Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peppers? Safe Colours & Vitamin C 🫑

Yes, guinea pigs can eat sweet bell peppers in all colours — green, red, yellow, and orange. They are one of the healthiest vegetables you can feed your guinea pigs and an excellent source of vitamin C.

Benefits of Bell Peppers for Guinea Pigs

Rich in vitamin C — Guinea pigs can’t produce this essential vitamin themselves, and peppers are one of the richest natural sources.
Low in sugar — Especially green peppers, making them a daily-friendly vegetable.
Hydrating and nutritious — High in water and fibre, supporting healthy digestion and hydration.
Variety of flavours — Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are more bitter and less sugary.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Pepper Seeds?

Yes — bell pepper seeds are safe for guinea pigs to eat. They are small and do not pose a choking hazard or risk of getting stuck in their teeth.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse bell pepper seeds with peppercorns, which are spicy and not safe for guinea pigs.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat the Pith?

Yes — the white inner pith (placenta) is safe and edible. Although it tastes bitter to humans, guinea pigs can eat it safely. It’s a great way to reduce waste — simply include these parts in their daily veggie portion.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Peppers?

Most guinea pigs love sweet bell peppers — and many even enjoy the seeds and pith. Some may have colour preferences, but all varieties are safe and nutritious.

🫑 In my experience, none of the guinea pigs I’ve had have ever disliked peppers — they’ll happily eat the seeds, pith, and all! ❤️

Other Types of Peppers

Guinea pigs can also eat:

Sweet pointed peppers — safe and slightly sweeter than standard bell peppers.
Baby sweet peppers — safe and flavourful.

❌ Avoid all hot or spicy peppers (chilli, jalapeño, etc.) — these are unsafe and can cause pain or digestive distress.

Vitamin C in Peppers

All sweet peppers are very high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for guinea pigs.

Red, yellow, and orange peppers have the highest vitamin C content but slightly more sugar.
Green peppers still provide plenty of vitamin C with less sugar, making them ideal for frequent feeding.

How Often Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peppers?

Frequency: A few times per week (even daily in small amounts).
Quantity: About a 1–2 inch square piece per guinea pig, mixed with other safe vegetables.