GuineaDad Food Blog: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pineapple?

(updated 2023.07.20)

Hey there guinea gang,

Are you curious if you can feed your piggies tasty pineapples? The short and sweet answer is yes! Guinea pigs can eat pineapple, but in moderation. There are several different health benefits that this fruit can offer to your piggy, but there are a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of before you decide to include it into their diet. 

We've also got a Fruit Master List that lists common fruits that your piggy can and can't eat! 

What vitamins and other nutrients does pineapple contain?

Vitamin C 

This is helpful for protecting your guinea pig's cells against the effects of free radicals, which have a part in heart disease, cancers and other diseases. It’s important that guinea pigs are eating foods that contain high contents of this vitamin in order to strengthen their immune system.

Guinea pigs tend to catch infections pretty easily, and we want to give their bodies the tools it needs to fight them off! Vitamin C is also good for helping your guinea pig’s body to prevent scurvy, which can make it hurt when your guinea pig eats. This will make them not want to eat, which can lead to weight loss.. There is 47.8 mg in 100 g of pineapple.

Calcium

Your guinea pig needs calcium for formation and maintenance of strong bones! Their heart, muscles, and nerves need calcium to function properly. While too much calcium can be bad for your guinea pig, they still need it for certain organ functions! Some guinea pigs even need more than others—for example, an older guinea pig will need more calcium in order to keep their bones strong even as they age. There is 13 mg in 100 g of pineapple.

Phosphorus 

It’s important that there is a good balance of calcium-to-phosphorus in order for it to be healthy.There is 8 mg in 100 g of pineapple.

What other benefits does pineapple provide for your guinea pig?

Pineapple is actually quite a heart-healthy fruit! It’s low in fat, so it’s good for your piggy’s heart. It contains lots of magnesium, which means it can help with muscle and nerve function, regulate blood pressure, and support the immune system. The properties in pineapple also help with improving blood clotting function, and it’s also low in calories!

For a treat that's always tasty and contains loads of healthy benefits for guinea pigs such as immune support, and good source of various vitamins such as A, K, C, and other minerals, try our Pea Flake Treat Cup.

What are the downsides about pineapple for guinea pigs?

Unfortunately, there is a small host of downsides when it comes to pineapple, despite all of the benefits. For example, they can get diarrhea because of excess sugar. Guinea pigs aren’t able to fully process sugar as well as we can, which can lead to an upset belly. While we mentioned that pineapple is low in calories, they can, however, gain weight from the sugar! Obese guinea pigs tend to develop even more health issues associated with it, so it’s important to watch and moderate how much you are giving of not only pineapple, but other sugary foods to your piggy.

It’s also important to keep in mind that excess consumption of foods with calcium can lead to the development of kidney stones, which are painful and uncomfortable for your piggy.

Guinea pigs can eat pineapple, but do they like it?

Yes! It’s juicy and sweet, making it a delicious treat for your piggy.

How should you go about feeding your guinea pig pineapple?

Pineapple should definitely be fed in moderation considering all the things we’ve discussed! We think one square-inch cube, once a week is a good amount to feed your guinea pig! We recommend introducing it to your piggy in an even smaller amount to see how they respond to it first. That way, you can monitor them for any adverse reactions. If your piggy experiences any major changes in waste output, then we recommend not including pineapple into their diet.

Overall, it is OK to feed your guinea pigs pineapple!

It’s just important to keep it in moderation! Keep in mind that your guinea pig needs one cup of fresh fruits and vegetables a day to supplement their diet, and variety is important so you can make sure all their nutrients are balanced and good for them.

What else can guinea pigs eat?

Check out our Fruit Master List for quick facts on common fruits that your guinea pig can and can't eat.