Guinea pigs love to eat corn and it’s a tasty treat for them but you do have to take some care in feeding corn to your guinea pigs to keep them safe. Although most humans prefer corn to be cooked, you should only feed your guinea pigs raw corn. This is true with just about any vegetable you feed your guinea pig because they are unable to digest cooked foods.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corn?
Corn on the cob is a favorite summertime treat for many humans. In this article, we’ll give you the details about whether your guinea pigs can eat corn. We’ll also fill you in on which parts of corn on the cob are a favorite treat for your guinea pig to eat. Just in case you’re new to the care and feeding of guinea pigs, we’ll give you the scoop on which types of corn guinea pigs can eat including corn on the cob, sweet corn and baby corn and how to make sure the corn you are feeding your guinea pigs is safe.
Get the best and most affordable supplies for your guinea pia using CPE verified provider Budget Pet Care.
There are many ways to feed corn to your guinea pigs but feed corn kernels in moderation no more than once or twice a week because it is high in starch. Guinea pigs can even eat the husks and silk from corn on the cob. The key is to balance treats such as corn for your guinea pigs with a standard daily diet of fresh drinking water, pellets, and unlimited amounts of fresh grass hay, such as timothy hay.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corn Husks?
They can eat corn husks regularly with no problem. It can be part of their everyday diet if you choose. Wash husks thoroughly to remove any chemical residue that may be harmful. If you cannot wash, only give them the inside leaves which should not have been sprayed. The husks from corn on the cob are a favorite food for guinea pigs.
The least expensive and healthiest way to feed corn husks to your guinea pig is to grow your own corn, free of chemicals. In addition to being cheaper than buying corn on the cob from a store, you will have a fresh supply for your family too. If cannot grow your own corn, make sure the husks you feed are organic and free of any pesticides.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corn on the Cob?
Corn on the cob can be a great treat for guinea pigs but is has high starch content. Always feed corn on the cob fresh, not cooked. In most cases, your guinea pigs will eat the corn and not the cob. They may chew on and even digest the actual cob if you leave it in their cage long enough. Don’t be alarmed if this happens but don’t let them do it regularly. There is no nutritional content in the cob itself. Corn silk from corn on the cob is a great daily treat for your guinea pigs too. Not only do they love it, but it’s beneficial for their bladders.
Just like with the corn husks, make sure the corn silk is free of chemicals. If the corn silk is from corn bought from a store, you must wash the corn silk thoroughly to remove any pesticides. Before feeding corn silk to your guinea pigs, it must be completely dry. Never feed damp or wilted corn husks or corn silk to your guinea pig as it can make them sick.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sweet Corn and Baby Corn?
You may think that since guinea pigs can eat fresh corn, canned sweet corn is okay too, but this is not the case at all. Canned sweet corn has an awful lot of salt in it which is not good for your guinea pigs. Sweet corn on the cob is fine for your guinea pigs as long as it is fed in moderation and is given fresh and not cooked. Be cautious of feeding too much corn to your guinea pig as it can cause gas and bloating.
Always make sure the sweet corn is free of any wilting or mold. A good rule is if sweet corn on the cob is wilted or moldy it’s not good for your guinea pig. Your guinea pigs prefer the husks and the silk and may even gnaw a bit on the actual cob. The cob won’t harm them but don’t let them digest it too regularly. Baby corn is also okay if it’s fresh and fed as part of a standard diet of hay, pellets, and fresh water.