For humans, broccoli has been trusted as one of the main exotic vegetable by nutritionists for generations. They really benefit human’s health; because of the nutrient value you might think that broccoli is also suitable for guinea pigs. But Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli? Let’s talk about the advantages and drawbacks.
Broccoli, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea var. italica is an esculent vegetable in family Brassicaceae, genus Brassica which is generally known as cabbage family. Almost every part of broccoli is edible and consists of bulky dark green flower heads usually structured as a tree branching out from a thick light green stalk. Flower heads are covered by leaves. Though broccoli is slightly similar to cauliflower, has its own differences and narrowly related to cultivar group of the same Brassica variety.
Table of Contents
Nourishment Of Broccoli
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Fibre – Bell peppers and lettuce consist of large quantity of fibre but broccoli consists more than these two.
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Vitamins – Mainly contains Vitamins C, B-6, K and A
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Calcium – Consists approximately 47mg per 100g
How Good Is Broccoli?
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Defends against free radicals. Vitamin C in Broccoli works as a powerful antioxidant in body that keeps any organism fit against the reparation of free radicals, which grow old the organism quicker than usual.
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As one of the main nutrition in broccoli, Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining the immune system by making it strong. Maintains dental health and the blood vessels in the body and keeps away from symptoms like scurvy.
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Iron, magnesium, other minerals and Vitamins such as B-6, K, A improves visualization and performance of the heart and other body parts.
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Fiber which is found in broccoli helps to digest better and not only plays a crucial part in maintaining blood sugar levels but also prevents diseases such as diarrhea and diabetes.
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Broccoli consists of Calcium and phosphorous which are very essential for growth of bones and teeth. When considering guinea pig pellets, Calcium is a vital addition to young and pregnant guinea pigs because calcium offers proper growth for those who really need it.
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Potassium and minerals are also found in broccoli which maintains the fluid balance in the body, dental health and keeps guinea pigs away from diseases such as bladder stones. Also they make certain of smooth body functioning in organs.
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Overall broccoli acts to maintain guinea pigs’ skin, bones, mouth and all the organs so broccoli can be considered as an essential nutrient veggie.
Broccoli also offers detoxification, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and supports the digestion system of guinea pigs. Preventing cancer cells is a bonus and also offers cardio toughness.
Awareness Of Broccoli
As discussed previously, broccoli is a great vegetable in health measures for guinea pigs but there are some drawbacks as well. Broccoli is a great food supplement but adding them too much to guinea pig diet can cause unease, health issues and dietary deficiencies.
Broccoli And Kidney Stones
The emergence of kidney stones might be the most awful risk of having broccoli. Broccoli, itself doesn’t cause this but the presence of oxalates combines with phosphorous and calcium to create calcium crystals in guinea pigs bladder and urethra which could lead to stones.
As these stones are originated from calcium large numbers can be unsafe. You should keep an eye for symptoms such as weight loss, blood in urine, swollen genital skin, irregular urination and lethargy.
If you observe your guinea pig suffers discomfort from kidney stones, extreme consumption of broccoli or pellets could be the cause for that. As the question there is a solution as well. Try changing the diet, encourage exercising and keep them well hydrated.
If the situation is serious or if you are feeling that it won’t go away on its own, your lovely pet may need a surgery. Just go easy with the consumption of broccoli so that will avoid any unpleasant experiences.
Digestive Concerns And Diarrhea
Feeding too much broccoli can cause another major issue which is unease in digestion and diarrhea. If your guinea pig suffers from these conditions such as no appetite, stomach pain, loose stool, dehydration and lethargy then surely your pet has a digestive issue. In some situations their fur could become rough in texture. By simply reducing the weekly intake of broccoli with proper hydration, these issues and health condition can be enhanced.
Digestive process can be disrupted by excessive intake of broccoli because high amounts of fiber in food could lead to stomach gas and bloating. In this case their fur might get cleaner and coarser and they will seem slothful with loose stools while losing the appetite. Apply the same solution as mentioned before. Suitable pig’s diet and hydration can improve the health a lot and you will notice it in no time.
Stomach Gas
Usually we consider broccoli as form of cabbage and it belongs to cruciferous vegetable family. Everyone is aware that cabbage can cause stomach gas. If you are feeding excess quantity of broccoli it could lead your guinea pig to have a flatulent stomach. So always be aware with your feeding and if your pet gets gas form broccoli you will have to leave it out first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Much Broccoli Can I Feed My Guinea Pig?
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and fibre. Also possesses low quantity of sugar. You must make sure to feed them intermittently and in diminutive quantities to avoid health risks such as diarrhea, digestive issues, kidney stones, awkward digestive tract and stomach gas.
Tip- Be aware to use broccoli as a food supplement to a healthy guinea pigs meal. Do not use broccoli as a main guinea pig food thus measure it from a tablespoon and the quantity of one tablespoon will be sufficient to fulfill the required amount of nutrition.
How To Provide Guinea Pig Broccoli Treats?
Let’s find out few methods to prepare treats for your guinea pig.
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Get the stem and chop it into small pieces
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You can shed the stalk
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Florets with its pellets
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One tender stem stick
Always wash broccoli before feeding and you do not need to cook or steam when preparing treats for your guinea pig.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli Raw?
Yes, raw broccoli is the best form to feed your pet. Always wash before feeding.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Broccoli?
The most nutrition in broccoli remains only in raw broccoli. When you cook fresh food, it will remove many vital nutrients. Always try feeding your pet raw vegetables as they found in wild. Please do not season or cook just feed raw broccoli.
Can Guinea Pigs Have Frozen Broccoli?
Almost every vet and most guinea pig owners would recommend keeping away from frozen broccoli. The main cause is when broccoli is freeze it really affect the nutritional value and certain nutritional loss is inevitable. It’s not really worth as fresh vegetables and won’t do any good for your pet.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli Stems?
Yes they can have broccoli stems, stems can be used as an exceptionally valuable snack. Not only they help to maintain guinea pigs dental health but also it does provide exceptional nutrients. As guinea pigs’ teeth tend to grow nonstop they really need rocky foods to help them to keep teeth in a safe size. Do not feed lengthy pieces to your pet if the stem is too thick and long cut it into small pieces and guinea pig will love it.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli Stalks And Leaves?
Well the good news is you don’t have to waste any part of broccoli, guinea pigs can eat almost every part of broccoli including stalks and leaves. So if you had any doubts you can clear your mind.
It’s always good to commence from the softer area of broccoli also the stalks and the heads contain more vitamin C when compared to other parts of the vegetable. Broccoli leaves are softer other than other parts of vegetable. Be mindful to treat only ten percent of their daily food intake and for beginners, you can feed guinea pigs about coin sized portion of leaves. If it’s the first time for your pet just offer them very small quantity as it is a new experience for them.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli Rabe And Sprouts?
Broccoli rabe or some call it rapini is a leafy green vegetable which closely associated to turnip and yes guinea pigs can have it. Rapini consists of many minerals and vitamins such as vitamin k, vitamin A, vitamin C. High quantity of calcium also can be found in rapini so be aware when you feed. Make sure to feed in smaller portions because high calcium can cause health issues to your pet. Feed them only few times a week, definitely not every day and in smaller quantities.
Broccoli sprouts consist of many nutrients and if use it wisely it will be healthy for guinea pigs. You can find broccoli sprouts in both purple and white colour and guinea pigs can be given both. Mainly they can have purple sprouting broccoli leaves but again serve them in small portions and not very often.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Tenderstem Broccoli?
This tenderstem vegetable is actually a hybrid between Chinese kale and broccoli which both are safe to feed your pet and the hybrid tenderstem broccoli is also safe to feed. Golden rule of feeding broccoli is also applied here which is using this as a food supplement and not as an alternative for guinea pigs’ regular pellets.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Broccoli Slaw?
Unfortunately the answer is no. A salad which is prepared using raw broccoli and other vegetables is known as a broccoli slaw. Guinea pigs can’t have a broccoli slaw if it has processed foods. As mentioned before your loving pet can’t eat any processed or cooked food. Usually broccoli slaw is made using salt, pepper, vinegar, mayonnaise and some other ingredients which can be very hazardous to guinea pigs’ health. So I strongly suggest that you can simply stick to feeding raw vegetables other than a broccoli slaw.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat All The Parts Of Broccoli?
Yes guinea pigs can be fed all parts of broccoli. Broccoli stem and broccoli floret could be their most favourite parts. They will react poorly if you serve them all together. It’s really hard to identify which part of broccoli makes them do that but however feeding parts separately would result in more success than feeding the whole broccoli.
Tip – Take out any left broccoli roughly within an hour. Fresh broccoli you serve will start drying out after short time but guinea pigs would leave some saliva when they eat them. That will lead to have germs in uneaten pieces which could harm your pet’s health.
Hello, my name is James and I’ve been caring for tiny pets for over 14 years with a passion. I enjoy passing on my expertise to other individuals in order for them to have the same amount of enjoyment as I do.
