Are you a guinea pig owner who wants to know whether to feed your guinea pigs nectarines?
If that is the case, let’s find out from this article.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Nectarines?
Guinea pigs can eat nectarines. Nectarines are a great source of minerals and vitamins. These bring a lot of health of benefits for your guinea pigs. Nectarines contain a high amount of sugar and calcium. This can lead to digestive issues and urinary stones. Feed guinea pigs nectarines in moderation.
Nutrition Facts For Nectarines
According to USDA, one medium of nectarine has the following nutritional information:
- Calories – 62
- Fat – 0.5g
- sodium – 0mg
- carbohydrate – 15g
- Fiber – 2.4g
- Sugars – 11g
- Protein – 1.5g
- Magnesium – 12.5mg
- Calcium – 9mg
- Vitamin C – 4.1mg
Nectarines are great sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Nectarines
Yes, guinea pigs like nectarines. Nectarines are sweet and have smooth skin. Guinea will feed more on anything they found to have a sweet taste.
We are no different from our pets when it comes to taste buds. So it should not come as surprise to you when your guinea wants more nectarines.
Benefits Of Nectarine For Guinea Pigs
Nectarines carry along with them some benefits if you feed your guinea pigs in moderation.
Here is a list of the benefits:
1. Prevention Of Scurvy
Nectarines contain a good amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can’t make their own Vitamin C.
So they get them through their food. Feeding your guinea pigs nectarine is a natural way for them to get Vitamin C.
The lack of Vitamin C in your guinea pig’s diet leads to a condition called Scurvy.
2. Cardiovascular Health
Nectarines are high in potassium. Potassium has been found to lower blood pressure. High pressure has been linked to heart disease.
So potassium has been found to reduce high blood pressure conditions such as stroke, heart attacks, and coronary heart disease.
3. Promotes A Healthy Weight
Nectarines are sweet. They are low in calories and fat. So they do not add additional weight to your guinea pigs.
Nectarines contain a high amount of fiber. Fiber prevents your guinea from overeating because they get full and have no desire to eat more.
Risks Of Nectarine To Guinea Pigs
Yes, guinea pigs can eat nectarines. However, overfeeding your guinea pigs’ nectarines comes along with some risks. So you must stick to the normal serving portion which is not more than twice a week.
Here are some of the risks associated with overfeeding your guinea pigs:
#1 Digestive problem
Nectarine contains a high amount of sugar. Guinea pigs’ digestive systems can’t handle large amounts of sugar. If your guinea pigs ingest too much sugar, they tend to have loose stool. They may also suffer stomach aches.
#2 Bladder And Kidney stones
Nectarines contain a high amount of calcium. Calcium is good for bone development in growing guinea pigs. Pregnant guinea pigs also need calcium for their unborn baby.
For adult guinea pigs excess calcium in their diet leads to bladder and kidney stones.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Nectarines Every Day?
Guinea pigs can’t eat nectarines every day. Nectarines contain a high amount of sugar, Guinea pigs’ digestive system is so delicate and cannot handle a large amount of sugar.
Nectarines are sweet and your guinea pigs wouldn’t mind eating them every day. But the risks are too expensive.
so to avoid any digestive health issues, your guinea shouldn’t be fed nectarines every day.
The Recommended Serving Size For Your Guinea Pigs
The amount of nectarines you give your guinea pigs is important. Guinea pigs should be given a slice of nectarine as a treat.
However, if your guinea like nectarines, you must feed them not more than once a week.
How To Prepare Nectarines To Feed Your Guinea pigs
Before you feed your guinea pigs nectarine, make sure you adhere to the following:
- Nectarines must be washed thoroughly. This removes dirt, residual pesticides, and any contamination before feeding your guinea pigs. You must always make sure to feed your guinea pigs clean nectarine to avoid any illness.
- Nectarines have pits in them. The pits are known to contain a substance called cyanide. Cyanide is poisonous and you don’t want your guinea pigs near them. So you must make sure you remove the pits from the nectarines.
- Cut your nectarine into smaller size portions. You don’t want to leave them as big chunks after removing the pits. This will make it easier for your guinea pigs to eat them. Always remember not to give too many nectarines to your guinea pigs due to the high amount of sugar content. You can store any excess nectarines by freezing them. A little caution here. Don’t feed your guinea pigs frozen nectarines.
- Always make sure you don’t leave leftover nectarines in your guinea pigs’ food bowl.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Nectarine Skin?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat nectarine skin. However, ensure the nectarine is washed properly before serving it. If your guinea pigs don’t like the skin, you can peel off the skin and serve the main flesh.
Your guinea pigs will still derive the maximum benefits from the nectarines without the skin. Remember to stick to the recommended serving size. That is not
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Canned, Cooked, Or Dried Nectarines?
Guinea pigs shouldn’t eat canned, cooked, or dried nectarines. Canned, cooked, or dried nectarine tends to have a large amount of sugar. They also lose their nutritional value when processed.
You must always feed your guinea pigs fresh sliced nectarines.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat White Nectarines?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat white nectarines. the white nectarines are the sweeter variety. Most guinea pigs will prefer white nectarine due to its sweet taste.
You must ensure you aren’t feeding them too much of this variety. A small portion of slices no more than twice a week is okay.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Yellow Nectarines?
Guinea pigs can eat yellow nectarines. Yellow nectarines are slightly acidic but still delicious. So you mustn’t overfeed your guinea pigs’ yellow nectarines. They still contain sugar and calcium.
You must feed your guinea pigs yellow nectarines in moderation.
Final Thoughts
Can guinea pigs eat nectarines? Guinea pigs can eat nectarines but in moderation. Nectarines are full of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to guinea pigs.
Nectarines help prevents scurvy, promote healthy weight, and protect the cardiovascular health of your guinea pigs.
Nectarines have a high amount of sugar and calcium. This can lead to digestive and urinary stone issues in your guinea pigs.