Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cat Food?

As responsible pet owners, we want to ensure that our pets never go hungry, and that they eat nutritious and healthy food. Here are a few things to consider when asking the question: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cat Food?”

As Pets, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cat Food?

Simply put, Guinea Pigs can eat dry cat food in very small quantities.Although guinea pigs will not immediately die from ingesting cat food, they would be better off eating other food that are more nutritious for them, and better fit to their diet. It is best to remember that guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are naturally herbivores, feeding on grass, hay, and other similar plant life. They have molars which allow them to process plants best among all types of food. Another thing to consider is that the guinea pig does not receive any nutritional value from any form of cat food, wet or dry.

Benefits of Eating Cat Food for Guinea Pigs

Besides filling your Guinea Pig’s belly when hungry, cat food provides no nutritional benefits to guinea pigs. Since cats are carnivores and guinea pigs are herbivores, their nutritional requirements are very different from each other. Cat food consists mainly of meat mixed with other proteins and vitamins. In addition, cat food is made up of 40% fat, which when unchecked, may lead the guinea pigs to heart disease and significant weight increase. Guinea pigs, on the other hand, feed on plants such as grass and hay, and a completely different set of vitamins for their nutritional needs. 

The Downside to Guinea Pigs Eating Cat Food

Taking off from the previous section, Guinea Pigs eating cat food may lead to digestive problems with your pet. Since guinea pigs are herbivores, eating an excessive amount of meat causes digestive problems. One or more of the following may come up with too much consumption of cat food for guinea pigs — diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, stomach pain, and obesity. 

It is very important to observe the pet food ingredients, especially those that contain animal protein, which could cause an upset in the guinea pig’s intestinal tract and give it diarrhea. Guinea pigs are herbivores, and their diets should consist of grass hay and fresh vegetables.

Best Food for Guinea Pigs

It is important to understand what to feed your pet, especially if you have more than one kind of animal. Guinea pigs require a special diet. Only a veterinarian should decide what food animals should have, so you need to consult with the vet if there are any doubts about the proper diet for your guinea pig.

Among the many types of food that are better for guinea pigs are:

1. Vegetables – As herbivores, Guinea Pigs benefit the most from eating vegetables. From among the many different kinds of healthy vegetables, your pets will benefit most from carrots, green beans, peas, and corn, not just because these are bite-sized, but because these are high in nutrients such as fiber and vitamins.
2. Fruits – Also a great source of fiber and vitamins (which is low in fat) are fruits such as apples and bananas. Aside from being delicious and nutritious for your pets, fruits such as these are also excellent sources of water, helping to keep your pets hydrated, and of sugar, which give your pets a great energy boost.
3. Grains – High fiber foods such as oats and rice are not only great for digestion and consumption, but these carbohydrates also provide energy to your pets to get through their day.
4. Legumes – Your pets need protein in their diet, which they can easily get from sources such as beans and other legumes.

In Summary : You Should not feed Cat Food to Guinea Pigs

While there are exceptions to the rule and some guinea pigs do enjoy eating cat food, most owners should never feed their guinea pig cat food. This is because cat food is high in protein and fat, and usually low in fiber. Guinea pigs require high-fiber diets and products higher in protein may actually cause diseases.