Can Guinea Pigs Eat Potatoes? Risks and Treatment

We, being human, can not imagine our daily food items without having potatoes as an ingredient. So many healthy nutrients such as Vitamin C, Calcium, carbohydrates, fats, water content, minerals, and antioxidants are present in potatoes that are considered beneficial for individuals. 

One can consume potatoes in endless ways, such as boiling them, preparing curry, making fries, baking them, and many more. It’s nearly impossible to lose the idea of preparing potatoes! 

Potatoes are considered safe and healthy to eat by humans, but are they equally safe and healthy for pets? Can humans serve potatoes to their pets too? Can guinea pigs eat potatoes? There are so many animals that can not consume potatoes as they can make them fall sick and can lead to so many health issues in pets.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Potatoes?

No! Guinea pigs can not eat potatoes, and consuming them can pose many health risks. And therefore, it is advised to pet owners that they should always put potatoes away from the reach of their guinea pigs and never try to feed them. 

Even when potatoes have so many essential elements, they are not considered healthy for guinea pigs. It’s not necessary that the vegetables or fruits considered safe and fit for pet owners can also be regarded as safe for their pets! 

Potatoes consist of:-

• Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
• Calories 
• Protein, Carbohydrates 
• Fibers 
• Potassium, Minerals 
• Magnesium, Folate, Niacin 
• Phosphorous 
• Antioxidants 

There are so many other healthy options available for pet owners that they can serve to their guinea pigs, such as oranges, beans, kiwi, apples, strawberries, cabbage, parsley, and much more. These are known as nutritious and the safest diet for guinea pigs. Apart from the inner pulp of potatoes, the outer skin and potato sprouts are also very unhealthy for guinea pigs. 

Why are Potatoes Lethal to Guinea Pigs?

Guinea pigs are known to be herbivores in their food habits and can eat a wide range of healthy fruits and vegetables. But feeding them potatoes is a big no, and there are so many reasons why potatoes are known as something lethal for guinea pigs. 

The first reason that makes potatoes lethal for guinea pigs is the harmful alkaloids present in potatoes, and the body structure of guinea pigs is so that they cannot digest the alkaloids. 

When guinea pigs consume any food containing alkaloids, such as potatoes, it acts like a toxin in their body, leading to serious health problems such as vomiting, nausea, and many more. In some cases, it can also lead to the death of guinea pigs! 

The following reason potatoes should always be kept away from guinea pigs is the presence of excess starch and carbohydrates. If guinea pigs consume potatoes, it can lead them to become obese and act drastically on their blood pressure, and it can also hamper their heart health in guinea pigs. 

3 Risks of Feeding Potatoes to Guinea Pigs

1: Excess Carbs Cause Obesity

Potatoes contain many carbohydrates and calories, one leading cause of obesity. And also, obesity can lead to many other health issues, such as heart disease in guinea pigs. Apart from carbs, potatoes have a sugar content that can make guinea pigs obese and unhealthy. 

2: Calcium Cause Complications in Urinary Tract 

Doubtless, calcium is one of the essential elements that guinea pigs require for their healthy bones and teeth. But potatoes have a lot of calcium present in them, and consumption of it can lead to complications in the urinary tract in guinea pigs. It is because excess calcium gets bound along with the oxalates and leads to stones in the kidneys. 

3: Alkaloids Cause Digestive Problems 

Potatoes contain alkaloids that can cause digestive problems such as loose motions, vomiting, and much more in guinea pigs. In some worst cases, it can also be the reason for the death of guinea pigs. And because of all these reasons, it is always advised to pet owners that they should never serve potatoes to their guinea pigs. 

What to Do If Your Guinea Pigs Eat Potatoes?

Even after so many precautions, there may be times when guinea pigs can consume potatoes, and pet owners should be aware of what they should do if they face such situations. If any guinea pigs consume potatoes, pet owners should observe them for some time, whether they are having problems or not. Guinea pigs can face some health issues, such as respiratory problems or become lethargic. 

A bit of potato will not harm guinea pigs adversely in any way, so pet owners should also know the amount. 

If pet owners notice all of the situations mentioned above with their guinea pigs, they should rush to the doctor without wasting a bit of time! There, doctors will observe them, ask a few questions to pet owners and treat the guinea pigs. And they will also prescribe some meds and explain how pet owners should feed them to their guinea pigs. 

Conclusion

The answer to the question by so many pet owners, can guinea pigs eat potatoes? is, No! They should nerve-serve potatoes to their guinea pigs as they are very toxic for them to consume, and in some extreme cases, it can also lead to the death of guinea pigs. 

The presence of alkaloids in potatoes makes them highly toxic and not suitable for guinea pigs to eat. They have essential elements present, but they are not healthy and nutritious for guinea pigs, so pet owners should never try to serve potatoes to their guinea pigs. Keeping the potatoes side, pet owners can serve many other healthy fruits and vegetables to their guinea pigs, including carrots, kale, spinach, and many others. 

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