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Let’s get right to the point, shall we? There are four hungry guinea pigs waiting!
Here’s the question: Can guinea pigs eat zucchini? The answer: Yes!
Zucchini: Nutrition
Zucchini is a summer squash, called courgette outside the United States, and in mid- to late-summer you can usually find a bountiful supply of this delicious, vibrant vegetable at your local grocer or produce stand.
Not only is zucchini safe for guinea pigs, but it’s full of yummy vitamins and nutrients, like Vitamin C and phosphorous. These nutrients – along with a healthy calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and low oxalic acid levels – make zucchini a perfect snack to feed your guinea pig.
Zucchini can be fed almost daily, but start slowly, with a few small pieces at a time, until your pig adjusts to the new treat. Be sure to feed only raw zucchini, never cooked. The vegetable will need to be rinsed before cutting, and try to remove any seeds or thick pieces of skin before giving to your cavy.
Zucchini vs Squash
Zucchini squash and yellow squash (sometimes referred to as “yellow zucchini”) have similar nutrition profiles – yellow squash is just a little bit heavier on the sugar. Despite this small difference, yellow squash is also safe to feed your guinea pigs.
What We Thought
Honestly, the pigs didn’t seem to care for the green zucchini medallions. But they’re usually shy about first-time treats.
Hammy did manage to enjoy nibbling on the outer green skin, while Feebee preferred the soft “fruit” inside. Dot couldn’t care less, and Buttercup wasn’t impressed, either. They would rather stick to their usual: dark greens and carrot!
We give zucchini a 9 out of 10, due to its nutrition profile and nibbly “fun” factor.
Guinea Pig Safe Food Chart
Find out what other fruits and vegetables are safe to feed your guinea pig. Take a look at the Guinea Pig Safe Food Chart!
Do You Like Zucchini or Squash?
Have you fed zucchini or yellow squash to your guinea pig? Did they like it?
Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Interesting, my six pigs also agree with the HappyCavy girls – none of them are zucchini fans either!
I was wondering if the chill from the refrigerator bothers guinea pigs> Sometimes mine wont eat it unless its at room warmth. This goes for all things, carrotts, kale and now I know I can add more to give Ralphie more variety in his food.
Mine wouldn’t touch it untill I chopped it up as finely as I could and mixed it in with their pellets, it was all gone! Now they gobble it down as soon as the veggie bowl hits the floor!!!