Daisy is a gorgeous blooming plant with a distinctive white-yellow flower. It’s a lovely flower, but it may not be as “innocent” as it appears, at least to rodents.
Certain daisies contain chemicals that are potentially hazardous to guinea pigs. Some, on the other hand, are not at all poisonous. The issue is that it is difficult to identify exact species of daisies that you are dealing with. I don’t want to risk feeding it to my cavies, so I make sure it’s not in their diet.
Table of Content
Nutrition Facts of Daisies
Here are some known nutrients that are present in 100 g ( 3 oz ) of daisies:
- Energy – 22 kcal
- Protein – 2.6 mg
- Calcium – 190 mg
- Iron – 2.7 mg
- Potassium – 600 mg
- Phosphorus – 88 mg
- Magnesium – 33 mg
- Vitamin C – 34 mg
- Vitamin A – 160 mg
Are Daisies Poisonous to Guinea Pigs? | Possible Risks
Toxic Chemicals
There are several chemicals in daisies that can cause serious health problems in guinea pigs. The first chemicals are sesquiterpene lactones, usually found in plants of the family Asteraceae. Sesquiterpene lactones can be toxic and irritant for animals and cause different health problems.
Other compounds in daisies are toxins known as pyrethrins. These toxins are found in the Pyrethrum daisy used to make botanical insecticides. This type of daisy contains deadly nerve toxins that can be extracted from dried flowers.
Digestion Problems
Due to nutrition and toxicity, daisies can cause problems to the guinea pig’s digestive system. Compounds found in daises can lead to serious stomach pains, flatulence, gas, bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding within the digestive tract.
If the guinea pig eats some of the toxic daisies, don’t panic. Simply give them a lot of water and take the guinea pigs to the vet if you notice any strange symptoms.
Allergic Reactions
This plant apparently has some powerful components that can cause severe allergies in guinea pigs.
The sesquiterpene lactones may be very irritating to the guinea pig’s nose, eyes, mouth, and skin. Also, these components can cause allergic contact dermatitis, swelling, or irritation in the throat.
The pyrethrum component is also very dangerous. It can lead to excessive drooling, muscle spasms, respiratory problems, breathing difficulties, gagging or choking, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, paralysis, and even death. All of the symptoms are indicators of allergic reactions in guinea pigs.
Urinary Problems
The amount of calcium in daisies can lead to serious urinary problems in guinea pigs. That’s because an excess of calcium in food causes bladder or kidney stones. Some of the bladder and kidney stones symptoms are darkened urine, blood in urine, pain during urination, weight loss, etc.
Anorexia
Some toxic chemicals found in daisies can cause appetite loss. Due to that, guinea pigs can suffer from weight loss and anorexia. If you ever notice that your guinea pig won’t eat or suffers from weight loss, it is important to visit a vet as soon as possible.
Also, with the lack of detailed research on daisies as food for guinea pigs, it’s always best to stay safe and avoid feeding this plant to the guinea pigs.
More Information About Daisies and Guinea Pigs
Are Ox Eye Daisies Safe for Guinea Pigs?
Ox Eye daisies are botanically classified as Leucanthemum vulgare, which means “common white flower.” They have tall stems that can reach more than 30 centimeters high.
These flowers have large lower leaves and blossoms with white petals and a yellow center. Although people can eat Ox Eye daisies and use them for medical purposes, we don’t recommend feeding Ox Eye daises to guinea pigs. It may cause allergies and other health problems due to different toxic compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Daisy Flowers?
Guinea pigs can’t eat daisy flowers because the flowers also contain toxic compounds that may cause serious health problems if eaten in large amounts. But, if the guinea pig tries a daisy flower, just for taste and one bite – don’t panic. Just make sure the guinea pig won’t continue to eat them.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Daisy Leaves?
Guinea pigs can’t eat daisy leaves. Although guinea pigs enjoy eating different types of leaves, daisy leaves may be dangerous for them in large amounts. Also, the calcium content in daisy leaves is higher than in their flowers, which isn’t good for the urinary system as well. Otherwise, if guinea pigs just chewed on a little piece of daisy leaves, nothing serious will happen.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lawn Daisies?
Lawn daisies are in the Asteraceae family of plants, and their botanical name is Bellis perennis. These daisies are also known as common daisies or English daisies. Lawn daisies have white petals and a yellow center, and they grow along the ground without any required maintenance.
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat law daisies because these flowers are the most common source of plant allergens and chemicals called sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds are present in their leaves, stems, and flowers and tend to cause contact dermatitis.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat China Crown Daisy?
Glebionis coronaria, formerly called Chrysanthemum coronarium, is a flower from the daisy family, commonly called garland chrysanthemum, crown daisy, or Japanese daisy. This plant is widely used in Chinese cuisine.
Guinea pigs can’t eat China crown daisy as it also contains sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins, and other potential irritants that may be very harmful to our guinea pigs.
Quick Facts on Daisies
- There are over 4000 types of daisies worldwide.
- Daisies can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
- The daisy flower stalks are generally longer than the daisy leaves.
- Daisies have lots of medicinal properties.
- Bees and other pollinators love daisies.
- Some daisy species are annual, lasting only for one year, and some are biennial, and their life cycle ends after two years.
- The daisy flower symbolizes purity, innocence, loyal love, beauty, patience, and simplicity.
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