Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges? Benefits, Risks & How to Feed

Orange, the tangy citrus fruit, is known to have an abundance of Vitamin C which helps protect cells in the body from getting damaged, strengthening the immune system of an individual, preparing collagen in the body, and so on. 

Apart from Vitamin C, so many other dietary fibers, Vitamins, and minerals are known as very healthy for individuals. But the question in pet owners’ minds is, can guinea pigs eat oranges? Are oranges healthy for guinea pigs to consume? Are there any side effects too? And a lot more. 

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges?

Yes! Guinea pigs can consume oranges, and they love their tangy, citrus taste. 

Oranges consist of : 

• Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
• Potassium, Carbohydrate 
• Dietary fibers 
• Calcium, Magnesium 
• Sugar, Protein 
• Folate, Vitamin B1

Along with the inner pulp of oranges, Guinea pigs can consume even the outer skin of oranges. So many guinea pigs love the taste of the outer skin of oranges more than the inner pulp of this tangy fruit! Apart from oranges, pet owners can serve them other healthy fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, parsley, dandelion greens, and more. 

There are so many benefits that guinea pigs get after the consumption of oranges, but the excess of anything is not beneficial but harmful. And the number of oranges should always be kept limited as it can lead to many health risks like diarrhea and upset stomach. 

How Often Can Guinea Pigs Eat oranges?

The ideal number of times pet owners should feed oranges to their guinea pigs is only once a week, or they can also go twice a week.

Vitamin C is very healthy for Guinea pigs, but only when consumed in limitation and not in abundance. And therefore, it is essential for pet owners always to consider the number of oranges they are serving to their guinea pigs. 

And the number of oranges to serve can be measured by the length of the thumb of pet owners and not more than that! 

4 Benefits of Feeding oranges to Guinea Pigs

1: Vitamin C for Skin and Joints 

There are so many birds and animals that are known to prepare Vitamin C on their own, but unfortunately, guinea pigs are not one of them. And so, they need to consume several food items that consist of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for Guinea pigs to have for the strength of joints, healthy gums, skin, and more. 

If they don’t consume food items that have Vitamin C, they will feel weak and become lazy in their day-to-day lives. In some worst cases, they can also suffer from internal bleeding in their bodies. To avoid all these, pet owners should serve them Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges. 

2: Potassium for Healthy Internal Organs 

There are so many essential nutrients that guinea pigs require, and one of them is Potassium. Guinea pigs need to consume food items that have Potassium because that is necessary for the internal organs like kidneys, heart, and lungs of guinea pigs that function correctly and be healthy. 

3: Fibre for Digestion

Every living being required fibers in their diet for healthy and smooth digestion; the same goes for guinea pigs. And they need to consume food items with fiber in them, and oranges have many fibers. To have a healthy and maintained bacterial flora in the guts of guinea pigs, oranges should be included in their diet. 

4: Calcium for Strong Bones and Teeth 

Being a pet owner of guinea pigs, you must know that the teeth of guinea pigs are continuously in growth mode. And therefore, they need to consume a diet with Calcium in it which will help them in the healthy growth of their teeth. Several studies have shown that consuming Calcium can help prevent high blood pressure in guinea pigs. 

2 Risk of Feeding Oranges to Guinea Pigs

1: High Sugar Content Causes Obesity 

Oranges are known to have a lot of water content apart from so many healthy nutrients, and if consumed in abundance, oranges can make guinea pigs obese. It can further lead to several other health-related issues. 

2: Water Content Cause Diarrhoea 

It is known to everyone that oranges contain a lot of water content and that it is perfect for consumption by guinea pigs on hot summer days! But when finished in excess, they can lead to health issues like diarrhea. 

How To Feed Oranges To Guinea pigs?

Prepare a Mix Veggie Fruit Bowl 

Preparing a mixture of fruit and veggie bowl is one of the healthiest ways to serve oranges to guinea pigs. In this way, pet owners will serve them the nutrition of oranges and so many others. Pet owners can mix many nutritious vegetables and fruits in that bowl, such as apples, bananas, apricots, tomatoes, cabbage, and more. 

Removing the Seeds and Serving the Chunks 

One of the most straightforward ways to serve oranges to Guinea pigs is by removing the seeds from them and then serving them the pieces. Removing the seeds is crucial as if guinea pigs consume them, it may cause them choking issues and issues with digestion. 

Conclusion

The answer to the query of can guinea pigs eat oranges or not is yes! Oranges are considered a healthy source of so many essential nutrients crucial for guinea pigs, and they love the taste of this tangy fruit. One of the abundant essential nutrients in oranges is Vitamin C, which is required in their bodies for healthy skin and joints. And if they aren’t getting a proper amount of Vitamin C, they face internal bleeding, which is very harmful.

Oranges also consist of Calcium which is crucial in the body for strong and healthy bones and teeth. However, even if it consists of many essential elements, pet owners are advised not to serve it to their guinea pigs regularly. Or it can lead to several health problems, such as diarrhea, obesity, and heart problems. 

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