Your guinea pig certainly enjoys being given occasional, tasty treats. These snacks will keep him occupied and prevent him from getting bored. And of course, every guinea pig owner loves spoiling his/her pet.
In this regard, green beans are quite a popular dish and perhaps you have asked yourself – can guinea pigs eat green beans for a fact? If they can, how much can they eat?
Let’s get into this subject and find out more about green beans.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Green Beans?
While it is fine to offer your furry pet occasional green beans treats, you should know that this food shouldn’t be a regular daily addition to your pet’s diet. Your guinea pig most likely will relish this crunchy treat from time to time. It will bring variety to his everyday hay and pellets. However, keep green beans as occasional treats only, you don’t want to mess up your pet’s digestive system.
Green Beans Health Benefits
Let’s get acquainted with the main health benefits associated with green beans consumption. Green beans are rich in vitamin K, C, B2, B1, A and essential minerals including manganese, copper, and magnesium. Green beans are also filled with healthy fiber.
Green Beans Offer Antioxidant Support
Green beans encompass important levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are important nd powerful antioxidant compounds. Green beans are also an excellent source of manganese, that is equally beneficial for the same purpose. Additionally, when it comes to phytonutrients and flavonoids, green beans exceed their amazing antioxidant value.
Green beans consumption contributes to improving the overall health while strengthening the immunity and aiding the body in fighting against the harmful effects associated with free radicals.
Green Beans and Cardiovascular Support
Green beans intake is utterly effective in supporting the cardiovascular health as well, as it significantly enhances the blood fat levels while at the same time protecting them from possible oxidative damage.
Regardless of the fact that green beans contain low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, that still contributes to maintaining and supporting cardiovascular health.
Side Effects of Feeding Your Guinea Pig Green Beans
The digestive system of your guinea pig is pretty sensitive and might get easily upset when introducing new foods. Your pet might have indigestion and a weird behavior if the new treat doesn’t suit his taste.
This is why it is best to offer your cavy only tiny pieces of new foods, green beans included. Increase the portions only if you notice your pet’s reaction is a positive one.
However, increasing the portions doesn’t equal large amounts and giving them too frequently.. It means you should offer your furry pet a tiny portion about once a week if he doesn’t show signs of diarrhea or any other digestive discomforts.
Excessive amounts of green beans will affect your cavy’s health.
Storing and Preparing Green Beans for Your Guinea Pig
You can choose to purchase either frozen or fresh green beans. Look for beans that present a vibrant green color and make sure they don’t have any spots or bruises. If you don’t wish to consume them immediately, it is best to keep them unwashed in a plastic bag inside the refrigerator. If you store them unwashed, you can consume them even after seven days.
When it comes to frozen green beans, that is also a viable option – you can either purchase already frozen green beans or freeze them yourself. Their beneficial properties are perfectly preserved if they are frozen for 3 to 6 months. If you don’t have the possibility to purchase green beans all around the year, you can consider freezing them.
Frozen green beans will provide you and your pet with the same amount of nutritional value and amazing health benefits as fresh green beans. However, thaw the beans before offering it to your piggy. If the food is too cold, it can cause diarrhea.
If you wish to spoil your furry pet with some green beans, simply wash them thoroughly before giving them to your cavy.
Your furry pet can also eat the leaves, if he likes them. Green bean leaves don’t present any harmful effects if given occasionally.
It is important to remember that guinea pigs shouldn’t be fed cooked beans, as cooked foods are not recommended for them to have.
Our advice is to keep the portions rather low and always fresh.
Green beans are high in oxalic acid so 1-2 green beans is enough for one piggy.
Conclusion on feeding your guinea pig green beans
Next time you’re cooking green beans, you might try feeding some to your furry pet and see if the new food appeals his taste or not. Also, pay attention to possible side effects.
If you noticed a disturbing upset stomach which persists, contact your vet for professional advice.
Your guinea pig is counting on you!
Related articles:
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries
References:
http://www.onlineguineapigcare.com/can-guinea-pigs-eat-green-beans/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=134
http://www.guineapigmanual.com/guinea-pig-eating/
http://cavysavvy.blogspot.com/2012/10/can-guinea-pigs-eat-green-beans.html
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