Can guinea pigs eat stinging nettles? Urtica dioica, often called common nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae.

It is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and western North America, and introduced elsewhere.

The species is divided into six subspecies, five of which have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals.

The plant has a long history of use as a source of medicine, food, and fibre. (source)

Can guinea pigs eat stinging nettles?

No they cant eat them at all. They will hurt a guinea pig if they eat them and should be avoided as much as possible.

For more foods that guinea pigs can and can’t eat, check out our guinea pig food list