Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lettuce? Types, Nutrition & Feeding Guide

Yes, guinea pigs can eat lettuce, but not all types are equally nutritious. Some lettuces are high in vitamin C and fibre, while others provide little nutrition. Feeding the right types in moderation helps keep your piggies healthy and happy.

Benefits of Lettuce for Guinea Pigs

Safe leafy vegetable — Most lettuce varieties are safe for guinea pigs.
Nutrient variety and texture — Romaine and Cos are the most vitamin-rich, while Butterhead, red leaf, and green leaf add variety in taste and crunch.
Popular choice — Lettuce is a favourite among many guinea pigs, making it an easy addition to their diet.

❤️🥬 Lettuce is a favourite among guinea pigs, and I’ve never met one that didn’t enjoy it—they usually tuck into these leaves before anything else!

How to Safely Feed Lettuce to Guinea Pigs

Frequency: A few times a week.
Quantity: One or two leaves per piggy mixed in with other greens and veggies.
Preparation: Wash thoroughly to remove pesticides and dirt.

⚠️ Avoid: Iceberg lettuce — low in nutrients, high in water, and can cause diarrhoea due to high water content.

Types of Lettuce Guinea Pigs Can Eat

Romaine/Cos/Little Gem: Most nutritious, higher vitamin C content.
Butterhead/Boston/Bibb: Safe, moderate nutrition with highest calcium content.
Red and Green Leaf: Safe, moderate nutrition and more calcium than Romaine.
Other salad greens: Rocket (arugula), lamb’s lettuce, etc.

Cheap and Safe Alternative

If you have several guinea pigs, foraging for safe leafy weeds (eg dandelions) is an inexpensive and highly nutritious alternative to store-bought lettuce.