Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges

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can guinea pigs eat oranges

A happy pet is a healthy pet. The key to having a healthy pet is focusing on offering him a well-balanced diet that provides everything his little body requires. When thinking of new and tasty treats, many guinea pig owners may have asked themselves – can guinea pigs eat oranges? This flavorful fruit is one of the cold season’s most delicious perks and most importantly, it’s filled with vitamin C. But, can you share it with your favorite furry pet? Keep on reading to find out more on the subject.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges?

can guinea pigs eat oranges

Your furry pet can definitely enjoy the great health benefits of oranges. So, next time you buy some oranges, save a few pieces for your guinea pig as well. Your cavy will highly appreciate it as this citrus fruit provides him the much-needed amount of vitamin C. It’s a great way of keeping your fur ball occupied as well. The Small Animal Channel actually recommends this fruit because of its richness in vitamin C. Occasionally, feeding your furry pet small amounts of oranges will strengthen his little body with great amount of vitamin C. Oranges also protect your pet from the regular illnesses guinea pigs suffer from such as arthritis and immobility.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Orange Peels?

You can also feed your furry pet orange peels, as long as you don’t give too many of them. Orange peels contain high levels of vitamin C as well, so feeding small amounts of this ingredient is a positive idea.

Can Guinea Pigs Drink Orange Juice?

No, orange juice is not recommended for guinea pigs. It contains too much sugar which can lead to many problems. It’s best to stay away from this sweet drink.

Main Health Benefits of Oranges

The richness in vitamin C makes oranges great for strengthening your pet’s immunity and protecting from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, oranges present protective properties against arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. These flavorful fruits contain high levels of healthy fiber that contributes to reducing cholesterol levels and regulating the blood sugar. Additionally, they are rich in vitamin A, B1, and important minerals including potassium, calcium, and copper.

Downsides to Feeding Your Guinea Pig Oranges

One of the downsides associated with feeding guinea pigs oranges is their high sugar content. While fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent additions to your furry pet’s diet since they are filled with vitamins and minerals. However, a wide range of them are high in sugar so they need to be fed sparingly. Even though oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and essential minerals, large amounts can present detrimental effects.

Consequently, we advise you to keep the orange portions rather low and feed them to your favorite pet only occasionally as a treat to keep your pet’s sugar intake under control. Another downside to oranges is their acidic nature that can cause your pet to suffer from an upset stomach or indigestion. Small slices of oranges, once or twice a week should be fine.

Introducing Oranges into Your Guinea Pig’s Diet

When introducing a new ingredient into your pet’s diet, it’s important to make that gradually with tiny portions, while carefully supervising your pet’s reaction to the new food. Pay attention to any possible changes in your cavy’s behavior and droppings. If you make abrupt changes, then your pet might be overwhelmed and suffer from indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

A happy pet is a healthy pet, so if you wish to preserve your pet’s health, make slow and gradual dietary changes. If you notice any severe reactions, we advise you to notify your vet for professional care.

Preparing Oranges for Your Guinea Pig

Before feeding oranges to your pet, it’s important to wash the fruit thoroughly with plenty of water. This applies to any fruit you are planning on feeding to your piggy. You should also take out the seeds, as they can be a choking hazard and can affect your pet. After carefully extracting the seeds, cut the fruit into tiny pieces to make it easier for your pet to chew on it.  Additionally, you don’t want to exceed the approved limit of citrus fruits since it can lead to upset stomach.

You can store oranges in the refrigerator or at room temperature. It’s up to your preference. They usually last the same amount of time, couple weeks with either method, and will retain nearly the same level of their vitamin content. When storing oranges, don’t wrap them. If you place them in a plastic bag and they can get exposed to moisture, mold can develop and ruin your fruits.

Conclusion on Feeding Oranges to Your Guinea Pig

Coming back to the original question, yes you can feed oranges to your cavy friend. The bottom line is that oranges are excellent natural treats for your furry pet. However, as every ingredient should be given in moderation, the same principle applies to oranges as well. Feeding your tiny pet large portions of oranges will only cause stomach issues, indigestion, and diarrhea. Our advice is to spoil your guinea pig with occasional orange snacks that will genuinely contribute to improving his health. And most importantly, your furry pet will be utterly grateful to you for the delicious treat, that’s for sure! And let’s admit it, who doesn’t love spoiling their pets?

References:

http://www.onlineguineapigcare.com/can-guinea-pigs-eat-oranges/
https://smallpetselect.com/nutrition-questions/guinea-pigs-nutrition-questions/can-guinea-pigs-eat-orange-peels
http://animals.mom.me/can-feed-oranges-guinea-pigs-vitamin-c-1759.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=37
http://cavysavvy.blogspot.com/2011/10/can-guinea-pigs-eat-oranges.html

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