Dandelions

[Smoosh]

Hi,

Is it ok to feed my guinea pig the entire dandelion plant ( leaves, flowers, seed heads) or just the leaves? I noticed I have tons in my yard and want to know which part is safe for my piggy.

Thanks!

[Ly&Pigs]

The entire plant is edible including roots and flowers/stems. Make sure to wash them thoroughly first. In order to keep dandelions growing though, you can just pick leaves and the flower tops. Make sure the area is free from pesticides and other animal urine and feces.

[Piggersrule]

..So the milky sap in the stem is alright for GP to eat??

[Ly&Pigs]

My girls have had the entire plant at times and they are fine.

[JarBax]

My girls like dandelions (which I am glad of, as have a few in the garden), and will eat the leaves, stem and root - but leave the flower!

If I'm not completely forgetful, they are not an every-day food, as are quite high in calcium - but can be fed two or three times a week.

[muffin]

You're right, they shouldn't be fed every day and are high in calcium. They are diuretic, and should be fed with fresh grass if possible, and even better if you can feed them with an astringent like chickweed or sticky willow. Make sure you know what that is before you feed it, it's not essential, so if in doubt, leave it out! My piggies love the young leaves and wolf down the flowers. They also love lawn clover. I don't feed daisies as no one is sure if they are safe or not. Buttercups are poisonous. Dock leaves are also poisonous.

I am so peeved because there are lots of lovely young dandelion plants in my garden, but far too many cats around for them to be safe I will plunder my Mum's big garden though, as her dog only pees on the lawn, so anything growing elsewhere is up for grabs! I rinse leaves first though as a precaution against other stuff, like, I don't know...snail poo.

[JarBax]

nasty stuff snail poo!

[Mr.Jiggles]

If you don't think that your yard is always safe, GROW THEM!!! You know those little fluffy white things that blow the seeds off? Take a whole bunch of seeds and put them in a planter! Within a few days, you will have plenty of tasty dandelions!