Baby guinea pigs are the cutest and friendliest animals and make for great pets. Many people have various questions about the diet of guinea pigs. One main question that many people have is related to the consumption of oranges.
In this article, we will answer the question, Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges? and discuss the appropriate quantity of oranges for consumption and other related questions.
Yes. Oranges are safe for baby guinea pigs to consume. In fact, they make for a super-delicious treat. However, baby guinea pigs can only be fed small quantities of this juicy fruit. Oranges contain healthy amounts of vitamin C and are also considered to be a good source of fiber. Both of these are vital elements and are an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet.
Hence, oranges serve as a safe and healthy means to deliver these nutritional benefits to your baby guinea pig.
However, one important thing you should know is that moderation is key. If your guinea pig consumes too many oranges, their health can suffer.
A guinea pig is considered to be fully grown when they hit the 18-month mark. The diet of a fully-grown guinea pig includes timothy hay, guinea pig pellets, and some healthy pieces of fruits and vegetables.
On the other hand, a baby guinea pig needs a high-fiber diet, including timothy hay, grass, their mother’s milk, and a slight dose of vitamin C.
Do Baby Guinea Pigs Like Oranges?
Baby guinea pigs love eating fruits, and oranges aren’t an exception. However, just like humans, different baby guinea pigs have different tastes and preferences.
So, if you offer your baby guinea pig an orange and it refuses to have it in the first go, it means your pet probably doesn’t like it. However, by offering your baby guinea pig small quantities of the fruit, you can help them develop a taste for it!
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Are Oranges Good for Baby Guinea Pigs?
Yes, oranges are a good dietary option to fill the nutritional requirements of baby guinea pigs.
A medium-sized orange contains 2.5 grams of fiber and over 50 milligrams of vitamin C. So, oranges can be a good option for guinea pigs.
Here are some benefits of adding oranges to a guinea pig’s diet.
Energy
Oranges contain a healthy amount of calories that can supply guinea pigs with just enough energy to be healthy and energetic.
Healthy Weight
An average orange contains only 90 calories, and a baby guinea pig cannot devour an entire orange anyway. Moreover, oranges are considerably low in fat. So, you don’t have to worry about your little pet gaining weight.
Healthy Cardiovascular System
Not only are oranges low in fat, but they also contain relatively high quantities of potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps balance the ratio of salt and water in the body.
Moreover, magnesium helps develop strong and healthy heart muscles. So, giving your baby guinea pig oranges in small quantities ensures a healthy cardiovascular system.
Vitamin C
The proper supply of vitamin C is vital for growth. Baby guinea pigs can be given vitamin C through their diet. This makes oranges, in limited quantities, a great option to incorporate in their diet.
Are Oranges Bad for Baby Guinea Pigs?
While oranges are a great dietary option for guinea pigs, they also have a big drawback. Oranges contain a hefty amount of sugar.
Guinea pigs, in general, tend to eat a little more to keep their stomachs full. If they consume a large quantity of orange, they consume too much sugar, which can be bad for them.
Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, cataracts and even tooth decay. So, while feeding them oranges is a good idea, you might only want to give them moderate amounts.
How to Feed Baby Guinea Pigs Oranges Safely
When it comes to feeding your baby guinea pig oranges, moderation is the key.
Feed them oranges twice a week and as a treat.
Hay is the most predominant element of a baby guinea pig’s diet so stick to that. Moreover, you can also add vegetables and pellets to their diet.
When you feed your guinea pig oranges, make sure to peel and cut the orange in small or tiny pieces; otherwise, your guinea pig might choke.
Also, once your baby guinea pig is done eating, make sure to get rid of the remnants before they get spoilt.
Signs to Stop Feeding Your Baby Guinea Pig Oranges
If your baby guinea pig has diarrhea or has soreness around its mouth, you should stop feeding it orange.
Instead, you should give it something a little less acidic. Moreover, you should also stop feeding your baby guinea pig oranges if it begins to gain weight. If it’s gaining too much weight, you can switch to a low-sugar diet.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Orange Peels?
Yes, you can feed your baby guinea pig orange peels. They are very safe and edible for your pet. Moreover, they contain high amounts of vitamin C that can be beneficial for your furry pet.
However, you should avoid giving too much of the orange peel to your pet and rather focus on giving it the fresh fruit. This is because the orange peel can end up causing irritation in their mouth.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Drink Orange Juice?
Since oranges are safe for guinea pig consumption, you are probably wondering if orange juice is safe for them, too. While orange juice doesn’t pose any danger, they also don’t contain as much fiber as the whole fruit.
It’s important to know that orange juice doesn’t deliver the same nutritional benefits to your guinea pig as a plain, old orange. So, it’s best to stick to give your guinea pig slices of oranges.
Can Baby Guinea Pig Eat Canned Oranges?
All guinea pigs, including baby guinea pigs, cannot eat canned oranges. The reason behind this is that canned oranges contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and other preservatives to increase their shelf life.
Moreover, canned oranges also come dipped in sugary syrup, which can cause digestive problems for baby guinea pigs. All in all, you should avoid feeding your baby guinea pig canned fruits and vegetables.
Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Orange Seeds?
All guinea pigs, especially baby guinea pigs, cannot eat orange seeds. The tiny seeds of any orange prove to be a hazard for this tiny creature. So, you need to ensure that you remove the seeds completely before giving orange slices or pieces to your furry little pet.
Conclusion: Can Baby Guinea Pigs Eat Oranges?
All in all, guinea pigs can safely consume oranges in moderate quantities. Oranges can be a rather healthy and nutritious treat for them.
You just need to ensure that you give your guinea pig oranges in sliced or wedged form for safe consumption.
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