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5 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Guinea Pig

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  June 20th, 2025

Just like cats and dogs, guinea pigs can’t eat everything we can. Some foods are actually dangerous for them.


In this article, we’ll look at five foods you should always keep away from your piggy.


Please note, this isn’t an exhaustive list so, if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to check with a vet before giving your pet something new.

Guinea pig - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to guinea pigs. Even a small amount can cause heart issues, seizures, or worse. Their bodies simply can’t process these compounds, making chocolate strictly off-limits.

2. Iceberg lettuce

Though it might seem like a fresh treat that a guinea pig would love, iceberg lettuce is mostly water and offers little nutritional value. It can also lead to diarrhea and digestive problems. Safer alternatives include romaine, green leaf, or red leaf lettuce. These greens are all more nourishing and gentle on the digestive system.

Guinea pig - image via Canva

3. Onions and garlic

Members of the allium family, like onions, garlic, chives, and leeks, are highly toxic to guinea pigs. They can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia or severe stomach distress. Even trace amounts should be avoided.

4. Dairy products

Guinea pigs are herbivores and naturally lactose intolerant. Feeding them milk, cheese, yogurt, or any dairy-based product can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. So stick to plant-based foods!

5. Potatoes

Potatoes contain solanine, a toxic chemical that can be harmful to guinea pigs. Cooking doesn’t make them safe either, as guinea pigs should never consume cooked or processed foods. Avoid giving them any part of the potato, including peels or the eyes.

Guinea pigs eating a carrot - image via Canva

Final thoughts

Your guinea pig’s health depends on what you feed them. While treats and variety are important, knowing what to avoid is just as crucial.


Always do your homework before offering something new. When it comes to feeding guinea pigs, safe is always better than sorry.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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Is Winter Paw Protection Necessary for My Dog?

As pet parents, we need to meet the needs of our furry companions. That includes giving them an opportunity to be active with walks and other activities even when the temperatures drop and there’s snow on the ground.However, the frigid winter temperatures and harsh elements can pose serious risks to your dog’s delicate paws. Cold, dry air can cause cracked paw pads, while icy sidewalks and sidewalk salt can cause painful cuts and injuries. Some de-icers are even toxic!Just like we bundle up in warm coats and boots to protect ourselves this time of year, our furry friends may also need a little extra protection. Let’s discuss when winter paw protection for dogs is necessary and what products are available to help keep your pup’s paws happy and healthy all season long.How Cold is Too Cold for a Dog’s Paws? When considering the risk of injury to a dog’s paws, we usually jump to dangers that could cause a cut or scrape, like rough, icy surfaces or road salt. However, the cold temperature alone could spell trouble in some situations. But how cold is too cold? When should we be worried about the safety of our pups on our winter walks? There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The truth is that some dog breeds are better suited to the winter season than others. Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky were born to work and thrive in arctic environments. But the same can’t be said for all dogs. A good general rule of thumb is that temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower carry a significantly increased risk of frostbite. In this weather, most experts recommend severely limiting your dog's time outdoors or using paw protection to keep their paws safe from the ice and cold. That said, you should monitor your dog closely for signs that they are feeling cold. Keep an eye open for signs of discomfort, such as: Cautiously lifting their paws up Shifting from paw to paw Slowing down or refusing to walk at all Whining or barking to get your attention Shivering or tremblingIf you’re outdoors on a walk or playing in the yard and notice any of these signs, make your way back to shelter (your house or your vehicle) as soon as possible to allow your dog to warm back up again. Do Dogs Need Paw Protection in the Winter? Deciding whether your dog needs paw protection will depend on several factors, the most important being the temperature that they are comfortable at without paw protection and your lifestyle. If you have a dog who thrives in the cold or is only ever outdoors in the cold weather long enough to go to the bathroom and then come right back indoors again, they may be fine without the added layer of protection. However, here are a few situations where paw protection could make a considerable difference in your dog’s safety and comfort: Places with Extreme Temperatures If you live in a space where freezing temperatures are the norm, you will have fewer days to get out and enjoy a walk or other outdoor activity without worrying about frostbite. Don’t let this keep you feeling trapped indoors. Instead, gear up your pup so they can still get out and enjoy the great outdoors regardless of the temps. Road Salts and De-Icers Do you enjoy winter walks, but your local sidewalks and roadways are covered in road salts and de-icers? If so, you may want to consider taking steps to keep your pup safe from these potentially harmful products. Some de-icer products are incredibly toxic for dogs. This isn’t to say your dog will grab a mouthful while you’re on a walk. But if they pick up some of that de-icer on their paws, they may carry it home. At that point, simply licking their paws to clean up after their walk could cause them to ingest the toxin. When you remove your dog’s boots, any product they have picked up will go with them. Even if the road salt you encounter is dog-friendly, there is still the risk of harm. Yes, pet-friendly de-icers are considerably safer than the other options. But there is still a risk they can irritate your dog’s paws from the rough surface or sharp pieces of salt. If your pup has any cuts or existing injuries on their paw, the salt can irritate it further. Sensitive Pups Some dogs are more sensitive to cold temperatures than others, just like some people are more sensitive. This could be due to their breed. Some common dog breeds known for being sensitive to the cold include the chihuahua, greyhound, boxer, Chinese crested, and basenji. Additionally, some dogs will be more susceptible to feeling cold even if their breed isn’t on that list. This includes senior dogs, young puppies, and dogs with health conditions such as: Arthritis Heart disease Kidney disease Diabetes Cushing’s disease Hormonal imbalancesExisting Paw Injuries When discussing road salt, I mentioned that those products may irritate existing cuts or injuries on a dog’s paw, but that isn’t the only time an injury may require some added protection this season. If your dog has an open wound or injury, the snow and ice may cause pain, irritation, or even increase the risk of infection. Exposed wounds are also at a higher risk of suffering from frostbite, plus the cold can slow the healing process. Bandages on the paws can also pick up snow or moisture, leading to further irritation. In these situations, your veterinarian may have recommended limiting the time your dog is spending outdoors or using some sort of protection on your dog’s injured paw to prevent the injury from getting worse.

Does Your Pet Have Runny Eyes? Let's Clean 'Em Up!

(photo credit: Irina Satersdova / shutterstock.com)My Schnoodles have a deep, darker fur and while it’s no excuse, it is one of the reasons that I tend to miss that crusty collection of goop that gathers at the inner corner of their eye and ultimately begins a descent toward the sides of their beaks.Now, this mucky discharge is a normal function of your pet’s immune system, and it’s how they rid their eyes of the daily dust and debris that can collect and irritate. But while it's not necessarily an issue to worry about, it can be unsightly (particularly with light-colored dogs or cats) and deserves to be addressed on a regular basis—in other words, cleaned up.If the discharge is smelly or excessive, you’ll want your vet to weigh in on whether your pet may have an eye infection or be suffering from allergies that require a little more care than a simple wipe-down.Assuming that’s not the case and its just a matter of working eye maintenance into your pet’s hygiene regimen, there’s a wide range of products that are superb at tackling the crust and also removing any staining. What I love most, is that there is something suited to every pet’s personal preference. Because let’s face it when it comes to cleaning up your little guy’s face, it’s never one size fits all, is it?

Wildfire Dogs Find Love After Rescue, Thanks to "Extraordinary World"

The recent wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles left a trail of devastation, impacting not only the people living in the community but also countless animals caught in the trail of destruction. Among those most vulnerable were the numerous pets displaced and left behind during emergency evacuations, their futures uncertain amidst the chaos. While the ideal situation is obviously to see these beloved pets reunited with their parents, many have been. But for some sweet animals, there is no family searching for them. That was the case for a group of dogs recently featured on Jeff Corwin’s Extraordinary World. The pups were just some of the overwhelming number of dogs in LA’s crowded shelters following the fires. With the help of Wags and Walks, BarkAir, and The Brady Hunter Foundation, the pups were flown to New York, where they would start the next chapter of their lives with the Southampton Animal Shelter. The journey was highlighted on the show, raising awareness not only for the dogs included in this transport but for the world of animal rescue as a whole. Recently, Jeff Corwin and Josh Fox, Founder of The Brady Hunter Foundation, appeared on CBS Mornings Plus to celebrate National Pet Day. As part of the show, they shared some incredible news about the LA Rescue dogs the world fell in love with on the show. “We flew 20+ dogs from the wildfires,” Fox announced. “We brought them to Southampton, and we’re so happy to report that every single one of the dogs has been adopted.”

Having a Pet Influences How and If People Travel

If you’ve ever felt guilty about traveling and leaving your pet behind at home, you aren’t alone. According to a TrustedHousesitters survey of pet parents in the United States, having a pet can influence your travel plans. Keep reading to learn about some interesting stats, and see if you share a lot of the same feelings as so many others who aren’t always excited to go on vacation without their fur babies.

Genetic Research Aims to Improve Health of Working Farm Dogs

While many of us share our lives with our beloved pets, companions who fill our lives and homes with joy, there’s an entire population of dogs whose dedication extends beyond the backyard: the working farm dogs. These unsung heroes of the farming world put in long, hard hours, and just like our own pets, they deserve the best possible care. That’s why a groundbreaking research initiative in New Zealand is making headlines.Scientists are working to unlock the genetic secrets that can improve the health and performance of these working dogs, ultimately leading to a better quality of life. This is being done through a three-year project at Massey University, named “ The Right Dog for the Job.” Supported by industry partners and the Ministry for Primary Industries, the researchers have recently hit a significant milestone: the whole-genome sequencing of 249 dogs. This extensive work and analysis have uncovered a staggering 19 million DNA variations within the sampled population, which include 130 huntaways, 104 heading dogs, and 15 crossbreeds. While the impressively large number of variations may sound complex and overwhelming, the project's ultimate goal is straightforward: to provide farmers and breeders with valuable information to make informed breeding decisions, leading to healthier and more capable work dogs. The research aims to pinpoint genetic variants (differences in DNA sequences) that could impact a dog’s health or ability to perform these demanding jobs. Professor Matt Littlejohn, who leads the research team, explained that while they could make educated guesses about which variants may be present in farm dogs based on their lineage (such as the influence of border collies), the genome sequencing allows them to know for sure. And, as it turns out, it uncovered a few interesting surprises! Two unexpected findings stood out: the prevalence of variants in the CUBN and CLN8 genes. The CUBN variant is linked to vitamin B12 malabsorption, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Thankfully, this condition can be managed with treatment, making this proactive testing a valuable tool. The CLN8 variant, on the other hand, is associated with a severe neurodegenerative disorder causing loss of motor function, seizures, and blindness, often leading to euthanasia. While the percentage of animals carrying this variation wasn’t extremely high (between 2% and 8% of dogs tested), their frequency in New Zealand farm dogs was higher than observed in many other international breeds. It's important to understand that these genetic variants are recessive. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of the muted gene, one from each parent, to develop the associated health issues. Dogs carrying only one copy are known as carriers and don’t show any symptoms themselves. Awareness of which dogs are carrying these variants can help breeders make informed decisions on which dogs are fit for breeding, significantly minimizing the risk of producing puppies suffering from these genetic diseases. This not only improves the health and well-being of individual dogs but also contributes to the overall resilience of these working breeds. In its next stage, the project will involve collecting even more DNA samples and working closely with farmers and veterinarians to gather data on both health and working performance traits. It will also focus on identifying genetic variants unique to New Zealand farm dogs, with the initial findings being genetic variants known from other breeds. The “Right Dog for the Job” project is a testament to the commitment to providing these hard-working animals the best possible quality of life! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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