Can Guinea Pigs Eat Star Fruit? The 41 Latest Answer

Are your guinea pigs looking a bit bored in their guinea pig apartment? Have you heard more snoozing than scurrying lately? Are you a new pet parent who just has no idea what these adorable rodents like to play with? Then it is good that you came across this detailed list of the top 10 toys that guinea pigs love. And before you can say, “Pious pigs pinch pink piñatas,” your precious piggies will become perfectly happy pets!

1. Crumpled paper or paper bags

Simple and inexpensive, you most likely already have these two things at hand at home. Basically, just crumple them up into a large ball or a few smaller sizes and place it in your guinea pig’s cage. Don’t be fooled by how simple this sounds, paper balls are actually excellent toys for guinea pigs. Not only are they drawn to the crunchy sound that comes from playing, but guineas will happily gnaw on any (safe, non-toxic) paper product.

2. Cartons

Much like crumpled paper, cardboard boxes are an ingenious homemade or store-bought toy that doubles as a hiding place and crunchy snack. If you have a pair of plain shoes or moving boxes gathering dust in your closet, then get them out, clean them and show them off to your fluffy friends.

3. Tunnels

As burrowing rodents, guinea pigs have an innate need to dig tunnels. Unfortunately, this is simply not possible in a guinea pig cage or C&C habitat. However, you can provide them with some tunnels to play with. Luckily, you can find these online or make your own.

Wrapping paper tubes can be used as tunnels, but you’ll need to make sure you cut open the entire length of the tube to ensure your pig doesn’t get his fluffy butt stuck when you’re checking out his awesome new toy.

Alternatively, there are some great toy tunnels you can buy online such as the Living World Pet Tunnel or my guineas personal favorite, the Nature’s Hideaway Grass Tunnel Toy. With the grass tunnel toy, rodents can use it for exercise, as a hiding place for a nap, or even for a quick bite to eat.

4. Chewing balls for hay or grass

Made from all-natural materials, hay or dry grass balls make an ideal toy that’s also a treat. Again, this is another option that will both entertain and keep their teeth in check. Cavies have fun rolling these balls around their cage and with some of these toys they get the added bonus of a fun jingle toy inside that makes a pleasant noise. My little Fluffsters had a kick from Peter’s Woven Grass Play Ball so I would recommend this if you are unsure of which product to buy.

5. Chew chopsticks

In the world of guinea pigs, you can never have enough to chew, gnaw and nibble on! Chew sticks are another good toy these rodents enjoy, so long as you opt for high-quality, all-natural wooden sticks like the Sharllen Apple Sticks Pet Chew Toys or, our Muffy’s personal favorite, Simona Micah Organic Apple Tree Branches. Don’t be surprised if these disappear ultra fast! Not only are these sticks delicious, but they’re also a great way to keep their teeth neat and healthy.

6. Fleece accessories

Fleece is by far one of the best (and cheapest) materials you can buy to make your pet’s home cozier, fun, and entertaining. How is this possible, you might ask? Well, a simple fleece blanket can be made into a warm, cozy tent or a fun fleece forest. Simply cut strips into a fleece piece and turn it into a curtain. Then hang it up somewhere in their habitat where they can walk through the hanging strips. Try this quick and easy game structure and you will see how quickly your piggies will play with it!

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7. Stuffed Socks

Before you throw away those lonely solo socks that just can’t find their long-lost partner, consider using them instead to create a stuffed-sock feel. All you have to do is gather a sock or two, stuff them with hay or clean bedding, and then tie the sock shut with wool at the open end. And voila, you’ve just made a throw pillow for your pets to lug around, play with and snuggle on!

8. Tubes filled with hay

Another wonderful and inexpensive all-time favorite is hay-filled paper towels or toilet paper rolls. Because they’re non-toxic, plain tubes, they make a great nibble toy. But when you fill the center with tasty hay, you create the ultimate Guinea treat! Cavies have teeth that are constantly growing, so you’ll need to provide them with wood and hay to gnaw on to keep their choppers at bay.

9. An obstacle course

Guinea pigs tend to get bored unless they are mentally stimulated. So, grab those unused boxes you haven’t given them to chew on yet and build a custom, one-of-a-kind maze or obstacle course. Use a large piece of cardboard for the base and then just glue the walls to the bottom section. Get creative by adding twists and turns, but whatever you do, don’t forget to have a treat ready at the end of it all! If you are in one of those mastermind moods then go wild and add interesting obstacles like cardboard tubes, bridges or tunnels to the maze.

10. A playpen for free time

Guineas also enjoy their free time outside of the cage and especially like to play in a small animal playpen. With this type of enclosure, you give them the opportunity to roam around in a separate area. Since guinea pigs love to socialize, they also get a chance to hang out with their rodent friends and share a hay tube or two. Also, don’t forget that guineas love to play with their humans! As such, playpens are a nice, comfortable place for guinea pigs to interact with their pet parents.

We use the multicolored small pet playpen from Prevue Pet Products. Admittedly, I consider this item a must-have and I particularly like it because it folds easily and stores flat. This makes it a great product to take with us when we are adventurous and exploring the neighborhood park.

With a little imagination and a few household items, you can make some pretty awesome and (fortunately) inexpensive toys that guinea pigs love to play with. However, as a final word of warning, please remember to avoid exercise balls at all costs. While many other types of rodents absolutely love their exercise ball or wheel, these things aren’t made for guinea pigs’ physiques. Therefore, guinea pigs can be seriously injured when using these devices. In some cases, the consequences can even be fatal. However, if you stick to our list of toys they love to play with, you’re sure to keep these guinea pigs healthy, happy, and thoroughly entertained!

What do your guinea pigs like to play with?

Guinea pigs, like rabbits, are true herbivores, although the physiology and function of their gastrointestinal system is not as well understood as the rabbit. Guinea pigs develop food preferences early in life and do not readily accept changes in diet, appearance or presentation. Sudden changes can lead to refusal to eat. Any change in diet should be done gradually. The most critical aspect of a guinea pig’s diet is their need for vitamin C. That being said, the key to a healthy guinea pig diet is an unlimited amount of hay.

“Hay is important not only to wear down their ever-growing teeth, but also to keep the bacteria in their intestinal tract healthy that ferment their food.”

In its homeland, the South American forests, the wild guinea pig eats a wide variety of foods, from fruits to leaves and plants to root vegetables, but especially many high-fiber grasses. Pet guinea pigs are often fed a dry guinea pig mix with an occasional bit of fresh vegetables that are insufficient in fiber and generally too high in carbohydrates. Hay is important not only to wear down those ever-growing teeth, but also to keep the bacteria in your intestinal tract that ferment your food healthy.

What should I feed my guinea pig?

The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs consists of unlimited amounts of timothy hay or other low-calcium hay supplemented with smaller amounts of commercially available high-fiber timothy-hay-based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given daily. Hay should be offered for free choice throughout the day. Hay and pellets should be supplemented with a variety of fresh, well-washed leafy greens or colored vegetables (especially those high in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and asparagus).

Other good choices for vegetables include green and red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, endive, kale, carrot tops, beet leaves, cilantro, carrots, and squash. Iceberg or lettuce has little nutritional value and is mostly water, so it should not be offered.

“The preferred staple diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of timothy hay or other low-calcium hay supplemented with smaller amounts of commercially available high-fiber timothy-hay-based guinea pig pellets.”

Fruit should also be limited, as feeding too much of its high sugar content can lead to an imbalance in the gut bacteria and cause serious and potentially life-threatening diarrhea. Preferred fruits that are occasionally offered include those high in vitamin C, such as small amounts of orange (citrus) and kiwi, or high-fiber fruits such as pear and apple. Oats, seeds, nuts and dry cereals should be avoided as they contain too many carbohydrates and fat.

Fresh, clean water should be freely available. Drinking bottles need to be cleaned daily, and their tubes should be checked for clogs in the tips. Water bowls are often impractical since guinea pigs often soil their water with food or droppings, or knock over bowls. Food bowls should be heavy enough to be difficult to tip over.

Why do I need to give my guinea pig vitamin C?

Guinea pigs and primates, including humans, cannot make their own vitamin C, so it’s important to supplement their diets with vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for the normal development and maintenance of skin, joints and mucosal surfaces such as gums. It also plays an important role in wound healing. A lack of vitamin C makes the body more susceptible to other diseases, including infections, and predisposes guinea pigs to skin problems. A guinea pig that has a rough coat, is not eating, has diarrhea, is reluctant to walk, may appear to be in pain, has swollen feet or joints, or is bleeding and ulcerating its gums or skin is likely to be deficient in vitamin C and should be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

“A deficiency in vitamin C makes the body more susceptible to other diseases, including infections, and predisposes guinea pigs to skin problems.”

Depending on the condition of the animal (young, old, stressed, healthy, pregnant), guinea pigs need 10-50 mg of vitamin C per day. Your vet can tell you exactly how much vitamin C your guinea pig needs. While vitamin C is readily available from fresh fruit and green or colored vegetables, guinea pigs cannot consume enough products each day to get the vitamin C they need. Although guinea pig pellets contain vitamin C, it is a relatively unstable compound that breaks down or oxidizes quickly. Therefore, make sure your guinea pig pellets are used up or replaced within 90 days of the date of manufacture, otherwise the vitamin C they contain may be depleted. All guinea pigs should be given one vitamin C tablet or liquid vitamin C per day directly orally rather than through drinking water, as the vitamin also breaks down quickly in water and loses its potency.

In summary, an unlimited amount of hay, a smaller amount of pellets enriched with vitamin C, as well as a variety of fresh produce are extremely important to maintain your guinea pig’s health. Have your guinea pig examined annually by your veterinarian, who will be able to discuss your guinea pig’s specific nutritional needs.

Guinea pigs have many appealing qualities: they are small, gentle, and personable, to name a few. However, like all pets, they require special care and attention. Here are some important questions to consider before adopting a guinea pig:

Where should you get a guinea pig from?

Rather than creating more demand for guinea pigs by purchasing one from a pet store, please visit your local animal shelter to adopt one – or better yet, two! Most animal shelters will accept small animals in need of a new home and you will have the satisfaction of saving a life.

Guinea Pig Accessories on Amazon.com

How much time do you have?

Guinea pigs need a break from their cage every day. Whether that time is spent stretching their legs and exploring new surroundings or snuggling on your lap, daily interaction and attention are essential to a guinea pig’s well-being.

Guinea pigs need regular grooming. Short haired breeds can be groomed with a weekly brush while long haired breeds need daily grooming.

A guinea pig’s cage should be given a deep cleaning weekly and spot cleaning every few days. If you don’t like the smell of a dirty cage, consider how smelly living quarters make your guinea pig — who spends most of their waking hours just inches from their bed — feel.

Is a Guinea Pig Right for Your Family?

If you are getting a guinea pig for your child, consider how caring for this animal fits into your family’s long-term schedule.

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Which hay is best for guinea pigs?

Hay and grass should make up the bulk of your pig’s diet.

As a baby (or puppy), alfalfa hay is best for your guinea pig as it contains more calcium.

However, as your guinea pig grows, consider switching to hay with a lower calcium content. Too much calcium can lead to problems like bladder stones.

Timothy hay is best for your guinea pig as an adult. It’s lower in calcium and higher in fiber, so it’s your best bet.

Access to unlimited amounts of hay and grass is essential as it helps control the growth of their teeth and keeps their intestines healthy.

Without plenty of hay and grass, your guinea pig could develop serious dental disease and digestive problems.

Guinea pigs love grass and hay and it is important that they have constant access to it.

What else do guinea pigs eat best?

Pelleted food can also be part of your guinea pig’s diet. You should make sure that they are high in fiber and contain protected vitamin C.

You should also provide some vegetables and the occasional fruit, as these can be high in vitamin C and other nutrients. Vitamin C is an essential part of your guinea pig’s diet. Learn more about vitamin C.

You can buy guinea pig food from Jollyes and other good pet stores.

We can offer £2,000 vet cost coverage for guinea pigs. Find out more about our guinea pig insurance

Guinea pigs can eat hay and grass indefinitely.

What vegetables can guinea pigs eat? | What fruit can guinea pigs eat? | to avoid guinea pig food | Guinea Pigs and Grass Clippings | General advice on feeding your guinea pig | Calcium to Phosphorus | Oxalic Acid and Calcium and Your Guinea Pig | Vitamin C in Your Guinea Pig’s Diet | Treats for Guinea Pigs | Can you mix guinea pig and rabbit food together?

What vegetables can guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs can eat a number of vegetables. Don’t forget, however, that hay and grass should make up the bulk of your piggy’s diet.

The following vegetables are safe for your guinea pig:

Asparagus: This contains some oxalate and phosphorus. It also contains vitamin C. You can feed your guinea pig asparagus occasionally.

Broccoli: This contains vitamin C, but also contains high amounts of vitamin A, so it should be fed occasionally.

Cabbage: This contains high amounts of vitamin C. However, do not overfeed your guinea pig with it as it can cause gas and bloating.

Carrots: These are loved by guinea pigs but contain sugar that can lead to dental problems and diabetes. They also contain oxalate, which can lead to oxalate stones. They also contain high amounts of vitamin A. Carrots can be fed occasionally.

Cauliflower: Can be fed to your guinea pig occasionally. It contains vitamin C but can also give your guinea pig gas.

Corn on the Cob: This contains vitamin C but is high in starch, so only feed occasionally, once or twice a week.

Cucumber: Guinea pigs can eat the flesh, the seeds (not too much), and the skin.

Green beans: These contain vitamin C and can be fed raw. Be careful though, as they also contain calcium and phosphorus.

Peas: Like most vegetables, these contain phosphorus and calcium. However, they also contain vitamin C. You can feed your guinea pig peas in moderation.

Parsley: This can be a good snack for your guinea pig. It can be fed occasionally, once or twice a week.

Parsnips: Can be fed frequently and are a tasty vegetable for your guinea pig

Raw Beetroot: This can be fed to your guinea pig once or twice a week occasionally. It does not contain oxalates, but a small amount of calcium and phosphorus.

Sprouts: These contain phosphorus and oxalic acid. They can also cause gas. They can be fed occasionally, once or twice a week.

Spinach: Your guinea pig may eat this occasionally, but be aware that it can cause stones when mixed with calcium. This is due to the high oxalate content.

Pumpkin: Can be fed to your guinea pig in moderation.

Tomatoes: Can be fed frequently. However, the green stalk is poisonous, so don’t let your piggy eat it.

Kohlrabi: These are low in phosphorus and high in calcium. They also have a reasonable amount of vitamin C. They can be fed to your guinea pig once or twice a week occasionally.

Watercress can be fed occasionally. It is good for your guinea pig and is high in vitamin C.

Red cabbage is high in vitamin C and has a hint of calcium. You can feed it frequently.

Red Peppers: These are high in vitamin C and can be fed frequently.

Kohlrabi contain vitamin C, they also contain calcium and a touch of phosphorus. You can occasionally feed your guinea pig this once or twice a week.

You should be aware that different vegetables contain different amounts of vitamin C, phosphorus, oxalates and sugars.

When are guinea pigs allowed out? Find out more…

What fruit can guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs can eat a number of fruits in limited quantities. These should only be fed as a treat as they are high in sugar. Read our list to find out what fruits your piggy can eat:

Bananas: These should be fed infrequently as they are high in sugar and can cause constipation.

Blueberries: These can be fed frequently and are a good source of vitamin C.

Oranges: These should be fed occasionally as citrus fruits can cause mouth sores.

Pears: These should be fed occasionally and are a good source of vitamin C.

Pineapple: This should be fed occasionally as it is acidic and can cause mouth sores.

Plums can be fed occasionally, but they are high in sugar.

Occasionally, strawberries including the green tops can also be fed.

Eating Frequency Guide: Frequent is 2-4 times a week; Occasionally is once or twice a week; Rarely once or twice a month. You can feed your piggy about a cup per chosen day of your chosen fruit or vegetable.

What setup do you need for your guinea pig? Experience…

Here are some very frequently asked questions about food:

Can guinea pigs eat grapes?

Yes, piggies can eat grapes frequently, but be aware that they are high in sugar, which can lead to dental and obesity problems.

Can guinea pigs eat celery?

Yes, piggies can eat celery and it also contains vitamin C. However, you should be careful as it has a stringy texture that could pose a choking hazard.

Can guinea pigs eat dandelions?

Yes, piggies love dandelions, both the stem and the flower. However, be sure to wash them thoroughly before feeding them and avoid picking them by the side of the road or in places where pollutants or pesticides may be present.

Can guinea pigs eat apples?

Yes, you can only eat apples occasionally due to their high sugar content. Do not feed your pig the seeds as they can be poisonous.

Can guinea pigs eat beetroot?

You can occasionally feed your guinea pig beetroot. Beetroot contains vitamin C, but also some phosphorus and calcium, which should be fed in a balanced manner. Beets are low in oxalates.

Can guinea pigs eat cauliflower?

Yes, your piggy can eat cauliflower as it contains vitamin C. However, he can also cause bloating, so don’t feed him too often.

Can guinea pigs eat raspberries?

Yes, they can eat raspberries but only feed them occasionally due to the sugar content.

Can guinea pigs eat radishes?

These should seldom be fed to your pig as they contain oxalic acid. Radish leaves are high in calcium so you should be careful with these as too much calcium can lead to bladder stones.

Can guinea pigs eat lettuce?

Aside from iceberg, which contains no nutrients, lettuce is a delicious salad vegetable for your guinea pig

Can guinea pigs eat zucchini?

Zucchini is high in vitamin C and can be fed to your guinea pig frequently.

Can guinea pigs eat bananas?

These should be fed infrequently as they are high in sugar and can cause constipation.

Can guinea pigs eat turnips?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat turnips. Some piggies love it while others hate it.

Can guinea pigs eat sweet potatoes?

This is not very good for your guinea pig as it is high in oxalates and starch

Can guinea pigs be fed mushrooms?

Mushrooms contain very few nutrients and therefore offer no health benefits to your piggy. If you choose to feed mushrooms, do so infrequently. And avoid wild mushrooms entirely, and there are many poisonous varieties.

Remember, the most important thing you can feed your guinea pig is hay and/or grass. This should make up the majority of his diet.

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Avoid guinea pig food

There are some foods that are unsafe for your guinea pig that you should avoid.

Read our list to see which foods guinea pigs can’t eat and why:

Cereals – avoid cereals as different types are not good for guinea pigs

Meat – Guinea pigs are herbivores and cannot process meat

Cooked Food – Guinea pigs cannot digest cooked food

Anything related to the potato plant – Potatoes contain toxins that can be harmful to your guinea pig

Immature tomatoes – these contain toxins that can be harmful to your guinea pig

Tomato leaves and stems – these contain toxins that can be harmful to your guinea pig

Rhubarb – these contain toxins that can be harmful to your guinea pig

Avocado – the skin is poisonous, and although the flesh is not poisonous, it is high in fat. This can slow down digestion

Fruit pits, pips, and seeds – many of these cannot be eaten, so it’s best to avoid them

Buttercups – these contain pungent toxins that can cause intestinal irritation

Dairy Products – Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. come from animals and should not be fed to your guinea pig

Garlic – There is much debate about the safety of garlic. It’s probably best to avoid it

Juice – Guinea pigs should only drink water

Onions – these belong to the onion family and can cause bloating and intestinal upset

Leeks – this also belongs to the onion family

Nuts – these can cause digestive problems

Guinea pigs and grass clippings

You shouldn’t feed your guinea pigs grass clippings from a lawnmower as these can cause digestive problems, according to the RSPCA.

General advice on feeding your guinea pig

Fruits tend to be high in sugar so these should be fed in moderation as the sugar is bad for your piggy’s teeth.

However, vegetables are a valuable source of vitamin C, which is an essential part of your guinea pig’s diet. To keep your piggy from getting too much oxalate, phosphorus, or calcium, be sure to offer a variety of vegetables.

Never feed your guinea pig cooked food as it cannot digest it. It will upset his stomach.

You should also never feed your guinea pig lawn mower clippings as this can upset his stomach as well.

calcium to phosphorus

Food should contain more calcium than phosphorus in proportion. The opposite ratio can lead to phosphate stones.

Oxalic acid and calcium and your guinea pig

High levels of oxalic acid and calcium in a guinea pig’s diet can lead to calcium and bladder stones. The oxalate combines with the calcium to form the stones. These can be very painful for your guinea pig. You should ensure that foods high in oxalic acid and calcium are fed in moderation.

Vegetables are giving my guinea pig diarrhea

Giving your piggy too many vegetables or introducing a new vegetable into their diet too quickly can upset their small stomach and cause diarrhea. It can also cause bloating.

When introducing new foods, do so slowly. A small amount now and then.

Do guinea pigs eat their own poop?

Yes, guinea pigs eat their soft droppings called caecotrophs. These are an essential part of their diet and help them absorb the full goodness of their high-fiber diet. Guinea pigs also produce hard, shiny poop that they don’t eat.

Can guinea pigs drink from a water bowl?

Yes, they can, but they can easily become contaminated with food, feces, or urine. A water bottle may be better as this will keep your guinea pig’s water source clean. When your guinea pig is sick, it may find it easier to drink from a bowl, and some guinea pigs are used to just drinking from a bowl. However, if you can use a water bottle, it’s probably better.

Vitamin C in your guinea pig’s diet

Guinea pigs, like humans, do not produce their own vitamin C, so it is up to you to provide it in their diet. Pelleted foods should contain the vitamin, as should fresh vegetables and limited amounts of fruit.

They can also include vitamin C supplements in their diet. However, this should not be added to the water as it can break down quickly and you will not know how much of the vitamin your guinea pig has been drinking.

Without enough vitamin C, your guinea pig could get scurvy.

Treats for guinea pigs

You can give your guinea pig vegetables as rewards. Even if your guinea pig eats these regularly, you can chop them up into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Make sure you remove them after a few hours as they will start to turn brown.

You can also hide some hay in a toilet paper roll. Your guinea pig will have fun getting the hay out!

If you prefer to buy guinea pig snacks, Jollyes has a selection that you can buy online.

Can you mix guinea pig and rabbit food together?

In a word, no. Guinea pigs need an adequate form of vitamin C. Rabbit food may not contain enough vitamin C to meet your guinea pig’s needs. So make sure you only feed your guinea pig the right food for them.

When it comes to tropical fruits, mango seems to be the clear favorite among people and pets. But can guinea pigs enjoy this sweet treat?

Guinea pigs can eat mango along with a number of other sweet fruits. However, you should only feed fresh mango, not canned or otherwise processed, and it should only be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. It should never be fed as part of their main or staple diet as there are a number of potential health problems associated with your guinea pig eating too much of this type of food.

Mango is rich in vitamins and minerals, low in fat and is a sweet and savory treat. Regardless of whether your guinea pig likes the treat, it is first important to know if it is good for him, whether he can eat the whole fruit or just parts of it, and how much and how often you can give him this fruity snack. In this article we answer these questions and more.

Benefits of Mango

Your guinea pig’s diet should consist of about 80% hay and 15% vegetables. The remaining 5% can be treats. This helps ensure your pet is getting all of the essential nutrients they need in their diet, while a minimal number of treats means they are not overeating on anything that is too unhealthy for them. Fruit can be a good choice for a treat because it contains sugar, making it appealing as an occasional snack, but it’s not high in fat. Some fruits are also lower in sugar, at least compared to other snacks and treats we feed our guinea pigs.

One of the fruits that you could give your guinea pig is mango. Mango is a refreshing fruit that is slightly acidic. It also has a decent water content, making it thirst-quenching. Although your guinea pig has evolved to live in hot climates, they will still appreciate the occasional delicious piece of fruit to satiate their fluid cravings.

Not only is mango considered a safe treat, but it actually has a number of health and other benefits for your guinea pig, including:

Rich in Vitamin C – Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins and is commonly found in fruits, especially those with a sour taste like mango. Guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C (they’re just like humans in that regard), which means they have to get it from their diet. If your guinea pig is deficient in this vitamin, it could develop complications such as scurvy. Since he is unlikely to get enough of this vitamin from hay, owners are advised to feed vegetables rich in this nutrient. But fruits like mango have a higher concentration. Vitamin C also has the benefit of enhancing the function and efficiency of the immune system, so it can help ward off illness and disease.

– Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins and is commonly found in fruits, especially those with a sour taste like mango. Guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C (they’re just like humans in that regard), which means they have to get it from their diet. If your guinea pig is deficient in this vitamin, it could develop complications such as scurvy. Since he is unlikely to get enough of this vitamin from hay, owners are advised to feed vegetables rich in this nutrient. But fruits like mango have a higher concentration. Vitamin C also has the benefit of enhancing the function and efficiency of the immune system, so it can help ward off illness and disease. Low Calcium – Guinea pigs need calcium when they are young to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. However, when they reach maturity and old age, they do not require the same amounts of this mineral. In fact, too much calcium can lead to crystals in your urinary tract, which in turn can lead to kidney and bladder stones. It’s recommended that guinea pigs get more vitamin C than calcium in their diet, and while mango does contain some calcium — which is still important for adult guinea pigs, but to a much lesser extent — it’s not as high as some alternative fruits.

– Guinea pigs need calcium when they are young to help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. However, when they reach maturity and old age, they do not require the same amounts of this mineral. In fact, too much calcium can lead to crystals in your urinary tract, which in turn can lead to kidney and bladder stones. It’s recommended that guinea pigs get more vitamin C than calcium in their diet, and while mango does contain some calcium — which is still important for adult guinea pigs, but to a much lesser extent — it’s not as high as some alternative fruits. Low in Calories Compared to Other Treats – Mango is a sweet fruit and contains natural sugars. These hidden calories can be harmful to all animals but are particularly dangerous for animals like guinea pigs. While humans are able to break down the sugars in fruit, our guinea pigs are not. Not only does this mean that you gain weight very quickly with a lot of sugar, but also that consuming too much sugar can have other undesirable effects. The sugar essentially passes through the guinea pig unsplit, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. In other words, too much sugar can cause diarrhea, which not only makes cleaning the cage more difficult, but also uncomfortable and potentially fatal for your guinea pig. For this reason, it is recommended that fruits like mango make up no more than 5% of their diet.

dangers of mango

So there are a number of benefits to feeding your guinea pig mango. It can help ward off illness, prevent serious illness, and when fed in moderation, it’s actually quite low in sugar compared to other treats. Unfortunately, however, this is not the end of the Mango story. There are a few potential dangers associated with feeding your Guinea mango that are typically associated with overfeeding, including the following:

High Sugar Content – ​​Although mangoes are low in sugar compared to other sweet treats, they still have a high concentration of sugar compared to hay and most vegetables. If you’re not careful about the amount you’re feeding them, it means you can cause short-term diarrhea. Too much of the sweet fruit can also cause your guinea pig to gain excess weight. Guinea pigs, like humans, can suffer from diseases like diabetes, while excess weight puts a strain on joints, the heart and other important organs. For this reason, we warn against feeding mango in moderation.

Can you eat the whole mango fruit?

Mango skin should not be fed to your guinea pig. It offers no benefits and chances are it’s covered in chemicals and pesticides unless you’re absolutely sure where it was grown. Some suppliers even coat the mango in wax to enhance its appearance and make it easier to transport. None of these unwanted ingredients are good for your guinea pig, so make sure the skin is completely removed before feeding.

Another potential problem with the skin is that it’s too hard to chew properly and can cause a choking hazard, which is a problem that also crops up with the pit. The mango kernel is very hard and completely inedible. Your guinea pig won’t be able to chew it, so there’s no benefit in trying to give it the rock-hard interior.

Fresh mango is the best choice when it comes to choosing a mango source. Dried mangoes usually contain preservatives or other additives and are not as juicy or appealing as fresh. The sugar content is also highly concentrated and it is very easy to overfeed your guinea pig when feeding fruit in this form. Likewise, mango juice contains too much sugar, and store-bought juices contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that are potentially harmful to your guinea pig.

Prepare mango

To prepare the mango, it’s best to completely remove the skin and then cut around the stone. Make sure all skin is removed, then dice the mango. You should only be serving about an inch square of the fruit, and this can be fed one day or two days a week. What remains in the cage at the end of the day should be removed. The fruit can spoil quickly, which can cause an upset stomach. It also attracts flies and other insects and can make a serious mess in the cage.

Can guinea pigs eat mangoes? Final Thoughts

Mango is a very popular fruit with humans and it turns out it can be a great treat for your guinea pig. In fact, it has a number of health benefits, not the least of which is its concentration of vitamin C, which guinea pigs cannot naturally produce on their own.

Make sure your guinea pig gets enough hay in its diet, add vegetables to make up the rest of its weekly feed, and occasionally offer it a small portion of fruit like mango. Make sure you serve fresh fruit, remove all skins, and don’t consider feeding the stone or dried or preserved forms of the fruit, and you and your guinea pig can reap the rewards without potential danger.

Featured image: Pexels, Pixabay

Often considered a superfood in the human diet, sweet potatoes are praised for their health benefits and richness in vitamins and minerals. Because they’re so healthy for us, we often wonder if they’re safe for our guinea pigs. The short answer is yes, sweet potatoes can safely be fed to your guinea pig in moderation. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the health benefits and potential risks of giving your guinea pig sweet potatoes below, so you can safely incorporate this delicious treat into their diet.

Why should I feed my guinea pig sweet potatoes? Why should I feed my guinea pig sweet potatoes?

Just as the vitamins and minerals in sweet potatoes are good for humans, they also offer some health benefits to guinea pigs. Notably, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin C and potassium, both of which are beneficial in a guinea pig’s diet.

Sweet potatoes contain around 3mg of vitamin C per 100g, and while this isn’t the best source of the vitamin, it’s a tasty one! Like humans, guinea pigs are unable to synthesize vitamin C naturally, so they must get the necessary amount from their diet alone. According to animal health experts at PDSA.org, guinea pigs can suffer serious illnesses if they don’t get the necessary amount of vitamin C each day. Sweet potatoes can help achieve that amount in a tasty way.

Guinea pig lovers at Guinea Pig Tube also note that potassium is beneficial to guinea pigs as it helps promote heart health and good blood pressure. Sweet potatoes are high in potassium, so your guinea pig will enjoy snacking on sweet potatoes while maintaining heart health!

Finally, sweet potatoes are delicious and slightly sweet, so your guinea pig will love them without consuming too much sugar.

Are there other risks?

No food is perfect, and there are some downsides to giving your guinea pig sweet potatoes.

The first concern, especially given the name of the food itself, is the sugar content. Petco animal experts warn against avoiding foods high in sugar, which can be unhealthy for guinea pigs. Sweet potatoes don’t have nearly as much sugar as most fruits, but even the low sugar content means sweet potatoes should only be fed to your pig occasionally and not as part of their regular diet.

Another issue with feeding your guinea pig sweet potato is the number of oxalates found in the vegetable. Oxalates occur naturally in many foods, and research by veterinary medicine experts at North Carolina State University suggests that high concentrations of oxalates can cause kidney problems and other complications in guinea pigs.

Sweet potatoes are not entirely healthy for your guinea pig, but in moderation the low levels of sugar and oxalates will not pose a problem for your pet.

How can I feed my guinea pig sweet potatoes?

If you decide to offer your guinea pig a delicious sweet potato as a treat from time to time, frequency and portion size are both key! According to the Humane Society, yam can be offered to your pig about once or twice a week, and you should limit your little fella to just one or two pieces that measure about half an inch by half an inch.

Humans always cook potatoes before eating them, but guinea pigs love uncooked food and get more nutritional benefits when it’s served raw. Simply peel the sweet potato, cut into small cubes and offer to your little guy with other veggies or as a treat on its own.

We also tend to eat our sweet potatoes with butter and salt, but these can be dangerous and are generally unhealthy for guinea pigs. You’ll be satisfied with just one raw, unseasoned diced sweet potato to munch on.

Is there anything else to consider?

Yes! There is a very important difference between sweet potatoes and other types of potatoes such as russet, white and red potatoes. While sweet potatoes are safe for your guinea pig in moderation, other types of potatoes contain toxins and can be harmful to your pet’s health, according to animal experts at Exotic Direct.

The end result The end result

Sweet potatoes can be a great snack for your guinea pig as the superfood provides essential vitamins and minerals as well as an irresistible bite. However, it must be offered in moderation as the sugar content and number of oxalates can create complications when offered in large quantities. Offer your little fella a small cube or two once or twice a week, always serve raw and never season the sweet potato before giving it to your pig. Finally, sweet potatoes are fine in moderation, but never offer other types of potatoes.

Selected image source: mama_mia, Shutterstock

Pineapple, that delicious golden fruit that most people love. It has a combination of sweet, tart, and tangy that makes it irresistible to many. But how about sharing pineapples with our pets – specifically guinea pigs?

Good news! Guinea pigs can eat small amounts of pineapple. This fruit is low in sugar, but only when compared to other sweet treats. While she can be fed in moderation as an occasional treat, she can cause major problems if fed too often or in too large amounts. Feed once a week, make sure it is properly prepared and never feed your guinea pig canned pineapple or juice.

Pineapple is equal parts sweet and bitter. It is juicy, refreshing and has a unique taste. We eat it fresh, canned and we put it in fruit salads, how much is safe to feed our guinea pigs? How should it be prepared for her and how often should you give it to your little one? Are there healthier alternatives? We find out below.

Pineapple Benefits

Although you should avoid feeding your guinea pig too much pineapple, not only is it considered safe in moderation, it actually has a number of health and other benefits, including the following:

Good for the Heart – Like all fruits, pineapple is considered low in fat. Fat clogs the arteries and can cause major heart problems. Therefore, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended for many people and pets suffering from heart conditions. Pineapple also has the added health benefit of being rich in magnesium. This nutrient has a number of benefits to offer, but the most important of these is its ability to strengthen the heart muscle and ensure it is able to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body.

– Like all fruits, pineapple is considered to be low in fat. Fat clogs the arteries and can cause major heart problems. Therefore, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended for many people and pets suffering from heart conditions. Pineapple also has the added health benefit of being rich in magnesium. This nutrient has a number of benefits to offer, but the most important of these is its ability to strengthen the heart muscle and ensure it is able to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. Boosts the Immune System – Although normally found in orange fruits and vegetables, beta-carotene is found in high concentrations in acidic fruits like orange and pineapple. Vitamin C is another nutrient that has a variety of benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system. This means pineapple can help prevent a variety of common diseases and ailments in your guinea pig. It can prevent scurvy, which is a fairly common problem in unhealthy guinea pigs.

– Although beta-carotene is normally found in orange fruits and vegetables, it is found in high concentrations in acidic fruits such as oranges and pineapples. Vitamin C is another nutrient that has a variety of benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system. This means pineapple can help prevent a variety of common diseases and ailments in your guinea pig. It can prevent scurvy, which is a fairly common problem in unhealthy guinea pigs. Improves blood clotting – Vitamin K is a known clotting agent, which means it helps blood to clot. While blood clotting can be fatal in certain circumstances, it is an important process, especially after injury or under certain conditions. If your guinea pig scratches or suffers any other type of injury, their body needs to clot to prevent blood loss, and coagulants like vitamin K naturally help the body carry out this important step in recovery. Pineapples are a good source of vitamin K even when fed in moderation.

– Vitamin K is a known coagulant, which means it helps blood to clot. While blood clotting can be fatal in certain circumstances, it is an important process, especially after injury or under certain conditions. If your guinea pig scratches or suffers any other type of injury, their body needs to clot to prevent blood loss, and coagulants like vitamin K naturally help the body carry out this important step in recovery. Pineapples are a good source of vitamin K even when fed in moderation. PREVENTS ILLNESS AND DISEASE – Vitamin C boosts the immune system, which allows your guinea pig’s body to naturally fight off common illnesses. It is also high in manganese, a natural antioxidant. This further strengthens the immune system and also fights free radicals which are the cause of serious diseases like cancer. They also help prevent aging, which means the manganese in pineapple could help you get along with your favorite pet a little longer.

– Vitamin C boosts the immune system, which allows your guinea pig’s body to naturally fight common diseases. It is also high in manganese, a natural antioxidant. This further strengthens the immune system and also fights free radicals which are the cause of serious diseases like cancer. They also help prevent aging, which means the manganese in pineapple could help you get along with your favorite pet a little longer. Relatively Low in Calories – We humans are encouraged to eat fruit because it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals and is low in fat. The same benefits apply to your guinea pig, and pineapple has the added benefit of being comparatively low in sugar and calories compared to other sweet treats. You need to make sure you feed it in moderation and take the right steps to cook it properly, but if you do, pineapple can be a great thirst quencher, a tasty little treat, and it won’t let your guinea pig up piling on the pounds.

Possible dangers

So pineapple is actually good for your guinea pig when fed in moderation, but the key here is the notion of moderation. It should not become a regular part of your pet’s diet and should be fed no more than once or twice a week at most. There are some potential dangers to feeding pineapples, but virtually all of these involve feeding too much of this sugary treat. These dangers include:

Diarrhea – The human body is well equipped to digest the sugars in fruit, but the same isn’t necessarily true for your guinea pig. In fact, if you overfeed him, he will have a very hard time digesting the sugar content in the pineapple. Not only does this mean he’s likely to gain weight if he’s over-fed, but it can also lead to digestive problems, including diarrhea and an upset stomach. Feed little and not too often.

Obesity – Like humans, guinea pigs are prone to obesity and can also suffer from diseases like diabetes if they eat too many sugary foods. Since they cannot properly digest the sugar content, this means your guinea pig should limit the amount of fruit they eat to prevent obesity.

– Like humans, guinea pigs are prone to obesity and can also suffer from diseases like diabetes if they eat too many sugary foods. Since they cannot properly digest the sugar content, this means your guinea pig should limit the amount of fruit they eat to prevent obesity. Kidney Stones – Guinea pigs are prone to kidney, bladder, and phosphate stones. These tend to form when they have too much calcium in their diet. Calcium is important because it promotes strong bones and teeth, but this is much less important once your guinea pig has reached full maturity. When this happens, they need to get more vitamin C than calcium, otherwise the calcium will crystallize in the urinary tract and cause phosphate stones. Stones are painful and uncomfortable. They can prevent your guinea pig from urinating properly and can even prove fatal if left untreated.

What about the leaves and core?

To ensure your guinea pig can safely enjoy the pineapple benefits, you should feed them in moderation, but you also need to make sure you prepare the fruit properly before feeding.

Do not feed the leaves to your guinea pig. They have small, prickly thorns that can get stuck in their throats and cause choking. The skin of the pineapple is also a danger. Not only is it coarse, hard, and potentially packed with the chemicals used in cultivation and the waxes used in storage, but they also have those same little thorns that can cause a clogged or bleeding mouth and throat. While the core of the pineapple is not harmful or toxic, it is very tough and your guinea pig is unlikely to be able to digest it properly, which can result in severe pain and other stomach upsets.

Preparing the pineapple

When preparing the pineapple for your guinea pig, the first thing you need to do is choose the right fruit shape. Avoid canned fruit at all costs, as manufacturers use additives and other chemicals to help preserve the fruit, and these can potentially be very harmful to your pet. Likewise, you should not feed your guinea pig pineapple juice. Instead, choose a ripe pineapple, ideally organic, and peel, remove the core, and slice the pineapple.

Serving Size and Frequency

Pineapple really needs to be fed in moderation as it will keep your guinea pig from gaining weight and can prevent stomach upset and discomfort. It can also prevent bladder stones and phosphate stones, which are both painful and dangerous. When you have prepared the fruit, cut it into cubes. You can feed your guinea pig about a square inch of the fruit each week, either in a single sitting or over two days. Always remove any uneaten fruit at the end of the day, as the pineapple can spoil and will almost certainly attract flies and bugs.

Can guinea pigs eat pineapples? Final Thoughts

Pineapple divides human opinion. Some people love the combination of sweet and bitter, while others hate them. Likewise, your guinea pig may or may not love its succulence. In any case, you should know that a small amount of pineapple, fed in moderation and as an occasional treat, is not only considered safe, but offers your little guinea pig a multitude of health benefits. It can help prevent illness, has a surprisingly low sugar content compared to other sweet treats, and can be a great way to add something sweet and tempting to a guinea pig’s staple diet of hay. Do not feed the skin, leaves or core and never feed your guinea pig anything processed for human consumption such as B. Canned pineapple or juice.

Want to find out what else to feed your guinea pig? Check out these posts:

Featured Image: Security, Pixabay

You may have heard that guinea pigs need to be extra careful to get enough vitamin C. If you haven’t heard it, now you have. And there are few better sources of this essential vitamin than oranges. But can guinea pigs eat oranges? Are Oranges Good for Guinea Pigs? Or are oranges bad for them?

The answer is yes, you can eat oranges, but sparingly and with caution.

Vitamin C is an important part of the diet of guinea pigs – and ours. It plays several important roles in maintaining good health. Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system. It also holds cells together, helping them function and protecting them from damage.

The problem is that unlike many other animals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize this essential nutrient. You need to get it regularly through your diet.

Like humans, guinea pigs that are vitamin C deficient can develop scurvy. Scurvy is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is also very painful and can lead to secondary conditions that require additional treatment. Symptoms include:

lethargy, reduced activity

Frequent vocalizations (can be a sign of pain)

weight loss

teeth grinding

dental problems

bruises on the body

Small red dots on gums and skin

joint pain

Swollen joints

diarrhea and loose stools

rough coat

changes in the fur

General malaise

Vitamin C deficiency can also cause abnormalities in blood vessels, connective tissue, and bones if left untreated.

How much vitamin C does a guinea pig need?

Adult guinea pigs need around 10 to 30 milligrams of vitamin C from food per kilogram of body weight every day. Pregnant and lactating guinea pigs need a little more.

Although vitamin C is water soluble and excess amounts leave the body in the urine, if you give your guinea pig too much (over 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day) it can cause problems such as kidney and bladder stones, poor growth in young guinea pigs pigs and worsening arthritis in older guinea pigs.

Safe Vitamin C Sources for Guinea Pigs

The surest way to ensure your guinea pigs are getting enough vitamin C is to eat a varied diet rich in vitamin C. You could add vegetables like:

tomatoes (not the leaves)

paprika

spinach

asparagus

Kale

Parsely

Kohlrabi

dandelion green

carrot tops

carrots

Leafy vegetables

Some other fruits that you can safely add to your guinea pig’s diet include:

Apple

Apricots (fresh fruit only, remove stone first)

bananas

blueberries

Cantaloupe melon

oranges

strawberries

However, use caution when feeding your guinea pigs any type of fruit. Many guinea pigs like fruit, but too much sugar is not good for anyone. It can damage guinea pigs’ teeth and cause a guinea pig to become overweight.

Commercial Supplements

You can give oranges to guinea pigs, but you can also buy a number of different fortified products, including guinea pig food and vitamin supplements.

Some types of guinea pig food (like ours) are fortified with vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. You can also buy supplements specifically designed for guinea pigs. Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C Supplement provides 25 milligrams of hay-based C per wafer, and guinea pigs like them.

We do not recommend feeding guinea pigs supplements intended for humans or other animals. Formulation and potency can vary, and many supplements contain additional ingredients that may be harmful to your guinea pig.

We also advise against adding liquid supplements to your guinea pig’s water. First, it can encourage the growth of bacteria that can harm your guinea pig. Also, it can change the taste of the water, making your guinea pig unwilling to drink it.

But can guinea pigs eat oranges?

Can guinea pigs eat oranges? How about a tangerine? Can guinea pigs eat clementines? Can guinea pigs eat satsumas? Do guinea pigs eat tangerines?

Fresh oranges, (fresh) tangerines, blood oranges, satsumas, tangerines – when it comes to eating oranges, anything is good. In addition to the all-important C, oranges provide fiber and calcium, both of which are very important in your pet’s diet.

Most guinea pigs love fruit, and you can feed your guinea pig any of them…in moderation. The more acidic the fruit (like a tangerine), the more moderate guinea pig keepers should be, even if guinea pigs can eat them.

Of course, when it comes to fruit, especially acidic ones like oranges, a guinea pig doesn’t need more than a few bites a week.

Additionally, guinea pigs should not eat the seeds as they pose a choking hazard. Be sure to remove orange pits before offering the fruit to your guinea pig.

Can guinea pigs eat orange peel? Surprisingly yes! And many guinea pigs love the bowls. Orange peels are also rich in vitamin C. However, before discarding the peel, be sure to wash the orange thoroughly on the outside to remove any traces of pesticides.

And, as with fruit, offer only a small amount of orange peel in a day.

Can guinea pigs eat canned oranges? Or canned tangerines? That would be a “no”.

Canned oranges often contain other ingredients, including sugar, acids, sodium, and preservatives that can harm your guinea pig. So, while your guinea pig can eat oranges, only feed your guinea pig fresh oranges.

Also, your guinea pig should not drink orange juice because orange juice contains too much concentrated sugar and acid. Likewise, your guinea pig should never eat orange marmalade.

Yes, you can feed your guinea pigs oranges, but when it comes to other citrus fruits, skip. Grapefruit, lemons and limes are highly acidic. They can also cause painful mouth sores and digestive problems.

Precautions when feeding a guinea pig oranges

Feeding oranges to most guinea pigs is safe and has many health benefits. But it’s important to do this sparingly. Too much orange can be bad for guinea pigs’ health in a number of ways.

First, the acidity of oranges can harm your guinea pigs if they eat too much. It can give them painful sores in their mouth. It can also upset your guinea pig’s stomach and digestive system.

Sugar levels can also be a problem for your guinea pig’s teeth and weight if you provide them in excess. Although guinea pigs need calcium, too much calcium can cause painful bladder and kidney stones.

How to safely feed guinea pigs oranges

Do you have questions about serving oranges to your guinea pigs? We have answers.

First, while small amounts of orange are an acceptable treat, too much can cause a variety of problems. Serve oranges sparingly and in moderation. how much orange A few bites a few times a week should do the trick.

So how do you prepare orange for your guinea pig?

First, don’t just throw them a whole orange. Cut a small slice of orange from your pig and carefully remove the stone, as your guinea pigs should never eat orange stones. You can leave the shell intact if you wash it thoroughly first.

Avoid canned oranges, especially those that are in sugary syrup. These are quite high in sugar, which is bad for guinea pigs (although they’d probably love the sweet taste). Also, avoid serving orange pits, orange juice, or orange marmalade. Also avoid highly acidic citrus fruits like lemons.

Once your guinea pigs have finished their small portion, remove any uneaten fruit from your guinea pig’s cage.

Finally, guinea pigs need access to fresh water throughout the day, so make sure you provide this. Do not add extra vitamin C to the water to prevent bacterial bloom. And remember, many vegetables and leafy greens are high in vitamin C and would provide a healthy, tasty way to increase your guinea pig’s absorption of this essential nutrient.

What can guinea pigs not eat?

Guinea pigs need a high-fiber, low-fat, and low-sugar diet. That means a lot of high-quality forage hay. In fact, your guinea pigs’ diet should consist of at least 80% hay, 10% high-quality guinea pig nuggets, and 10% vegetables and leafy greens. The occasional treat is fine, too.

But there are definitely foods that guinea pigs should avoid. These include:

potatoes

garlic

chives

avocado

Grapes

raisins

Onion

rhubarb

coconut

“Human Food”

Commercial feed for other animals

grass clippings

meat

Dairy products

dried fruit

nuts and seeds

Additionally, many common species of flowers and plants are poisonous to guinea pigs, so be careful what you feed them… and what they seek out themselves when left unattended.

Final Thoughts

Yes, guinea pigs can eat oranges. In fact, some citrus fruits, including satsumas, tangerines, and clementines, can have definite health benefits for your guinea pigs.

But not all citrus fruits are good for guinea pigs. Those with a lot of ascorbic acid, like lemons, can be harmful. And although guinea pigs can eat small amounts of orange peel, never give them jam, seeds, or orange juice.

And remember that too much of a good thing can be bad for anyone.

Do your guinea pigs like oranges? What else do you like to eat?

When it comes to tropical fruits, mango seems to be the clear favorite among people and pets. But can guinea pigs enjoy this sweet treat?

Guinea pigs can eat mango along with a number of other sweet fruits. However, you should only feed fresh mango, not canned or otherwise processed, and it should only be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. It should never be fed as part of their main or staple diet as there are a number of potential health problems associated with your guinea pig eating too much of this type of food.

Mango is rich in vitamins and minerals, low in fat and is a sweet and savory treat. Regardless of whether your guinea pig likes the treat, it is first important to know if it is good for him, whether he can eat the whole fruit or just parts of it, and how much and how often you can give him this fruity snack. In this article we answer these questions and more.

Benefits of Mango

Your guinea pig’s diet should consist of about 80% hay and 15% vegetables. The remaining 5% can be treats. This helps ensure your pet is getting all of the essential nutrients they need in their diet, while a minimal number of treats means they are not overeating on anything that is too unhealthy for them. Fruit can be a good choice for a treat because it contains sugar, making it appealing as an occasional snack, but it’s not high in fat. Some fruits are also lower in sugar, at least compared to other snacks and treats we feed our guinea pigs.

One of the fruits that you could give your guinea pig is mango. Mango is a refreshing fruit that is slightly acidic. It also has a decent water content, making it thirst-quenching. Although your guinea pig has evolved to live in hot climates, they will still appreciate the occasional delicious piece of fruit to satiate their fluid cravings.

Not only is mango considered a safe treat, but it actually has a number of health and other benefits for your guinea pig, including:

Rich in Vitamin C – Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins and is commonly found in fruits, especially those with a sour taste like mango. Guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C (they’re just like humans in that regard), which means they have to get it from their diet. If your guinea pig is deficient in this vitamin, it could develop complications such as scurvy. Since he is unlikely to get enough of this vitamin from hay, owners are advised to feed vegetables rich in this nutrient. But fruits like mango have a higher concentration. Vitamin C also has the benefit of enhancing the function and efficiency of the immune system, so it can help ward off illness and disease.

– Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins and is commonly found in fruits, especially those with a sour taste like mango. Guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C (they’re just like humans in that regard), which means they have to get it from their diet. If your guinea pig is deficient in this vitamin, it could develop complications such as scurvy. Since he is unlikely to get enough of this vitamin from hay, owners are advised to feed vegetables rich in this nutrient. But fruits like mango have a higher concentration. Vitamin C also has the benefit of enhancing the function and efficiency of the immune system, so it can help ward off illness and disease. Low Calcium – Guinea pigs need calcium when they are young to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. However, when they reach maturity and old age, they do not require the same amounts of this mineral. In fact, too much calcium can lead to crystals in your urinary tract, which in turn can lead to kidney and bladder stones. It’s recommended that guinea pigs get more vitamin C than calcium in their diet, and while mango does contain some calcium — which is still important for adult guinea pigs, but to a much lesser extent — it’s not as high as some alternative fruits.

– Guinea pigs need calcium when they are young to help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. However, when they reach maturity and old age, they do not require the same amounts of this mineral. In fact, too much calcium can lead to crystals in your urinary tract, which in turn can lead to kidney and bladder stones. It’s recommended that guinea pigs get more vitamin C than calcium in their diet, and while mango does contain some calcium — which is still important for adult guinea pigs, but to a much lesser extent — it’s not as high as some alternative fruits. Low in Calories Compared to Other Treats – Mango is a sweet fruit and contains natural sugars. These hidden calories can be harmful to all animals but are particularly dangerous for animals like guinea pigs. While humans are able to break down the sugars in fruit, our guinea pigs are not. Not only does this mean that you gain weight very quickly with a lot of sugar, but also that consuming too much sugar can have other undesirable effects. The sugar essentially passes through the guinea pig unsplit, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. In other words, too much sugar can cause diarrhea, which not only makes cleaning the cage more difficult, but also uncomfortable and potentially fatal for your guinea pig. For this reason, it is recommended that fruits like mango make up no more than 5% of their diet.

dangers of mango

So there are a number of benefits to feeding your guinea pig mango. It can help ward off illness, prevent serious illness, and when fed in moderation, it’s actually quite low in sugar compared to other treats. Unfortunately, however, this is not the end of the Mango story. There are a few potential dangers associated with feeding your Guinea mango that are typically associated with overfeeding, including the following:

High Sugar Content – ​​Although mangoes are low in sugar compared to other sweet treats, they still have a high concentration of sugar compared to hay and most vegetables. If you’re not careful about the amount you’re feeding them, it means you can cause short-term diarrhea. Too much of the sweet fruit can also cause your guinea pig to gain excess weight. Guinea pigs, like humans, can suffer from diseases like diabetes, while excess weight puts a strain on joints, the heart and other important organs. For this reason, we warn against feeding mango in moderation.

Can you eat the whole mango fruit?

Mango skin should not be fed to your guinea pig. It offers no benefits and chances are it’s covered in chemicals and pesticides unless you’re absolutely sure where it was grown. Some suppliers even coat the mango in wax to enhance its appearance and make it easier to transport. None of these unwanted ingredients are good for your guinea pig, so make sure the skin is completely removed before feeding.

Another potential problem with the skin is that it’s too hard to chew properly and can cause a choking hazard, which is a problem that also crops up with the pit. The mango kernel is very hard and completely inedible. Your guinea pig won’t be able to chew it, so there’s no benefit in trying to give it the rock-hard interior.

Fresh mango is the best choice when it comes to choosing a mango source. Dried mangoes usually contain preservatives or other additives and are not as juicy or appealing as fresh. The sugar content is also highly concentrated and it is very easy to overfeed your guinea pig when feeding fruit in this form. Likewise, mango juice contains too much sugar, and store-bought juices contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that are potentially harmful to your guinea pig.

Prepare mango

To prepare the mango, it’s best to completely remove the skin and then cut around the stone. Make sure all skin is removed, then dice the mango. You should only be serving about an inch square of the fruit, and this can be fed one day or two days a week. What remains in the cage at the end of the day should be removed. The fruit can spoil quickly, which can cause an upset stomach. It also attracts flies and other insects and can make a serious mess in the cage.

Can guinea pigs eat mangoes? Final Thoughts

Mango is a very popular fruit with humans and it turns out it can be a great treat for your guinea pig. In fact, it has a number of health benefits, not the least of which is its concentration of vitamin C, which guinea pigs cannot naturally produce on their own.

Make sure your guinea pig gets enough hay in its diet, add vegetables to make up the rest of its weekly feed, and occasionally offer it a small portion of fruit like mango. Make sure you serve fresh fruit, remove all skins, and don’t consider feeding the stone or dried or preserved forms of the fruit, and you and your guinea pig can reap the rewards without potential danger.

Featured image: Pexels, Pixabay

When buying food for a guinea pig, you need to remember that guinea pigs are herbivores. They mainly eat hay, but also love fruits and vegetables. Their teeth are constantly growing, so they need things to chew on. While some human foods are safe for your guinea pig, feeding guinea pigs should require far more care than just giving them scraps of food.

What do guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs are basically herbivores. That means they only eat fruits and vegetables — no dairy, eggs, meat, or bugs for these little buggers. Fresh hay and fresh leafy greens should make up the majority of your guinea pig’s diet.

Every guinea pig owner needs to consider two important things when choosing food:

Vitamin C: Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, which makes them susceptible to scurvy. Guinea pig pellets should contain vitamin C to keep your pet healthy.

Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, which makes them susceptible to scurvy. Guinea pig pellets should contain vitamin C to keep your pet healthy. Constantly Growing Teeth: Guinea pig teeth are constantly growing. It’s important to give your guinea pig something fibrous to chew on. Hay is super important here. Hard pellets alone are not enough!

However, it is also important not to change your guinea pig’s diet too quickly. If necessary, go slow as you transition your guinea pig from its original diet at its old home or from the pet store to a healthier diet.

You could also catch your guinea pig eating its own poop, but don’t worry! Guinea pigs actually produce two different types of feces. One is soft and nutritious, and the guinea pigs will eat it again for more nutrients. Rabbits do the same!

The other type of poop is harder and is produced after food has been digested twice. This is the poop you clean up when you clean your guinea pig’s cage!

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

When should I feed my guinea pig?

Like most herbivores, guinea pigs are essentially grazers. They eat hay and vegetables all day. It is therefore important to always have fresh hay available.

It is best to discard your guinea pig’s food and water each day, clean the bowls and fill them with fresh food and water.

Feeding guinea pigs with store-bought food

Most owners choose to feed their guinea pigs store-bought pellets and hay. Be sure to purchase pellets specifically designed for guinea pigs.

For hay, a mix of timothy, orchard, and oats is best. Some alfalfa hay is acceptable, but it contains too much calcium to be the main component of your pet’s diet. Guinea pig hay must be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid mold or mildew.

Supplement your guinea pig’s hay with a small amount of good quality pellets. Opt for simple pellets rather than a mix as this will prevent your guinea pig from just picking out the tasty bits and ignoring the healthy ones!

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Feeding fresh food to guinea pigs

Fresh fruits and vegetables make great treats and supplements for your guinea pig. Vegetables and fruits are great treats to offer your guinea pig. You can use these as special offers to encourage bonding with your guinea pig or as training treats.

Good fresh foods to feed your guinea pig include:

bananas

blueberries

Cantaloupe melon

Green paprika

Parsely

Green and red leaf lettuce

strawberries

tomatoes

watermelon

Offer your guinea pig more vegetables than fruit. She may love fruits, but they’re like candy for guinea pigs! Always make sure to clean up any uneaten fresh food at the end of the day to avoid mold or rot.

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Toxic foods for guinea pigs

Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for guinea pigs. Be careful not to feed your guinea pig:

avocados

chives

coconuts

garlic

Grapes

onions

raisins

These foods are actually dangerous for many pets. The same foods often appear on lists of toxic foods for dogs, parrots, and cats.

Always avoid feeding your guinea pig sweet or salty human “junk food,” even if none of the ingredients are toxic. Since guinea pigs cannot eat garlic or onions, much of our cooked food is also off-limits. In general, it’s best to feed your guinea pig a diet of hay and high-quality pellets, with the occasional treat of fresh fruit and vegetables.