Forages: Can I feed my guinea pigs fresh grass, dandelions, and other forages?

[Trace_n_Ripley]

Thanks for the info on the clover -- I was just at our community garden plot and there was all this nice grass and red clover growing and I'm glad to find they can eat that as well as the white.

Now, how did they know when I walked in the kitchen and washed my hands that I had some fresh greens for them??? They started wheeking really loud at me! Sometimes, I swear they're psychic!

[masher]

Can somebody please tell me if Elderflower leaves are harmful or not?

Thanks

[masher]

Does anyone know answer to above question - I really can't for/against info anywhere??

[^dawn^]

hi masher, I wouldn't feed Elderflower leaves.

Elderflower - Sambucus nigra

[jabberwock]

How about the actual flowers? Would they be OK for cavies (if I can spare any after making elderflower cordial and elderflower fritters!)

[masher]

Okay thanks - was just wondering because as Jabberwock mentioned we make elderflower cordial and was just checking we weren't wasting the leaves. Thanks

[Ly&Pigs]

I think I'd skip the flowers as well. The plant has diuretic properties and most likely won't be good for our furry little friends.

[Ledasmom]

Does anyone know whether guinea pigs can have goldenrod? This is probably just wishful thinking on my part, but since the backyard is overgrown with it I thought I'd ask.

[Ly&Pigs]

Goldenrod is on the poisonous plants list, so it's not safe to feed. Contains high levels of nitrates.

[masher]

Hi I just noticed stinging nettles on the suitable plants list, but I was just wondering if this has any ill effect on guinea pigs at all? Would they not sting their tongues?

Thanks.

[TrekkiePiggies]

I would just like to add that if you feed chickweed, make sure you never plant Lobelia ( Lobelia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ) or harvest from an area where Lobelia has been previously planted. Lobelia looks an awful lot like chickweed when not blooming, and it is poisonous (its other common names include Pukeweed and Vomitwort). However, it has lovely purple flowers, is hardy, and often reseeds, so it is a common garden plant. If you're ever unsure, only feed blooming chickweed ( Stellaria media - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ). The flowers are very different in shape and color, so it's easy to tell the two plants apart.

[Paula]

What about like oats and just wheat? I'm just curious and not planning on feeding them either of the two, but I'd like to know if I could.

[Ly&Pigs]

Originally Posted by paulammoore

What about like oats and just wheat? I'm just curious and not planning on feeding them either of the two, but I'd like to know if I could.

Preferably oats shouldn't be fed as cavies have a bit harder time digesting these types of grains. I could see feeding oats in a case where there is a severely underweight pig to help gain a bit of weight but there are also other products such as Critical care that are better to help gain weight.

There are so many types of wheat, not sure what kind of wheat you are referring to? Wheat bran, wheat grass?

[Char-x]

Does anyone know if there is much sugar in grass? I ask because I have a diabetic piggy...

[Silverbeat]

Can guinea pigs have chives? I haven't seen it on any lists, recommended or poisonous/harmful.

[Ly&Pigs]

Yes, but only the green parts and not very often. Most pigs won't eat chives or green onion tops.

[kimgrif]

I've searched and searched and cannot find this answer definitively. Can guinea pigs have fresh sage leaves? I just happen to have some but won't give it to the girls unless I know without a doubt that it is safe!

[Ly&Pigs]

Yes but only fresh sage and limit it to a couple leaves per feeding a couple times per week.

[kimgrif]

Thank you, Ly!

[Cavy_Luvr]

You have on your list blackberry leaves and raspberry leaves, but are the berries ok?