Can Guinea Pigs eat tomatoes ? Helpful guide on quantity, health benefits, and parts to avoid.

Can Guinea PIgs eat tomatoes?

Ok Ok, so we have put tomatoes in the vegetable section when they are technically a fruit, but we have them in salads so we’re calling them veg! Anyway, can guinea pigs eat tomatoes?

Regardless of if you class them as veg or fruit, the answer is the same. Yes, guinea pigs can eat tomatoes, and you can feed your guinea pig tomatoes as part of a balanced diet. Tomatoes are a great way to get a little extra vitamin c into your cavys diet

But, there are some things to be aware of, so please read on.

What types of tomatoes can guinea pigs eat?

Important note 1.

Only feed your guinea pig ripe tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes are more acidic than ripe tomatoes and are not recommended for guinea pigs. There are some green tomato varieties, but again these are generally more acid so it’s maybe best that guinea pigs don’t eat green tomatoes. Stick to ripe red tomatoes for your cavy pets.

Guinea Pigs can eat cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and plum tomatoes, which are 3 of the most common tomatoes. Never feed tinned tomatoes as they are usually tinned with added sugar. Fresh is best.

Can Guinea Pigs eat tomato seeds?

Yes, your guinea pig can eat tomato seeds – no problems there. In fact, it’s been said that the seeds are the most nutritious part of the tomato.

Can guinea pigs eat tomato leaves?

Important note 2

Apart from the ripe fruits, all other parts of the tomato plant, like the stalk, leaves, and roots, are toxic to guinea pigs and should not be fed.

Did you know? The tomato plant is part of the deadly nightshade family.

How many tomatoes should I feed my guinea pig?

When adding any fruit or vegetables to your guinea pig’s diet, it’s important to only feed small amounts, a couple of times a week.

New fruit or vegetables should be added to your guinea pigs’ diet gradually, in small amounts, so you can amount for signs of an upset tummy. This is especially important with baby guinea pigs.

Despite good nutritional values, fruit and vegetables can irritate your guinea pig’s digestive system, so as responsible pet owners we should make sure we don’t overfeed.

A suggested serving size of tomato would be a small cherry tomato, or similar, once or twice a week. If feeding large varieties of tomatoes, cut them into small amounts.

Do not feed tomatoes every day as your guinea pig may get diarrhea.

So, in summary, yes you can feed your guinea pig tomatoes, in small amounts. Feeding your cavy a variety of food helps provide them with an interesting and balanced diet.

Ideas and information about other great fruits and vegetables to feed your guinea pig can be found in our ultimate guinea pig food guide.

Interested to know what other fruit and vegetables are safe for your guinea pig? Check out our ultimate guide to what fruit and veg are safe for your Guinea Pig.