Can guinea pigs eat grapes is the concern of many pet owners. So today, we will give you the specific answer to this question. Keep reading to find out more.
Guinea pigs, like many other pets, also need a special diet to grow and live a long, happy life. However, not everyone knows how to plan out the perfect diet for these picky eaters, especially when it comes to fruits. So, in this article, we will give you the exact answer on Can guinea pigs eat grapes or not.
Types Of Grapes
Nowadays, there are a variety of grapes with different flavors and origins. Sometimes, it could be daunting to determine which one is the most suitable for your guinea pigs. So, here are some of the popular grapes around the world.
First of all, we have Australian green grapes, which are grown and imported from Australia. This seedling doesn’t have seed and has a sweet taste. Compared to other grapes, green grapes contain special enzymes that help your pet digest better.
Although not as famous as other imported grapes, most people are quite familiar with the Chilean black currant. In terms of nutritional value, this grape is not inferior to any other imported grapes. But the only problem is that these types of grapes are quite expensive for feeding pets.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
Our answer to this specific question is: Yes, guinea pigs CAN eat grapes. Not to mention they love these juicy fruits!
At its most basic level, the guinea pig is an herbivore. That means they only eat dairy-free fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, or insects. So if you are drafting out your hamster’s diet, keep in mind two important things
First, make sure your guinea pig gets enough vitamin C. Hamsters belong to a small group of mammals (including humans) that cannot synthesize vitamin C, so they need to get vitamin C through food. Hamsters need 10-30mg of vitamin C per day. Besides, this type of pet is susceptible to scurvy, which is a disease caused by lacking vitamin C.
Second, your guinea pig needs fiber. This is the key nutrient that your hamster needs in its daily meal. Also, guinea pigs’ teeth are growing quite fast, so it is important to give them something fibrous to chew.
In sum, grapes, with their sweet taste and significant amount of vitamin C and fiber, are definitely the favorite type of food for your guinea pigs.
Benefits Of Grapes For Guinea Pigs
Grapes include vitamin C, helping boost the pigs’ immune system and sugar particles (fructose) that provide instant energy. These nutrients are also important for blood clotting and healthy bones, since hamsters need exercise regularly to maintain their weight (around 0.7 to 1.2 kilograms) to live healthily.
In addition, grapes also contain Bioflavonoid, which is known for the use in medication to help maintain tight connective tissue of vitamin C. Therefore, the body can absorb vitamin C easier. Also, grapes have high water content, so eating grapes is also a way to keep your hamster hydrated.
Some Tips on Feeding Guinea Pigs with Grapes
How To Serve Grapes For Your Guinea pigs
Step 1: You need to buy a food trough, better choose a colorful, outstanding tray because it will catch your pet’s attention. Pick sturdy ceramic plates that won’t be overturned or damaged easily. Prepare 2 or 3 fresh grapes for your guinea pigs, pare all of them, and remove all seeds. Use a knife and split grapes into four pieces.
Step 2: Put the grapes inside the food trough, then place it in the cage’s corner. Keep an eye on your pet; make sure they don’t get choke or have any weird symptoms.
Always remember that leftovers should be discarded quickly within a day. Hamsters are very picky eaters, so if the guinea pig has avoided eating a specific type of grape for a day, they will never want to touch it again. Please clean up the cage every day to help prevent the growth of bacterias inside it.
How Many Grapes Should You Feed Guinea Pigs Per Day?
The amount of food a hamster will eat depends on its age, lifestyle, and health. That means you should make regular dietary adjustments to keep them healthy. However, veterinarians advise that guinea pigs shouldn’t consume too many grapes, and eating 3 to 4 grapes a day is enough.
According to nutrition experts, 100 grams of grape contains:
- Calories: 104
- Carbohydrate: 27.3 grams
- Protein: 1.1 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
This amount of nutrition may be too much for hamsters, causing dyspepsia and diarrhea. But if your pet is active and energetic, it will need more energy. Therefore, you can increase the diet by 5 or 6 grapes per day.
Should Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes Regularly?
You should only provide grapes 2 or 3 times per week for your hamster . Apart from fruits like grapes, your guinea pigs also need vegetables and fruits of other plant origins such as cabbage, potato, or carrot. Besides, some types of grapes may contain high sugar content, acids, and calcium, leading to bladder problems.
Grapes have oxalic acid, which is an organic acid. It can combine with elements such as calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, and potassium to form oxalate salts that stimulate the intestines and kidneys, causing kidney stones and severe stomach ache for your guinea pigs.
In conclusion For Article Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grapes?
Taking care of guinea pigs is no easy task, especially when it comes to preparing their daily meals because not every human food is safe for your hamster.
In general, grapes are a nutritious food for your guinea pig, but you need to remember some of our precautions about the amount you should feed your pet.
I hope that you have found the answer to the question: “Can Guinea Pigs eat Grapes?”. Thank you for reading.
