Yes, Guinea pigs can eat apples. Apples are a healthy and nutritious snack for guinea pigs and they really enjoy eating them.
Be cautious when giving apples to guinea pigs because if they are consumed in large serving sizes, they can cause stomach problems as they have high sugar content.
Do Guinea Pigs Like Apples?
Guinea pigs definitely like apples and they enjoy eating them. But, no matter how much guinea pigs love apples, you need to be careful when you feed a guinea pig apples because of the sugar content.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Apples?
Baby guinea pigs shouldn’t eat apples because, in that period of their life, they need to be fed with the mother’s milk, hay, and pellets.
It is especially recommended to give baby guinea pigs alfalfa hay because it’s good for growth.
Benefits of Apples to Guinea Pig
Apple contains a healthy amount of fiber in it, which is an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet. Also, Guinea pigs are prone to diseases like scurvy. Providing them with a supplement of vitamin C in their food is essential.
Apples are a great source of vitamin C, so giving them apples every once in a while will help in keeping up with their need for the same.
Apples also are filled with antioxidants which are an added bonus for guinea pigs. The antioxidants do help them in keeping their immune system healthy as well as proper growth in their bodies.
Apples are a rich source of B-complex vitamins which include thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6.
How much apple can a guinea pig have?
A Guinea pig can have a slice of an apple once a week. However, the serving size may vary depending upon age, lifestyle, and other factors.
For example: Young guinea pigs can have a bigger slice whereas old guinea pigs don’t digest sugar that well, so a small slice would be ideal.
Risks of Overfeeding Your Guinea Pig Apples
Apples are high in sugar, which can cause all kinds of problems for your guinea pig if fed in large quantities.
Guinea pigs’ digestive systems are not designed to digest sugary foods, so too much can cause diarrhea or stomach pain. If too much sugar is fed over time, it can cause obesity and more serious problems like diabetes.
Apples from stores usually contain pesticide traces. They are also waxed to give off a shiny gleam in supermarkets. If you can avoid these chemicals by purchasing organic or straight from an orchard or farmer’s market, that’s a bonus.
If not, be sure to wash the apples thoroughly. Rinsing for several seconds under warm-hot water can help remove some of the waxy substance.
Like with other foods, there is always a chance that your guinea pig is allergic or has a bad reaction to strawberries. This is rare, but it’s always important to introduce new foods gradually and keep an eye on your guinea pig in case they have an adverse reaction.
Can guinea pigs eat apple skin?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat apple peel. Some guinea pigs just love to nibble on the skins more than the fruit itself.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Green Apple?
Yes, guinea pigs can surely eat a green apple. Green apples often are less sweet than their counterparts.
But they are somewhat tart and acidic. So, just keep a close eye on your guinea pig while feeding them green apples.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apple Seeds and Cores?
Guinea pigs can eat the apple core but remove all the seeds first. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which turns into a toxic compound called cyanide when chewed and digested.
If your guinea pig eats the odd seed, it’s unlikely to cause too much harm, but it can be dangerous if your guinea pig eats multiple.
