Can guinea pigs eat oranges

Oranges are probably the first fruit that you think of if you are looking for refreshing and nutrient-rich fruits. These tasty treats are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C.

Since oranges are this healthy, can guinea pigs eat oranges, too? Can you feed guinea pigs oranges?

The simple answer is yes, guinea pigs can also eat oranges. The main reason why these fruits are beneficial for your little furry buddies is because these have high amounts of vitamin C that is important for both their health and survival.

Just like you, guinea pigs also love the taste of these juicy fruits that can be very refreshing, especially when days turn warmer.

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Can guinea pigs have oranges? – Health benefits of oranges for guinea pigs

The vitamin C content of oranges is the main reason why these fruits are great for guinea pigs. Below are some of the ways that oranges can be very beneficial to the overall health of guinea pigs:

Oranges are great for energy levels.

Oranges are rich in calories that help provide guinea pigs with the right amount of nutrition and warmth.

Oranges promote healthy weight.

With just about 90 calories, oranges are fruits that won’t compromise the weight of your guinea pigs, especially because they won’t be eating a whole orange in the first place. These fruits are also low in fat, thus further supporting proper weight maintenance.

Oranges encourage a healthier cardiovascular system.

The low fat content of oranges means that they won’t clog blood vessels. The potassium content of the fruit also contributes to the body’s good balance of water and salt while magnesium maintains the strength and health of your guinea pig’s heart. This only goes to show that oranges support a healthier cardiovascular system of guinea pigs.

Nutrition Content of Tomatoes

A single large orange of 6 oz may approximately contain the following nutrients:

Good amount of calories

One 6 oz orange has 86.5 calories that is a good amount for a fruit and provides more energy all day long. This caloric content is not that high as far as this fruit is concerned so you don’t have to worry about your guinea pigs getting fat if they happen to love oranges.

Proteins and carbohydrates

One big orange contains 1.7 grams of protein and 21.6 grams of carbohydrates. These two are the primary energy sources that any organism needs to survive and perform day to day activities even while resting motionless.

Low in fat

With only 0.2 g of fat, you can be sure that the weight of your guinea pigs won’t be affected if they eat oranges. But, what is most important here is that there won’t be no clogging of blood vessels, making sure that the heart of your guinea pig will also function better.

Fibers

The 4.4 g fiber content of oranges is helpful for proper digestion. Without fiber, there is the risk of unhealthy bowel movements or irregular emptying and even constipation.

Vitamin C

With the high vitamin C content at 163%, your guinea pigs can stay safe and protected to the rather harmful scurvy disease. It is a condition that begins if a guinea pig lacks this particular vitamin since they don’t store this or produce it naturally in their bodies.

Vitamin A

Oranges has 8% vitamin A which is a potent antioxidant that helps maintain immunity and protects the body from free radicals known to cause damages to different organs including the skin, liver, lungs, and heart.

Potassium

The 10% potassium in oranges can help maintain healthier blood pressure and proper balance of water and electrolytes in the body as well. Lack of potassium can lead to dehydration, constipation, and fatigue.

Thiamine

One orange of large size has 11% thiamine or vitamin B1 responsible for quickly turning carbs into usable energy.

Sugar

You can only expect 17 g of sugar in a single large orange, which means that you should only serve this fruit in moderation since this much sugar might be harder to digest for your cavies.

Magnesium

The 18.4 g of magnesium can help keep a guinea pig’s muscles healthy and strong.

Calcium

Calcium content at 73.6 g might be too high for guinea pigs. If there are excess amounts of deposits of this mineral, there is a risk for guinea pigs to suffer from serious urinary issues.

Potential risks to consider before you let your guinea pigs eat oranges

While oranges offer benefits to guinea pigs, giving it to them in bigger serving sizes might lead to some concerns. Bad digestion and urinary problems are two of the most common dangers of giving oranges to guinea pigs.

Bad digestion

As stated above, oranges have sugar content. The fruit may contain beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C yet you have to be extra cautious due to sugar. Sugar may lead to bowel issues such as loose stool or painful digestion.

Urinary problems

Oranges are rich in calcium. A fully grown guinea pig, however, won’t be able to benefit from calcium. The deposits of this mineral may lead to kidney and bladder stones, bloody urine, as well as pain when urinating.

Frequency and serving size of oranges for guinea pigs

Due to the calcium and sugar content of oranges, you might want to limit giving it to your guinea pigs for only twice week. Obviously, you shouldn’t be giving a whole orange to your cavy. A single large and thick wedge or one to two slices are already enough to delight guinea pigs. If you go beyond this amount, it may pose a risk of kidney or bladder stones and urinary issues as well as belly pains and bad digestion because of the fruit’s sugar content.

What types of oranges are recommended for guinea pigs?

The best and tastiest kinds of oranges that you can give to your guinea pigs include Clementine oranges, mandarin orange, and lychees. Of course, it is also safe to let your guinea pig get a taste of those common oranges that you buy and eat yourself provided that you are extra careful with the serving sizes.

The Bottom Line

Can guinea pigs eat oranges? Yes, it wouldn’t hurt to let your cavies enjoy a slice or two of oranges. These fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals that are very helpful in promoting proper health and nutrition for your furry buddies. However, just make sure that you don’t go overboard with the amount that you give to your guinea pigs so that you can prevent the potential risks associated with eating oranges.

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