Last Updated : November 27, 2022

Can Guinea Pigs eat Green Beans? [Each Variety Explained]

Green beans are versatile and satisfying and their mild taste are perfect whether you eat them on their own, add them to stews and soups, and so much more. If you have some crisp fresh green beans in the pantry, you might be wondering if you can also let your cavy eat them. Can guinea pigs eat green beans? If yes, how much and how often can they eat this delish treat?

Could guinea pigs eat green beans?

Yes, a guinea pig can eat green beans. However, they should never consume too much of these vegetables every day. While legumes are a great source of nutrients like fiber and vitamin C, too many green beans may lead to certain health conditions. Read on to know more about green beans and guinea pigs.

Can guinea pigs eat green beans

Can guinea pigs eat raw green beans?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat raw green beans. In fact, fresh and raw green beans are the best ones you can give your pet to nibble on. It is ideal to pick an organic variety to make sure that no nasty residues of pesticides are present.  

You can always grow green beans on your own to be sure that they are truly safe. Since guinea pigs are not good at digesting cooked food, avoid giving them leftover green beans from dinner. These are much less healthy for you cavies since the cooking process have already destroyed some of their vitamin content.

Can guinea pigs eat canned green beans?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat canned green beans since these are cooked and very salty, making them unsafe and bad for cavies.

Can guinea pigs eat frozen green beans?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat frozen green beans.  It is because the bacterial infection may happen during unfreezing. It is not necessarily because of the frozen but more because of the process that follows.

It is recommended to only give fresh foods to your guinea pigs and never frozen ones since they may bring about certain risks.  

Can guinea pigs eat cooked green beans?

No, guinea pigs should never eat cooked green beans at all. It is not advisable to cook foods first, including veggies and fruits, before you serve them to your guinea pigs since they won’t be able to digest these properly.

This may also lead to different intestinal issues since foods tend to get too packed with nutrition once cooked. This may be good for humans but guinea pigs won’t be able to handle this density.

Can guinea pigs eat green beans stems?

It might be better to remove the stems from the green beans first before you give it to them because there are not enough data to support if these are safe for guinea pigs or not.

Can guinea pigs eat green beans skin?

It is not necessary to peel green beans since they technically don’t have skin that you have to peel in the first place. Green beans are already as completely edible as is so it is enough to just rinse them with water.

Can guinea pigs eat blanched green beans?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat blanched green beans since it is best to serve them green beans that are firm and snap at the center once bended.

Can guinea pigs eat green beans seeds?

Yes, green bean seeds can be eaten by guinea pigs. But, you have to make sure that you only serve them immature and young pods. Seeds of young beans can be safely eaten by guinea pigs. But, once matured, these will be no longer safe for them to eat. Be sure to only serve them young and fresh beans.

Will guinea pigs eat green beans?

Many guinea pigs like to eat green beans after only a nibble or two. Remember that if you have a new piggie that doesn’t know you that well yet, they might not really like the thought of trying a new treat right away. You can give them some time to settle first if they don’t look too interested. You can then try offering green beans to your cavy again to check if they changed their opinion.

Should guinea pigs eat green beans?

Green beans can be considered as good snacks for your guinea pig. However, remember that there is a limit to how many green beans can be eaten by guinea pigs. It is also the kind of treat that they should never eat every day. 

Are green beans good for guinea pigs?

Green beans filled with nutritional value and this is what makes them good for your guinea pigs.

  • Help prevent scurvy

Scurvy is among the most common diseases that guinea pigs develop during their lifetime. Green beans contain vitamin C that can help prevent scurvy in piggies. Since guinea pigs lack the ability to synthesize vitamin C on their own, they will need a supplement for this in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables added to their diet.  

  • Eyesight improvement

Green beans contain vitamin A and other minerals that can help improve eyesight. Cavies don’t have really good eyesight and their vision can also degenerate over time.  This is why serving them foods rich in vitamin A and other types of minerals can help improve their eyesight.

  • Support heart health

Minerals and vitamins found in green beans can also help maintain a healthy heart. Guinea pigs are prone to heart diseases like humans and a nutritious diet is important for their heart to stay healthy.

  • Aid in digestion

Green beans are great sources of fiber for guinea pigs. Fiber is important to maintain your guinea pig’s good digestive health. The digestive system of guinea pigs tends to be sensitive and eating a diet rich in fiber can help keep it in balance. Fiber can also aid in slow sugar absorption in the bloodstream that is also an advantage in itself. 

Are green beans safe for guinea pigs?

While green beans are safe for guinea pigs to eat, you should never serve these in large amounts due to their phosphorus and calcium content that may cause digestive problems. Cavies have sensitive digestive systems so you have to be careful in choosing their food. Sprayed green beans and excessive amounts of these may also be poisonous.

You only need to feed green beans to your guinea pigs two or three times a week and stick only to regular times of the day. Guinea pigs can get used to feeding times and once their mealtime comes, they may squeak a bit. Make sure that your guinea pigs also have constant access to clean and fresh drinking water. You can also give them distilled water and change it every now and then.

You also need to consider where the green beans came from. Organically grown beans and the ones you grow yourself are often the best options because of fewer chemicals.

In case your guinea pigs only like the leaf or seed, let them be. Never force them and just let them enjoy the treat. Green beans should always be served raw. You should never give them cooked green beans since these might be dangerous for their digestive system. Make sure you also wash them first to remove the dirt, chemicals, and fertilizers that linger on the veggies.

How much green beans can a guinea pigs eat?

How Much Green Beans Can a Guinea Pigs Eat

You can give one or two beans to your piggy combined with other foods several times a week. See to it that the veggies you offer at the same time don’t have high calcium or phosphorus content. 

Can baby guinea pigs eat green beans?

Yes, baby guinea pigs can eat green beans in small amounts and they will surely love eating it as a part of their well-balanced diet. Only raw green beans should be given to baby cavies.

How often can guinea pigs have green beans?

Guinea pigs should only eat green beans occasionally. You can try giving it to them once or twice a week and never on the same day when you let them eat other foods rich in calcium.

Can guinea pigs eat green beans everyday?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat green beans every day. The recommended frequency is only once or twice a week and only in smaller portions to prevent any side effects on your beloved cavies.

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