule is about one teaspoon-sized portion per guinea pig, two or three times a week. Too much sugar can cause soft stools, weight gain and mouth sores from acidic fruits. Offer only one new fruit at a time and watch for loose droppings.
Fruits to Avoid
Skip avocado, which is toxic, and any fruit pits or large seeds, which are a choking and poisoning risk. Dried fruit is concentrated sugar and best avoided. Grapes and bananas are not poisonous but are very sugary, so keep them rare. See foods toxic to guinea pigs for the full list.
Vitamin C: Why Guinea Pigs Need It
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, and a shortage causes scurvy. Fruit helps, but vegetables are a better daily source: bell pepper, parsley and leafy greens give vitamin C without as much sugar. Vitamin C-fortified pellets help too. Read more in our fruit and vegetable list.
Preparing Fruit Safely
- Wash all fruit to remove pesticides.
- Remove seeds, pits, stems and rinds.
- Cut into small pieces.
- Remove any uneaten fruit within a few hours.
Bottom Line
Hay, pellets and fresh vegetables come first. Fruit is a small, occasional treat, and a few safe options are plenty.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from an exotic-pet veterinarian. Call your vet if your guinea pig has diarrhea, stops eating or seems unwell.
