Can Guinea Pigs eat oranges ( Too much sugar? )

can guinea pigs eat oranges

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Just about everyone can appreciate the refreshing flavor of ripe orange on a hot summer’s day. And it is no different for your pet guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs can eat oranges safely and love this sweet and succulent fruit as a special treat, so you can feel free to prepare them a serving. However, as with most foods, there can be too much of a good thing and the amount of oranges guinea pigs eat should be limited to no more than two servings per week!

Oranges have some great benefits when included in your guinea pig’s diet

  • Outstanding source of Vitamin C: Guinea pigs need to maintain good levels of vitamin C in their diet as they are vulnerable to the painful condition of scurvy if they become deficient. 
  • Good source of calcium: Oranges not only add calcium to a guinea pig’s diet, but Vitamin C also aids the absorption of calcium. 
  • Potassium and other electrolytes aid the guinea pig’s cardiovascular health.
  • High energy: Oranges provide a welcome alternative to chewing down on hay to get the needed calories. 
  • Low fat: It is great that fresh fruit like oranges is tasty without being high in fats. 

And the guinea pigs love them too! Feeding your pet guinea pigs delicious treats add to their sense of wellbeing and helps to keep them relaxed and healthy. You can feed your pets segments of orange as you tame and bond with them. 

But remember, oranges should be a treat only.

You may find that your guinea pigs will want to eat oranges all day long, but you mustn’t yield to their cravings. For optimum health, a guinea pig’s diet must be carefully balanced, which means that treats like oranges must be kept to a strict minimum.

Feeding your guinea pig too much orange can cause problems.

  • The natural fruit sugar fructose, though delicious, can cause dietary upset to the guinea pigs. Excessive oranges are known to cause flatulence, irritable bowels, and loose stools. 
  • The calcium hit can also lead to the development of urinary tract stones and irritation.

Controlling the serving portions

Remember guinea pigs are small rodents and whole oranges are large by comparison. A single segment of orange chopped up or fed by hand is more than enough for your pet and should be offered no more than twice per week. 

A balanced diet, a top priority for your guinea pigs. 

You want to maintain a combination of hay, a nutritionally balanced pellet feed, and some fresh vegetables to keep your guinea pig at its best. Hay is particularly important and should not be omitted as the guinea pig relies on chewing hay to keep its teeth from becoming overgrown.

Fresh fruit and vegetables like kale, lettuce, and carrots are offered daily, so you can exchange this regular service for orange on treat days. 

Other healty treats your guinea pig can enjoy!

You have a range of other healthful treats that you can provide your guinea pigs as an alternative to orange. Moderation still applies, but why not delight them with some of these refreshing treats:

  • Celery
  • Corn on the cob
  • Grapes 
  • Broccoli
  • Apple
  • Pear

Keep the serving sizes small and feel free to experiment with introducing your cute little friend to new flavors and experiences!

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