Growing plants and pets on the same property require some effort. However, it is not impossible! Plus, you might consider growing plants that feed your pets which will help you establish a win-win relationship where you, your plants, and your animal friends are happy.But can guinea pigs eat aloe vera plants?
Quick Answer
Guinea pigs can’t eat aloe vera because its compounds might cause severe damage to your pets’ digestion.
And what should you know about feeding them these stunning succulents? You’ll find all the information you need in this concise but complete essential guide.
What Should You Know About Aloe Vera?
You might know about the benefits of aloe vera: it has been part of traditional medicine for centuries. For instance, you can use its juices for speeding up the healing of burns or as a soothing cream.
After all, there must be reasons why aloe vera is a common ingredient in cosmetic products! But did you know that there are more than 500 species of aloe vera out there?
Because they are relatively easy to grow, they have become increasingly popular as houseplants. But if you are a guinea pig owner, you might wonder can your little friends feed on its leaves?
After all, these tiny mammals love to munch on most house plants. You might have them share the same living space as your houseplants, which might cause you to wonder if you can let them nibble on your aloe veras. But can you? Jump to the following section to find out!
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Aloe Vera?
Let’s go straight to the grain of the question: guinea pigs can’t eat aloe vera because its compounds might cause severe damage to your pets’ digestion. Yes, it is true: aloe vera contains 99% water.
But the active substances that make the residual 1% can be cancerogenic in small animals. For this reason, we recommend you against feeding aloe vera to your guinea pigs.
While eating it once in a while might not cause more issues than problems with digestion (expect some diarrhea or vomit), prolonged exposure may lead to cancer and mutation. The good news is that there are plenty of other options!
What Should you Feed your Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for pets: if you know what they need, you won’t have problems growing them. While you can use commercial food, you should give them the proper balance of pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and hay.
Don’t forget to provide your small rodents with all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive!
Choose pellets fortified with vitamins and minerals to boost their nutrition. Besides that, consider offering leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, parsley, and cilantro once per day.
Don’t give them too much fruit: the sugar content may cause them severe health issues in the long term. Feed them vegetables like red or green pepper to increase their intake of vitamin C, which they cannot produce by themselves.
Offer your animals a wide variety of options to ensure balanced nutrients intake.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Aloe Vera Plants?: Conclusion
Also, when introducing new plants, do so gradually to prevent diarrhea. While aloe vera might not be an option, there are plenty of other plants you can feed your guinea pigs.
Reduce or eliminate foods high in oxalates such as spinach or strawberries: guinea pigs are susceptible to bladder stones!
Related Article: How to Cut Aloe Vera Plant Without Killing it?