Best Magnesium-Rich Foods for Guinea Pigs

Ranked by magnesium content among foods safe for guinea pigs in the Creature Feast catalog.

Spinach per 100g: ~79mg magnesium Spinach leads the magnesium chart among guinea pig vegetables. Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, and guinea pigs need it for healthy cecal fermentation. However, spinach's high oxalate content binds some of the magnesium, so feed sparingly and pair with vitamin C to offset absorption loss.

Timothy Hay per 100g dry: ~70-100mg magnesium Timothy hay provides a steady baseline of magnesium throughout the day. Since hay should be 80% of a guinea pig's diet and is always available, it is the single largest contributor to daily magnesium intake even though its concentration per gram is moderate.

Peas per 100g: ~33mg magnesium Peas deliver good magnesium alongside protein and fiber. They have a low oxalate profile, meaning the magnesium is well absorbed. Feed whole pods for the fiber bonus — most guinea pigs enjoy the crunch.

Kale per 100g: ~47mg magnesium Kale offers decent magnesium with low oxalates, meaning better bioavailability than spinach. It also delivers calcium and vitamin K alongside, though the calcium content means kale should be rotated with lower-calcium vegetables.

Bok Choy per 100g: ~19mg magnesium Bok choy is a gentle magnesium source with excellent calcium bioavailability (over 50% absorption). Its mild flavor and high water content make it a guinea pig favorite, and the moderate magnesium helps support muscle relaxation and nerve signaling.