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What Can’t Guinea Pigs Eat? 11 Toxic Foods to Avoid
Guinea pigs cannot vomit, so anything harmful stays in the system. Dairy, chocolate and caffeine are the big ones, but several garden plants are just as dangerous. A curated reference, not an exhaustive list.
Updated 2026-10-05.
| Item | Severity | Toxic compound | Key symptoms | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | ⛔ Unsafe | Theobromine, caffeine | Tremors, rapid heartbeat | Check → |
| Caffeine | ⛔ Unsafe | Caffeine (methylxanthine) | Restlessness, rapid heartbeat | Check → |
| Onion | ⛔ Unsafe | Organosulfur compounds | Anemia, weakness | Check → |
| Garlic | ⛔ Unsafe | Organosulfur compounds | Same as onion | Check → |
| Dairy | ⛔ Unsafe | Lactose | Diarrhea, bloating | Check → |
| Alcohol | ⛔ Unsafe | Ethanol | Disorientation, coma | — |
| Avocado | ⛔ Unsafe | Persin | Breathing difficulty | Check → |
| Raw potato | ⛔ Unsafe | Solanine | Stomach upset, lethargy | — |
| Tomato leaves | ⛔ Unsafe | Solanine | Stomach upset, weakness | — |
| Wild mushrooms | ⛔ Unsafe | Various toxins | Vomiting, liver damage | — |
| Rhubarb | ⛔ Unsafe | Oxalic acid | Drooling, kidney problems | — |
Severity matches the verdict on each food’s full Eaoae check. This is a curated reference, not an exhaustive list — when in doubt, ask before sharing.
Important: this list is for reference only and is not veterinary advice.
If your guinea pig may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately.
