It's my understanding that the ones raised for food are considerably larger than the pets raised here in the states. That would make it a reasonable pursuit as a small livestock project, as other folks have already noticed
www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd9/5/gp951.htm

That said---I just have to mention the ad I responded to about New Zealand rabbits a few years ago.... The woman was worried that they would get a "good home" and made disparaging comments about people who keep rabbits outside...and some people even EAT THEM!!! Could you imagine?!?!?

Uh, yeah...I didn't have to imagine, thanks. Thumper is tasty. I doubt I'd have any particular trouble eating a grinny pig, either. :-D

I can just imagine the outrage at the concept of eating guinea pigs, LOL!

I had deep fried guinea pig in Puno, Peru - poor little sucker looked like it had been breaded and flash fried whole and on the run...tasted like chicken. In Ollantaytambo we visited a local there who had guinea pigs running around on the floor. The cat just ignored them! I understood they were eaten more for special occasions.

I try eating anything except Mountain Oysters. If there's a Earthquake or something I will eat my Koi, then my naibors cats then their dogs and then my Dogs if I have to. Some of my so called friends would rather starve. Stupid Asses, they will be begging for Koi Steaks.

Guinea pigs are delicious. Many highland Andean kitches are built (out of adobe) with built in guinea pig runs. A cook just throws corn husks or whatever on the floor and the guinea pigs come out and eat them. Guinea pigs were originally domesticated as food animals, not as pets. They are called "cuy" there (pronounced KOOee, obviously from the sound they make).

They are considered a luxury food though, a treat for special occasions, not every day.