Can My Guinea Pig Eat String Cheese? Let’s Find Out

Guinea pigs mostly eat hay and smaller amounts of vegetables and fruits, which allows them to get the nutrients they need to be healthy and happy.

We, humans, love to eat string cheese, so sometimes we wonder if we can give some to our pets as well.

Can my guinea pig eat string cheese?

Guinea pigs cannot eat string cheese because it is a dairy product, they cannot eat any kind of dairy product. Guinea pigs have a digestive system that is not adapted to eating any dairy products, they do not have lactase which is needed for digestion in their stomach.

There is also a lot of calcium in the composition of string cheese, which is an additional reason not to give it to your pets because too much calcium can cause problems with the urinary tract.

In today’s article, you will find out what will happen if the guinea pig still eats string cheese, what to do in such situations, and similar questions related to the topic.

What will happen to my guinea pig if he eats string cheese?

If the guinea pig tries just a small amount of string cheese, nothing terrible will happen, but in no case should he eat it regularly.

Guinea pigs can only get big problems if they eat string cheese or dairy products frequently.

The following may occur:

  • diarrhea
  • flatulence
  • vomiting
  • lethargy
  • stomach ache

If guinea pigs eat string cheese frequently it will eventually result in fatal consequences for their lives. Serious damage to internal organs with permanent consequences can occur.

What are the side effects of eating string cheese for guinea pigs?

If guinea pigs eat string cheese there is a huge risk to their health and life. So let’s read together about all the side effects of this dairy product for your pet.

Difficulty in digestion

Guinea pigs do not have the lactase needed to digest foods such as string cheese or digest any other dairy foods.

If guinea pigs eat string cheese they will have major digestive problems in their digestive system. Guinea pigs can only get stomach pains followed by diarrhea, bloating, and other problems.

Only baby guinea pigs have lactase to digest their mother’s milk, but they do not need string cheese at the beginning of their lives, as adult guinea pigs do not produce lactase.

Heart problems caused by string cheese

String cheese contains a lot of calcium, cholesterol, fats, and other ingredients that are harmful to the heart of guinea pigs.

If guinea pigs try to eat string cheese they would surely get heart problems.

A large amount of fat and cholesterol can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the heart of the guinea pig and the occurrence of heart disease.

The sodium in string cheese will cause a guinea pig’s blood pressure to rise. Apparently, there’s no need for guinea pigs to risk eating string cheese.can my guinea pig eat string cheese

They can gain weight

If guinea pigs regularly eat string cheese they will surely gain weight because they will take in a lot of calories. A small amount of string cheese is not terrible, but eating it regularly is another story.

When guinea pigs gain weight, they will have trouble moving, be exposed to disease, and their overall health will generally decline.

When guinea pigs are fat they cannot be active and fast, which will make them an easier target for attack by predators.

In any case, obesity is dangerous and not at all good for guinea pigs, so stay away from string cheese.

The danger of kidney and bladder stones

If guinea pigs regularly eat string cheese they will get kidney and bladder stones.

The composition of string cheese contains large amounts of phosphorus and calcium, which the guinea pig will not be able to process and will lead to their accumulation.

Apart from the appearance of stones, the guinea pigs will also have problems with urine, it will start to be bloody, they will have pain during urination, and can get urinary tract infections.

If these urinary problems are not prevented in time, there is a danger of causing fatal consequences and the death of the guinea pig.

What should I do if the guinea pig eats a lot of string cheese?

If by some chance your pet manages to eat a lot of string cheese, you should immediately give him a larger amount of water.

The water will help for guinea pig and easier to digest cheese in his digestive system and reduce the chances of side effects.

If the guinea pig develops diarrhea and other problems and if they do not go away within 24 hours, then take your pet to the vet immediately.

Can my guinea pig eat cheese snacks?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat cheese snacks because it contains the same ingredients as cheese. If guinea pigs eat cheesy snacks, they can only get problems with the work of their digestive system.

There will also be problems with the heart, the occurrence of diseases in the urinary tract, and danger to their lives.

So avoid giving them these or any other dairy products, they should eat plant food.

Can my guinea pig eat cheese slices?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat cheese slices because they can only get diarrhea, bloating, and problems with the digestive system.

Guinea pigs do not have a digestive system that is adapted to dairy foods such as cheese and other dairy products, they do not have lactase to process such products.

They can’t digest cheese, so you have to give them hay, vegetables, and fruits. There is no need to risk the health and life of the guinea pig when there is another healthier and safer option in their diet.can my guinea pig eat string cheese

Can guinea pigs eat other dairy products?

No, guinea pigs cannot eat dairy products, their digestive system does not allow them to do so.

All dairy products contain a lot of calories, fat, cholesterol, and other ingredients that are not healthy for guinea pigs.

Dairy products are good for us humans, but for guinea pigs, plant foods are the right choice of food to eat.

A string cheese alternative for my guinea pig

Instead of giving them string cheese, there is a better and healthier food option for guinea pigs, which is hay, vegetables, and fruits.

Hay should be the most represented in the diet of guinea pigs with 80%, while the rest should be vegetables and fruits and of course water.

Here are some great fruits and vegetables for your guinea pig:

  • apples
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • grapes
  • oranges
  • romaine lettuce
  • red and green leaf lettuce
  • kale
  • cilantro
  • parsley

In addition to this diet, guinea pigs should have enough fresh and clean drinking water every day.

Read more: Can Guinea Pigs Drink Milk? Let’s Discover

What is toxic to guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs can eat many things, but there are some products that are very dangerous for their health and can be toxic.

Here are some of them:

  • Avocado
  • Foxglove
  • Ragwort
  • Ivy
  • Privet
  • Holly
  • Yew
  • Hemlock
  • Wild garlic
  • Nightshade
  • Potatoes

If the guinea pig still eats any of these types of food, you should immediately take it to a veterinarian to examine it and help it.

Read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Yogurt Drops? 7 Reasons Why To Avoid

Conclusion

Guinea pigs should not eat string cheese because it is a dairy product.

Guinea pigs cannot process dairy products because their digestive system is not adapted to this type of food, they do not have lactase, which they need to be able to process dairy products.

If they eat a little it is not terrible, but if they eat a large amount of string cheese they can get diarrhea, bloating, stomach pains, problems with the urinary tract, and they can even die.

So don’t give them string cheese, give them hay, vegetables, fruits, and of course water, that’s the best food choice for your pet.

Read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peanut Butter? (Find Out Now)