Green onion, also known as a scallion, is relatively versatile and can be consumed raw or cooked in many ways. Cavies are all about vegetarian and herb-root foods, and green onion belongs in these categories.
But, even among fresh produce foods, such items must be well researched before we give them to the guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat green onions? Guinea pigs can eat green onions but only the top green leafy parts in moderation. The bulb part of the green onion cannot be fed to your pet, as it is toxic.
This article will let you know if green onions are good for guinea pigs, some of their nutritional facts and health benefits, serving size and frequency to be served, possible risks to consider, and some bonus quick facts!
Table of Content
Are Green Onions Good for Guinea Pigs? | Health Benefits
Green onions are good for guinea pigs as it contains nutrients essential to their well-being. The top green leafy part of the green onion is edible, while the bulb part is toxic. Hence, you should not give the onion bulb to your pet.
Here are some health benefits of green onions or scallions to your pet:
Boosts Energy
It contains primary nutrients like carbs and proteins, which give both quick bursts of energy and prolonged release of energy to last long after digestion.
Healthy Digestion
It also contains essential fibers for the excellent and fast digestion of foods. With fibers, irregular bowel movements are improved, and bowel emptying is better.
Cholesterol-free
It’s great that scallions have just small amounts of fat, just enough to help absorb other nutrients. Also, with zero cholesterol, all blood vessels will stay healthy and unclogged, and cardiovascular health will be perfect.
Rich in Vitamins
There are also vitamins for less inflammation and health of all organs, vitamin E for prevention of cancers, promotes healthy skin and eyesight.
The most important vitamin for guinea pigs is vitamin C; this vitamin is present in green onions! This vitamin keeps cavies free from diseases like scurvy (this damages their fur, makes them bleed, causes loose stool, no appetite).
The B6 vitamin helps with the production of serotonin. Also, folate, another B vitamin, is very important for the proper growth of a fetus and no birth defects. For pregnant cavies, this is a must-have. In scallion, there is also iron for healthy blood and zinc for proper DNA metabolism.
Immunity Against Disease
Then, there’s manganese and selenium – for protection against diseases.
Nutrition Facts of Green Onions
In a serving of 100 g (3 oz) green onions, there is:
- Total of 32 Calories (not very caloric)
- 3 g Carbs (fast energy)
- 6 g Fiber (for good digestion and bowel movements)
- 3 g Sugar (average amount)
- 2 g Fat (low in fat, and this will keep blood vessels healthy and unclogged)
- 8 g Protein (for slow release of energy)
- 20% Vitamin A (an antioxidant that prevents inflammation)
- 31% Vitamin C (vital vitamin for prevention of scurvy and for optimal health in cavies)
- 3% Vitamin E (for healthy skin, heart, prevention of inflammation and cancers, for better immunity and eyesight too)
- 3% Vitamin B6 (for healthy brain development and for producing the good feeling hormone – serotonin)
- 16% Folate (a good B-vitamin for proper growth and developing of a fetus, for prevention of birth defects. This is beneficial for pregnant cavies)
- 7% Calcium (for strong bones, however, this mineral makes urinary stones when its deposits are found in excess in the cavy’s body)
- 8% Iron (for healthy blood and fighting anemia)
- 1% Sodium (normal amount of salt for a veggie)
- 3% Zinc (for healthy immunity, healthy DNA, good metabolism of cells, proper development and growth)
- 4% Copper (for making red blood cells, for healthy nerve cells, producing collagen, and for good immunity)
- 8% Manganese (a potent antioxidant that protects from most diseases)
- 1% Selenium (prevents from cancers, heart problems, asthma, thyroid issues, and acts like antioxidant too)
- 0 mg Cholesterol (cholesterol clogs arteries and blood vessels, so zero of this is great news!)
Serving Size and Frequency of Green Onions for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs can eat the green leafy parts of the green onion at least 1 – 2 times per week and in a small handful. You can chop them or let the cavies eat them as they are.
Feeding Green Onions to Guinea Pigs | Possible Risks
Here are the possible risks to consider when feeding green onions to your pet:
Bladder/Kidney Stones Formation
One of the risks is that there is calcium in scallions. Calcium is a mineral for healthy bones. But, if cavies consume this in excess, it will deposit in their bodies and create bladder/kidney stones.
This can worsen and cause bloody urine, painful urination, and even fatal renal failure!
Digestive Problems
Don’t feed this too much to cavies because excess fibers might upset their stomach. The symptoms are loose stool, gas, diarrhea, and flatulence too.
Quick Facts on Green Onions
- In the United States, green onions (Allium cepa) are becoming increasingly popular due to their mild flavor.
- Green onions have a 7 to 10-day shelf life and must be stored properly to be preserved.
- The green onions, as well as all forms of onions, require full sunlight for optimal development.
Here is a video of more information and facts about green onions:
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.