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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Corn on the Cob?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat corn on the cob, including the kernels, husks (leaves) and silks. Corn is high in fibre and can be a fun, crunchy addition to their diet, but it is high in sugar, so should be fed in moderation.



Benefits of Corn for Guinea Pigs

  • Fibre-rich β€” Supports healthy digestion.
  • Vitamins and minerals β€” Provides small amounts of calcium and vitamin C.
  • Fun and engaging β€” Guinea pigs enjoy unwrapping the kernels from the cob.

Safe Parts of Corn

  • Kernels β€” Sweet and crunchy; feed in small portions.
  • Husks (leaves) β€” Fibrous and safe; add extra fibre.
  • Silks β€” Nutritious and enjoyable for nibbling.
  • Stalk β€” Safe to chew.
  • Baby corn β€” Can be fed whole in small amounts a couple of times per week.

Feeding Guidelines

  • Frequency: A few times per week for husks and silks; kernels and whole cobs occasionally.
  • Quantity: About 1/4 of a mature cob per guinea pig; adjust based on size.
  • ❌ Avoid: Do not feed frozen, tinned, or cooked corn β€” always provide fresh raw corn.
  • βœ… Wash first: Always thoroughly wash fresh corn before feeding to remove any chemicals or dirt.

πŸ’‘πŸŒ½ Enrichment Tip:
If you have multiple guinea pigs, offering a whole corn cob with the husks and leaves intact gives them a fun activity. They can unwrap the kernels together, keeping them engaged and entertained while enjoying their snack.


Watch these guinea pigs enjoy stripping the leaves off their corn

Guinea Pig Food Charts in Full Colour showing what vegetables, fruit and herbs guinea pigs can safely eat and how often, plus meal planner. Available to purchase.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition 🌽mg per 100g
Vitamin C6.8
Calcium1
Sugar7.37
Water80.2
Fibre2.4
Phosphorous75

Safe Vegetables

Full information on safe vegetables for guinea pigs including feeding guide β€Ί

πŸ«‘ Bell Peppers β†’ Read the Bell Pepper guide β€Ί
πŸ₯¬ Bok Choy β†’ Read the Bok Choy (Pak Choi / Chinese Leaf) guide β€Ί
πŸ₯¦ Broccoli β†’ Read the Broccoli guide β€Ί
πŸ₯• Carrots β†’ Read the Carrot guide β€Ί
🌱 Celeriacβ†’ Read the Celeriac guide β€Ί
🌱 Celery β†’ Read the Celery guide β€Ί
πŸ₯¬ Collard Greens β†’ Read the Collard Greens guide β€Ί
🌾 Corn on the Cob β†’ Read the Corn guide β€Ί
πŸ₯’ Cucumber β†’ Read the Cucumber guide β€Ί
🌼 Dandelion β†’ Read the Dandelion guide β€Ί
🌿 Fennel β†’ Read the Fennel guide β€Ί
🌿 French Beans (Fine Green Beans) β†’ Read the French Beans guide β€Ί
πŸ₯¬ Kale β†’ Read the Kale guide β€Ί
πŸ₯¬ Lettuce β†’ Read the Lettuce guide β€Ί
🌿 Spinach β†’ Read the Spinach guide β€Ί
πŸ… Tomatoβ†’ Read the Tomato guide β€Ί
πŸƒ Watercressβ†’ Read the Watercress guide β€Ί

Safe Fruits

Full information on safe fruit for guinea pigs and feeding guide β€Ί

🍎 Apple β†’Read the Apple guide β€Ί
🍌 Banana β†’Read the Banana guide β€Ί
🫐 Blueberries β†’Read the Blueberries guide β€Ί
πŸ‡ Grapes β†’Read the Grape guide β€Ί
🍈 Melon β†’Read the Melon guide β€Ί
πŸ“ Strawberries β†’Read the Strawberry guide β€Ί
πŸ‰ Watermelon β†’Read the Watermelon guide β€Ί

Safe Herbs

Full information on safe herbs for guinea pigs and feeding guide β€Ί

🌿 Basil β†’ Read the Basil guide β€Ί
🌱 Coriander (Cilantro) β†’ Read the Coriander guide β€Ί
🌿 Dill β†’ Read the Dill guide β€Ί
🌱 Mint β†’ Read the Mint guide β€Ί
🌿 Parsley β†’ Read the Parsley guide β€Ί

Monique Hanford

Monique Hanford

Monique Hanford is a trusted guinea pig expert and founder of Guinea Piggles, one of the UK’s leading resources on guinea pig welfare. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience and research into guinea pig care, she provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help owners give their pets the best possible lives. Find out more...View Author posts