What is Wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is simply what the name describes: the new grass of wheat. Wheat, when it’s harvested as we know it, is a mature plant. But every plant starts simply as a “sprout” and these are packed full of nutrients. Wheatgrass is the new sprouting shoots of wheat. You’ve probably heard about it because it’s become huge in the human health and wellness industry; but is wheatgrass safe and suitable for guinea pigs to eat?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat wheatgrass.
The great thing about wheatgrass is that it’s easy to grow, and because of its popularity there are little kits available that have everything you need to get started. Of course, it’s not complicated, as you’re simply sprouting some seeds and letting them grow for a short time before they’re consumed!
Ever seen “cat grass” for sale for pet cats? Most of the time this is simply wheatgrass as well (often with a premium price).
Wheatgrass can easily be grown indoors in small pots. It is sold in places like Whole Foods already sprouted – but you will obviously save money in the long run if you can set yourself up to grow it from seed.
If your guinea pig has never had wheatgrass before, start slowly and let them become used to it to avoid stomach upsets.
So how much wheatgrass is OK for guinea pigs to eat?
Guinea pigs can eat wheatgrass everyday but as mentioned, if they haven’t been regularly eating fresh green grass, introducing it slowly in small amounts is the best strategy until they become used to eating and processing it.