Can Guinea Pigs Eat Peaches? Things To Know Before You Feed

Guinea pigs like to snack on many different snacks that look tasty.

Some of the snacks that guinea pigs like are already in your fridge. However, knowing what foods are healthy for them and what can be bad for their health is essential.

Guinea pigs are adorable, kind, and simple to care for. Don't let their diminutive size fool you as these animals can consume food equal to half their body weight each day. They are herbivores, also called domestic cavy, and their delicate stomachs necessitate a specially prepared hay diet. Peaches are edible to guinea pigs. Peaches for guinea pigs are a fantastic source of nutrients, and Vitamin C. Peaches should be given to guinea pigs in moderation, just like other fruits. Peaches should not be overfed to guinea pigs as it may cause digestive problems. Guinea pig is a type of pocket pet that usually resides in the cavy family of animals. They are expected to live up to 8-10 years of age with proper care. They are tiny animals that grow to be approximately 10-11 in (25.4-27.9 cm) long. They weigh approximately 2.5 lb (1.1 kg). They constantly need something to chew on as their teeth are constantly growing.

Are peaches safe for guinea pigs?

Up to 20% of their daily diet should consist of fruits and vegetables for optimal health. Any pet owner understands that they must continuously feed their animal companions throughout the day. So it seems sensible that you look for novel delicacies to spice up these Pac-Man-like critters' bland diet and insatiable desire.

Peaches are great, given that we know what they are, they are potent sources of nutrients that support life. Vitamin C cannot be synthesized spontaneously in guinea pigs. According to PubMed, this incapacity is caused by mutations in the GLO gene, which codes for the liver enzyme L-gluconolactone oxidase, which makes the final component required for the vitamin C production pathway.

We are aware that a domestic cavy's diet should be high in fiber and low in fat. Obesity and heart disease can result from consuming too much fat, such as nuts. So, your pet is welcome to devour this fruit. It passes the nutritional density test because it contains at least 2% of the daily value of vitamin K and vitamin E as well as manganese, folate, iron, niacin, choline, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and copper per 100 g.

Peaches are incredibly hydrating and cooling because they are 80% water. Your guinea pig will adore eating this fruit if you reside in a hot climate. The amount of antioxidants, minerals, and anti-cancer elements in peach skin is at its maximum. It would help if you understood the fundamentals of a guinea pig's diet and nutritional requirements before you start giving them fruits.

Small serving sizes are necessary for small animals, particularly for a guinea pig-sized animal just beginning to eat a new diet. The serving size can be as small as a pea. Don't stock up on dozens of peaches just yet. Introduce them to this fruit gradually and watch for any adjustments to their routine. If your guinea pig isn't feeling it, be ready to take care of that half-eaten slice of peach. If they like peaches, you can slightly increase the portion size.

Benefits Of Peaches For Guinea Pigs

Peaches are a prevalent fruit with red and orange exteriors. They are sweet flavored and are used in cooking on an extensive basis. They have many nutritional benefits and taste very delicious. Peaches are rich in various vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, K, C, and D. Pigs cannot generally produce Vitamin C. So they need to consume Vitamin C. Vitamin C is required for healthy skin, hair, and cell function inside the body. Peaches are also rich in various minerals such as potassium and copper. The potassium found in peaches reduces the risk of high blood pressure and kidney strokes. 

Peaches contain 80% water, which is very hydrating and refreshing. It should be consumed, especially in summers, to stay hydrated and to protect the guinea pigs from the scorching heat. It is also rich in antioxidants, which prevent damage to cells. It also helps in strengthening the immune system and preventing harmful diseases. It also has a more significant content of fiber than any other fruit. Fiber-rich foods help keep the pet feeling full after eating for a more extended period and keep the gastrointestinal tract moving and healthy. Peaches also reduce the risk of inflammation as they are highly rich in antioxidants. 

However, peaches are sweet fruits which means the amount of sugar level is high in peaches. As a result, pigs should eat peaches in moderation, and those with diabetic conditions should avoid these fruits. When deciding whether to add peaches to their supply of treats, you should consider their degree of physical activity, nutritional needs, and any underlying medical concerns they may have.

It is recommended to keep them away from it if your pet guinea pig is on the heavier side. Introduce one tiny slice of peaches per week at first when adding it to their diet. It takes time to introduce any meal to their diet because their digestions are readily impacted negatively. It may take your guinea pig several weeks or even months to get used to the new meal. Keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior or feeding patterns and loose feces. The health of a guinea pig should always come first. Therefore, stop feeding it as soon as you see any symptoms, even if they are only a change in appetite. To avoid this problem, it is also crucial to avoid overfeeding your pet guinea pig.

Can guinea pigs eat canned peaches?

Peaches are very healthy for your beloved guinea pig pets as peaches have many health benefits. Guinea pigs eat peaches as they find them delicious. However, when it comes to canned ones, they should be avoided for your guinea pigs at any cost, as they might prove to be harmful to your pet's health. It is because canned peaches contain various chemicals and preservatives, which help increase the peaches' shelf life. These preservatives will outnumber your pets' health benefits and result in harmful conditions. Moreover, canned ones contain more sugar than fresh peaches, resulting in various diseases. Canned peaches can affect the digestive system as they are harder to digest for your guinea pigs due to more significant amounts of acids. As a result, they become much more dangerous for the pets' health. This rule applies if you plan to add dried peaches to your guinea pig's diet. Their digestive system cannot process dried peaches or dried fruit for that matter, which is why they cannot eat dried pieces of peaches.

How to prepare peaches for guinea pigs?

Peaches have many health benefits and advantages for guinea pigs, and they can prove to be a healthy snack for your guinea pigs only if you feed them in moderation and in a proper manner. First, feed them a small quantity, not more than once or twice a week. Overfeeding might result in various diseases such as mouth sourness, fungal infections, and many more. You might want to wash the fruit thoroughly before feeding it to your pet to remove all the chemicals and other preservatives. Peel the skin of the fruit as the peel is high in acids that are not suitable for their stomach. Pet guinea pigs could eat the seeds in them but in small quantities. If you want your pet to eat the fruit's peel, ensure that your fruits are grown in your garden and are free from all harmful chemicals and preservatives. The most important thing is the quantity. Your guinea pigs should not consume peaches more than twice a week alternatively. 

Slice up the tasty fruit and serve it to your little friend. If you want to dress it up, add some oats or serve it in a fruit salad bowl. Due to the sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures of guinea pigs, you should always be careful while serving the peach slices at room temperature. It would help if you also cleaned their feeding bowl once they have finished eating because fruit flies like to make their nests there. Feeding guinea pigs fruit first thing in the morning is a fantastic idea. Your pet will be able to burn off those additional calories all day long by doing this.

If you haven't already, please spend money on spacious cages, tunnels, and dens for them to play in since they need to move about to keep healthy, regardless of how well-balanced their diet is. Given that guinea pigs require a constant supply of hay and fresh food, it is entirely acceptable to give them peaches whenever they need a snack. You may want to introduce peaches to your guinea pig's diet and feed them bit by bit every week. You may want to consult a veterinary professional about how many peaches to feed. Peaches contain caffeic acid and carotenoids that can offer protection from some types of cancers. Guinea pigs eating peaches is not new, but when you feed them a peach, you have to know how much sugar content is acceptable to be fed.

FAQs

What food can kill guinea pigs?

Many foods can prove to be harmful for the health of guinea pigs. These food items include snacks specially made for humans, cereals such as rice, and certain fruits and vegetables, including cabbage, corn, and peas. You should also avoid cooked foods. Also, it would help if you avoid chocolates at all costs. 

What are guinea pigs not allowed to eat?

There are various foods that guinea pigs should avoid at every cost. These food items include meat, dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and cream, onions, garlic, cabbage, or any other gassy veggies, beans, certain fruits such as avocado, and plants that are high in oxalic seeds as they can cause kidney and urinary tract stones. Seeds and pips should also be avoided along with nuts as they are high in fat and can harm guinea pigs. 

Can guinea pigs eat peaches and nectarines?

Peaches have many benefits for guinea pigs and it is entirely safe to consume peaches. However, they should be consumed within a limit. Guinea pigs should always consume these in moderation, which means in small amounts. Same as peaches, nectarines are also safe to consume. However, they contain seeds that need to be removed before giving them to your guinea pigs. 

Can guinea pigs eat peaches?

Yes, guinea pigs can eat peaches but in moderate quantity. 

How many peaches can a guinea pig eat?

Guinea pigs can eat peaches once or twice a week, not more than one-two small bite-sized peach pieces a day. 

Can guinea pigs eat peach skin?

Peach skin contains various chemicals that might harm your pet. So, it should be avoided at all costs, at least until fruits are grown in your garden without pesticides and chemicals. 

Can guinea pigs eat peach pit?

Feeding baby guinea pigs a peach pit is not recommended as it has high sugar content and should be avoided. Moreover, they might contain various chemicals, preservatives, and pesticides. It also contains acids that are not good for your pet's stomach. 

How to prepare peaches for guinea pigs?

Peaches are one of the favorite fruits of guinea pigs, and they love it. So, you won't have to do extra hard work for it. Just wash the fruit thoroughly, peel the skin off, and only provide your pet with the flesh. Give them only one-two bite-sized pieces at once. Feed them this fruit twice a week alternatively.

Can guinea pigs eat canned peaches?

Canned peaches may contain various chemicals and preservatives to increase their shelf life. These chemicals and preservatives might harm your beloved pet's health. So, it is recommended to avoid canned peaches for your guinea pigs. Canned peaches have high amounts of sugar. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to sugar as too much sugar can impact their digestive system. Aside from high sugar levels, peaches have high acidity and as a result, they suffer constipation.