We love a hot cup of tea during the cold months when we snuggle up with the cup and a nice movie. Tea does not contain just herbal aromas, but fruit as well, which makes it even better for some of us. However, it is a risky beverage for the guinea pigs.
No, guinea pigs cannot drink tea. The main reason for this is that some types of tea contain caffeine, and this ingredient is not good for guinea pigs. Some types have artificial sweeteners or even artificial colors, which obviously are bad for anyone, including guinea pigs.
Nutrition Facts on Tea
We will present the nutrition facts for 100 g (3 oz) of black tea, prepared with tap water:
- Low in calories – 1
- Low in carbs – 0.3 g
- Zero protein
- Zero fiber
- Zero sugar
- Zero fat
- Riboflavin – 1%
- Folate – 1%
- Magnesium – 1%
- Manganese – 11%
- Caffeine – 22 mg
- Theobromine – 2 mg
Can Tea Be Bad for Guinea Pigs? | Possible Risks
If there is excess theobromine, which comes from drinking tea, in the guinea pig’s system, it will have an effect of a strong stimulant. It will act as a diuretic and also as a vasodilator. It will widen the blood vessels, and this is bad because it might cause fatal bleeding in certain organs.
Too much theobromine can cause diarrhea and nausea. The guinea pig will feel ill and it wouldn’t be able to tell you. Notice any signs it shows, like strange movements, skipping, or upset sounds.
Tea lacks many nutrients that are good for the guinea pig. For example, it has no good vitamins. It lacks vitamin A which acts as an antioxidant for the whole immune system and all organs. Also, it lacks vitamin C that protects the guinea pigs from the scurvy disease.
Fun Facts on Tea
- An average British person drinks 876 cups per year!
- The legend says that tea was discovered by Shen Nung, a Chinese emperor, back in 2737 BC. His herbs fell into some hot water, and tea was ‘made’ by accident.
- For centuries, tea was used as medicine.
- The Portuguese Jesuit Father Jasper de Cruz introduced tea to Europe back in 1560.
- The tea was called ‘China drink’ in the past, and it was introduced to the British people 4 centuries ago.
- Green tea and black tea are made of the very same plant!
- In America, people prefer to have the tea cold.
- Certain cultures add butter to the tea. In the Himalayas, the tradition is to add butter to black tea.
We have also made a full list of foods that guinea pigs can and can’t eat (150+ Types of Foods). Be sure to also check our recommended products page for everything you will ever need to assure a happy life for your guinea pigs. Hope this information was helpful and you have found the answer you were looking for.
List of Sources
Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals: Fourth Revised Edition
The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig