Sweet bell peppers are one of the best vegetables for guinea pigs, but hot peppers are not safe. Red, yellow, orange and green bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. Jalapeños, chilies and cayenne can burn the mouth and upset the stomach and should never be fed.
Bell peppers: a vitamin C source
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so they need it from food every day. A few slices of bell pepper can help cover it. Red peppers are generally the sweetest and highest in vitamin C, and green ones are a bit lower and slightly more bitter.
Can guinea pigs eat a whole pepper?
A whole pepper is too much for one guinea pig. Offer a slice or two, about a thumb-sized piece, as part of the daily serving of about a cup of mixed vegetables. Cut it up so your guinea pig can handle it and so you can remove the parts they should not eat.
- Remove the stem and core.
- Take out most of the seeds. A few stray seeds are not toxic, but they are a choking hazard in large amounts.
- Wash the outside well.
- Serve it raw, with no oil, salt or seasoning.
Hot peppers: do not feed
Capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot, irritates the mouth and digestive tract. Skip jalapeño, habanero, chili, cayenne and chili powder. Also keep in mind that pepper seeds and white membranes from hot varieties can irritate if they touch your pet’s nose or eyes.
How often?
Bell pepper can be fed several times a week, and many owners offer a small piece daily as a vitamin C source. Mix it with leafy greens such as romaine. See red, green and yellow peppers for guinea pigs for more detail, and best vegetables for guinea pigs for a balanced list.
Bottom Line
Feed sliced sweet peppers, never whole hot ones. Remove the stem, serve a small piece, and keep hay available all day.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your guinea pig eats a hot pepper and has trouble breathing or stops eating, call your vet.
