Pumpkin Leaves

[xRachaelx]

Just wondering whether guinea pigs can have these!?

 

[Hermes]

I know pumpkin leaves are quite nutritious (being high in vitamin A, calcium and other trace elements) and are okay for humans to eat but I don't know about piggies. The fact they are high in calcium and vitamin A probably makes them less suitable as a food for pigs even if they are otherwise safe. It is possible for plants in the cucumber family to have toxic levels of nitrate in the leaves if they are over fertilised and they are rather bristly/prickly (but pigs eat other bristly leaves without issue so that might not be such a problem). As ever, if in doubt don't feed it to them.

 

[xRachaelx]

I know pumpkin leaves are quite nutritious (being high in vitamin A, calcium and other trace elements) and are okay for humans to eat but I don't know about piggies. The fact they are high in calcium and vitamin A probably makes them less suitable as a food for pigs even if they are otherwise safe. It is possible for plants in the cucumber family to have toxic levels of nitrate in the leaves if they are over fertilised and they are rather bristly/prickly (but pigs eat other bristly leaves without issue so that might not be such a problem). As ever, if in doubt don't feed it to them.

Thanks!
It was just that my cousins growing them and she's got loads but I will tell her not to feed her guinea pig with them!

 

[MargaretB]

Does anyone know if piggies can have pumpkin- the flesh? Just wondered. Thanks.

 

[Shellza]

I always check this Sticky if I'm unsure http://theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42

It doesn't mention pumpkin leaves, but the flesh is edible.