Can Guinea Pigs Eat Kiwi Or Not?
Kiwi is known for its refreshing and unique taste, which many people relish. But what about your furry friends? Do they also enjoy this pleasantly
revitalizing fruit?
This can be answered with a simple yes! Guinea pigs can enjoy a refreshing kiwi fruit now and then. As long as it is given in moderation, fruits like kiwi are good for them.
There is more to learn about feeding kiwis to guinea pigs such as, how much to feed them and how good it is for their diet. So let’s take a look at what else we need to know before deciding on their diet.
Can guinea pigs have kiwi?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat kiwi. Since they are herbivorous, it is safe for them to consume any plant and plant-based food. However, remember that moderation is key! A guinea pig’s diet can only contain a maximum of 5% fresh vegetables or fruits. Consider feeding them corn as well.
When it comes to feeding kiwis to guinea pigs, try to feed only the inner flesh and not the outer layer, even though it is also edible. Nevertheless, it is an excellent choice to talk to your veterinarian before adding anything new to your guinea pig’s diet.
Is kiwi good for guinea pigs?
Kiwi is packed with multivitamins and other healthy properties that can be very beneficial for your guinea pigs. It can even help with good skin and healthy hair for them. Let’s discuss some of the important ones:
Vitamin c
Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin c, which guinea pigs cannot produce. Kiwi can also help in preventing scurvy in your guinea pigs. Without the source of vitamin c, scurvy can cause swollen joints, appetite loss, and even internal bleeding. Hence, not only is it good, but it is ideal for guinea pigs to consume kiwi to get their required amount of vitamin c.
Weight loss
Since kiwis are low in calories and fat content and high in fiber, you don’t have to worry about your guinea pigs gaining extra weight or becoming obese.
Potassium
Kiwi contains about 312mg/100g of potassium, which means that they are great for preventing bladder and kidney stones.
Antioxidants
As mentioned earlier, kiwis are a great source of vitamins. Vitamin a is one such antioxidant that keeps the immune system strong to fight away diseases. With antioxidants, your guinea pigs can live free from external radicals that can cause illness in later stages of life.
Energy
Kiwi is an excellent source of carbohydrates and proteins that give them all the energy they need. This helps them function optimally.
Vitamin E
The vitamin e in kiwis helps have healthy skin and good eyesight as it is meant to slow down signs of aging. It can also prevent inflammation, lessen cancer risks and give them better vision through carotenoids like beta lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotene, which can all be found in kiwis.
Magnesium
Kiwis contain magnesium which helps in relief from muscle pain and aches. It helps keep your guinea pigs free from sores and in good shape.
Healthy heart
Since kiwis are naturally low in fat and cholesterol, it helps the cardiovascular system stay in good shape.
Vitamin K
In case of an accident or an injury, the presence of vitamin k prevents excess blood loss and helps in blood clotting.
How to feed kiwis to guinea pigs?
Although edible, it is best not to allow your guinea pigs to eat the outer layer of the kiwi. When feeding them kiwis, make sure to peel them and let them eat the flesh inside, as it contains the best vitamins and antioxidants.
There is also a chance that the kiwi’s outer fuzzy layer contains some harmful pesticides used when cultivating the kiwis. Guinea pigs can also consume the kiwi seeds along with the kiwi flesh. You can even feed them the golden kiwi or the kiwi berries, which are variations of the standard kiwi. The most important thing to remember, however, is to give your guinea pigs a balanced diet.
To introduce this fruit to them for the first time, peel the cover, cut it into small pieces, and try to feed it to them. Keep in mind that guinea pigs also have some taste preferences, and there is a chance that your guinea pig may not like it the first time around.
How many kiwis should you feed your guinea pigs?
The answer to a healthy diet is always to have a balance of nutrients with each meal. It would be best if you regulated all servings of kiwi before feeding it to your guinea pigs.
Typically, it is safe for them to consume 2 or 3 thin kiwi slices in one week, or if you cut them into small cubes, they can have 2-3 chunks. Remember that you should only feed this fruit once or twice a week.
Risks to consider before feeding kiwis to your guinea pigs:
Even with all the health benefits of kiwi for guinea pigs, overfeeding them with kiwi can have adverse effects. For instance, the calcium and phosphorus present in kiwis can greatly benefit pregnant or baby guinea pigs. Still, these same nutrients can be harmful to older guinea pigs at high levels.
Trouble urinating
Because kiwis have a high calcium level, it is not suitable for the guinea pigs to consume in high amounts. Feeding them too much kiwi can result in urinary infections or kidney and bladder stones.
Digestive issues
Although fiber in kiwis is a benefit for an excellent digestive system, if you feed your guinea pig too much fiber, it can end up causing the opposite effect. Excessive fibers in their diet can cause a stomachache or even diarrhea.
High sugar content
There is also a lot of sugar in kiwis which the guinea pigs cannot digest well. Especially if you have a diabetic guinea pig, it is best to stay away from fruits with too much sugar as it can increase their blood sugar level.
Final thoughts
Overall, kiwis are not harmful for guinea pig consumption. You can use kiwis as a healthy snack for your guinea pigs. However, it would help if you fed it to them in moderation and in the proper way. Always ensure to give them a properly balanced diet.
