Can Guinea Pigs Eat Bean Sprouts? [ Benefits | Risks & Nutrition Facts ]

Guinea pigs can eat bean sprouts, but it turns out that they are not one of our pet’s favorites. Cavies have their preferences too, and bean sprouts are at the bottom of the list. Besides, your pet’s diet should be primarily hay and water. Vegetables and fruits should only be served occasionally as treats.

This article explains the health benefits of bean sprouts and how often your pet can eat them. Let’s get to the details.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Applesauce?“

Can My Guineas Eat Bean Sprouts?

Of course, your guinea pig can eat bean sprouts. These vegetables are highly nutritious and healthy for your pets. But most cavies dislike the taste of these vegetables. Maybe that’s because they are not sweet like vegetables like carrots. And this is why it’s essential to always add a variety of vegetables to your pet’s diet so she won’t grow a preference for just a few vegetables.

Instead, you can make a salad and add some of this vegetable with some carrots and lettuce too. But note: give your pet raw bean sprouts only. Although some cavy owners give their pets cooked vegetables, it’s wrong. Your cavy’s digestive system is not built to process cooked food. So, never give your pet cooked bean sprouts. Likewise, don’t feed these vegetables excessively to your pets to avoid certain health risks. 

give your pet raw bean sprouts only. Although some cavy owners give their pets cooked vegetables, it’s wrong. Your cavy’s digestive system is not built to process cooked food.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peas?“

What Are The Health Benefits For Guinea Pigs In Eating Bean Sprouts?

Perhaps, you gave your pet some bean sprouts but she refused to eat them. Bean sprouts are not naturally the first food choice of guinea pigs as they do not exactly enjoy it. However, they have vital health benefits that make it essential to include them in our pet’s diet.

Sprouts contain anti-carcinogenic properties that prevent cancer in adult cavies. Besides, they contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and proteins. These give them enough energy to be active throughout the day. Additionally, these vegetables can help guinea pigs have a healthy cardiovascular system. They also help them improve their eyesight and because they are low on fat, they help to maintain healthy blood vessels for cavies. 

Nutritional Facts

When it comes to our pets, most people are not intentional about nutritious foods. Bean sprouts may not be your pet guinea pig’s favorite but it certainly has nutritional benefits. So, what are the nutrients in bean sprouts? 

Bean sprouts are high in carbohydrates. Carbs are a huge source of energy in guinea pigs and keep them active. But your pet doesn’t need just a small amount of carbs. Another upside to bean sprouts is the amount of fiber in them. Fiber is important in your guinea pig because it improves its whole digestive system. Most importantly, bean sprouts provide vitamin C for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are incapable of making their own vitamin C. Therefore, the best option is to use veggies like bean sprouts to make up for their lack. Apart from these nutrients, these vegetables also contain iron, calcium, vitamin A, and Magnesium.

Most importantly, bean sprouts provide vitamin C for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are incapable of making their own vitamin C. Therefore, the best option is to use veggies like bean sprouts to make up for their lack.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Radishes?“

What Are The Risks?

Bean sprouts are basically vegetables and as such possess benefits that outweigh the risks. But this doesn’t mean that they are completely free of risk. For instance, when cavies eat bean sprouts excessively, they can have digestion problems. And when this happens, your pet will appear bloated. Besides, Bean sprouts contain calcium. Guinea pigs don’t need to ingest a lot of calcium to avoid having bladder stones. Therefore, you must intentionally limit the ingestion of these vegetables by your pet.

Furthermore, they can cause foodborne diseases in your pet. Beans are mostly kept in a warm and humid environment. But that is also the perfect condition for the growth of bacteria like salmonella and E coli. Unlike humans that cook beans, guinea pigs eat it raw and are exposed to these bacteria. While the bacteria may not get your pet sick, you can contact them from your pet and get sick.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rose Petals?“

How Often Can I Give My Guinea Pigs To Eat Bean Sprouts?

Not many foods have the number of nutrients packed in bean sprouts. However, it is always best to control the amount you’re giving to your pet. On average, it is best to give your pet bean sprouts once or twice a week. In the case of it being relatively new to the guinea pig, introduce the food to them slowly. Why? The point of this is to gauge how much your pet accepts the food. And note: Guinea pigs should be served raw bean sprouts only. Although some cavy owners, serve cooked food to their pet, it’s biologically wrong for cavies to eat processed food. Cooked food can disrupt digestion for them.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sage?“

Related Questions 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Sprout Peelings?

Guinea pigs do not particularly find sprouts appealing. In most cases, some sprouts like potato sprouts and their peelings can be poisonous. This applies to anything relating to the potato plant. Other poisonous foods include tomatoes and rhubarb. The list of harmful guinea pig food is not long. The best option for you is to constantly pay attention to your pets and what they are fed. Regular appointments with the veterinarian will also help to keep your pet safe.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Get Worms?“

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Beans?

The straight answer is yes, guinea pigs can eat beans. Beans are generally a good source of nutrients for both humans and animals. Hence, it is a staple food in most households. The only precaution is to make sure the amount of beans given is regulated. Guinea pigs are delicate pets and can easily be affected by an overdose. The point of this is to broaden its variety of meals. 

Further Reading: “How To Get A Guinea Pig Come Out Of Hiding?“

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mung Bean Sprouts?

Mung bean sprouts are a primary ingredient used in several continental dishes. They are used because of the large number of nutrients they possess. Tabulating this with the nutritional needs of guinea pigs proves they can eat it. However, your pet should only be served this once or twice a week. The reason is as a result of the acidic content present in the mung bean sprouts. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Green Beans?

Yes, your guinea pig can eat green beans without any major risk. Green beans are a great source of vital nutrients. These nutrients are mostly the ones that your pet is unable to create by itself. Green beans are high in vitamin C, among other vitamins. The downside to green beans is excess calcium and phosphorus. They can be dangerous because they can cause digestion problems in your pet.

Further Reading: “Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rosemary?“

Final Thoughts

It all boils down to this: Guinea pigs can eat bean sprouts. However, you should give them these vegetables in moderation. If your pet hates bean sprouts, consider making a salad out of it with other vegetables. It is crucial to pay attention to the nutritional facts of your pet’s food and limit the proportion of food high in calcium. I recommend that you give your pet this vegetable once a week max.

Guinea pigs are domesticated pets owned in most households all over the world. And maybe it remains so because people find their intelligence and incredibly good looks irresistible. As such, you need to update yourself on your pet’s proper nutrition. With the information provided in this article, you can help your pet guinea pig live a healthy and active life.