Apples are a popular fruit and many people enjoy eating them. But can guinea pigs eat apples? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before feeding your guinea pig an apple.
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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?
As it turns out, apples are indeed safe for guinea pigs to consume, as long as they are fed in moderation! Apples contain healthy vitamins and nutrients that can help to keep your guinea pig’s body functioning properly. However, they do contain significant amounts of sugar and should only be fed occasionally as a treat.
So if you’re looking for a fun way to spoil your furbaby with something tasty and nutritious, feel free to feed them an apple now and then. Just make sure to always follow the recommended portions!
Are Apples Good for Guinea Pigs?
Apples are a good source of fiber and a moderate amount of Vitamin C, which is essential for guinea pigs since they cannot produce their own. Below are the some of nutritional values that fresh apples contain
Nutritional Health Benefits of Apples
- Water: Apples are made up of 85% water, you may be thinking “water as a nutrient?” But it is actually the most important one animals need!
- Vitamin C: Apples contain 4.6 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, which is important for guinea pigs. Vitamin C is an essential Vitamin for guinea pigs as they don’t synthesize their own Vitamin C – unlike other rodents such as rats and mice who can synthesize vitamin C. Deficiencies lead to scurvy which causes weak and brittle bones and teeth and sudden bleeding.
- Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, potassium helps to keep muscles functioning properly.
- Fiber: The dietary fiber is found mainly in the skin and is pretty decent in apples at 2.4%. It is important for gut health and digestion. Additionally, fiber can also help to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Sugar: As we mentioned before, apples contain a high amount of sugar. This is the biggest reason you need to feed them in moderation. Keep in mind, the sugar found in apples is natural and not refined, making it a healthier sugar (although it should still not be consumed in large quantities).
Are Apples Bad for Guinea Pigs?
The main concern as mentioned is the high sugar content. This is the biggest reason you need to feed this tasty treat in moderation.
How to Feed Apples to Your Guinea Pig?
- First of all, it is important to wash the apple thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticide residues that may be present.
- Remove the seeds and core and cut them into quarters or dice so that it is easy for your guinea pig to eat.
- Only feed raw apples.
- As with all other foods, remember that the best way to introduce something new to your guinea pig’s diet is by starting with small pieces and increasing them only slowly once you are sure that your guinea pig can handle the new food item.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples Every Day?
No, apples should only be fed in small amounts once or twice a week as a yummy treat.
What Happens If My Guinea Pig Eats Too Much Apple?
If a guinea pig ate too much apple (such as half an apple or more. They might end up with a stomachache or diarrhea. In a severe case, they might also develop an intestinal blockage, which could be life-threatening. So if you’re going to give your guinea pig an apple as a treat, make sure to give them only a small piece.
Can I Feed My Guinea Pig the Whole Apple?
No, unless you supervise them and take the apple away once they have had a good nibble. too much apple(which means too much sugar) can lead to tummy troubles.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple Skin?
When it comes to apple skins, (aka apple peels) there’s just something about them that guinea pigs just can’t seem to resist. Many guinea pig owners report that their pets go absolutely crazy for apple peel, feasting on it with all the gusto of a toddler binging on candy. But is apple peel actually good for guinea pigs? The answer to this question is a resounding yes! In fact, some experts believe that the skin of apples contains more nutrients than the flesh itself.
However, it is important to carefully wash apple peels before feeding them to your guinea pig. This is because apples are often sprayed with chemicals and pesticides that could be harmful to your pet’s health. Nevertheless, when prepared properly, apple peels are a delicious and nutritious food source for any guinea pig.
If you can buy organic apples for your apple peel loving pig then go ahead as they are better for them than regular store-bought.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple Seeds?
No, guinea pigs should not eat apple seeds. Apple seeds contain a substance called cyanide, which is toxic to guinea pigs and can be deadly if consumed in large amounts. Also, apple seeds can also cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in small amounts and are a choking hazard. For these reasons, it is best to remove the seeds from the apple before feeding it to your guinea pig.
Don’t panic if your cavy munches down a couple of seeds, but don’t feed them apple seeds regularly.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple Cores?
Much like apple seeds, guinea pigs should not eat apple cores. Apple cores also contain different substances that could create digestive issues in guinea pigs. For example, the apple core contains pectin, which can cause diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it is best to remove the apple core before giving your guinea pig an apple.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?
No they can’t. Their digestive systems are not developed enough for fruits at a young age.
What Age Can Guinea Pigs Start Eating Apples?
6 months or older.
Alternatives to Apples for Guinea Pigs
Fresh fruit should only make up a very small part of your guinea pig’s diet. The majority of their diet (90%) should be made up of quality grass hay such as timothy hay or meadow hay or grass pellets. Only feed 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables per day as part of a balanced diet. Most of this should be dark leafy greens such as romaine lettuce. Below are some healthy fruits you can consider as an occasional treat.
- Berries including blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
- Pineapples
- Pears
- Citrus fruits (rind removed)
- Squash and butternut squash
- Banana and mango (in small amounts)
- Cantaloupe and other melons such as watermelon
Are Certain Types of Apples Better or Worse for Guinea Pigs?
While all types of apples are technically safe for guinea pigs, there are some that are better than others. While all apples contain a very similar amount of sugar, some are more acidic than others. For example, red apples are a good option because they contain a lower amount of acid than other types of apples.
Green Apples
Green apples such as Granny Smith are known for their tartness. This means they are more acidic than their red colleagues. Feeding acidic foods to guinea pigs can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues so avoid feeding green apples to your furry friend.
Red Apples
Red Apple varieties like red delicious, fuji, honey crisp and pink lady are better options than the green apple varieties, While the sugar content is similar, they are less acidic.
Crab Apples
No, crab apples are very acidic. Your guinea pig will not appreciate the tart taste anyway.
Can Guinea Pigs have Apple Cider Vinegar?
Just like crab apples, apple cider vinegar is a no-no as it is highly acidic.
Can I give my guinea pig Apple Juice?
Apple juice is loaded with sugar and more often than not, artificial colors and preservatives – things your guinea pig does not need. If you like to juice your own apples, or have some organic unsweetened juice in the fridge you can give your guinea pig a small amount to sip on.
Can guinea pigs eat applesauce?
Similar to above, if you make your own at home that is unsweetened you can go ahead and give them a teaspoon full. Steer clear of store-bought apple sauce that will have additives and be high in sugar.
Can guinea pigs eat dried apples?
No, dried apples are very concentrated in sugar and calories.
Can guinea pigs eat apple tree leaves?
Yes! Apple leaves are actually more beneficial to your guinea pig than apples. They contain more fiber and nutrients your furry friend needs.
Can guinea pigs eat apple tree branches?
Small apple twigs and apple sticks are great for your guinea big to nibble on and wear down their teeth.
Summary
Apples are a great source of fiber and are a tasty treat your guinea pig will love, but remember to remove the seeds and stem before giving to them! A few slices in small quantities of apple here and there as a treat is perfectly fine. You can go one step further and hunt down some apple sticks or small branches for them to nibble on. Just remember, like all fruits only feed small amounts as part of a balanced diet which should be made up mainly of quality hay and guinea pig food.
Dr. Elly has always loved animals, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After studying hard in veterinary school, she practiced in several different countries before moving to North Carolina with her husband and young family. She currently works part time as a veterinarian while caring for her 4 busy children and writing this blog. Dr. Elly genuinely cares about the welfare of her patients. She currently has three dogs, two cats, 5 chickens and 2 rabbits (yes a bit of a zoo!)
