Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?*

*GUEST POST

Apples are one of the most popular fruits. But are they safe for our guinea pigs? If so, how much can they eat, and what are the nutritional benefits and risks? What about apple skin and seeds?

In this article, we’ll address all of these questions and more so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to feed apples to your guinea pig.

As parents of Guinea pigs, knowing what foods are safe for them and how much is important. So, let’s dive in!

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?

Yes, apples are safe for guinea pigs to eat in moderation.

Before we sink our teeth into the question of whether guinea pigs can munch on apples, let’s take a look at the nutritional values first.

Are apples healthy for guinea pigs?

Apples are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are great for your guinea pig’s health. They contain vitamin C, which we all know is one of the most important vitamins for guinea pigs because they are unable to produce their own. Vitamin C also boosts their immune system and keeps them in tip-top shape.

But wait, there’s more! Apples also have a good amount of dietary fibre, which supports your guinea pig’s digestive system.

Apples, like most other fruits, are also low in calcium. So, for the guinea pigs who are on a low-calcium diet or have had bladder stones,

However, this fruit isn’t the perfect food for your potato-shaped furballs.  Apples have a high sugar content, and too much sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes. So, it’s okay to feed your Guinea pigs apples once in a while; just don’t go overboard.

Nutritional breakdown

Here is a list of nutritional facts about one-quarter of a medium-sized (2-3/4″ dia) apple, which is calculated at 45.5 grams:

• Calories: 18
• Carbohydrates: 4.7g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
• Sugars: 3.6g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Vitamin A:1mcg
• Vitamin C:1.mcg
• Potassium: 37mg
• Calcium: 3mg
• Phosphorus: 5mg

Here is another great source for finding the nutritional facts about other foods.

Varieties of Apples for Guinea Pigs

Now, are all apple varieties created equal when it comes to guinea pig snacks? Well, not exactly. Some apple varieties are packed with more nutrition than others.

For example, red apples tend to be sweeter and juicier, making them a favourite among guinea pigs. However, green apples have a slightly more tart taste that some piggies might prefer. At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference (yes, even guinea pigs have their apple preferences!).

How often can guinea pigs eat apples?

It’s best to eat apples in moderation as a treat. The rule of thumb is about a ½-inch cube once or twice a week. Remember to introduce any new food to your guinea pig gradually. Too many apples can also lead to diarrhea, so make sure to monitor how your piggy reacts to eating apples.

Can guinea pigs eat apple skin?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat apple skin, but only in moderation. Apple skin has almost the same nutrients as the apple flesh, if not more. The skin of apples can sometimes contain higher levels of certain antioxidants and fibre compared to the flesh.

That being said, apple skin can have lots of pesticides or residues, which will make your guinea pig sick if they consume it. Therefore, it’s very important to wash the apples thoroughly before serving them to your piggy.

Can guinea pigs eat apple seeds?

No, apple seeds are harmful for guinea pigs because they contain a small amount of cyanide compounds. Even though this is natural in some plants, apple seeds included, they are toxic for humans and animals alike.

Cyanide can affect how your guinea pig’s body uses oxygen. Some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning include but are not limited to difficulty breathing, weakness, lethargy, and even death.

Now, before you freak out too much, your guinea pig won’t have cyanide poisoning from accidentally eating 1 or 2 seeds. However, it’s best to remove the seeds when feeding apples to your piggy.

Adding to that, guinea pigs generally don’t enjoy the hard texture and bitter taste of apple seeds, especially when there’s a juicy, sweet apple to enjoy instead.

How to Serve Apples to Guinea Pigs

There are multiple ways you can serve apples to your guinea pigs. The most common way is chopping it into cubes or slices. Either way, make sure to wash the apple thoroughly if the peel is given to your potato-shaped furball, too.

Apples for guinea pigs can also be found in many places, such as treats, apple chews, apple tree sticks, and even critical care.

At the end of the day, it’s so fun watching your little furry friend munch on a sweet treat.

Final Thoughts

So, there you go, guinea pig lovers. Apple flesh and skin are safe for your furry friends, but just remember to feed them as a treat in moderation. You should do your very best to avoid feeding your piggy apple seeds though, because they are toxic.

Lastly, if I still haven’t drilled this into your mind, wash the vegetables and fruits thoroughly. I can’t stress this enough; it’s so simple but important.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to cuddle your guinea pigs 🙂

Feature Image Credit: pixelshot | Canva

---