We want to keep our pets healthy and happy. But the food choice you make can have an impact on their health. Is Avocado among the food you can give to your guinea pigs to eat?
Let’s find out from this article.
Here’s If Guinea Pigs Can Eat Avocado
Guinea pigs cant eat avocado. Avocado is dangerous to guinea pigs due to the toxin compound persin. Persin is found in the skin, seed, and flesh of an avocado. Persin causes respiratory issues, kidney failure, liver failure, fluids in the lung, and other health issues.
Nutrition Facts About Avocado
Avocado is enriched with minerals and vitamins. But unfortunately due to its high-fat content and the presence of a compound known as persin, your guinea pigs can’t eat avocado.
Here is the list of nutrients that can be found in one cup of cubes(150g) of avocado:
Source: United States Department of Agriculture(USDA)
- Calories – 240kcal
- Protein – 3g
- Fat- 22g
- Carbohydrate- 12.8g
- sugar- 0.99g
- Calcium – 18mg
- Magnesium- 43.5mg
- Phosphorus – 78mg
- Potassium – 728mg
- Vitamin C – 15mg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.386mg
- Vitamin E -3.1mg
Risks Feeding Guinea Pigs Avocado
Avocado is suitable for human consumption. But when it comes to guinea pigs the risks are so high.
The compound persin found in avocado is toxic to your guinea pigs. They are found in the skin, flesh, pit, and leaves.
Here are some of the risks of the toxin compound persin:
- respiratory problems
- fluid around the lung and heart
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Avocado Skin?
Guinea pigs cant eat the skin of an avocado. The skin also harbors the compound persin. It is harmful to your guinea pigs to feed on avocado skin.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Avocado Leaves?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t have avocado leaves. Avocado leaves are toxic to your guinea pigs due to the persin present in them. A report by PubMed.gov indicated that 14 rabbits died 30 hours after eating avocado leaves.
As a guinea pig owner, you don’t want your guinea pigs to end up like these rabbits.
So never feed your guinea pigs avocado leaves.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Avocado Seeds/Avocado Pit?
Guinea pigs can’t eat avocado seeds or pits. The seed from avocado also contains the toxin compound persin.
Seeds are choking risks to your guinea pigs. so seed from any fruit must be avoided.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Frozen Avocado?
Guinea pigs should never be fed frozen avocado. Frozen foods in general are not safe for your guinea pigs. Their digestive system can handle cold food.
In addition, the compound persin in frozen makes it more dangerous for your guinea pigs.
So always stick to fresh fruits.
Can Guinea Pigs Have Avocado Oil?
Guinea pigs can’t have avocado oil. Avocado oil has a large amount of fat content. This can lead to digestive health issues.
So never allow your guinea pigs to have avocado oil.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Avocado?
Baby Guinea shouldn’t eat avocado. As you are aware avocados contain the compound persin. This toxin is harmful to guinea pigs.
For baby guinea pigs the risk is even higher. Feed your baby guinea on their basic diet of hay, leafy green vegetables, and water.
Can Pregnant Guinea Pigs Eat Avocado?
Pregnant guinea pigs can’t eat avocados. Avocados are also toxic to the mother and unborn baby.
So don’t feed your guinea pigs avocado.
Alternative Fruits Guinea Pigs Can Eat
Since guinea pigs can’t eat avocado, we have to look for other fruits which your guinea pigs can eat in moderation.
Here is the list of fruits your guinea pigs can eat in place of avocados.
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Melon(All type)
- Apples(core and seeds removed)
- watermelon(with Rind)
- Blackberries
- Cantaloupe
- Blueberries
- Pear
- Plum
- oranges(with peel)
- Peach
- Grapes (red or green seedless)
Final thoughts
Can guinea pigs eat avocados? Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat avocados. They contain a toxic compound known as persin.
Avocados contain minerals and vitamins which are beneficial to us humans but unfortunately, our small cavies can’t eat avocados.
Feeding your guinea pigs can result in the following condition:
- Respiratory issues
- Fluid in the lungs
- Kidney failure
You should always speak to a qualified Vet before you feed your guinea pigs any new food.