Mango is a delicious fruit that is enjoyed by people all over the world. But can Guinea Pigs eat Mango? Can our furry friends enjoy this tropical fruit too? Dr Elly answers.
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Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mango?
The answer is yes! Guinea pigs can eat mango, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, mangoes contain a lot of sugar, so they should only be given as an occasional treat. Secondly, the skin and pit of a mango can be harmful to guinea pigs, so make sure to remove them before feeding. Lastly, always offer mango in moderation, as eating too much can lead to digestive problems.
With these guidelines in mind, your guinea pig can enjoy the occasional piece of mango and benefit from the vitamins and antioxidants found in this tasty treat.
Are Mangoes Good for Guinea Pigs: Health benefits of Mango
In short, yes in moderation! Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for guinea pig health. Vitamin A helps to keep your guinea’s eyes and skin healthy, while vitamin C is important for wound healing, boosting the immune system, and to prevent scurvy.
Mangoes also contain other essential nutrients like dietary fiber, which can help to keep the digestive system running smoothly. In addition, the sweetness of mangoes makes them a lovely treat for guinea pigs. Just be sure to feed them in moderation, as too much sugar (even natural sugar) can lead to weight gain. So go ahead and give your pet guinea pig a little slice of mango – they’re sure to love it!
Dangers and risks of feeding Mango
As long as you are not feeding the mango skin which can cause an allergic reaction in guinea pigs (see below) mango is safe to feed to your adult guinea pig in moderation.
Mangoes are high in sugar and can cause weight gain or other health problems if fed in large amounts. As a result, it’s best to feed mangoes to guinea pigs only in small amounts as part of a balanced diet.
Overfeeding mangos can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal upsets including bloat so just make sure to follow my simple rules below for feeding mango to guinea pigs.
How to Feed Mango to your Guinea Pig
- Peel the mango and remove the pip by cutting around it.
- Cut it into slices or dice so that it is easy for your guinea pig to eat.
- Only feed raw mango.
- 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.
How Much Mango To Serve To Your Guinea Pig?
Since mango is a high sugar and calorie treat only feed one 1/2 inch slice or two 1/2 inch cubes.
Can I feed the whole mango?
Never offer a whole mango. It could make your little furry friend VERY sick.
Can Guinea Pigs eat mango every day?
No, mango should only be fed once, maybe twice per week as an occasional sweet treat.
What happens if my Guinea Pig eats too much mango
Eating too much mango can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas not good! Additionally, the high sugar content in mango can cause weight gain and tooth decay. So while a little bit of mango is a nice treat for your guinea pig, be sure to give it in moderation. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with a very unhappy (and possibly sick) pet!
Can guinea pigs eat mango skin?
No please don’t feed your guinea pig’s mango skin. Mango skin contains a compound called urushiol, which is also found in poison ivy and can cause an allergic reaction in some animals. Symptoms of urushiol poisoning include itching, redness, and swelling. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and even death. As a result, it’s best to avoid feeding mango skin to your guinea pig.
Mango peel also can contain traces of pesticides and other chemicals that could potentially harm your guinea pig. In fact, some mango suppliers have even been known to coat the mango’s skin in wax to improve the appearance of this popular fruit which is a health hazard for your little guy.
Can I feed my Guinea pig dried mango?
Don’t feed your guinea pig dried mango or other dried fruits. Dried mango has concentrated amounts of sugar and calories – two things your guinea pig does NOT need! As the old saying goes “fresh is best”
Dried fruits often have chemicals in them to keep them fresh for a long time. These chemicals can be harmful to your guineas’ health, so it is best to avoid them.
Can Guinea Pigs eat Frozen Mango?
Yes, they can as long as the frozen mango is defrosted and all-natural it should not be a problem. Do not feed the mango frozen as cold foods can cause health issues. Be prewarned that they may not like the squishy texture after it is defrosted.
Alternative Foods 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 vegetables per day as part of a balanced diet. Make sure to load up the food bowl with dark leafy greens as the preferred treat. Below are some healthy safe fruits you can consider as an occasional treat.
- Berries including blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
- Pineapples
- Apples
- Pears
- Citrus fruits (rind removed)
- Squash and butternut squash
- Banana
- Cantaloupe and other melons such as watermelon
Can I feed my Guinea Pig The Mango pip?
The answer is no, Guinea pigs cannot eat the mango pip. The pit of the mango (or the mango seed as some call it) contains a substance called urushiol, which is toxic to Guinea pigs (see above under skin) and can cause allergic reactions. In addition, the pit is hard and can pose a choking hazard. If you want to share your mango with your guinea pig, make sure to remove the pit first. Your guinea pig will thank you for it!
Can I Feed my Guinea Pig canned mango?
No, don’t feed your guinea pig canned mango. Canned mango is usually preserved in syrup which increases the sugar content in even further.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mango Leaves?
Mango leaves are actually a great food source for guinea pigs. They contain many of the vitamins and minerals that your guinea pig needs to stay healthy, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Another plus is that mango leaves can help keep your guinea pig’s digestive system healthy and prevent problems like diarrhea. If you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your guinea pig’s diet, mango leaves are a great option. Just be sure to wash them well before feeding them to your pet.
Can Guinea Pigs Drink Mango Juice?
No guinea pigs can’t drink mango juice. Mango juice is full of added sugar and preservatives – two things that can be harmful to your precious piggie in high amounts.
Summary:
Mango can be a healthy and delicious treat for your guinea pig and contains some important nutrients.and have a high Vitamin C content- just make sure to avoid large portions as they have a high amount of sugar. Be sure to remove the skin and pit before feeding, as they can be harmful to your guinea pig. And avoid giving canned or dried mango, as they have a high sugar content.
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!)
